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Rotary Club Uses Funds from WaukeePalooza to Give Back

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

WaukeePalooza has encountered some challenges over the years. The event was rained out in only its second year, and like many other events, it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. But this year, with restrictions easing and many activities resuming, WaukeePalooza is back and better than ever.

Formerly known as the Bar-B-Kee Bash—a barbeque competition, followed by a concert in the evening—the event has undergone a rebrand, according to Devin Boyer, Director of Fund Development for the Waukee Rotary Club and WaukeePalooza Chair. “We rebranded to be more connected with Waukee,” he explained. “We wanted to keep it simple and find a family-friendly event that could bring people together.” 

WaukeePalooza is the major annual fundraiser for Waukee’s Rotary Club, and all proceeds from the event “go right back into the Waukee community,” said Boyer. However, WaukeePalooza is far from the only way the organization is involved in the Waukee community. The club is part of Rotary International, a non-profit worldwide organization that focuses on service to others and promoting goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business and community leaders. Members join together to learn, grow and make their communities better places to live.

Since its founding in 1998, the Waukee Rotary Club has raised and invested over $400,000, both locally and internationally. The club provides scholarships for students in the Waukee School District each year, said PR Chair Keegan Wilkening, in addition to an annual coat drive for disadvantaged students. It also supports local nonprofits, such as the Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry, and community projects, such as a planned butterfly garden for residents to enjoy. Whether it’s packing meals with Meals From the Heartland, hosting a bags tournament for derecho relief, purchasing 1,000 face masks for medical workers in Africa, or coordinating a sock drive for the Dallas County Community Closet, Waukee’s Rotarians find ways to give back, even during challenging times. 

WaukeePalooza will help the Rotary Club continue those efforts. With a focus on fun for the entire family, the fundraising event will feature food trucks on site, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be activities for kids.

Originally, the plan for WaukeePalooza was to spotlight youth bands and showcase young, amateur talent. “It was our original plan to have youth acts perform from noon to 6 p.m., with Big Time Grain Company [this year’s headlining act] coming on at 7 p.m.,” said Boyer. However, according to Wilkening, over the last year, music programs and music teachers haven’t had the opportunity to get together. So organizers pivoted. “We’re looking at more of a musical festival feel, starting around 4 p.m.,” said Boyer. Details are still being confirmed, but organizers are “very close” to announcing the opening act for WaukeePalooza, said Boyer, with the possibility of one or two amateur performers hitting the stage first to kick things off.

Attendees will then be in for a treat when Big Time Grain Company, one of the fastest-rising country bands in the Midwest, takes the stage as the headliner. The band has opened for artists like Travis Tritt, Dan & Shay, Big & Rich, and Luke Combs, and they were the only act to perform in front of 800,000 people at the Kansas City Royals World Series Celebration Rally. “They’re going to provide a great show,” said Boyer. “Given that country music is very popular here, we thought they’d be a good fit.” 

Boyer notes that in a recent interview with WHO Radio, the band commented that Iowa has always been a part of their success. “Over half their shows will be in Iowa this year,” he said. “They’ve found a connection here.” The band itself echoed the sentiment: “Iowa is Big Time, and we always feel like we are with family in Iowa. We are absolutely excited for WaukeePalooza!”

You can catch Big Time Grain Company at WaukeePalooza on Saturday, August 28, in Waukee’s Centennial Park. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and can be ordered through the event website at waukeepalooza.com. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event for an additional $5 apiece, said Wilkening. Make sure to check out the WaukeePalooza event page on Facebook for more information.

“It’s going to be a fun event,” said Boyer. “It’ll bring together the community at a time when people want to get together.”

If you’re interested in joining the Waukee Rotary Club, Boyer says to reach out to board members through the club’s website at waukeerotary.org. You’ll be invited to attend a weekly meeting—held every Thursday morning at Des Moines Golf and Country Club—as a guest. “You can come a few times to see if you want to join,” he said. You can also find a new member application on the club’s website if you’d like to formally apply. “We’re always open to new members,” said Boyer. “Come and see what we’re all about!” 

Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Events, Family, Features, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, Waukee

Waukee Trails: Connecting Neighborhoods and Providing Recreation

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Summertime is prime time for Waukee’s 23 miles of trails (and growing). That’s nearly one mile of paved trail for every 1,000 Waukee residents! City officials invest in trails and greenways in an effort to make it easier for residents to travel by foot or bike in their own neighborhoods and beyond, fostering a greater sense of community. 

“Our trail system grows as the community grows,” said Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier. “As the City Council invests in widening and improving major Waukee corridors, they also invest in trails that run adjacent to these main streets. Developers are also responsible for adding neighborhood trails.”

Sugar Creek Trail

In terms of new City trails, the Kettlestone Greenway Improvements Phase 2 project is currently under construction. Caliber Concrete, LLC is actively building the approximately one-mile-long trail, which will connect the Kettlestone Commons Ponds/Holmes Murphy area through the Grand Prairie Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Kettleview Development. The trail will also connect these areas through the Westown Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Grant Park neighborhoods. Expanding the trails will help keep up with the high demand for outdoor recreation.

