PRESENTED BY

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.

I’m not saying it won’t rain for the Relays… but let’s just say the umbrellas might finally get the Relays weekend off. Knock on wood. Tap the track. Whatever works.

In todays issue:

• 🏃‍♂️ Drake Relays Take Over the Metro

• 🏛️ Drake Legal Clinic Makes a Difference

• 📰 Simpson College Names Interim President After Sudden Loss

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

🏃‍♂️ The Drake Relays Are Back

It’s that time of year again—when the blue oval at Drake Stadium becomes the center of the track and field world, and Des Moines gets a little more electric. The Drake Relays are more than just a sporting event; they’re a week-long celebration of athleticism, community, and tradition that’s been part of this city for over a century.

Whether you’ve got deep ties to the event or just love the buzz it brings, there’s nothing quite like seeing Olympic hopefuls, college stars, and even high school standouts all compete on the same stage. The energy around campus is contagious—restaurants fill up, banners go up, and the entire metro seems to lean in a little closer. It’s one of those times when Des Moines really feels like the center of something special.

If you’ve never been, this is the year to go. Tickets are still available, and there’s truly something for everyone—elite track meets, road races for all, a mascot run, and all kinds of family-friendly events around town. It’s one of Des Moines' proudest traditions, and it only gets better when more people show up and make it their own.

📺️ How To Watch
⏱️ Full Schedule
🎫 Tickets

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THE 515 REPORT 📱📰 

📰 Following Jay Byers' Passing, Simpson Appoints Interim Leader

Simpson College announced the appointment of Dr. John Handley as acting president following the unexpected passing of President Jay Byers last week. Byers, who took office in 2023, was a longtime leader in Greater Des Moines and served as CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership before stepping into higher education.

His sudden passing left a deep impact on both the Simpson and Des Moines communities. In naming Dr. Handley, the college noted a commitment to steady leadership as it continues moving forward. Handley previously served as vice president of academic affairs and has been with Simpson since 2018.

President Byers was known for his vision, energy, and love for Iowa—qualities that will be missed but not forgotten.

➡️ Business Record

🦕 Blank Park Zoo Goes Prehistoric

This summer, Blank Park Zoo will transform into Dino Park Zoo, featuring 15 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs on display from July through October. Popular events like Zoo Brew and Night Eyes will also take on a prehistoric twist, giving families and dino fans something extra to roar about.

➡️ Zoo Website

🚧 Expect Delays: Hickman & University Ramps Close

Commuters in the metro are already feeling the impact: the southbound entrance ramp to I-80/35 at Hickman Road and the southbound exit ramp to University Avenue have officially closed. The closures, expected to last four months, are part of a broader improvement project in the area and will affect an estimated 20,000 vehicles daily.

➡️ Full Article

HEART OF DSM ❤️ 

🏛️ Drake Legal Clinic: Bridging Education and Justice

With the Drake Relays kicking off this week, all eyes are on Drake University—and not just for what’s happening on the track. Just a few blocks from the blue oval, the Drake Legal Clinic is quietly making big strides of its own.

This community-facing clinic offers free legal services to underserved individuals in Polk County, all while giving Drake Law students real-world experience under faculty supervision.

Key Practice Areas:

• Criminal Defense: Representing low-income clients in misdemeanor cases.

• Children’s Rights: Advocating for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings.

• Immigration & Refugee Law: Assisting with asylum applications, DACA renewals, and other immigration needs.

• Entrepreneurial & Transactional Law: Helping small businesses and nonprofits with contracts, formation, and compliance.

• Elder Law: Providing guidance on guardianship, powers of attorney, and elder abuse cases.

• Wrongful Convictions: Investigating claims of innocence and pursuing justice for the wrongfully incarcerated.

They also host specialized legal events, including clinics supporting LGBTQ+ individuals with name changes and related services.

The clinic not only fills a critical gap in access to justice—it also serves as one of the most immersive training grounds for future lawyers in the Midwest.

WEEKEND PLANS 🚨🏁

Want a Featured Event with a poster,
reach out and say hi.

