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FarmHer

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Agriculture is omnipresent in the lives of many Iowans.  Even if you didn’t grow up on a farm yourself, chances are your parents and/or grandparents did. 

Traditionally, the image that comes to mind when most of us picture a farmer is that of a man—a male farmer out in the fields, in the tractor or climbing a grain bin. 

But Waukee resident and Iowa native Marji Guyler-Alaniz, through her multimedia business, FarmHer, is working tirelessly to change that.

Originally from Webster City, Alaniz moved to central Iowa and spent most of her childhood near Grimes.  Although her grandparents farmed, she didn’t originally set out to work in the agriculture industry. Fresh out of Grand View University with a degree in graphic design and journalism and a minor in photography, she landed in the marketing department at Johnston-based Rain and Hail, one of the largest crop insurance companies in the nation.  Alaniz spent the next 11 years moving up the corporate ladder. By early 2013, however, she realized it was time for a change.

Marji Guyler-Alaniz

According to Alaniz, there wasn’t one specific factor that prompted her to “figure out what career 2.0 was,” as she put it.  Having given birth to her second child and noticing that her life wasn’t slowing down, she realized she was no longer fulfilled by her corporate role.

“Insurance is important, but I needed a change, and a big one at that!” she explained.  “I knew if I didn’t take the leap then, I might blink and realize that I had spent my life working on something that didn’t light a fire in me.”

With the support of her husband, and motivated by the desire to be a role model for her kids, Alaniz left her job in February 2013, with no concrete plans for what was next.  “To say it was a major change is an understatement,” she said. “I had no concept of FarmHer [at the time]. I knew I wanted to incorporate photography into whatever I did, but I wasn’t sure what that was.”

As it turns out, a major sporting event provided the impetus that pushed her in that direction.  “The Super Bowl was on just two days after I left my job, and a commercial during the game sparked the fire that led me to start FarmHer as a photography project just a few months later!” said Alaniz.

Looking to bring women to the forefront of agriculture, Alaniz spent the summer of 2013 photographing a few such women in Iowa. She published those pictures on a “very basic,” photography-focused blog, plus social media pages, in July of 2013.

“I can’t say I expected, nor was I prepared for what came next,” said Alaniz.  FarmHer quickly garnered attention and gained traction. “There wasn’t really anything else like it out there,” she explained. 

Women in agriculture not only began to engage with and participate in FarmHer’s content, but they started to share their own stories, as well.  Some of the women requested t-shirts, so Alaniz began to sell a few. The ball kept rolling, and by the fall of 2013, Alaniz had incorporated FarmHer into a business.  “Then,” she said, “the real work began!”

Alaniz began 2014 with the goal to push FarmHer beyond the online world.  Working with the Small Business Development Center in Des Moines to create a business plan, she undertook small speaking engagements, photography displays, gallery shows and conferences—and lots of them.  “Everywhere I went, I tried to make sure I introduced myself to as many people as I could, and introduced them to FarmHer,” she said.

It paid off.  Soon, Alaniz had filled her calendar for 2015, as well.  2015 also marked the first of what would become many Grow by FarmHer ticketed events, which sold about 200 tickets to young women from around the state.  The events, which provided young women with the chance to network with peers, connect with industry professionals and hear from speakers, proved enormously popular, and by 2016, over 1,000 young women from four states had participated.

2016 brought even more radical changes for FarmHer.  Alaniz had been contacted the year before by the founder of RFD-TV, a national cable TV network focused on rural America.  With their support, Alaniz and her team took FarmHer to a weekly, 30-minute television show, airing in over 50 million households around the country.

“That was a turning point for FarmHer,” she said.  Episodes spotlighted, among others, a woman running an urban goat dairy in Tampa, Florida, as well as an 80-year-old Texas resident singlehandedly running the family ranch.  The show was a hit from day one on RFD-TV, and with that momentum, FarmHer was able to attract large, national advertisers to the show. Today, FarmHer is in the middle of its fourth season on RFD-TV and is beginning to film the fifth.

The expansion of the FarmHer brand didn’t stop with TV.  “I ran with wide-open arms at any ways in which I could grow the brand and bring diversity to our business,” said Alaniz.  She and her team expanded the brand’s events, tried out an online community, expanded its merchandise offerings, and added a podcast in 2017.  In early 2018, the podcast expanded as well, airing on Sirius XM Channel 147 as the hour-long “Shining Bright by FarmHer” radio show.  

All this expansion eventually prompted some difficult decisions.  Alaniz had the opportunity to go through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program last year, which is designed to give entrepreneurs greater access to education, capital and business support services.  “It was the perfect time to look at the lines of business we had built with a really discerning eye,” she said.

With 26 TV episodes per year, 52 radio shows, nine ticketed Grow by FarmHer events, and countless speaking engagements and other events, Alaniz had been spending more time on the road than she wanted.  “I took the chance that Goldman Sachs offered to refine our business and refocus on our main goal—telling the stories of the women who are a part of food and farming,” she explained. With that in mind, she arrived at the difficult decision to pull back from FarmHer’s events in 2020 and focus exclusively on the brand’s media.

So, what’s next for FarmHer?  Quite a bit. Fans will see the same media—photography, TV and radio—with an even richer focus on storytelling.  The team will also work to expand the brand’s digital reach.

“I know our stories have the ability to resonate with an even wider audience than we have already reached, and my team and I are really focused on making that happen through this year and into the future,” said Alaniz.

Also on the agenda this year is the introduction of RanchHer, another television show that will air on The Cowboy Channel, a network of RFD-TV. Alaniz is excited to see RanchHer grow, saying that it’s been “sitting on the back burner” to this point.  “It will be a footprint for how we can do the same thing we have done with FarmHer for more women, in different industries and areas,” she said.

One thing will always remain the same about the FarmHer brand, however, and that is the emphasis on the people featured in its stories.  “FarmHer tells the stories of rural communities, food, family and farming—all through the lens of a woman,” said Alaniz. “We tell stories of people.  People who grow food, nurture the soil, raise animals with care and concern, love their families and communities, and work tirelessly to feed the world.”

Above all, Alaniz said, she wants people to know that the women on the other side of her camera are just like the rest of us.  “Sure, their lives might look a little different,” she said. “Their jobs definitely aren’t nine-to-five. It’s not just a job, but a way of life.  Even if you don’t think these stories apply to you, I can promise you, they most definitely do!”

That passion for sharing the stories of women in agriculture—putting women front and center—is what continues to drive Alaniz and FarmHer as a whole.  “There’s a little bit of FarmHer in all of us,” said Alaniz, “and through these women’s stories, we can all connect with that!”

Waukee Lacrosse

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With spring comes the usual sporting events—track meets, golf, and soccer, baseball and softball games.  And as of last year, there’s another option for Waukee athletes: lacrosse.