“The number of cyclists and runners on the trails is mind-blowing some days,” said runner Bruce Huckfeldt. He would know, as he’s a regular on Waukee’s trails.

Heart of Warrior Trail

“I’ve been a runner for around 10 years now. There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature,” said Huckfeldt. “I think the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is the best around. It’s always well maintained, and the quality of the pavement is top notch. I’m currently training for Ironman Des Moines, so I’ve logged a good majority of my running and biking miles on the RRVT this year.”

Huckfeldt brings his American flag along while running. He’s known to some people as “the flag runner,” and he said he appreciates the honks and waves from passersby. He often runs to raise money for charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Dallas County Community Closet and others. He said he’s grateful to be able to give back and also for the convenience of Waukee’s trails.

“Between working two jobs, balancing family and chauffeuring my children to their activities, I have to squeeze in time for my training and charity initiatives whenever I can,” said Huckfeldt. “People in other communities may have to drive 20, 30 minutes, or even an hour to find a good trail, but Waukee’s trails are only a few minutes away, so excuses aren’t even an option for me.”

Whether training for an Ironman, or just getting outdoors with the family, Waukee has several trail options, including the Heart of the Warrior Trail, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the Sugar Creek Trail and the Kettlestone Trails.

Waukee Park Board Member and avid cyclist Ethan Owens said he hits the trails with his family or friends a few times a week to get in his physical activity and also for the social aspect. 

“As our daughters get older, we use the trails more and more. We even rode up to Dallas Center and back for ice cream,” said Owens. “It’s one way our family chooses to spend quality time together.”

Trails connect neighborhoods and even provide business opportunities. Owens said he frequents many trailside or trail-adjacent destinations, including Mickey’s Irish Pub (a hot spot for cyclists), the new Kinship Brewing Company along the RRVT, and others.

In 2022, Owens and his family will have one more stop to add to their itinerary.

“The addition of the Triumph Park trails will continue to make Waukee a great place to live,” said Owens. When it opens in 2022, three miles of trails will connect cyclists in the 66-acre Triumph Park, with underpasses installed for easier accessibility. 

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy states that trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible places to bike, walk, hike, jog, skate or ski. In doing so, they make it easier for people to engage in physical activity.

Invite your friends, your kids, your dog or whomever you want to join you on one of Waukee’s trails today! For a trails map and more information, visit Waukee.org/trails.

Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Community Spotlight, Family, Features, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, Waukee

Take the library with you this summer!

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

By Sam Bedford

Are you going on a vacation this summer? Don’t forget to take the library with you! The Waukee Public Library has just what you need to keep yourself and your family entertained! Stop in to get a few movies and TV shows, then grab some books, audio books and magazines. Call our Dial-a-Story line at (515) 981-7800 to hear a pre-recorded children’s book during your travels, too!

If you find yourself needing another book or magazine on the road, check out our online library available free of charge to our cardholders anywhere, anytime.

LIBBY for downloadable e-books and audiobooks – Waukee resident card holders have access to our entire Overdrive e-book and audiobook collection. The Libby app is the easiest way to get started with digital books and audiobooks. Download the Libby app today!

FLIPSTER for downloadable magazines – Download your favorite magazines from a variety of publishers and read them anytime, anywhere. Download the Flipster app today!

CREATIVEBUG for art and craft videos – Access hundreds of free, self-paced classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Learn new skills while nurturing your creativity this summer with CreativeBug!

BOOKFLIX and TUMBLEBOOKS for kids – Bookflix brings eBooks to life through animated stories. It has over 120 animated books filled with adventure, music and interactive games. Tumblebooks allows your kids to safely browse and read books by their favorite authors. All books are instantly available, with no need to place a hold or check them out!

Visit waukeepubliclibrary.org/online-library to check out our Online Library today!

To find out more about the Waukee Public Library go to waukeepubliclibrary.org or contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944

July Events:

Online Afternoon Book Club
Thursday, July 1 | 2:30 PM
Just because the Library’s meeting spaces are currently closed doesn’t mean our book club can’t still carry on! Join the Afternoon Book Club as they meet for discussion online.

Online Maker Mondays
Elementary: July 5, 12, 19, 26 | 9 AM
Teen: July 12, 19, 26 | 12 PM
Every Monday, join us for special STEAM activities for students in grades 1-12. July videos will include animal-themed activities that you can do at home!

Storytime Online
Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 | 9 AM
We’ll be sharing a new online storytime for you to enjoy at home with your little ones every week. Each storytime will include a book reading, songs and a suggested activity you can do together!

Online Cupcake Decorating Class for Adults
Thursday, July 8 | 6 PM
Learn to decorate cupcakes like a pro! In this online class, Holly from Crème Cupcake will demonstrate four “Tails & Tales” themed cupcake designs. Those registered for this class will get to pick up a Crème Cupcake Kit from the Library containing four unfrosted cupcakes and all the decorating bags, tips and frosting needed to follow along with the video and create the designs at home! Registration is required for this event.

