QAnon's bogus conspiracy theories are taking root in a number of churches across the U.S., according to a recent poll Axios' Mike Allen told you about last week.

• In the DSM area, some religious officials told us that they've seen an uptick in people who believe the wildly inaccurate claims.

Why it matters: The spread of false narratives around the government, media and other institutions cultivates distrust, particularly at a flashpoint in our country as we try to recover from the pandemic.

By the numbers: 15% of poll participants agree with the QAnon allegation that "the government, media, and financial worlds in the U.S. are controlled by a group of Satan-worshipping pedophiles who run a global child sex trafficking operation," according to the survey.

• Hispanic Protestants (26%) and white evangelical Protestants (25%) were more likely to agree with the QAnon philosophies than other groups. Black Protestants were 15%, white Catholics were 11% and white mainline Protestants were 10%.
• The online poll taken by Ipsos in March for the Public Religion Research Institute and Interfaith Youth Core involved a sample size of 5,625 U.S. adults. It has a margin of error of ±1.5%.

Catch up quick: QAnon emerged about four years ago and hooked people with its video game-like structure.

• Its theories were amplified by followers of President Trump during last year's elections.
• The group has no headquarters or public leader and the FBI views it as a domestic terror threat.

What they're saying: Religious leaders in DSM are not actively promoting QAnon, the Family Leader's Danny Carroll told Jason.

• Yes, but: They have a moral obligation to denounce false narratives because "it's not OK to have your own made-up facts or behave abominably against others," said Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines.

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You might soon be able to rent stand-up paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and bicycles at Captain Roy's under a plan that goes before the City Council next week.

Why it matters: Recreation is a big piece of the planned $117 million Central Iowa Water Trails project that's been in the works for years, and the rental program could pave the way for more water activities.

Details: Rentals will begin this month if the plan wins approval, Wade Thompson, an owner of CR's, told Jason yesterday.

• A shuttle will be available to take people and equipment from CR's to an upstream starting point on the DSM River, near Euclid Avenue.
• The equipment will be run by Quarry Springs Outfitters, the same group that began offering similar excursions down Beaver Creek from Johnston last year.

Be smart: This year's excursions will start small to avoid possible safety dangers associated with an upstream bridge project. But the route is expected to more than double in length in upcoming years.

• A roughly two-hour trip will cost about $25 in rental fees.

The big picture: Water recreation is expanding on our local rivers, and metro officials are trying to make it better and safer.

• DSM yesterday announced crews finished work on a bioreactor to improve water quality in the Easter Lake Watershed.
• General guidelines to help motorists and paddle-boaters avoid accidents on DSM waters are in the works, Quarry Springs owner Greg Rhames told Jason.

What's next: The City Council will vote on the plan June 14.

Fired Polk County medical examiner Gregory Schmunk shared a 2017 recording of some of his employees belittling a gay applicant days after the county settled a discrimination lawsuit over the incident for $200K. He was part of the conversation but didn't laugh and says he hopes it shows he isn’t “anti-gay.” (Des Moines Register 🔒)

🎤 Dan + Shay is replacing Keith Urban as an Aug. 21 headliner at the Iowa State Fair. Urban had to cancel because of a scheduling conflict.

🐠 The fish kill at a Raccoon River Park pond that we told you about yesterday was caused by low water levels, and likely drastic temperature changes combined with oxygen depletion, Jeff Kopaska of the DNR told us.

🌽 Today's corn pun comes courtesy of Axios reader Leah Haywood.

Mangos Gourmet Paletas is the newest dessert spot in Ankeny, along Delaware Avenue.

• Paletas are Mexican ice pops that are typically fruit-based, with flavors like mango or pineapple. But there's also milk-based paletas, like chocolate or rice pudding.
• They go all out with toppings and drizzles at Mangos. Some choices include sprinkles, cereal, tajin, caramel, chocolate and chamoy.

Cost: $3.50 for a paleta, 50-cents for each topping and drizzle

Open: Daily from noon to 9pm, 2005 SE Delaware Ave., Ankeny

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Roxanne Conlin went skydiving in Winterset over the weekend.

• The DSM attorney and former gubernatorial candidate will be 77 later this month.

She's the first to land in this video.