Lacrosse, which has its origins in various Native American communities, is the oldest team sport in North America.  It existed primarily as a regional sport until roughly 50 years ago, centered in the Mid-Atlantic states. Throughout the last few decades, however, the sport has grown markedly in popularity and has spread throughout the United States.  According to a US Lacrosse survey from 2016, there are now more than 825,000 participants nationwide—an increasing number of which are right here in Waukee.    

Getting the Waukee Lacrosse program up and running involved a tremendous amount of time and effort, according to Michelle Hilsabeck, one of the program’s executive board members. Until last year, interested players would join the very successful West Des Moines Tigers team.  As the sport has grown in the metro, however, the West Des Moines club expanded to the point where it made sense to create another program.

“Waukee was a significant ‘feeder’ city to that program, so it became the logical place to start the next club,” said Hilsabeck.

Adhering to the parameters from the Nebraska Lacrosse Association (the club’s governing organization), organizers began the process of creating a non-profit and finding a board for the club.  Once that had been accomplished, the group was charged with creating budgets, securing funding for uniforms and equipment, finding practice space, creating a game schedule, finding coaches and recruiting players—a process that didn’t happen overnight.

“Some folks from the West Des Moines club and a group of Waukee parents worked for months to get everything ready for the season,” said Hilsabeck.  “2018-2019 was a time of rapid learning.”

But learn they did, and Waukee Lacrosse is now entering its second year.  The program is already seeing a jump in numbers, drawing players from not only Waukee, but Johnston, Urbandale, Grimes and other locations.  According to Hilsabeck, there were over 80 players in the program last year.

“We’re already nearing those numbers [at this point], with registration having only been open for a month,” said Hilsabeck.  Throughout the state, the program had over 500 kids playing last year—a mark they are on pace to surpass. 

Since lacrosse isn’t yet a school-sanctioned sport in Iowa, the program is 100 percent club-based.  “We’re anxious for the growth necessary to get this sport into the schools,” said Hilsabeck.

High school players begin indoor practices in January and move outdoors as soon as weather allows, according to Hilsabeck.  The lacrosse season is a quick one—games begin at the end of March and continue through April. Locally, Waukee will play West Des Moines, Ankeny and Ames.  They will also take on nine teams from Nebraska over the course of the season.

Also on the agenda for the future is the addition of a girls’ program in Waukee.  Currently, the program supports four levels of boys’ teams: high school-age, 14 and under, 12 and under, and 10 and under.  “We’re really interested in getting a girls’ program going again at Waukee,” said Hilsabeck.

Lots of additional infrastructure will be required to achieve that goal, including finding additional coaches and referees, securing more field space and recruiting enough players to field a team.  Currently, interested Warrior women play with the very competitive West Des Moines Tigers team, explained Hilsabeck.

For a sport that perhaps doesn’t have quite the local history of track and field or baseball, lacrosse is certainly emerging as a popular new option for young metro athletes.  Hilsabeck thinks the fast-paced, physical nature of the sport appeals to players and spectators alike.

“Lacrosse gives [players] an outlet where many of the skills they have—running, catching, throwing—can be combined with some different equipment to create a new experience,” she explained.  “I think there are many kids interested in trying something different.”

With burgeoning registration numbers and growing buzz, it’s likely only a matter of time until lacrosse becomes part of the roster of spring sports at area schools.  In the meantime, Waukee Lacrosse’s club season kicks off Sunday, March 29, against Elkhorn South, with an additional JV game later the same day against Northstar, both at Waukee High School Stadium.

Following a Legacy

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Courtney Clarke—Waukee’s first female mayor—comes to the job after two years on the city council. She is succeeding Bill Peard, a transformative figure with 22 years of city service.

She has big shoes to fill.

Peard was mayor for 14 years after eight years on the council, while ascending to executive vice president at the Iowa Cable & Telecommunication Association.

He and his wife Linda raised two sons (Brady, now 27, and Tanner, 25) as Waukee grew from 5,126 in the 2000 census to 22,810 in 2018.

The Peards moved to Waukee in 1993 following an extended metro area search and “found a great community with great schools,” he recounted. “This was the place.”

His entry into politics came at a backyard barbecue, where he attempted to get friends involved. Instead, they drafted Peard for the city council.

Notable development during his tenure ranged from the I-80 and Grand Prairie Parkway interchange and impending projects associated with it to the Apple data center, which figures prominently in funding community improvement.

Peard said he takes pride in “how our quality of life has developed with our entertainment venues, new restaurants and trails.”

Some of his accomplishments didn’t make headlines, but were fundamental for the city.

“Hiring great staff to run and develop the city as well as it has been, I’m very proud of that—all the directors, police and fire chiefs,” said Peard. “We have top-notch people.”

He said he is also proud of the founding of the Waukee Leadership Institute in 2006, which shapes leaders through training, networking and mentoring.

Parlaying Private Sector Experience

Clarke, 38, now a director at Miles Capital, was previously its marketing and communications manager and client services manager, a title she held earlier at WB Capital. 

Those responsibilities have helped hone her strategic thinking, which she believes is critical in her new position, including implementing Imagine Waukee 2040, the city’s strategic plan.

“At Miles Capital, I’m responsible for basically everything external,” said Clarke. “That means sales, marketing and client service. Additionally, I lead the strategic planning effort. Being responsible for the strategic growth of a firm prepared me very well for some of the strategic concerns we have as a city and building relationships.”

The Des Moines native and Iowa State University grad (with a bachelor’s degree in business management and international business) moved to Waukee in 2009.

“I started to look at where I wanted to live long-term, and I wanted to be close to work. That’s what brought me out in this direction,” she said. “When Adam and I were looking at getting married, we talked about where we wanted to raise a family, and it was Waukee.”

The mother of four (Teagan, 7, and Rylie, 3, with husband Adam; Chloe, 14, and Emmett, 12, from Adam’s previous marriage) is constantly multi-tasking with parenting, career, city and volunteer responsibilities.

She serves on the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, with Iowa Workforce Development, as a Waukee Community Church mission team member and a Love Lunches team lead and volunteer coordinator.

“Adam and I do a lot of tag-teaming,” she said. “We obviously make sure that things are covered and have our schedules well-coordinated.”

It’s a stereotypical “right-brain/left-brain” partnership. Adam, a graphic artist, is a creative services director, while Courtney is in finance.

“At our house, Adam is the one who kind of does the fun projects,” Courtney joked, “while I’m the one who makes sure the math homework gets done.”

Clarke ran for council in 2017 after attending meetings on a neighborhood zoning issue.

“The more I watched and paid attention, I realized so many people don’t understand how much local government impacts your daily life. The things that are being discussed will affect the city for the next 20 or 30 years. That made me want to become more involved,” she explained.

As for becoming mayor, “I wasn’t looking for what’s next,” she said. “When Bill was considering retiring, several people approached me. They thought I would be good at it. Ultimately, I thought I could bring my skill set and dedication to serve the people in Waukee well.”