Crazy Cat People Party
Saturday, July 10 | 1 PM
Saturday, July 24 | 1 PM
Love cats? Purrfect! Come hang out with fellow kitty enthusiasts at Coffee Cats in Valley Junction for an afternoon of cat-tastic fun! During your free one-hour session in their cat lounge, you’ll get to play, cuddle and relax with the adorable cats that are all adoptable from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. You’ll also receive a free 12 or 16 oz. drink from the Coffee Cats’ menu to enjoy during your stay. Registration is required for each individual session, with a limit of eight people per session to maintain social distancing and capacity limitations.

Virtual Author Visit: Remy Lai
Tuesday, July 13 | 1 PM
Join Remy Lai, author of the 2021 Kids All Iowa Reads title “Pie in the Sky” for an hour of conversation. If you’ve read the book or if you just want to hear Remy talk about her work, join us for half an hour of conversation between the author and a moderator followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience. This statewide program is provided by the Iowa Center for the Book. Registration is required.

Yoga with Cats
Saturday, July 17 | 8 AM\
Wednesday, July 21 | 7 PM
Saturday, July 31 | 8 AM
It’s the purrfect time to perfect your cat pose! Join Brittny, certified with YogaBody, as she leads a free yoga class at Coffee Cats in Valley Junction. Adoptable cats from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa will join in the class. Registration is required for each individual session, with a limit of six people per class to maintain social distancing.

Dog Days of Summer: DIY Pet Products
Saturday, July 17 | 1 PM
Learn how to make a few simple pet products at home with Ann Staudt of Siberian Soap Co. in this online step-by-step DIY class. Ann will teach you how to make an Herbal De-Stinking Spray, Herbal Dog Toothpaste, and K9 Ice Cream. The first 30 registered attendees will receive a swag bag with a handcrafted Siberian Soap Co. Divine Canine herbal shampoo bar and an instruction/supply list for making the pet products demonstrated. Registration is required for this event.

Virtual Books on Tap
Tuesday, July 20 | 6 PM
Books on Tap continues to meet online while the library’s meeting rooms are currently closed. Remember to bring your book, your thoughts, and your own beverages to this month’s Virtual Books on Tap!

August Events:

Bonus Bingo Begins
Monday, August 2
Did you miss the fun of the Summer Reading Challenge? Stop by the library and get a Bonus Bingo sheet to turn in for an extra prize by August 22! All ages are welcome to participate. No registration required.

Virtual Author Visit: Randy Ribay
Monday, August 2 | 5 PM
Join Randy Ribay, author of the 2021 Teen All Iowa Reads title “Patron Saints of Nothing” for an hour of conversation. If you’ve read the book or if you just want to hear Randy talk about his work, join us for half an hour of conversation between the author and a moderator followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience. This statewide program is provided by the Iowa Center for the Book. Registration is required.

Storytime Online
Wednesdays, August 4, 11, 18 | 9 AM
We’ll be sharing a new online storytime for you to enjoy at home with your little ones three times in August. Each storytime will include a book reading, songs and a suggested activity you can do together!

Online Afternoon Book Club
Thursday, August 5 | 2:30 PM
Just because the library’s meeting spaces are currently closed doesn’t mean our book club can’t still carry on! Join the Afternoon Book Club as they meet for discussion online.

Getting Into Your Dream College
Saturday, August 7 | 11 AM
Monday, August 16 | 5 PM
Whether you want to increase your confidence in tackling the college admissions process or just want to get a better sense of what the process looks like, we’re here to help. The Princeton Review will host two free webinars to help you learn how to better navigate the process of applying to college and increase your chances of getting in to your dream school. We’ll cover timelines for applications, how to choose your schools, and financial aid. This webinar is recommended for junior and senior high school students and the adults in their lives. Registration is required for each event.

Needle Felted Rainbow Narwhal for Adults
Saturday, August 7 | 1 PM
Discover the pure magic of needle felting! In this online class, led by freelance crafter Katie Leporte, you’ll make an adorable, one-of-a-kind felt rainbow narwhal. No patterns, no sewing, and no prior experience needed. We’ll supply those on the registration list with a Supply Kit. Registration is required for this event.

Online Maker Mondays
Elementary: August 9, 16 | 9 AM
Join us for special STEAM activities for students in grades 1-5 this August. This month’s videos will include ocean-themed activities that you can do at home!

Virtual Books on Tap
Tuesday, August 17 | 2:30 PM
Books on Tap continues to meet online while the library’s meeting rooms are currently closed. Remember to bring your book, your thoughts, and your own beverages to this month’s Virtual Books on Tap!

Bizarre History of Iowa
Saturday, August 21 | 1 PM
Take a trip back in time with researcher Chad Lewis as he showcases over 100 bizarre newspaper stories from Iowa that have not been seen in over 100 years. These unbelievable stories were not lost, they were simply hidden. This online presentation takes you back to the early days of the state when it was filled with strange deaths, ghosts, sea serpents, peculiar people, medical anomalies, oddities, psychic phenomena and UFOs. This program will change the way you view the good ol’ days of Iowa!

20th Century Broadway
Saturday, August 28 | 1 PM
Love Broadway musicals? Who doesn’t? In this online music biography, Tim Tracy, music historian and performer, will trace the roots of American Broadway musicals from revue shows and the Golden Age, all the way to modern musicals—performing musical numbers you know and love.

