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🌅 Winter Survival Hacks + Exciting Local Updates You Can’t Miss!
11/28
Nick Rivas
November 28, 2024
In partnership with
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. It’s Thanksgiving morning, and I am thankful for all of you reading this. Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or simply relaxing, DSM at Dawn has you covered with tips, local updates, and plenty of inspiration to carry you into the holiday season.
In todays issue:
❄️ Winter Survival Tips
RecPlex Update 🏗️
🧀 Graze Craze
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
Winter Survival Tips ⛄️
Thanksgiving is here. Christmas is around the corner. Soon enough, winter will be in full swing, and here in central Iowa that means its going to get COLD. Along with the cold, come the snow and ice. I’ve put together a list of things you can do so you can be ready for all mother nature has in store over the next few months.
Winterize Your Home
Check and seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents to prevent heat loss.
Install weather stripping or caulking to reduce drafts.
Maintain Your Heating System
Schedule a furnace tune-up before winter hits.
Replace filters monthly for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Clear Snow Safely
Shovel regularly to prevent ice buildup and reduce strain by using ergonomic techniques.
Apply salt or sand to icy walkways, and consider eco-friendly alternatives to protect pets and plants.
Emergency Prep
Keep a stocked winter kit with flashlights, batteries, water, blankets, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.
Have backup heating options like portable heaters or a generator (use generators outdoors only).
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Clear leaves and debris from gutters to avoid ice dams.
Check for loose shingles or leaks and remove heavy snow loads to prevent roof damage.
Insulate and Ventilate Attics
Proper insulation helps retain heat, while good ventilation prevents ice dams by reducing roof temperature fluctuations.
Mind Your Chimney
Clean and inspect chimneys annually before use to prevent fire hazards.
Use a fireplace screen to keep embers from escaping.
Prepare Your Car
Keep an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small shovel, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction in your car.
Check tires for proper tread and ensure fluids are winter-ready.
Take Care of Outdoor Essentials
Disconnect and store garden hoses; shut off outdoor water spigots to avoid freezing.
Cover or store outdoor furniture and grills to extend their lifespan
With these tips you can stay safe, warm, and prepared for whatever winter throws your way!
THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱
RecPlex Addition 🏒🥍
The MidAmerican RecPlex in West Des Moines is set for expansion, with plans to add 100,000 square feet of floor space along with 1,000 seats. This move will allow the facility to attract more events, participants, and spectators. Since opening in 2021, the nearly $60 million facility has been a hub for recreation, featuring basketball and pickleball courts, batting cages, and an artificial turf field. The construction is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed sometime in 2026.
Big Changes at the Northeast Mixmaster: New Flyover Opens 🛣️
Drivers traveling from Des Moines to Ames this holiday season will notice a significant change with the opening of a new flyover ramp at the northeast mixmaster. Opened on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, the new ramp shifts the exit from eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35 from the left lane to the right, part of the Iowa DOT’s long-term plan to eliminate left-side exits for safer and more efficient traffic flow.
What’s Next?
The DOT’s work is not quite over. (Is it ever really over?) Future projects include:
Adding lanes on I-80 between the northeast mixmaster and U.S. Highway 65 in Altoona.
Two new flyovers: one from southbound I-35 to eastbound I-80 and another from eastbound I-80 to westbound I-235.
Rebuilding most of the southwest mixmaster in West Des Moines starting in 2026, expected to take three years.
These upgrades aim to improve traffic flow and safety for the growing metro area. Until then, drivers are encouraged to stay alert and adjust to the new configurations.
Around Town 🏙️📈
In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a new, local, woman owned charcuterie board company has come to Urbandale.
Graze Craze: A Charcuterie Dream Come True 🥖 🧀
Looking to elevate your next gathering or surprise someone with a unique and delicious gift? Look no further than Graze Craze Charcuterie Boards and Boxes, a new gem in Urbandale that’s bringing creativity and flavor to the art of charcuterie.