Building Bridges

Clarke and Peard credit the Waukee Community School District as a catalyst in Waukee’s metamorphosis.  

“When the growth started, it was driven by people wanting to be part of the school district here,” said Clarke. “I don’t think anybody projected back in 2005 that we’d be at 23,000 people before 2020.”

“The Waukee School District has been so successful,” said Peard. “They’ve done a great job in expanding their district, which many people followed. And along the way, we’ve had good council members, good staff and good school cooperation.” 

Meanwhile, Peard was busy building the tax base.

The I-80 interchange at Grand Prairie Parkway is a testament to developing fruitful relationships. 

“We were partners with West Des Moines on that project,” he said. “Half of the bridge on that interchange was paid for by Waukee and the other half by West Des Moines. We were partners in Washington, D.C. to help get the funding.”

The interchange spurred the nearby Kettlestone mixed-use project (office, retail and residential) and The Quarter entertainment area coming soon.

The Grand Prairie Parkway-Alice’s Road widening will spark more development.

Then there’s the 2,000 acres Apple acquired in 2017 in the northwest Waukee for its $1.38 billion data center. The city will provide a 71 percent property tax abatement over 20 years. Apple plans to invest in community improvement projects such as the future Waukee Community Park and Sports Complex.

“We didn’t give them any money directly out of city coffers,” said Peard. “They are very community-minded.”

Clark agreed. “That land was not going to be paying tax gold in the near term. It was a great opportunity to find a partner to develop something there and expand our tax base. That’s what you want—a partner that adds something to your city and doesn’t just use services,” she explained.

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Housing Boom Isn’t Enough

“We’re in an interesting position right now as a city in the ‘growing-pains’ stage,” said Clarke. “We’re no longer small, but we’re not large. We have a lot of infrastructure needs—like sewer build out—that aren’t fun things to talk about, but are important. Yet we also have needs like additional parks and amenities for young families. We need to make sure we’re meeting the needs of all residents.”

In that regard, affordable housing concerns her. Despite all the residential construction, Imagine Waukee 2040 predicts needing 2,684 more units by 2026.

“We have affordability issues, which I think is true of all the suburbs, not just Waukee,” said Clarke. 

“I think most people want to move here to be part of a family-oriented community and an amazing school district,” she added. “That shouldn’t be an exclusive proposition. We need to discuss broader housing opportunities, including how to meet the needs of developers while having more affordable homes.”

Where People Gather

Waukee may not have a primary gathering spot, but it is developing choices.

“Gathering places still very much matter,” said Clarke, “but we’re not headed toward one central gathering place. It could be different things.”

“We want the (downtown) Triangle to be a vibrant part of our community,” she continued. “We’ve talked about a city center at some point with more of our government buildings together. We’re outgrowing city hall and soon the Waukee Public Library. Those kinds of facilities would be great if centrally located and together. We could also incorporate gathering space.”

The city has a purchase agreement option for 224 acres at Sixth Street and University Avenue, for a civic campus as it outgrows the library, public safety building, community center and city hall.

Imagine Waukee 2040 envisions those buildings together with a possible performing arts center, field house, aquatic center and ice-skating area.

The People Behind the Scenes

“There are so many great things happening in Waukee—a lot of growth and development,” said Clarke. “I’m not looking to make wholesale changes. What I’m looking to do is help the community improve and grow and make things even better. We need to do it in a way that we make sure this is the community we all want.

“There’s been so much good work done by city staff and the council previously to make ourselves very marketable as a city,” she added. “It attracts opportunities. We have a lot of good partners looking at how they can work with Waukee because they want to be here. They come to us because we’ve built something that’s pretty great.”

Peard has confidence in his successor. 

“I think Courtney is very, very bright,” he said. “She understands finance very well. She has everything she needs to be successful because she loves the community and interacts with people well. She’ll do well as mayor.”

As Peard attests, it isn’t a one-person operation.

He cited “an unbelievable city staff” that has excelled at finances (“We didn’t spend money recklessly”), provided “great roads” and “a great trails system,” along with “great public safety—both police and fire that keep our citizens protected.”

His tenure, he added, “hasn’t been about me, but a lot of hands that did the heavy lifting, smart people, community activists and good community support,” including backing from the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and businesses.

As for himself, Peard said, “I just want to let the people know how much I have appreciated their confidence and trust in me and for allowing me to be their mayor and councilman. It’s been very humbling. I have been blessed and honored.”

Boundless Optimism

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A new group of do-gooders has come to town with a glass-half-full kind of name to match. The Waukee Optimist Club launched early this September.

The group is focused on supporting youth throughout the area, with an emphasis on academic, athletic and health and wellness opportunities. 

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization with nearly 2,500 clubs and 65,000 members that serve more than six million children each year worldwide. 

Rebecca Butler Mona, a former Optimist International President and member of the Noon Optimist Club of Western Des Moines (one of two local Optimist Clubs partnering to sponsor the new Waukee club), said the organization is always looking for ways to expand its outreach into new communities. 

“Waukee is a vibrant, fast-growing community where there’s interest and the ability to make an impact,” said Mona. 

The current Waukee Optimist roster consists of an eight-person board of directors and eight additional charter members:

President: Billie Reed

Secretary:Kathy Mock

Treasurer: Mary Secress

Vice Presidents: Janelle Martens, Jim Adams

Directors: Evelyn Graff, Michelle Scranton, Katie Ritzman

Charter members: Brenda Jackson, Randy Lovell, Cal Oral, Cassie Meylor Lourens, Gareth Lourens, Kathy Ford, Sonja Coobs, Chase Erickson

Billie Reed, Waukee Optimist President, was drawn to the group not only because of its mission to serve youth in her community, but because she strives to be an “optimist” in her daily life as well. 

“I attempt to begin every day of my life with a positive attitude and purposely

share that with whomever I come in contact with that day,” said Reed. “Being

given an opportunity to brighten the day, and ultimately the life, of youth is

a beautiful thing I’m excited to be a part of.” 

Reed said the group will “encourage youth to be hopeful and expect good outcomes in their lives.”

“Their choices make them who they are,” she said. “Every child can use encouragement to explore and excel in the areas they’re gifted in. We attempt to make those opportunities available. We also encourage youth to be good citizens and give back to their community.”

In addition to charters for adult members, 500 Junior Optimist Clubs have nearly 15,000 members. The Waukee Chapter intends to offer its own Junior Optimist club for youth (high school-aged and younger) this fall. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to give high school-aged kids the chance to learn about doing their own community service projects and have different leadership opportunities,” said Mona. “They have the chance to be part of something bigger as well, because we have an Iowa Junior Optimist District where they can serve in roles across the state.”

On Nov. 12, the Optimist clubs are holding a youth appreciation event that recognizes students across the Des Moines metro. Mona said it’s something the group has been doing for about 35 years.