Filed Under: Activities, Family, From the Library, Lifestyles, My City, My Library

An Exciting Year Ahead: The Opening of Northwest High School | Kristen Chavez, WCSD Communications

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

The start of the 2021-2022 school year is right around the corner, and the Waukee Community School District is excited about the opening of Northwest High School. From the planning and architectural design to the groundbreaking, hiring of staff, and all of the construction—countless individuals and groups have played a part in bringing this project to completion and making Northwest High School a reality.

Students and staff are anxious to come together in August for the unique opportunity of being the first group to teach, work, and attend classes at Northwest High School. As a district and as a community, we are excited about our continued growth and the increased opportunities that lie ahead for all students of the Waukee Community School District.

There will be a Northwest High School dedication community event in August at the stadium featuring building tours, a ribbon-cutting, and words from district and building leadership. Stay tuned for more details!

DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0062.JPG

Northwest High School
655 NW 10th Street
Waukee, IA 50263

Dr. Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi, Building Principal
fbishararantisi@waukeeschools.org

Nick Ross, Associate Principal
nross@waukeeschools.org

Christie Pitts, Assistant Principal
cpitts@waukeeschools.org

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Family, Lifestyles, My City, School District, Waukee

May 3, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Summertime in Waukee is shaping up to be another one full of fun in the sun, exciting annual events, family activities and more! Residents and visitors of all ages can find something entertaining and enriching in Waukee this summer. Here are a few highlights. Be sure to mark your calendars, and check waukee.org/summertime over the next few months for updates and more information.

Summer Reading Challenge 2021

Registration starts May 1
waukeepubliclibrary.org 

The Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2021 with a fun “Tails & Tales” theme! Find out what’s special about the animals that roam the lands, soar through the air and swim in the oceans. And, children, teens and adults can read or listen to books and earn prizes from June 1-July 31. Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, events will be held entirely online. 

Waukee Farmers Market

Wednesdays from June 2-Sept. 29 • 4-7 p.m.
Downtown Triangle, Ashworth Drive & 6th Street
waukeedowntown.com

Presented by the Waukee Triangle Businesses, the Farmers Market is held in the Downtown Triangle every Wednesday evening during the summer and features local food vendors, fresh produce, handmade items and live music.

Movies in the Park

June 4, July 3 & Aug. 13
Centennial Park
Dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.)
waukee.org/moviesinthepark

Join Waukee Parks & Recreation and NCMIC for free screenings of Hollywood’s biggest hits under the stars at Centennial Park! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The three great films on deck for summer 2021 are:

Friday, June 4: “Aladdin” (PG)

Saturday, July 3: “Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13)

Friday, Aug. 13: “Black Panther” (PG-13)

Fish Waukee

Saturday, June 5 • 9-11 a.m.
Kettlestone Commons Ponds, 2727 Grand Prairie Parkway
Waukee.org/registration

The Rotary Club of Waukee, the Waukee Parks & Recreation Department and Iowa State University Extension & Outreach of Dallas County are hosting a fishing event using the Fish Iowa! curriculum. Participants in K-6th grades will learn key fishing skills such as baiting, casting, reeling and fish and wildlife ethics through rotating stations. “Free fishing” areas will be available for children and adults of all ages. The event is free; however, the youth workshops do require advance registration.

Bacoon Ride

Saturday, June 19
bacoonride.com

Like to ride bicycles? Like bacon? Like the Raccoon River Valley Trail? Put it all together and you have the Baccoon Ride. Enjoy a 71-mile bike ride on the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail featuring bacon-related specialty foods along the way. This ride supports the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Waukee’s Celebration of Independence

July 2-4
Centennial Park
Waukee.org/july 

Each year, Waukee hosts a celebration of our nation’s independence. This year, it’s expanding to three days! Here’s the line-up:

Friday, July 2

  • Carnival
  • Adult trivia/entertainment
  • Food trucks

Saturday, July 3 

  • Adult coed sand volleyball tournament
  • Carnival and vendors
  • Movies in the Park: “Jumanji: The Next Level”

Sunday, July 4 

  • Parade (new route!)
  • Carnival and vendors
  • Adult bags tournament
  • Des Moines skydivers
  • Live music: AfterShock
  • Fireworks

Discount carnival tickets will be available for purchase June 1-30. Visit Waukee.org/july for event times, carnival ticket information and other details.

Waukee Arts Festival

Friday, July 16 from 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Centennial Park
waukeeartsfestival.org 

The Waukee Area Arts Council and Stivers Ford Lincoln present the popular Waukee Arts Festival. It will kick off Friday evening with live music from Bonnie Finken and opener Not Quite Brothers. Saturday, enjoy Decoy in concert with opener Dickie. The event also features dozens of local and regional artists, a student art exhibit, food vendors, kids’ activities and a beverage garden. 

Battle of the ‘Burbs

Saturday, Aug. 7 • 9 a.m.
NCMIC, 14001 University Ave. in Clive
ncmicgroup.com/summerbreeze

The rematch is on! Run the Battle of the ‘Burbs 5K or 10K on Saturday, Aug. 7. Choose the ‘burb you will represent while running (Waukee, obviously). NCMIC passes along 100 percent of the registration fees to the Waukee Betterment Foundation. And, the community with the most runners wins bragging rights! There’s also a Kids Fun Run. 

