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🌅 Free WiFi on Every DMPS Bus + Prairie Meadows' Big Leadership Change
1/9/25
Nick Rivas
January 09, 2025
In partnership with
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. How’s Dry January going for everyone? Yeah, me too.
In todays issue:
🧑🎓 National Mentoring Month
💻 WIFI for the Kids
🎰 Casino Update
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
National Mentoring Month 🧑🎓
January is National Mentoring Month—a time to celebrate the life-changing impact of mentorship and the connections that shape us. A good mentor can open doors to new opportunities, offer guidance through challenges, and inspire confidence in ways that last a lifetime. Whether formal or informal, mentoring relationships remind us of the importance of investing in each other and building stronger, more supportive communities.
Here in Des Moines, organizations like Mentor Iowa embody this spirit by connecting children in the child welfare system with caring adults who make a difference in their lives. Later in this newsletter, you’ll learn more about their incredible work and how you can get involved. But National Mentoring Month is also a chance to reflect on the role we all can play as mentors—whether it’s supporting a younger colleague, sharing wisdom with a neighbor, or simply being a consistent, encouraging presence for someone in need.
As we settle into the new year, let’s take inspiration from this month’s theme and consider ways to foster connection and kindness in our own circles. Mentorship isn’t just about changing one person’s life; it’s about strengthening the fabric of our entire community. Together, we can all play a role in lifting each other up.
THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱
Financial Center Reno 🏢
The City of Des Moines Urban Design Review Board has approved the final design plans for the Financial Center renovation project, a key development in the city's downtown area. The project involves the transformation of the 25-story office tower at 207 7th St., including a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior, with a focus on modernizing the space and enhancing its visual appeal. Plans include new retail spaces, upgrades to office areas, and improved pedestrian access, aiming to breathe new life into the landmark building and attract more activity to the downtown corridor.
👉️ Read Here
WIFI For The Kids 💻️
Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) has equipped all its school buses with free Wi-Fi, benefiting over 15,000 students who use the buses daily. The initiative aims to provide students with internet access during their commutes, helping them complete assignments and access online resources. The project, funded by federal pandemic relief money, supports students' academic success and bridges the digital divide. Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to educational tools for all students, even outside the classroom.
Economic Forecast Luncheon 🥗
For two decades, the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast has helped CEOs and business owners gain insightful perspective on what the economy holds for the coming year. The FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny will be the host of this years event. Some topics to be covered include the Fed’s interest rate policy, Iowa’s economy with a new president, effects of the proposed tariffs, and much more.
Prairie Meadows CEO Search 🎰
There will be a new leader of Prairie Meadows at this time next year. The casino says its starting a search to replace current CEO Gary Palmer who will retire at the end of the year. Palmer has been at the helm since 2006 but been with Prairie Meadows for a total of 27 years.
Around Town 🏙️📈
Did you know there’s a program in Des Moines transforming young lives through the power of connection? Mentor Iowa pairs children in the child welfare system with caring, committed mentors who provide guidance, stability, and encouragement. These one-on-one relationships help kids navigate challenges, build confidence, and create brighter futures. Beyond mentorship, the organization also connects children to enriching experiences and community resources that open doors to new opportunities.
You can make a difference by volunteering as a mentor, donating to fund activities and resources, or volunteering at events. As they kick off 2025, Mentor Iowa is excited to expand its impact with new initiatives and opportunities for the community to get involved. Visit mentoriowa.org to learn more, sign up, or support their mission to strengthen lives through mentorship. Together, we can help build a stronger, more connected community.
WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁
CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo
CINCH returns to Des Moines with an action-packed performance featuring some of the nation’s most talented rodeo athletes.
📍 Wells Fargo Arena | Map
📆 Fri/Sat | 7:30
➡️ Tickets
Sunday Inflatable Funday
Prairie Trail Sports Complex is teaming up with Knockerball 118 for a fun day full of inflatables. Come out to the West Gym on the north side of the building.
📍 Prairie Trail Sports Complex | Map
📆 Sunday | 11:30-3:30
Harlem Globetrotters
Don’t miss your chance to see the 2025 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour. Be prepared for the amazing spins, slams, and dunks that accompany every Globetrotter game.
📍 Wells Fargo Arena | Map
📆 Sunday | 3
➡️ Tickets
Big Indoor Garage Sale Extravaganza
Tons of new and used items will be available for only a $5 entry fee. Over 200 vendors will be present.
📍 HyVee Hall Events Center | Map
📆 Saturday | 8-6
Gatsby Swing Dance
Heartland Swing is hosting this Gatsby themed dance. Music by Junction Jazz Society. There will be a 45 minute lesson followed by an evening of dancing.
📍 Dance-a-Cross | Map
📆 Friday | 7:15-10:30
➡️ Tickets - $12/$15
WEATHER 🌞🌡️
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen
Thursday
High 35 | Low 23 | 🌤️ | 19%
Friday
High 30 | Low 19 | 🌥️ | 7%
Saturday
High 35 | Low 24 | 🌥️ | 17%
Sunday
High 30 | Low 17 | 🌥️ | 14%
MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤
Thursday
Gasoline Lollipops | 7 | xBk Live
Friday
When We Were Emo | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Ducharme-Jones Band | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
David Watson | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co.
Josh Snuffin | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Luke Fox | 7 | Firetrucker Brewery
Big Head Todd and The Monsters | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Suede | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
The Get Down Band | 8 | Doc’s Lounge
Drive Thirty5 | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Saturday
Brother Trucker | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Guilty Pleasures | 7 | xBk Live
Velvet Trio | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Halestorm’s Lzzy and Joe | 8 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Toast3r | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
BitterSweet Nation | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Moon Party | 9 | Lefty’s Live Music
Sunday
Bob Pace | 1 & 3 | Botanical Center
Matt Terronez Band | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Crowfoot Rakes | 3 | Captain Roy’s
SPORTS 🏈🏅
College Basketball 🏀
College basketball season is underway. We’ll have more as our local teams get into conference play closer to the new year, but here’s a quick update on each program.
Drake Men 🐶 Next Game VS Evansville | 1/11 | Record: 13-2 (3-2)
Drake Women 🐶 Next Game @ Bradley | 1/10 | Record: 9-5 (3-0)
Iowa Men 🦅 Next Game VS Indiana | 1/11 | Record: 11-4 (2-2)
#23 Iowa Women 🦅 Next Game @ Illinois | 1/9 | Record: 12-3 (2-2)
#3 Iowa State Men 🌪️ Next Game @ Texas Tech | 1/11 | Record: 13-1 (3-0)
Iowa State Women 🌪️ Next Game @ Arizona | 1/11 | Record: 11-6 (2-2)
UNI Men 🐆 Next Game @ Illinois State | 1/1 | Record: 9-7 (3-2)
UNI Women 🐆 Next Game @ Illinois State | 1/10 | Record: 8-6 (3-0)
Hockey 🏒
Bucs
@ Fargo Force | 1/10 | 7:05
@ Fargo Force | 1/11 | 6:05
Iowa Wild
@ Ontario Reign| 1/10 | 9
@ Ontario Reign | 1/12 | 5
G League 🏀
Iowa Wolves
@ Salt Lake City Stars | 1/9 | 8
@ Rio Grande Valley Vipers | 1/11 | 7
VS Rip City Remix | 1/13 | 6:30
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THANK YOU! 🙌
Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.
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