“We reach out to the schools across the Des Moines metro and invite them to nominate two students from every middle school and high school who they view as exemplary community leaders making an impact in their school and their broader community,” she explained.  “We fully expect to have Waukee students recognized at that event this year. So, we’re looking forward to that.”

While the Waukee Optimist group is in the early stages of planning volunteering activities, Mona said they have a few projects in mind. “One of them involves working with an elementary school to establish a reading program for kids. Our members would come in and read to the children.”

Mona said the idea is similar to a successful model they’ve deployed at Hillside Elementary in West Des Moines, which has a diverse student population and a higher level of financial need. 

“We’ve also talked about providing the class with a small stuffed animal they could adopt, and we would encourage the kids to read to the stuffed animal,” said Mona.

Additionally, Mona said the group wants to offer various health and wellness services throughout Waukee, such as partnering with a local organization to provide backpacks filled with food for children who may go hungry on the weekend. “We had the idea of doing a community garden, too, because even when you provide food in a backpack, it tends to be non-perishable items that don’t have the same nutrients as fresh produce,” she explained.

Many Optimist clubs also work to provide recreational opportunities, such as playing soccer, for children after school or in the summer.  “We want to give kids a chance to be part of a team,” said Mona.

While the executive positions at the Waukee Optimist Club are currently filled, it is welcoming new members. “In an Optimist Club, there’s a place for everyone to use their gifts and talents to encourage and uplift the youth of our community and find their niche,” said Reed.

The club has members ranging from young professionals to parents with school-aged children to those enjoying retirement. Mona said the time commitment is manageable as the group meets monthly and will plan for most projects on more

of a virtual, flexible cadence between meetings.

“We often find it to be true that ‘the busiest people get the most done.’ Those who have a heart for volunteering and making a difference generally find a way to make time and to prioritize that because they find it fulfilling and also enjoy working with others who share those values,” said Mona.

If you’re looking for different ways to get involved during the holiday season and beyond, the Waukee Optimist Club meets the third Monday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at Thomas Place, the senior living facility on SE Brick Drive. 

You can also visit facebook.com/WaukeeOptimist/ for more info on club activities or to send them a Facebook message. Additional information on Optimist International can be found at optimist.org. 

Waukee Community School District: Then, Now, & Beyond

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It’s hard to imagine a time, more than 100 years ago when the Waukee Community School District (WCSD) was a consolidation of four small, rural towns that transported neighborhood kids to school by horse and buggy.

Fast forward to 2019, and Waukee is the fastest-growing school district in the state, with a ninth elementary school welcoming students this fall, one more K-5 school on deck and construction underway for a second high school.

The district’s transformation since its formation in 1916 has been nothing short of monumental. We sat down with Amy Varcoe, WCSD’s Director of Communications, to discuss the evolution of the district—including where it started, how things look now and what the future holds.

Waukee in the Beginning: Small and Rural 

Waukee Community School District was formerly known as Waukee Consolidated District after a petition was signed on July 29, 1916 to merge the Walnut Center, Pleasant View, Floral Valley and Waukee Independent School Districts into the Waukee Consolidated School District. Areas of Boone and Van Meter were also included in the merger. The district was eventually named as we know it today but didn’t experience any significant growth until the late 1990’s, when the Des Moines metro began to expand further west.

The area’s growth from 1992-98 reflected a booming U.S. economy, which increased by an average of four percent with nearly 1.7 million new jobs created, an unemployment rate of four percent, and median household income up by 10 percent.

As a suburb of a growing city, Waukee had an influx of families. During the 1994-95 schoolyear, the WCSD had just three kindergarten teachers for 123 kindergarten students. In total, there were 29 elementary teachers for grades K-5, and 68 seniors graduated that year.

“In 1997, Waukee was still one of the smallest schools in the state,” said Varcoe.

But by the end of the decade, student enrollment numbers started to increase by 450 students annually—a trend that’s continued, and then some, 24 years later—catapulting Waukee to the seventh biggest school district in Iowa.

“My husband and I moved to Waukee in 2006,” said Varcoe.  “LA Grant Parkway was a gravel road back then. There were no other buildings, but we purposefully chose to live here because of the area’s reputation for good schools. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be up to 500-600 new students a year.”

The District Today

Against that backdrop, nearly 11,500 kids will be enrolled in Waukee schools this fall. Radiant Elementary on the west side of 170th Street in Urbandale near Meredith Drive is open for its first year, and construction is in progress for Northwest High School, scheduled to open in 2021.

Despite the extensive changes in the district, Varcoe has been impressed by the consistency in maintaining academic excellence.  “I think what I’m impressed by most is how they’ve kept up with the academic success. My kids will have experiences beyond anything I ever grew up with—work-based, project-based and real-world interactions using technology, etcetera. My kids are doing PowerPoint presentations and coding in elementary schools. These are the types of skills that will land them a job anywhere they go.”

Introducing New Leadership

The new leadership team includes Superintendent Brad Buck, Chief Operations Officer Kirk Johnson, Associate Superintendent Brady Fleming and Chief Financial Officer Sarah Kautz.

Buck is returning to Waukee after serving as the superintendent in the Cedar Rapids School District. He was associate superintendent as well as assistant superintendent for school improvement for the Waukee Community School District from 2006-11. Buck also was the director of the Iowa Department of Education and superintendent of the Saydel Community School District.

Varcoe said administrators participated in an all-staff back-to-school event in mid-August that was centered on connectedness, a theme echoed by Buck in recent media statements.

“Our focus was connecting with each other and staff, students and our community. As we grow, that’ll be so important, ensuring we have a pulse on what our students’ needs are, what staff needs are and what the community’s needs are.”

Diversifying

The number of new families setting down roots in the area also has increased the cultural diversity among students. Over the last 10 years, 90 percent of students enrolled were white or Caucasian. Varcoe said new data shows that number has dropped to 76 percent.

“Because our city is growing so much, we’re seeing more diversity among our student population as well. It’s amazing to have students from all backgrounds together. The district is starting to look like a closer representation of the many different cultures and ethnicities in America’s larger cities.”  

Real World Opportunities

Currently, the high graduation rate in the school district is 99 percent—number one in the state. Iowa’s average is 91 percent. Varcoe attributes the top scores to the teachers’ commitment to setting up students for success at an early age.

“Starting in elementary, our teachers do a great job of giving students one-on-one attention and delivering on academic indicators. Students are prepared when they walk through the high school’s doors on the first day. And once they’re there, there’s so much that’s available to them.”

Varcoe said through the high school’s advanced placement courses, some students are going to college with at least one year of credits, while others are coming in at a sophomore- or junior-year level.

She said employment and workforce shifts help dictate curriculum for the students, too. Unique to Waukee are programs like APEX, a collaboration between business partners and students that provides real-world experience for high schoolers—another reason why students are excelling.