Waukee Public Safety Day

Tuesday, Aug. 3 • 5-8 p.m.
Public Safety Day, 1300 SE L.A. Grant Parkway
Waukee.org/publicsafetyday

The Waukee Police and Fire Departments will join forces again for a modified version of Waukee’s Public Safety Day. The details of this year’s event are still being determined. Check waukee.org/publicsafetyday for updates. 

Waukee Palooza Music Festival

Saturday, Aug. 28 • Noon-10 p.m.
Centennial Park
waukeepalooza.com

The Rotary Club of Waukee is hosting its annual musical event in Centennial Park. Previously known as the “Bar-B-Kee Bash,” this event has rebranded to focus on fun for the whole family! Enjoy metro area youth music groups and solo acts, food and beverage vendors, and kids’ activities. One of the Midwest’s fastest-rising country bands—Big Time Grain Company—will headline the event in the evening. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event.

https://mywaukee.com/4879-2/

Filed Under: Activities, Art & Scenery, City of Waukee, Events, Family, Features, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, PinPoints of Interest, Waukee

From Then to Now, A Common Thread:

May 3, 2021 by Darby Brincks

By: Kristin Chavez, WCSD

There’s a common theme when talking to students, staff, and the surrounding community about Waukee Community School District—the importance of people and connection.

Even amidst the growth we’ve experienced over the last several decades, one thing we’ve been able to maintain is a sense of connectedness with all of our stakeholders. As we move forward into this next chapter of continued growth, it’s important to look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.

Past: Where We’ve Been


When talking to those who have been around since the early days, we can see that much of what we still experience as foundational, key components of the district were present even in the beginning.

Susan Hope, Instructional Coach at Waukee Middle School, began teaching at Waukee in 1986 as one of three 5th grade teachers for the district, when K-8 were all in one building, which is now the Vince Meyer Learning Center.

“When I came to Waukee, there was a reputation of excellence, progressiveness and pride,” said Hope. “I was honored to be a part of Waukee early in my career and continue to be proud to this day. The way our school and community have continued to work together and support one another over the years doesn’t happen everywhere. We’re so blessed. We need one another to achieve excellence.”

“There have been many crossroads,” said school board member and WCSD alumni Mary Scheve. “Moving to neighborhood schools, and now opening up a new high school. I’ve been amazed at how well it’s gone, with all the change and growth.”

The school-community connection is a key part of the district’s growth and continued progress, and it’s something that has always been foundational for Waukee.

“We’re still trying to be the best Waukee we can be,” said Scheve. “We have to progress to be the best, to give people and kids the best opportunity.”

Present: Where We Are


As the seventh-largest and fastest-growing school district in the state, with over 1,600 staff members and 11,900 students, we have much to celebrate, including our athletics, academic achievements, and increased student enrollment. We’ve certainly come a long way from the beginning, while still holding on to what makes us Waukee.

Ali Locker, Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, has been with the district for the last 12 years. She started as a teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and has been in her current role since 2015. When reflecting on the last few years and where we are today, one thing that stands out to her is the importance of people and human connection.

“I’ve seen so many things stay true to the integrity and values that we’ve always had, including our value of human capital,” she explained.  “People are the most important resource to making this district great—staff, students, administrators, families and community members. Every single day, letting people know how valuable they are. Honoring relationships and connection, above all. I love that as we continue to grow, we hold onto those values and pair them with a mindset of innovation and novelty.”

As we continue on the path forward, the threads of connection between staff, students and our community continue to be very important. They’re authentic and real, and so they remain, even amidst the growth.

Waukee High School senior Braden Menz has been part of the district throughout his school career, and to him, the community-school connection is unlike any other, and it plays an essential role in the student experience.

“It’s amazing to think about the things students can do here to prepare them for the future,” said Menz.  “Waukee has exemplified what it can look like to set students up for greater things in the future. We have such a tight-knit community, and it’s a neat thing to think about considering how big we are. The district and community have done a great job to stay close. It’s really second to none.”

Future: Where We’re Headed


As we move into the next chapter of growth and progress, we will remain committed to the sense of connectedness with our students, staff and community. Looking back at our history allows us to see how our connection and value for one another has made this journey possible, while looking forward allows us to see the ways in which connection will play a part in our growth and continued student success.

“The most important strategy in maintaining connection is focusing on individual students and their needs, even as we have grown,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck.

One of the most significant changes in our path forward is the addition of a second high school. While we’re excited about the additional opportunities this will create for our students, we’re also committed to our continued connectedness, and a transition to something even more powerful—belonging.

“The work associated with belonging is part of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” said Dr. Buck. “We envision a future in which all of our students feel a sense of belonging, where the diversity of our student body is considered a strength, and where we appreciate one another for what we bring to the table—without a pressure to conform in order to belong.”

Even as we evolve and grow, the foundational pieces that make us Waukee will continue to unify and bring us together. A focus on people—our students, our staff, and our community—will continue to be at the root of what we believe.

