Barbershops have long served as social and cultural hubs for Black Americans, and Harlan’s Barbershop, open for half a century in Des Moines’ Woodland Heights neighborhood, was no exception. Harlan’s opened in 1968; that same year, construction finished on I-235, which had displaced thriving Black businesses, churches and communities in the Center Street district, not […]
Central Iowa Community/News
Posted inCommunity/News
Pella’s new one-day, all-Iowa music festival kicks off Saturday
Four months after Tulip Time and less than three months before Kerstmarkt, the Dutch Christmas Market, Pella is hosting a slightly edgier event in their picturesque downtown. The Pella All Original Music Showcase is a free concert featuring exclusively Iowa-based bands making original rock, electric and alternative music. Bands scheduled to perform at the debut […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Special election will decide Sheumaker’s replacement, Des Moines City Council votes — and the first candidate has already declared
The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously on Monday to fill its vacant Ward 1 post by means of a special election. The seat has been officially empty since Aug. 31, when Councilmember Indira Sheumaker resigned after six months of unexplained absences from board meetings. There was no discussion before the vote during the council’s […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Indira Sheumaker steps down from Des Moines City Council with more than two years left on term
Indira Sheumaker has resigned from the Des Moines City Council. According to a statement from Mayor Frank Cownie, Sheumaker’s father Randy hand delivered a resignation letter from the councilmember on Monday. The handwritten letter, dated Aug. 31 and signed by Sheumaker, was one sentence in length. “I resign from my position as councilperson Ward 1 […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Des Moines’ Fleur Cinema opens on Friday after three-year closure
One of Iowa’s favorite indie movie theaters is finally back in bloom. After three years without regular showings, Des Moines’ Fleur Cinema & Cafe (4545 Fleur Dr) announced its imminent return in late July. On Tuesday, they confirmed they’d be back on Friday, Sept. 8, with showings of new features — including My Big Fat […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
With no word from Indira Sheumaker, Des Moines City Council is officially without a Ward 1 representative
In an Aug. 21 letter to Des Moines City Councilmember Indira Sheumaker, Mayor Frank Cownie asked Sheumaker to explain her “intentions regarding [her] office and the duties of the office at the earliest practicable moment, but in any event, no later than August 28, 2023.” Sheumaker, who represents Ward 1, has not attended any council […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Des Moines mayor gives councilmember, absent since March, a deadline to return or risk removal
Des Moines City Councilmember Indira Sheumaker has not attended any city council meeting or communicated with any city official since March 6. Sheumaker, who represents Ward 1, has also not been in touch with constituents during that time, according to two community groups in the ward. On Monday, Mayor Frank Cownie sent a certified letter […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
‘There’s a difference between a safe space and a brave space’: Q&A with Waukee GSA leader Naomi Pittman
Rarely are a student’s biggest bullies the governor and legislature of their state. But that’s the case for many queer K-12 students in Iowa, who are now subject to several laws passed by Iowa’s legislature and signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Plenty of adults and talking heads will gladly share their opinions, but it’s young […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Cooling centers around the Des Moines metro and Ames
It’s hot. Really hot. On Thursday, around 150 million Americans were under heat alerts, with temperatures across the Midwest exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. “Even those places that are used to extreme heat have never seen as hot as it is now for as long as it’s been,” President Joe Biden said Thursday, directing the Department […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photos: Drag storytime reaches capacity at Des Moines’ downtown public library as Pride Month approaches
Iowa Safe Schools and Polk County supervisor Matt McCoy hosted an all-inclusive drag storytime at the Des Moines Central Library on Sunday, May 21. Storytellers included celebrity baker Andrew Fuller (Is It Cake?), as well as drag performers Vana B and Robin Graves. Supporters crowded the library entryway hoping to attend the event, but as […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Des Moines Public School’s new superintendent is a former special ed teacher, principal and Olympic athlete
This story originally appeared in LV Daily, Little Village’s Monday-Friday email newsletter. Sign up to have it delivered for free to your inbox. The Des Moines Public School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to appoint Dr. Ian Roberts as the district’s new superintendent. Roberts will be the first person of color to lead the state’s […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Photo Gallery: Skate DSM hosts ollies and kick flips for cancer patients
Skate DSM hosted the Grind for Life Series (GFL Series) at Lauridsen Skatepark on Saturday, May 13. All ages and all skill levels competed against each other to win the street and bowl competitions while also helping the Grind for Life Organization raise money for cancer patients who need assistance with traveling expenses. The competitions […]
