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Downtown police squad shelved in Des Moines

The budgetary move leaves officers relying on overtime to manage unruly crowds.

News

Des Moines has disbanded its special downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summery police squad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/08/desmoines-police-tickets-downtown-summer-squad" data-vars-content-id="456a8f25-ad90-4fd3-905d-0d74680829b1" data-vars-headline="Downtown police squad shelved in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/08/desmoines-police-tickets-downtown-summer-squad" target="_self">summery police squad</a>, a budgetary move that leaves officers relying on overtime and targeted enforcement to manage unruly crowds during the warm season.Why it matters: The squad had issued thousands of citations and was credited by police and downtown leaders with helping reduce traffic nuisances, loitering and other problems.

A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines

Cerro Grande Meat Market is opening in July.

Food and Drink

A family meat market with roots stretching back generations in Mexico is opening this summer at 2517 Hubbell Ave. in Des Moines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cerro Grande Meat Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" data-vars-content-id="fb325f0e-78e8-4094-ab42-71c5e334846d" data-vars-headline="A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" target="_blank">Cerro Grande Meat Market</a> aims to offer products not found at your typical grocery meat counter. It will sell Latino and Mexican specialty cuts, rotating seasonal sausages and ready-to-cook foods.

Central Iowa Scouts sell $7M headquarters

The national organization has undergone major policy and legal upheaval over the past decade.

The Mid-Iowa Council of Scouting America — formerly the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boy Scouts of America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/boy-scout-name-change-scouting-america" data-vars-content-id="a2874856-365a-4621-8189-9a9f8160a380" data-vars-headline="Central Iowa Scouts sell $7M headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/boy-scout-name-change-scouting-america" target="_self">Boy Scouts of America</a> — has sold its Maytag Scout Center in Des Moines and plans to relocate to a leased space in Windsor Heights, according to a council email obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The sale reflects the downsizing of Central Iowa&#x27;s Scouting council after years of national membership decline and turmoil over inclusion policies and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sexual abuse lawsuits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/11/17/boy-scouts-america-90000-sex-abuse-cases" data-vars-content-id="a2874856-365a-4621-8189-9a9f8160a380" data-vars-headline="Central Iowa Scouts sell $7M headquarters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/11/17/boy-scouts-america-90000-sex-abuse-cases" target="_self">sexual abuse lawsuits</a>.

Des Moines rejects 515 Run Club's reduced-fee push

The dispute tests how the city balances equal access to popular public spaces.

515 Run Club is again exploring options for its group runs after parking concerns were raised at a popular section of Water Works Park and Des Moines rejected its request for permit-fee exemptions at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gray&#x27;s Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45962436.84/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2Rlcy1tb2luZXMvMjAyMy8wMy8wOC9kZXNtb2luZXMtZ3JheXMtbGFrZS1wYXJrLWdyb3dpbmctZXhwYW5kaW5nP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eB998ba8ef" data-vars-content-id="58d47d70-4132-499a-a911-d745a531f37b" data-vars-headline="Des Moines rejects 515 Run Club&#x27;s reduced-fee push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45962436.84/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2Rlcy1tb2luZXMvMjAyMy8wMy8wOC9kZXNtb2luZXMtZ3JheXMtbGFrZS1wYXJrLWdyb3dpbmctZXhwYW5kaW5nP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eB998ba8ef" target="_self">Gray&#x27;s Lake</a>.Why it matters: The dispute tests how Des Moines balances free community fitness groups with safety, congestion and equal access to popular public spaces.

Hinterland returns with new stage, extra room and traffic flow

The St. Charles festival returns with a star-studded lineup.

Music

Hinterland is back this summer with new features, including a permanent stage and an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eclectic four-day lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="caf3aab9-a901-4448-8962-c8d4d6c02dd5" data-vars-headline="Hinterland returns with new stage, extra room and traffic flow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" target="_blank">eclectic four-day lineup</a>, July 30-Aug. 2.Why it matters: No one really expects to see Lorde out among farm fields, and we get to proudly say they&#x27;re our farm fields.

B2wins take final Iowa bow before moving to Brazil

The B2wins are saying goodbye to Iowa after two decades of music and memories.

After 20 years of performances in Iowa, twin violinists Wagner and Walter Caldas — also known as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="B2wins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.b2wins.com/about" data-vars-content-id="7eb6ee6a-c03f-4d13-9130-7841484ef9c7" data-vars-headline="B2wins take final Iowa bow before moving to Brazil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.b2wins.com/about" target="_blank">B2wins</a> — are moving back to Brazil following a farewell concert this week at Jasper Winery.How it started: Wagner and Walter Caldas grew up in the &quot;slums&quot; of Rio de Janeiro, where their father built their first violins and their mother encouraged them to pursue music over manual labor.

Daytime DJs are bringing club vibes to coffee shops

A new monthly pop-up is bringing club vibes to local coffee shops and restaurants.