“It will be exciting to see the traditions that remain as we move forward, and to see what new traditions begin to distinguish the high school pathways from one another,” said Dr. Buck. “But through it all, we’ll still be one Waukee, with a focus on meeting the individual needs of our students. In all of this work, we’re guided by a vision—inspiring learners who feel valued, challenged and prepared to embrace tomorrow’s opportunities.”

With all of the growth, transition and progress, one thing has been and always will be a foundational piece of who we are—connection. We will continue to put each other first on this path forward, creating the best opportunities for our students, staff and community.

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, School District, Waukee

A Cut Above: Old Station Craft Meats

May 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Many of us found ourselves cooking at home more often as a consequence of spending more time there during the pandemic. Whether it’s trying out new recipes, or just throwing meat and veggies on the grill, cooking more of our own meals has become not just a necessity for many of us, but a real source of enjoyment. And Old Station Craft Meats, located on the historic Downtown Triangle in Waukee, aims to contribute to the success—and tastiness—of your next barbecue.

Old Station co-owner Nick Lenters comes by his passion for meat honestly. Born and raised on a third-generation farm in Sioux Center, Iowa, where his brother (and fellow co-owner) Adam still lives and raises cattle, the brothers were exposed to the meat industry from a young age. “We’ve always gotten all of our meat directly from the farm. It’s the way we grew up,” said Lenters. “You bought a whole animal directly from the farmer and put it in the freezer.”

As adults, the brothers began buying and owning cows together as a hobby, and a few years ago, they began to entertain the idea of opening their own butcher shop. After throwing the idea out to family and friends, it was Lenters’ dad who finally “pushed me off the fence,” he explained.

His dad challenged him to reach out to people in the butcher industry—at least one person in the following two weeks. Predictably, that person referred Lenters to another person, and so on, until Lenters had eventually accumulated a “network of people who kind of filled in all the gaps for me,” he said. Inspired by whole animal butcheries in the Denver area—places “that kind of hailed back to the old, traditional butcher shop,” according to Lenters—the brothers began to move in that direction themselves.

When it came time to find space to house their venture, Lenters, who’s lived in Waukee for 18 years, says his community stood out. The brothers looked at other areas in the metro and different demographics, but Waukee’s progressive community made it a good choice. “We figured if this concept was going to work, it would work in a place like Waukee,” he said.

Initially looking for space to rent, the brothers stumbled across a building for sale at 450 6th Street that seemed to be the perfect fit. “I like the building because it’s a 100-year-old building, and we’re doing a business that’s kind of a lost craft,” he said. “The building fits really well for what we’re doing now.”

Despite the onset of the pandemic, the brothers pushed forward with their plans to open. “My dad asked me, ‘Are you still moving forward with this?’” said Lenters, referring to the timing. His response?  “Yes, we are.”  True to their word, Old Station Craft Meats opened this past December.

The shop focuses on whole animal butchery, a butcher experience more akin to how things were done 100 years ago than the experience you’d get at a big box store today. “A long time ago, when most communities had their own butcher, they’d bring in a live animal or a carcass to that butcher, and the butcher would break down the animal and sell it,” explained Lenters. “Whole animal butchery means that when I bring in a lamb, I get a whole lamb carcass. It doesn’t have organs or the hide anymore, but it still looks like a lamb.”

Butchers at Old Station then break down the carcass. “You’ll see us processing the whole animal” if you stop in, said Lenters. “We’re taking it down to the component parts.”  

While Old Station does still bring in some boxed meat, the shop focuses on whole, single-sourced animals where possible. “When you go to the grocery store and buy ground beef, it could be from multiple animals. Our ground beef is all from a single cow,” said Lenters.

 Old Station partners with local producers and processors to source their meat, enabling them to “support local lockers and give them a fair price, based on the quality of their product,” said Lenters. All of Old Station’s meat—beef, pork, and lamb—comes from Iowa, and as close to Des Moines as possible, with the exception of poultry, which is difficult to source locally, according to Lenters.

Proper feeding programs and humane animal care also factor into the raising of the meat. For example, pork and poultry, specifically, are antibiotic-free.

Their whole animal philosophy extends to the sale of the meat as well. “We try to use the whole animal. We try to market the whole animal and celebrate the life of the animal,” explained Lenters. Old Station doesn’t just sell animal meat, but organs as well, including liver, heart, tongue and even the bones. “Sometimes we’ve made our own bone broth and sold that, and our own beef tallow,” said Lenters.

The most important aspect of their business, he said, is the transparency involved throughout the process of getting the meat from the farmer who raised it to the customer who’s purchasing it—something that’s become increasingly important to consumers over the last few years. “We know all of the people involved—I talk to all of them on a regular basis,” said Lenters. Want to know the provenance of the pig whose meat will make up tonight’s pulled pork sliders?  “I can give you the address of where the animal came from, and you can go talk to the farmer,” he explained.

Those relationships with farmers enable the staff at Old Station to better advise their customers on not only product quality, but the production process itself. Grass-fed meat, for example, will taste different from grain-fed meat. “What you feed your animals can determine how they taste,” said Lenters. “If you’re looking for a more health-conscious product, grass-fed may be the way to go. However, the trade-off is in flavor. I can explain that to the consumer.”