“We have more than 500 business partners involved in the APEX program from industries like healthcare, business, architecture, accounting and more. Trade businesses also come to us that are willing to pay for students’ continued education to bolster their workforce. For a lot of kids, that’s very appealing. They won’t end up with $100,000 in debt from a four-year college and no job.”

What’s Ahead for WCSD

The most notable changes happening in the district in the coming years include the opening of a 10th elementary school located off Ute Avenue and Ashworth Road. The yet-to-be-named school will be comprised of students from Maple Grove, Waukee Elementary and Woodland Hills.  

Varcoe said the district also will need to add an 11th elementary school, along with another middle school within the next five years. “There’s still a lot to figure out. Do we need to reconfigure our current schools in the meantime, or just purchase the land and get going? The Waukee Middle School bubble is growing, and we need to be ready before it bursts,” she said.

Waukee school district’s enrollment team meets weekly to ensure they are ready.

“We work with a local company to keep an eye on what farmland is being sold, and what type of developments are going there. If it’s commercial, that gives us some time to wait to build,” she said.

Over the next 10 years, Varcoe said there’s potential for Waukee to be one of the three largest districts in Iowa, behind Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. “When you have 40 percent of your land undeveloped, that can be an indicator of growth and the sheer potential that’s possible.”

Preschool Programming

Varcoe said Waukee is now in the statewide four-year-old preschool program, but hasn’t had the capacity to expand the program in any of their buildings. However, the intent over the next three years is to do just that.

“Right now parents take their kids to an elementary school for preschool, but we need to get some of those preschool students their own facility,” explained Varcoe.  “We know we need it. We know it’s in high demand.”

Because preschools require special infrastructure, like tiny desks, chairs, toilets, etc., four-year-olds in the program are able to use kindergarten facilities. “Currently, there’s very limited space where we can put them, but many of our preschool classes will take place at Radiant next year,” said Varcoe.

Northwest High School

This fall, Northwest High School’s mascot and colors will be determined. WCSD administrators sent out a survey to area business leaders and families and will conduct focus groups with parents, community and staff members.

“That will help us narrow down the design options and color pallets, and since current sophomore, freshman and eighth-grade students will be the first class to go to school at the high school, they’ll be the first group we get feedback from, too,” explained Varcoe.

She also said administrators are doing everything they can to ensure an easy transition for students, especially the seniors leaving Waukee High School for Northwest for their final year. “In 2020, we’ll make a huge, fun year out of their last year together,” she said. “Homecoming is going to be awesome as the last of one high school.”

Varcoe said Cary Justmann, Waukee High School’s principal, is “very adamant he will keep everyone as together as possible.  He doesn’t want there to be an ‘us versus them’ division between the two high schools. He wants to ensure we’re getting everyone together as much as possible.”

Varcoe said there will be potential cross-sharing between high school classes and programs of interest for students, so they feel more connected. “To the best of our ability, we’ll better align our resources, so the schools don’t feel divided. Students at both schools will have the same opportunities and some of the sports teams will remain one, too, like our swim team.”

Varcoe said the district’s commitment for any growth moving forward is to ensure Waukee keeps a feeling of togetherness that extends to welcoming new families and opportunities. “Waukee is not big when it comes to the city. There’s a lot of land and a lot of students, but it still feels like a small community.”

Working For A Miracle

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In just a few years, children and adults who require special accommodations for outdoor play and leisure time will have access to an all-inclusive fishing pier, playground and adaptive ball field in Waukee. 

The $2.5 million project is being developed in partnership with the Waukee Betterment Foundation, Miracle League and City of Waukee. 

Matt Jermier, Waukee Parks and Recreation Director, said the department will oversee the operations and programming of these facilities. He anticipates The Miracle League of Waukee Ball Field and Play Area plus all-inclusive fishing pier will open by 2022 and that it will attract residents who live far beyond the city limits.

“We believe it will draw in families from around the Central Iowa region,” he explained.

The Miracle League baseball and softball field will have custom programs specifically for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.  It will also accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

According to the organization’s website, the program was created to be a space where athletes with special needs are treated similarly to other athletes. A buddy system is used during games. Each player is paired with an able-bodied peer, and “the result is a bond that cannot be described,” said Jermier.

Jermier hopes those connections are apparent on the accessible playground, as well. “The way many parks are set up makes it difficult for adults with disabilities to accompany their children or grandchildren,” he said.  “Typically, they have to watch from the sidewalk. This playground will give them the chance to bring their family members and have fun right alongside them.”

The ballpark and playground will be located next to Waukee Northwest High School—the school district’s second high school—and within the 80-acre Waukee Youth Sports Complex and Park.  Jermier said it will be strategically placed front and center in the complex and will include a customized rubber surface for the ball field and playground, sensory equipment, a picnic and shaded area, concession and restroom enhancements and more. 

Liz Mount, a special education teacher at Walnut Hills Elementary, said the playground will be a truly special place for her students and their families. “Parents with kids with disabilities want to have the same accessibility as every other family and enjoy a day at the park,” she said. “That’s not always possible when the playground isn’t accommodating to all kids, and I love the idea of having one nearby. A structure that serves kids in wheelchairs, kids who can’t walk up steps, those who need sensory play and kids without disabilities who are still developing—it’s all necessary, because play is crucial for everyone,” she explained.

Paul Bird, a special education teacher with two sons—Max, a sophomore with special needs at Waukee High School (where Bird teaches), and Mitchell, a sixth grader at Waukee Middle School—said the playground is a game-changer. “It will level the playing field,” he said. “When Max and Mitchell were younger, this type of facility would have given them the opportunity to play together on the same piece of equipment, and I wouldn’t have had to worry about which child was where, knowing they could both navigate the playground independently or together. We’re already a growing community, and it just makes Waukee even more attractive.”

In addition to the ballpark and playground, there will be an adaptive fishing pier that looks out on a 14-acre pond stocked with a variety of fish. Jermier said the pond will be used as a recreational area for kayaking, non-motorized boating and other activities. 

The design of the pier will include a feature that allows it to raise and lower depending on the water level. It will also have ample parking, guard rails and other features to allow residents with mobility issues to fish safely.

Board Members from the Waukee Betterment Foundation. From L to R: Matt Jermier, Rick Arnold, Rachel Scheve, Don Blum, Jim Miller, Michelle Renkin, Todd McDonald,
Amie Kuntz, Josh Fleming, Nile Hicks, and Tim Moerman.

Jim Miller, president of the Waukee Betterment Foundation, a local non-profit that led fundraising efforts for the pergola at the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead is spearheading fundraising with fellow board members for the Miracle League of Waukee Ballpark and Play Area.

With more than 1,000 children with special needs in the Dallas County area, Miller said a significant need exists for an all-inclusive park.  “Each Miracle League field has a capacity of about 250 children in the leagues,” he said. “Heartland AEA tells us there are 1,220 children currently enrolled in nearby schools with special needs of Level Two or Three.  That is the profile of children who use a Miracle League field.”

