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Iowa's Department on Aging to merge with Health and Human Services
The Iowa Department on Aging will become a division within the state's Department of Health and Human Services, HHS director Kelly Garcia announced in an email to employees Thursday.
- The expected transition will occur July 1, 2023, she wrote.
Coaches Kolaches reopening in Urbandale
Fans of Coaches Kolaches only have to wait a few more weeks until the popular eatery reopens its doors in Urbandale on Sept. 1.
- Customers will find a bigger kitchen and expanded menu at its new location at 2777 100th Street.
Iowa State Fair: The actual tips and tricks you need
Ah, the Iowa State Fair. Our state's biggest event of the year.
- So influential, we plan our school start dates around it. So notorious, squirting butter grease once graced the New York Times.
Iowa's Prairie Meadows casino CEO wants to nix his retirement plan
Prairie Meadows CEO Gary Palmer, 75, wants to retract his longtime plan to retire by the end of 2023, he told Axios Thursday.
- The nonprofit casino's board called a special meeting Friday to consider extending his contract.
Short staffed: Pool closures called a crisis in Des Moines
Ongoing pool closures are a public health crisis, Des Moines Parks and Recreation board member Loyd Ogle tells Axios.
- He's calling on the city to devise a new plan to resolve staffing shortages.
Why it matters: In addition to recreation and physical activity, pools offer relief from extreme heat.
New restaurant, edible garden coming to DSM's Ingersoll Avenue
A new fine dining restaurant, edible garden and storefront are planned for the 3900 block of Ingersoll Avenue.
Why it matters: The large development, which includes a 7,600 square foot restaurant and 2,500 square foot storefront, helps redevelop an area that hasn't seen as much foot traffic as Ingersoll's east side.
- Plans were also already announced to revitalize the Ingersoll Dinner Theater nearby.
Penalties mount for late Des Moines park project
Graphite Construction faces at least $35,500 in penalties for failing to complete a Des Moines park project on time.
Driving the news: Witmer Park's $560,000 playground and restroom project was supposed to be ready to go by May 31. But more than two months later, the park isn't finished.
Abortion investigations would be prohibited under Des Moines proposal
Des Moines police would not be able to investigate complaints about health care providers that facilitate access to abortion under a resolution shared with Axios that was drafted by city councilperson Josh Mandelbaum.
- It would also direct city staffers to draft an ordinance to prohibit discrimination in housing or employment against someone who has had an abortion or accesses reproductive health services — similar to those that protect sexual orientation and gender identity.