That background knowledge can push customers to try new things. Lenters cites lamb as an example, noting that most lamb in restaurants or big box stores comes from New Zealand or Australia, where its diet contains significant roughage and makes for a much gamier flavor than lamb raised here. “The lamb we sell, people are surprised at how similar it is to ground beef,” said Lenters.

Old Station can not only provide you with the meat for your grill, but with the actual grill itself—a product of Lenters’ past frustration with having to visit multiple locations to buy different components for the grilling experience. “I wondered, ‘Why is all this stuff not just in the same store?’” he said. In addition to being a Big Green Egg dealer, Old Station also sells charcoal and smoking wood, as well as locally-sourced beer and wine. They also look to cross-market with other local businesses whenever they can. For example, Old Station’s beer brats are made with beer from Barn Town Brewing, just a couple miles away. “We’re always looking to lift up other local businesses,” he said.

What’s next at Old Station?  “We’re very near going into goats,” said Lenters, adding that goat meat may be tested out this summer. “It’s very difficult to find high-quality goat meat, but based on our diverse population, I believe goat meat can be very successful here.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Lenters said that Old Station’s whole animal focus insulates it in large part from the meat shortages many grocery stores faced months ago. “If we were to have another pandemic, I can continue to get beef,” he said. “I’m processing it myself. I’m not dependent on big processing plants.”  

Pandemic or not, Old Station Craft Meats’ dedication to providing high-quality, locally-sourced meat—and supporting local producers in the process—sets it apart. Lenters notes that customers are “paying to support the local economy, and also paying for improved land stewardship. When you support small, local producers, they want to continue to have their farm be productive, so they’re taking care of the land and the animals.” 

That level of care translates to the customer experience at Old Station, as well. “We try to make it an experience for you when you come in,” said Lenters. “We really want to engage every one of our customers and help them with their selection. I want them to think, ‘Wow, I learned something today,’ or ‘I’ve got a new idea about what I want to eat or how I want to prepare it.’”

Above all, Lenters said he wants every customer to walk away satisfied. “I like the customer engagement piece of it. That’s where I find my pride—when people say they had a great experience.”

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Features, Food, My City, PinPoints of Interest, Waukee

Waukee Chamber Annual Meeting & Silent Auction

March 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce 2021Annual Meeting was held virtually on Thursday, Feb. 18. Our guests enjoyed Zoom networking, presentations from Chamber leadership, award recognition and keynote speakers Beth Shelton and Jacob Repp.

The Chamber presented the following awards, recognizing members making a significant contribution in business and community involvement: Citizen of the Year – Reggie Bell; Member of the Year – Waukee Area Christian Services; and Volunteer of the Year – Gina Campos. Outgoing Board recognition included Blake Brown, Sam Huey, Gary Wiedenfeld and Ray Meister. A gavel plaque was presented to 2020 Board Chair, Bob Baumgart.

Thanks to all sponsors, members and community residents who helped us celebrate! We truly appreciate our Waukee Chamber Community Development Committee, Board of Directors, staff, intern and volunteers who helped with the auction and annual meeting details!

Citizen of the Year | Reggie Bell
Volunteer of the Year | Gina Campos
Member of the Year | Waukee Area Christian Services | Melissa Stimple

Waukee Legislative Coffee
The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Waukee State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott and State Representative Kenan Judge to speak with Waukee residents, Chamber members and guests at the Waukee Legislative Coffee via Zoom on Saturday, March 6 at 9:00 a.m. An update will be provided about what is happening at the state level and guests will have the opportunity to ask questions. The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization, and is hosting this event as a service to our members and the community.

Waukee Chamber Save-the-Dates

June 17: Annual Golf Outing

Sept 9: Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour

Nov 7-13: Waukee Restaurant Week – To Go!

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses, organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy.

www.waukeechamber.com

Filed Under: Business, City of Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce, Waukee Chamber

Your Voice Matters: Waukee’s Work with Equity

March 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Your voice matters. At Waukee Community School District, staff, students and families come together to make this a reality and help further the important work around equity.

Background & Development
What started in 2019 as a group of teachers discussing equity and the importance of student voice has grown into the Student Equity Team, made up of staff, administration, students and families. The team met in the summer of 2020 to listen and learn with one another, and to engage with different voices around

the topics of diversity, equity and identity. Out of these important and ongoing conversations, the district’s Equity Standards were born.

The Waukee Equity Standards are a set of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes divided into four domains: identity, diversity, justice and action. The standards provide a common language and organizational structure to reduce prejudice and advocate collective action. In today’s world, these are essential skills and lifelong pursuits for all humans.

Teachers will use the standards to guide classroom discussions and learning opportunities, making our schools more equitable. The standards are modified from the “Learning for Justice” Social Justice standards, and they’re designed to be integrated into any K-12 classroom across the district, despite the content area or grade level, and not tied only to humanities or social sciences.