Culture

There&#x27;s a new type of club in Des Moines — and this one doesn&#x27;t center on nightlife or bars.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Club Café" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHgROvbuQQv/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="3f03d4e2-7f4c-47d6-bff7-935705cc28f7" data-vars-headline="Daytime DJs are bringing club vibes to coffee shops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHgROvbuQQv/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Club Café</a> is a free monthly pop-up series that brings club music and DJs to coffee spaces and restaurants.

Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees

Hinterland is showcasing a star-studded lineup this year and a new heat policy.

Hinterland is showcasing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="star-studded lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="8bb3c1d3-fc00-4df4-a54d-ac93740c8130" data-vars-headline="Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" target="_blank">star-studded lineup</a> this year and a new heat policy — if it&#x27;s predicted to reach 90° on your attendance day, you can get your money back.Why it matters: &quot;The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade. At Hinterland, we are committed to raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our daily lives,&quot; according to the festival&#x27;s new &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90 degree guarantee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/info/90-degree-gurantee" data-vars-content-id="8bb3c1d3-fc00-4df4-a54d-ac93740c8130" data-vars-headline="Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/info/90-degree-gurantee" target="_blank">90 degree guarantee</a>&quot; policy.

Spotify Wrapped: Des Moines' most-listened music

From Taylor Swift to Drake, our most beloved songs of the year.

Spotify analyzed Des Moines&#x27; most-loved songs and no surprises here: Taylor Swift and country music reigned supreme.The big picture: Swift was also Spotify&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" most-listened to artist globally" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/37768886.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMDQvMjAyNC1zcG90aWZ5LXdyYXBwZWQtc29uZ3MtYWxidW1zP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600a1412c7007c4fabd64e23Bd7a24871" data-vars-content-id="e8b349ba-eec1-4a1c-b972-8493a02a2b73" data-vars-headline="Spotify Wrapped: Des Moines&#x27; most-listened music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/37768886.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMDQvMjAyNC1zcG90aWZ5LXdyYXBwZWQtc29uZ3MtYWxidW1zP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600a1412c7007c4fabd64e23Bd7a24871" target="_self"> most-listened to artist globally</a> for the second year in a row.

Scoop: 80/35 festival in jeopardy after Des Moines Music Coalition dissolution

The annual festival was the flagship event of the now-defunct coalition.

The organization behind the longtime <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="80/35 music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/10/8035-music-festival-water-works-move" data-vars-content-id="468932bc-c988-4582-812f-cac86f96a140" data-vars-headline="Scoop: 80/35 festival in jeopardy after Des Moines Music Coalition dissolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/10/8035-music-festival-water-works-move" target="_self">80/35 music festival</a> has dissolved, the group announced in a statement to Axios. Why it matters: The annual festival was the flagship event of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) and had, in some years, attracted tens of thousands of people to downtown Des Moines.

The Cowboy Junkies play Des Moines Thursday

They hope a Des Moines chef they call "Skippy" is in the audience.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cowboy Junkies" data-vars-click-url="https://hoytsherman.org/event/cowboy-junkies/" data-vars-content-id="c60761b7-3a39-471b-935a-31900b391c34" data-vars-headline="The Cowboy Junkies play Des Moines Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hoytsherman.org/event/cowboy-junkies/" target="_blank">Cowboy Junkies</a> play Hoyt Sherman Place Theater Thursday.Catch up fast: They&#x27;re an alternative country and folk rock band from Canada and have recorded dozens of albums since they formed in 1985.<ul><li>Band member Michael Timmins answered a few of our metro-related questions via e-mail before their DSM arrival.</li></ul>

Wooly's still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns

Co-owner Josh Ivey is asking the city to consider changing its noise ordinance for music venues.

Development

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">Wooly&#x27;s liquor license</a> appears to be safe for now, but co-owner Josh Ivey says the venue&#x27;s future remains under threat until the city provides permanent noise exemptions for performance spaces.The big picture: After a zoning enforcement officer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">recommended</a> the city reconsider its liquor license due to noise ordinance violations, live music fans across Des Moines rallied in support of the venue, including the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Historic East Village Board of Directors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" target="_blank"> Historic East Village Board of Directors</a>.

Wooly's liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution

Des Moines officials say a resolution was reached between the music venue and a neighboring business.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">Wooly&#x27;s liquor license</a> appears to be safe after city officials said Friday a &quot;solution&quot; was reached regarding noise complaints against the live venue.Why it matters: After a zoning enforcement officer had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">recommended</a> the city reconsider its liquor license, live music fans across Des Moines rallied in support of the venue, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic East Village Board of Directors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" target="_blank">Historic East Village Board of Directors</a>.

Wooly's could lose ability to sell liquor after noise complaints

The East Village staple is one of the few midsize music venues in the metro.

Business

Wooly&#x27;s is at risk of losing its ability to sell alcohol after the property was deemed a &quot;nuisance&quot; because it violated the city&#x27;s noise ordinance, according to city documents.Why it matters: The East Village staple, which offers a stage for local and touring artists, is one of the city&#x27;s few midsize music venues.