Whether you're hosting a party, planning a romantic lunch, catering a work event, or indulging in a treat for yourself, Graze Craze has you covered. From classic charcuterie spreads to brunch, dessert, vegetarian options, and seasonal specialties, there's something for every taste and occasion.
Some of their standout features include:
Ability to accommodate food allergies of any sort
Same-day orders
Customizable board sizes that range from individual servings to setups for large gatherings.
Graze Craze also makes gifting effortless and thoughtful. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or surprising a client, their beautifully crafted boards are a standout choice.
Conveniently located at 3816 100th Street in Urbandale, orders can be placed online, over the phone, or in person.
Next time you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself, think Graze Craze—where delicious meets delightful.
@DSMATDAWN 📷
Photo Cred: @grazecraze_urbandale_ia
Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!
WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁
The Barn at Daydream Abode is full of curated Christmas & holly jolly home decor, seasonal florals & garlands, cozy apparel, local Iowa goodies & giftables. Come by this Saturday and get your Christmas shopping done!
This Des Moines tradition of 20+ years kicks off tomorrow. There’s a new location this year: The Iowa State Fairgrounds. Admission is $20 per car or $50 per bus/limo.
Living History Farms will once again be the location of over one mile of spectacular lights, starting tomorrow. Tickets are available here. Prices start at $29.99.
Plaid Friday
Valley Junction is getting in the Black Friday spirit with Plaid Friday. Celebrate the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses, and don’t forget to wear Plaid.
The 2024 Holiday Hullabaloo at the Horizon Events Center is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories. Get tickets here.
WEATHER 🌞 🌡️
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder Weather In Sight
Thursday 🦃
High 33 | Low 23 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️
Friday
High 28 | Low 14 | Sunny ☀️
Saturday
High 27 | Low 13 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️
Sunday
High 29 | Low 13 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️
MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤
Friday
B.Well & Dose | 8 | Wooly’s
Southbound | 8 | xBk Live
La Energia Nortena/La Fe Nortena | 9 | Val Air Ballroom
Saturday
Alice Unchained | 7 | Wooly’s
The Nate Sparks Big Band | 7 | Noce
Jon Bonamassa | 8 | Des Moines Civic Center
Sunday
Pickers Paradise Bluegrass Jam | 2 | Captain Roy’s
Wishbone Ash | 7 | xBk Live
SPORTS 🏈🏅
College Football 🏈
UNI’s season has ended but the rest of the local schools are in action.
Nebraska @ Iowa 🦅 | 11/29 | 6:30
Drake 🐶 @ Tarleton State | 11/30 | 2
Kansas State @ Iowa State 🌪️ | 11/30 | 6:30
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 🐶 Won the Charleston Classic. 🏆️ Record: 6-0
Drake Women 🐶 Lost to #8 Iowa State last Sunday. Record: 2-3
Iowa Men 🦅 Starts B1G play next Tuesday. Record: 6-1
#22 Iowa Women 🦅 Plays Rhode Island today. Record: 6-0
# 5 Iowa State Men 🌪️ Took home 5th place at the Maui Invitational. Record: 5-1
# 15 Iowa State Women 🌪️ Plays #4 South Carolina today. Record: 5-1
UNI Men 🐆 Plays @ North Texas today. Record: 3-2
UNI Women 🐆 Plays @ Auburn today. Record: 3-1
Hockey 🏒
Bucs
@ USA National Team Development Program | 11/29 | 7 📍Plymouth, MI
@ Youngstown Phantoms | 11/30 | 5:05
Iowa Wild
@ Charlotte Checkers | 11/29 | 3
@ Charlotte Checkers | 11/30 | 3
G League 🏀
Iowa Wolves
@ Wisconsin Herd | 11/29 | 7
@ Wisconsin Herd | 11/30 | 7
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THANK YOU! 🙌
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