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City of Waukee Update {September / October 2017}

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In the Books: Another Great Summer for Waukee Public Library

Summer Reading Was a Huge Success

The Waukee Public Library teems with summertime activities. From our popular summer reading program to our special events and guests, there’s always something for everyone.

This year was no different. The summer reading program helps children retain their reading skills even when school’s not in session. This year’s program drew a record number of participants. Over 2,300 people of all ages took part in the summer reading challenge, which gives kids the opportunity to win prizes for reading. That’s up from 2,000 last year—an increase of 13 percent. The library gave out 2,000 books for kids to add to their home libraries, as well as hundreds of other prizes.

“We’re ecstatic about the turnout for our programs this summer,” said Kristine Larson, Waukee Public Library director. “It really shows that community members are interested in reading and learning.”

Each special event this summer centered around the summer reading theme, “Build a Better World.” Science, technology, engineering and math were at the core of the events, which included everything from “Greek Mythology Star Lab” to “Bee Bots Coding,” an introduction to robot coding for kindergarten through second graders.

Other successful events included Friday morning programs, which featured the Science Center, Blank Park Zoo, Jester Puppets, a magic show, stories in the park, and an Iowa favorite—butter carving. The library ended the summer with a solar eclipse viewing program on August 21.

Overall, over 4,000 people attended these programs. That is a 33 percent increase from 3,000 attendees last summer.

The Summer Reading Program was sponsored by the Waukee Fareway as part of a generous partnership.

Our Wandering Library Brings the Library to You

The library has also introduced its Wandering Library, a fully functional library on wheels that allows you to check out books and sign up for library cards. It’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot and even carries sidewalk chalk, crafts and bubbles.

The Wandering Library allows the library to reach out directly to residents. With it, the library attended the Fourth of July parade, Waukee Arts Festival, the Park Play events, storytimes, and even Warrior Lanes Bowling Alley. “We’ve had a great time meeting new residents and showing off the library bike to many inquisitive children,” said library director Larson.

Big Things Are Still to Come

This fall, the library will introduce even more new ways to get involved. For example, the first Roll & Read event will take place Saturday, September 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. For this event, parents with children under the age of five are invited to bring their wagons, skates and strollers to Fox Creek Park. There will be a special walk around the park trail, followed by the opportunity to register kids for the library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program.

Special guests will be reading stories, and community businesses will be handing out information and prizes at the finish line.

“Reading to your kids is incredibly important,” said youth services librarian Keri Weston-Stoll. “We think this event will help families with young children connect with one another and share their love of reading.”

Other exciting things happening this fall include a refresh to the children’s section, with all new paint, carpeting and activities, and a partnership with the Waukee School District. The library will share updates on these projects as more information becomes available.

Check out the Waukee Public library Facebook page to stay aware of updates, including the Wandering Library bike and other programs!

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

Faces of Waukee: Brian Hunziker

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Spencer and spent summers in Okoboji, where we still oftentimes go on vacation.

Tell us about your family.

My dad is a family practice doctor in Spencer and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. My sister, Nikki Kennedy, is an elementary teacher at Shuler Elementary in Waukee and was a teacher at Waukee Elementary before that. Her husband is a medical sales senior rep. My brother lives in Orange County, California and owns a computer sales company and his wife is the founder and owner of JuJuBe, a diaper bag company. My wife is a dental hygienist but is currently a stay-at-home mom. We have three children—twin boys, Jackson and Nile, who are two and a half, and a daughter, Brielle, who is seven months old.

Where did you go to school?

I completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Iowa. (I’m a diehard Iowa Hawkeye fan). I attended medical school at Des Moines University and residency at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

What do you do for a living?

As a podiatrist, I treat all conditions involving the foot and/or ankle, conservatively when possible, and surgically if needed. A good list of conditions treated and treatment options can be found on the practice website at fusionfootandankleclinic.com.

Some of us tend to be reactive rather than proactive in regards to our health. As a medical professional, what advice or early warning signs can you share that our readers may consider before seeking medical assistance?