🌷 Wilson's Tulip Festival
Stroll through blooming fields, sip on cider, and soak up spring at this colorful seasonal favorite.
📍 Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Google Maps)
📆 Now–May 4
➡️ Tickets

🐾 Puppies Night Out
Bring your pup for a fun evening with other four-legged friends.
📍 Paws and Pints (Google Maps)
📆 Friday | 🕔 5 PM
➡️ Calendar

📄 Free Shred Day
Safely dispose of personal documents—no questions asked.
📍 Johnston Public Library (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕘 9 AM–12 PM
➡️ Info

🪴 Spring Open House
Browse plants, garden goods, sip slushies, and eat some delicious food.
📍 Ted Lare Garden Center (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕘 9 AM–3 PM
➡️ Join the fun

🌼 Spring Sale-A-Bration!
A seasonal celebration with vendors, food, and fun in Historic Valley Junction.
📍 Valley Junction (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕙 10 AM
➡️ Deals

🎨 Swiftie Soirée Pottery Painting Party
Channel your inner Taylor with a themed pottery party.
📍 Glazed Expressions Ankeny (Google Maps)
📆 Saturday | 🕖 7 PM
➡️ Check it out

🌿 Celebrate Nature: An Earth Day Adventure
Hands-on activities, nature walks, and fun for the whole family.
📍 Water Works Park (Google Maps)
📆 Sunday | 🕛 12 PM
➡️ Info

🏙️ Eat. Drink. Architecture.
A guided walking tour with food and drinks at local stops.
📍 Downtown / East Village
📆 Sunday | 🕐 1 PM
➡️ Tickets

🎶 Hello Spring Fest
Live music, local vendors, and spring vibes by the river.
📍 Captain Roy’s (Google Maps)
📆 Sunday | 🕙 10 AM
➡️ Join in the fun

🐕 Dogs & Drafts
Sip a drink while your pup enjoys some playtime.
📍 Whiskey River Ankeny (Google Maps)
📆 Sunday | 🕚 11 AM–2 PM
➡️ Menu

🛍️ The Market on Hubbell
Shop local vendors, makers, and creators at this bustling outdoor market.
📍 3232 Hubbell Ave
📆 Saturday | 🕘 9 AM–3 PM
➡️ Info

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Thursday

High 75 🌡️ Low 54 | ☁️ | 💧 24%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Friday

High 60 🌡️ Low 44 | ☁️ | 💧 24%
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight

Saturday

High 65 🌡️ Low 50 | 🌥️ | 💧 6%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Sunday

High 69 🌡️ Low 63 | 🌥️ | 💧 17%
Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

THE SETLIST 🎶🎤

Thursday

Jonas Magram | 6 | Confluence Brewing
Rado w/ Dirty Blonde | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Brooks & Dunn | 7 | Wells Fargo Arena
Hayden Coffman w/ Colt Graves | 7 | xBk Live
The Crowfoot Rakes | 7 | HiFi Brew Lounge
Joywave | 8 | Wooly’s
Scott Eggleston | 8 | Greenwood Lounge

Friday

More Cheese & Gunklung | 5 | Plain Talk Books
Beauty and The Beats | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Jake Stack | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Johnny Laws & Vince Cline | 6 | Iowa Distilling Co
Neva Alden | 6:30 | Smash Park
Shinedown | 7 | Wells Fargo Arena
Andrew Hoyt w/ Jason Walsmith | 7 | Wooly’s
Allegra Hernandez | 7 | Temple Theater
Silversonic | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Taylor King | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Jake Schrodt | 7 | Reclaimed Rails
Joshua Sinclair | 7 | Firetrucker Brewery
Fast Dolly | 8 | Down Under
Sister Sara | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Jordan Beem | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Damon Dotson | 8 | Cabaret Ankeny
Decoy Trio | 8:30 | Doc’s Lounge
The Textures w/ BYO Brass | 10 | Lefty’s Live Music

Saturday

Heartland Spectrum Music Festival | 12 | Water Works
Jana West & RetroSpect | 5 | Doc’s Lounge
Josh Hoyer | 5 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Gabriel Espinosa Band | 7 | Noce
Mick Walsh Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Stark Raving Madge | 7 | Pal Joey’s
Bright Eyes | 7:15 | Val Air Ballroom
Tropidelic & Ballyhoo! | 7:30 | Wooly’s
Gimikk | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Monkeyfour | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
Sons of Gladys Kravitz | 8 | Down Under
Dustin Farrow & The Relics | 9 | Greenwood Lounge

Sunday

Bob Pace and the Dangerous Band | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Chip Albright & Friends | 8 | xBk Live
Mindless Vitality | 9 | Lefty’s Live Music

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Baseball ⚾️ 

Iowa Cubs
11-9 | 4th Place | IL West Division

• @ Louisville Bats
  📆 4/24 | 🕛️ 5:35
  📆 4/25 | 🕛️ 6:15
  📆 4/26 | 🕛️ 6:15
  📆 4/27 | 🕛️ 12:05

• Next Week | VS Buffalo Bisons

Football 🏈

Iowa Barnstormers
0-3 | 7th place | Eastern Division

• VS Fishers Freight
  📆 4/26 | 🕛️ 7:05

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs
25-32-5-0 | 7th place | Western Conference

• The Bucs season has ended

Iowa Wild
27-37-6-2 | 6th place | Central Division

• The Wild season has ended

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! Reply here or email me anytime!

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