Incorporating the Work
There are several pieces to implementing the Equity Standards throughout our district’s K-12 classrooms, and one of those pieces is staff learning. Much of the district-level professional development for our teaching staff during the 2020-2021 school year has been focused on equity and how to incorporate the equity standards into content and core curriculum.

During the December professional development session, teachers heard from guest speaker Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, a Black Muslim educator and Associate Professor of Language and Literacy at Georgia State University. Dr. Muhammad wrote the book “Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy.”

Dr. Muhammad spoke to teachers about practical approaches to incorporating equity into student learning. Part of this practical approach includes helping students to see themselves within their learning by using real-world examples that are relevant and relatable, such as music, art, poetry and entertainment from present-day popular culture.

Another piece to implementing the Waukee Equity Standards is engaging with student and community voices. Dr. Lindsay Law, WCSD Director of Student Equity, has been involved in initiating many of these conversations and opportunities to engage with students and families through virtual roundtables where teachers, administrators and families are invited into discussions to listen and learn together. These conversations, and many more like them, continue to lead us forward on this equity journey.

The Path Forward
Around the district, we see many examples of teachers, leaders and students engaging in the important conversations and learning that lead to growth and progress with equity. When asked about future goals and the path forward, Dr. Law said this work is an ongoing pursuit—one that leads to understanding, acceptance and a culture of dignity and belonging.

“We look at these standards as not having an endpoint, not something we would measure,” said Dr. Law. “Dr. Muhammad talks about how we approach these standards as life-long pursuits, as skills we will develop for life. It’s an active part of how we approach student learning. If we honor students as individuals and support the development of healthy identities, we are contributing to the social-emotional well-being of our students. These humanizing practices co-create a culture of belonging and togetherness in our schools and community.”

Waukee Community School District is committed to providing an equitable education for all students. We believe students should feel and be welcomed, connected and supported in our schools and community.

Your voice matters in our collective movement toward equity, anti-racism and building inclusive environments.

Filed Under: Lifestyles, My City, School District, Waukee

Warrior Lane Improvements

March 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

In 2021, the City will work on Warrior Lane improvements to remedy traffic congestion at the five-way stop. Upgrades in the Warrior Lane area began in 2020 with a complete makeover of the Waukee Public Library’s stormwater management system, parking lot and driveways. This spring and summer, construction will take place on Warrior Lane from the library to SE Marshall Drive.

“The five-way intersection does experience delays and backups, particularly during school drop-off and dismissal times,” said Waukee Assistant Public Works Director of Engineering Sara Kappos. “Growth within the school district and new development in surrounding areas have added to traffic congestion. The construction of a roundabout will make this intersection more efficient by eliminating one leg of the intersection as well as the need for traffic to stop when it isn’t necessary.”

That’s right—a roundabout. It’s a feature that has been known to draw some opposition. However, a lot of studies, engineering and planning were factored into this decision.

“More than a decade ago, the City began purchasing adjacent homes as they became available in preparation for future improvements to South Warrior Lane. Our team began studying the five-way intersection and South Warrior Lane in late 2018,” said Shive-Hattery Civil Engineer Nate Hardisty. “We collected traffic counts and patterns and produced traffic simulation models from the data. Different improvements options were tested and compared with the selected one-lane roundabout, proving it to be safer and more efficient.”

“Yes, Waukee drivers are used to stop signs and traffic signals,” said Hardisty, “but this particular roundabout should make for an easy transition as there is only one lane in any given direction. Drivers will not have to navigate the roundabout with vehicles directly next to them.” 

It’s also set up to be safer for pedestrians than a typical stop sign- or traffic signal-controlled intersection. “For pedestrians crossing an intersection with a traffic signal, they must cross at least one traffic lane in each direction in addition to turn lanes,” said Hardisty. “The typical crossing of a signalized intersection by a pedestrian is four to five times longer with more potential vehicle conflict points than that of this roundabout.”

Federal Highway Administration studies and others show a large reduction of crashes, particularly injury-related crashes, at roundabouts. “With these improvements in place, pedestrians will cross only one lane of traffic at a time before reaching a landing zone, meaning they only need to watch for vehicles coming from one direction at a time,” added Kappos.

What to Expect in Upcoming Months

To create the roundabout, Northview Drive will be disconnected from the existing Warrior Lane and Ashworth Drive intersection and will be connected to Ashworth Drive 300 feet to the west. This will help keep through traffic off residential Northview Drive.

The five-way stop intersection will close completely following the end of the Waukee Community School District academic year. The new project is anticipated to be completed before school begins in the fall of 2021. Updates regarding news about partial spring closures will be shared on the City’s website and other news resources.

As early as March, Warrior Lane will close from the south side of the five-way intersection to Waukee Middle School. The Bel Aire Drive/Warrior Lane intersection will also close during that time. The Waukee Middle School driveways will not be impacted; however, traffic will need to approach the school from the south and depart by heading south, as well. Detour and alert signs will be posted.

Construction costs are approximately $3.2 million. The project is funded in part by $1.7 million in grants from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Visit waukee.org/projectupdates to follow construction updates on this and all City of Waukee public improvement projects.

Filed Under: City of Waukee, Family, Lifestyles, My City, Waukee

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