“Other Miracle League fields tell us they get kids traveling in from rural Iowa, so this will easily operate at capacity,” he continued.  “The city of West Des Moines does not intend to build a Miracle League field, so we will also see participants from that area.”

Mount has two students who participate in Miracle League and has found it to be just as beneficial for the families of the children as it is for the kids. “I believe the program has helped them build social skills and confidence. I think it’s also important for the families as they can be resources and support each other,” he explained.

Echoing Jermier’s hopes about the structures having a wide-reaching impact, Miller said, “This will be a destination for people to visit. Same with the fishing pier, it will draw people from a significant radius. The Miracle League games depend on volunteers, and we are hearing from many corporations that want to have their employees come out to help.  All of that creates economic growth for local businesses.”

Miller said he is most excited about the opportunity the park will create for the western metropolitan area. “It is such a needed addition to the whole area, not just Waukee. It will be a regional facility that will be top-quality and quite unique.  It will be something Dallas County can be very proud of,” he said.

Miller said fundraising efforts are just getting started, and they’re waiting to hear back from numerous potential donors. As of right now, the estimate for each amenity is $750,000 for the Miracle League ballpark and the all-inclusive fishing pier. The play area would cost around $1 million. 

The Waukee Betterment Foundation is accepting donations at waukeebetterment.org.  

Let’s Talk About Solar Energy

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In recent years, energy conservation and efficiency has become more and more of an emphasis for property owners—not just for business owners, but for eco-conscious residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Until recently, however, greener energy options weren’t always accessible or economical for the average homeowner. An upcoming Waukee program is aiming to change that.

The Solarize Waukee Initiative, which began in April, is a collaborative effort by the City of Waukee, The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, the Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Solarize Waukee is a group purchase program that will allow residential and commercial property owners to invest in rooftop solar installations for their homes and businesses, with potential savings on installation costs. The program will be available to individuals and businesses located within the boundaries of the Waukee School District, meaning that residents of Clive, Urbandale, and West Des Moines are eligible to participate as well. The program is administered by MREA at no cost to the community.

How It Began

Solarize Waukee is the latest in a growing number of group purchasing programs for residential and commercial solar. Towns and jurisdictions such as Milwaukee and the Champaign-Urbana metro area in Illinois have seen success with the group buy model. According to Patrick Snell, External Affairs Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy, the first such program in Iowa took place in Cedar Rapids and Linn County in the fall of 2017. A “huge success,” according to Snell, that program saw 105 participants install 611 kilowatts (kW)—$1.5 million worth—of solar power.

The key to the success of a group purchasing program, of course, is the competitive pricing available through such an initiative. Like a buyers’ club or a co-op, the more participants in the group, the lower the costs for everyone involved. In addition, the price has the potential to come down even more if or when certain benchmarks are met. Once the program participants collectively reach 50 kW of power purchased, everyone receives an additional reduction on the price of their own. According to Snell, an average residential solar installation comes in at roughly 5.1 kW; therefore, it would take roughly ten homes to reach 50 kW. An additional price reduction occurs at 100 kW, 200 kW, and 300 kW.

One important difference between previous programs and the Solarize Waukee Initiative is that previous programs were able to focus on expanding the market for solar power in communities where such a market already existed. Solarize Waukee, by contrast, is seeking to create and build the market for solar power, according to Snell. There are relatively few buildings in Waukee that currently have solar installed. The Nature Conservancy approached the City of Waukee regarding the initiative, hoping that recent solar installations by prominent businesses, such as Peoples Bank and the recently-opened Palm Theatres & IMAX, would spur interest from other businesses and residents, as well.

Businesses Are Reaping the Benefits of Solar

Peoples Bank, in fact, has solar power at not just one, but eight of their bank locations: Adel, Clive, Grand Junction, Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Ogden, Rippey and Waukee. They have also installed solar car chargers at their Clive, Waukee, and Adel locations for those with electric cars.

“We converted our power source from traditional electricity to solar power out of a sense for our environment and good stewardship of our resources,” said John Rigler III, President and Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. He added that the business has substantially reduced its energy bills since converting to solar power.

The brand-new Fridley Theatres location in Waukee has reaped similar benefits from installing solar power. According to Fridley Theatres’ Vice President, Russell Vannorsdel, the company had been “looking into solar options for a number of years.” The falling costs of equipment, as well as federal and state incentives, finally enabled the installation of solar power at the new Waukee location.

Most of the theater’s 66,000-square-foot roof is covered with solar panels. An additional solar structure was built to the south of the theater “for more production, but also for visibility,” said Vannorsdel. “We wanted the community to see our investment in renewable resources.”

The theater, like Peoples Bank, is already seeing good returns on their energy expenditure. In fact, says Vannorsdel, “on a sunny day, there are hours of over-production.”

How to Learn More

Interested in finding out whether you’d be a good candidate for solar power? Start by attending a Solar Power Hour, a dozen of which are scheduled between the beginning of April and the end of June. These free educational sessions are open to the public and designed to provide attendees with information on the basics of solar power, ways to tell if their site is suitable for solar and the potential financial ramifications for their properties.

Representatives from MREA will be on hand at each session to answer questions, and students who are participating in APEX will have the opportunity to help with promotion and deliver some of the presentations.

Residents and business owners will then be able to sign up to receive a free, no-obligation site assessment from 1 Source Solar, a solar energy contractor based in Ankeny that was selected as the installer for the initiative through a competitive request for proposals earlier this year. 1 Source Solar was also the installer for Peoples Bank, and “did a magnificent job,” according to Rigler.

Snell says that as “an education program that’s bringing people together,” the Solarize Waukee Initiative aims to demystify the financial and logistical challenges of installing solar power for homeowners and businesses and give them the information they need to “make an informed decision” about what’s right for their properties.  Interested area residents and business owners can visit solarizewaukee.com to fill out a sign-up form and elect to receive their free estimate, program updates and Solar Power Hour announcements.

The deadline to sign up to participate in Solarize Waukee is July 31, 2019.

If you’ve been interested in greener alternatives to electricity, but figured that solar wasn’t practical or realistic, swing by a Power Hour—you may be surprised!

Solar Power Hour Schedule

  • Saturday, 6/15/2019, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Waukee Library
  • Wednesday, 6/19/2019, 6:30  p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Waukee Innovation and Learning Center
  • Wednesday, 6/26/2019, 6:30  p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Waukee City Hall

Tech Teens

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The FIRST Tech Challenge Pathfinders

It’s a Friday evening, and we’re gathered in the basement of Owen Scott’s home. He’s one of eight members of the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Pathfinders, an award-winning robotics club in Waukee. (FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” and is the parent organization of robotics clubs across the nation.)

We’re there for their weekly meeting. Scott and his teammates—a nearly equal mix of boys and girls—are eighth and ninth graders in the district.

