🌱 Des Moines Students Serve On MLK Day + Calvin Community

Sean Peek
Updated ·3 min read

Hey, neighbors! Sean Peek here with a brand-new copy of the Des Moines Daily.

First, today's weather:

Some sun; breezy and colder. High: 12 Low: -6.

Here are the top three stories in Des Moines today:

  1. From toddlers to high school students, Des Moines students came to King Elementary Monday to learn about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and serve their community. Families took part in service projects planned by student volunteers hosted by Community Youth Concepts. From making positivity bracelets to writing messages of encouragement on bookmarks, students said the event provided an opportunity for creativity. (KCCI Des Moines)

  2. The Calvin Community in Des Moines is one of the only long-term care facilities in Iowa that is avoiding a COVID surge while recruiting healthcare workers. The director is citing strict COVID guidelines, including limiting visitors and screening anyone who enters the facility, as measures the center is taking to reduce cases. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)

  3. Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed a flat 4 percent tax rate for the state that would be phased in over the next four years. If Legislature adopts this proposal, Iowa will become the eleventh state in the nation with this type of tax structure. Iowa's current income tax range is 0.33 to 8.53 percent, which means some Iowans would get a tax break under a flat tax system, while others who currently pay below 4 percent will see an increase. (Free: CBS 2 Iowa; Subscription: Des Moines Register)

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Today in Des Moines:

  • Housing Services Board - Des Moines City Hall (5:30 PM)

  • Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Des Moines City Hall (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • Spice up your week with a trip to see "Justin Favela: Central American" at Des Moines Art Center before it closes this Sunday, Jan. 23. Favela’s exuberant art is inspired by Latinx culture, art history, and food rendered layer upon layer of vibrant strips of paper. (Instagram)

  • Ready to adopt a new furry friend? Check out the adoptable pets in the Des Moines area this week. (Des Moines Patch)

  • A staycation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a tropical paradise! At Dome After Dark in the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, you can escape to a tropical vacation without leaving Iowa! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.

This article originally appeared on the Des Moines Patch