The kids are huddled together on the couch as their coach, Shannon Stone, mother to team member Kristen Stone, and mentor Bhooshan Karnik, father to team member Arya Karnik, watch the students respond to my list of questions.

In addition to Arya, Owen and Kristen, Sabarish Mogallapalli, Shriya Magatapalli, Sean Eastman, Katie Morrison and Ben Avilez make up the FTC Pathfinders.

Behind the couch, there’s a large matted area known as “the field.” It’s where they’re fine-tuning their robotics project for an upcoming competition in Sioux City.

The FTC Pathfinders—named after NASA’s Mars Voyager—are one of seven robotics teams in the district.

“There’s also the STEM Punks, Enginerds, WaukeeTaukee, System Overlords, Circuit Breakers and ICE,” the students chime in.

They walk me through a typical meeting.

First, they begin by reflecting. Each student shares what they accomplished at the last meeting, what they hope to accomplish at this meeting, barriers to reaching their goals and how they can help each other overcome those barriers.

Next, they divvy up duties. Some work on finance and others on the engineering notebook—a record of everything they do throughout the season, including team activities that occur both in and outside Owen’s basement.

And, of course, they work on their robot.

“Each year, we’re given tasks and awarded point values for completing them. We design part of the robot to complete those tasks,” says Kristen.

The students are given a FIRST manual to follow, and they’re awarded points for whatever tasks their robot is able to do from that manual. The theme this year is space. The students and I walk over to the field to watch the robot in action.

There’s a red and white lander in the middle of the field. It looks like a miniature version of something you might see in a space exhibition. The robot lifts and lowers itself on and off the lander. Two corners of the square field are taped off, acting as storage depots for the “minerals” scattered around. The other two corners act as craters. One of the robot’s tasks is to pick up the minerals from the crater and deposit them in specific spots on the lander.

Most team members got their start in an FLL (FIRST Lego League) geared toward fourth through eighth graders. The FTC teams are for students in seventh through twelfth grade.

During their first season together (2014- 15), there were just two members from the current team. Together, they advanced to the state competition. As others joined, the Pathfinders’ success continued.

One of their most notable projects is an app called “City Recycle Day,” created with input from MetroWest Authority. It lists important dates for taking out trash and recycling receptacles.

In the spring of 2016, the team entered the app in the Verizon App Challenge. They won “Best in State.” They then submitted it to the Congressional App Challenge. They won that, too, and presented the app to members of Congress at the United States Capitol.

This spring, they’re headed back to Washington D.C. after winning with their latest submission, “FastLane,” which notifies parents and students about district bus schedules and delays.

While there, they’ll present to state representatives and attend talks by tech giants and innovators like Amazon, Microsoft, Southwest and Boeing.

Both apps have a community focus—something incredibly important to the Pathfinders. Outside of their meetings, the students spend time networking with teachers, visiting elementary schools across the district and making connections with local businesses.

Out of curiosity, I ask the team which subjects they’re thinking about studying after graduation.

This seems like a group that might know. They answer without hesitation.

“Aeronautical engineering,” says one.

“Biomedical or chemical engineering,” says another.

“Medical research.”

“Software engineer.”

It is evident I am far from the smartest person in the room. I am impressed with how, at such a young age, these students have already found a career path they love. For many, it’s all they’ve known.

“STEM is my life,” says Karnik.

Like many in the group, both of his parents work in the field.

“All the people I look up to are in STEM,” says Katie. “That’s where everything is headed. There’s so much you can do in it.”

Stone adds, “There is a significant shortage of engineers. It’s really important we prepare ourselves for the future. We have to keep evolving with the world.”

It’s obvious that their coach, Shannon, is proud.

“The team is just a great bunch to be around. They amaze me. They face a lot of challenges, whether it be tech or otherwise, and they always keep a positive attitude and support each other. They keep marching forward,” she gushes.

Not only do the Pathfinders get to practice their STEM skills in robotics club, they also work on fundraising and acquiring sponsorships, public speaking and presentation skills.

“We’re in a lot of situations where we’re talking to people about our team or projects—from judges, business owners and kids. So, we learn confidence and how to improve our speaking skills. We also learn time management and how to prioritize doing multiple things and meeting deadlines,” says Arya.

They also learn about a concept called “gracious professionalism,” a hallmark of the many virtues FIRST promotes. It’s the idea that despite their competition, teams should collaborate, learn from one another and help each other whenever possible.

“It’s just like good sportsmanship, whether you win or lose, you’re respectful and kind to those around you. That gets returned to you later when others are willing to help out,” says Katie.

The students are regular visitors in the Waukee elementary schools, where they participate in interest groups to discuss the club with prospective team members. They say teachers are their best advocates for recruiting future FLL or FTC students.

For information on joining a robotics club, visit firstinspires.org or reach out to the Pathfinders at pathfinders13497@gmail.com or email Jeff Longman, Director of Community Education at Waukee Community School District, at jlongman@waukeeschools.org.


Growing with the Community: 20 Years of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce

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In 2019, the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 20 years of fostering growth, professional development, and connections within the community. The anniversary will be celebrated with a dinner and silent auction in February.

Since its inception in 1999, the chamber has added 290 members to its roster—beginning with 40 and now boasting 330. Members include area businesses and organizations of all sizes, as well as individuals with a passion for promoting growth and prosperity in the community.

Melinda Behn, President of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, said the organization provides its members with opportunities to network, enhance their financial growth, participate in professional development and contribute to a thriving community.

“The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce connects members to hundreds of companies throughout our region,” said Behn. “When a company joins the chamber, all employees gain access to our network of businesses and professionals from the area and Central Iowa region—through the Greater Des Moines Partnership.”

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce also offers members opportunities to develop business relationships and referrals, attend events such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and provide access to career and volunteer opportunities.

Members also can enhance their impact and presence in the community by attending meetings and events, sponsoring chamber events and joining and/or leading a committee.

Along with Behn’s leadership, the chamber is governed by a board of directors—business members from the community. Behn said each board member chairs a committee that, in collaboration with chamber committee members, is responsible for carrying out the chamber’s priorities.

The association’s committees include:

Membership: This group supports existing and new businesses. The committee hosts new membership welcome breakfasts twice a year and distributes the Waukee Chamber Monday Business Report—a newsletter with information about chamber happenings.

Community Development: This committee organizes and promotes the chamber’s annual dinner, as well as What’s Cookin’ in Waukee, the golf outing and Waukee Fall Harvest. It also coordinates the chamber’s participation in community-wide events such as Itty-Bitty Olympics at Celebrate Waukee.

Scholarship: A one-time annual scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Waukee High School who plans to attend an Iowa institution following graduation. This committee focuses on creating awareness of the scholarship and selecting the recipient.

Waukee YP: Waukee Young Professionals (Waukee YP) is a new committee that connects and provides growth opportunities for young professionals who work or live in the Waukee area.

Government Affairs: This committee serves as the legislative voice of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce membership. This committee stays up-to-date on legislative issues affecting businesses, participates in regional public policy meetings and events, and hosts election year forums. In the near future, the Waukee Chamber will partner with the metro’s west-side affiliate chambers to talk about the upcoming legislative session.

Economic Development: This committee organized the Sixth Annual Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour in September at Brick Towne at Kettlestone, off University. The tour showcased Waukee’s growing community by highlighting new development projects—such as the Holmes Murphy building off Grand Prairie Parkway and The Palms Theatre and IMAX venue off NE Westgate Drive.

Ambassadors: These are active members who help facilitate networking among members.

Paul Kerkhoff, owner of Kerkhoff Chiropractic, said the chamber has grown to be recognized as a premier professional business organization with ties that reach across the nation. “This involvement reaches international corporations as well as our state and national legislature. Being part of this organization brings our ideals and interests together for even greater opportunities for our future and generations to follow,” said Kerkhoff.

Don Frazer, owner of Heartland Co-op and a three-year chamber board member, said being a member has positively impacted his business. “The contact with other local business leaders has opened up additional opportunities,” he said. “The chamber has been an important part of the explosion of new businesses in Waukee, and growth is good for everyone.”

Both Frazer and Behn said one of the chamber’s biggest recent accomplishments is finding a new space for the organization to reside. Located at 208 W. Hickman Road in Waukee, the chamber has called their current location home for nearly two years. “The Board invested a significant amount of time in helping to locate the space, negotiate the lease and assist with the build out. We are truly fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our chamber who care about the future of Waukee,” said Behn.

The 2019 Waukee Chamber Annual Dinner and Silent Auction will provide a summary of 2018 accomplishments, a look at the year ahead, an introduction of the 2019 Board of Directors and recognition of the 2018 Member and Ambassador of the Year.  The event will be held Feb. 21 from 5:00 – 9:30 p.m. at the Sheraton in West Des Moines.

For more information about the Chamber, visit https://www.waukeechamber.com.

 

Wauk-Eats! New Waukee Restaurant Guide

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With the constant construction and expansion going on in Waukee, it’s no surprise that a slew of new restaurants have popped up on this side of town.  This past year saw a host of dining locations open their doors, providing a variety of new options for hungry residents. Here are a few new additions from the past year and a look at things to come!

Smoothie King

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier and get more fit, Smoothie King is here to help you reach your goal.  With a stated vision of being an integral part of every health and fitness journey, Smoothie King’s offerings are designed to help you power through a workout, lose weight or unwind.  The franchise, which began in 1989, has grown to over 800 locations worldwide, and the Waukee location opened this past year on the corner of University Avenue and SE Alice’s Road.

Smoothie King offers four different categories of smoothies: Fitness Blends, Slim Blends, Wellness Blends, and Take a Break Blends. All smoothies, regardless of category, are formulated and blended using the franchise’s “cleaner blending” philosophy, with an emphasis on more whole fruits and vegetables and fewer artificial additives. There’s no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors or preservatives in any of Smoothie King’s selections, and there’s no added sugar in more than 50 of their menu options. With a full roster of Kids’ Blends also available, the entire family can find something they like.

Customers can also add various enhancers to their smoothies. Enhancers include a “Super Grains” blend with essential amino acids, an “Immune Support” offering with additional vitamins and minerals, and a “Probiotic” option to support digestion and gut health.

For menu options and hours of operation, visit smoothieking.com.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

If your smoothie from Smoothie King hasn’t quite filled you up, head north just up Alice’s Road and grab a sandwich at Which Wich. This sandwich chain opened a location in Waukee this past year. From a Greek gyro to a Vietnamese cuisine-inspired banh mi sandwich, their menu spans a wide range of influences.

Their Signature Favorites include everything from the classic Philly Cheesesteak, to a Superfood Wich (featuring a vegan black bean patty and quinoa on a spinach tortilla) to a Brunchwich that includes rotisserie-roasted beef and lamb gyro slices and a sunny-side-up egg.  Which Wich’s proprietary Wicked sandwich comes loaded with turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni and bacon—the customer then chooses three cheeses to add, along with any additional toppings.

Customers can also build their own sandwiches or choose a salad or wrap instead.  With a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options also available, Which Wich caters to those with dietary restrictions as well. Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at whichwich.com.

Central Standard Burgers

Central Standard, which opened on University Avenue in July of 2018, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to General Manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Among the dozen or so burger options on the menu are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (pork belly and jalapeño), and various mac and cheese selections.  In addition to their non-traditional burgers, the restaurant is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes.

So if you’re in the market for a burger (and a shake) with a twist, give Central Standard a try.  Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at centralstandardburgers.com.  

R Taco

The “R” in R Taco comes from founder Rusty Fenton, who opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas in 2010.  The Tex-Mex chain arrived on University Avenue in West Des Moines earlier this year. R Taco’s specialty, as one might imagine, is authentic, Mexican street-style tacos, handmade and offered on corn or flour tortillas. With a wide variety of fillings available—BBQ brisket, Baja shrimp, fried chicken, and black beans, to name just a few—there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

R Taco also offers a selection of breakfast tacos, served all day.  If you like a margarita with your tacos (always a delicious idea), the Rusty Margaritas—“always made with fresh lime juice and cheap tequila,” per their website—have you covered.

So if, like Fenton, your motto is, “Tacos are the most important meal of the day,” R Taco is your kind of place.  Check out their menu and hours of operation online at rustytaco.com.

Rosati’s Pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza arrived in Waukee this past November with the opening of Rosati’s Pizza on SE Alice’s Road.  Rosati’s, the first of which opened in Chicago in 1964, focuses on traditional, authentic Italian dishes made from Rosati family recipes that have been passed down through five generations of the family.

Their calling card, of course, is their Classic Chicago Pizza. “With a deep crust cradling the freshest ingredients in town, our deep dish sets the bar very high,” says Jeff Fournier, General Manager at the Waukee location.

Veggies are cut, mozzarella is shredded, dough is made and meats are prepped fresh every day at Rosati’s, says Fournier. This guarantees the quality of the final product.

If Chicago deep dish isn’t quite your speed, no big deal.  Rosati’s has an abundance of menu options, ranging from pastas, sandwiches (like their popular Italian beef), desserts and a variety of side dishes.  The location is “not just a pizza place, but a full Italian restaurant,” according to Fournier.

Rosati’s also features a full catering menu and can deliver anywhere in the Des Moines metro area.  So the next time you have a craving for pizza—particularly if a thin, flatbread pizza just isn’t going to cut it—give Rosati’s a shot! Find their menu and hours of operation online at rosatispizza.com.

Coming Soon

The slew of fast-casual favorites arriving in Waukee isn’t set to slow down anytime soon.  Culver’s, B-Bop’s, and IHOP are all scheduled to open locations in 2019, providing even more dining options for residents.  Keep an eye out for these in the coming year!

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