If you’re having a medical condition involving your foot or ankle that’s affecting your daily life, it would be wise to set up an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist. A number of treatment options are available for conditions of the foot and ankle, and treatment must be individualized for each person, depending on factors such as the person’s age and activity level. At Fusion Foot and Ankle, we’re generally able to accept walk-in appointments, especially for more emergent conditions such as traumatic fractures or other injuries.

Faces of Waukee: Shelly Hughes

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm near New Hampton, Iowa. I loved every minute of it and most of my family is still there. I think the values and work ethic you gain when you grow up in a rural community become an integral and invaluable part of who you are.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Brian and I have been married for 16 years and we have two boys—Ben is 13 and Asher is 9. We share our household with a cat, a Yorkie and a Mini Bernedoodle.

What do you do for a living?

Since we’ve had the boys, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Brian and I decided early on that we would adjust our lifestyle however necessary in order for me to be home with the boys. Two years ago, I started my own photography business. I really enjoy getting to know different people and families through 123, Eyes On Me Photography.

What made you want to volunteer your time and become part of the Waukee city council?

We specifically chose Waukee as the place we wanted to settle down and raise our boys. Once I realized the impact the city council had on our daily life, I knew I wanted to be a part of those decisions. I wanted to be part of the discussion, planning and process of how our city grows and operates. I want it to continue to be the premiere, quality, safe community we were seeking when we moved here.

For you personally, what makes Waukee so special?

The people! That includes the ones who have been here forever, the ones who just moved here—everyone. We all want our town to be a safe, beautiful place. I know the landscape has changed dramatically, but it really comes down to relationships, and those haven’t changed. I can still run into everyone I know at the grocery store, or a school function or the park. Those relationships are crucial to keeping a community special.

Great Programs at the Library

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By Leah White

The Waukee Public Library is proud to offer a variety of programs and classes for all ages this fall!

LOCAL HISTORY SERIES

Have you attended one of our year-long Local History Series programs yet? In partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society, the Waukee Public Library is offering unique history presentations on a variety of topics.

Finding Your Roots: A Beginner’s Guide
Sunday, Sept. 10; 1 p.m.
Presented by Theresa Liewer from the Iowa Genealogical Society
This class covers organizing your information, how to research, and where to go for genealogy information. Attendees are encouraged to bring birth and death dates, and locations of their ancestors so we can try to locate more information about them.

Bonnie & Clyde Shootout in Dexfield Park
Sunday, Oct. 1; 1 p.m.
Presented by Rod Stanley
Relive the biggest shoot-out in Dallas County history. In July of 1933, Bonnie and Clyde, with the notorious Barrow Gang, were found at the old Dexfield Amusement Park outside Dexter. With some gang members captured and another mortally wounded, this is the fascinating story of the Iowa connection to this famous duo.

Superior Popcorn Company of Waukee
Sunday, Oct. 8; 1 p.m.
Presented by Rod Stanley
The popcorn industry has a history in Dallas County, including that of a wholesale popcorn business in Waukee. In the 1930s, the Superior Popcorn Company was established. In 1941, a popcorn plant was built in Waukee, and the wholesale popcorn business was developed.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Kids in the Kitchen
Thursday, Sept. 14; 6-6:45 p.m.
K-3rd graders are invited to join Iowa State Extension Outreach staff to learn about kitchen safety, food groups and to make and taste a recipe. Registration is required at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

Movie Matinee: Going in Style
Thursday, Sept. 14; 10 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. All movies are free and popcorn and lemonade will be available. No registration is required.

Roll & Read
Saturday, Sept. 16; 9-11 a.m.
Bring your wagons, skates, and strollers to Fox Creek Park for Roll & Read. Parents and children ages 0-5 years are invited to participate in a special walk around the park trail, followed by the opportunity to register kiddos for the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Special guests will be reading stories at certain stops along the trail, and community businesses serving families with young children will hand out information and small prizes at the finish line.
Participants are welcome to park in the lot at Grant Ragan Elementary School.
No registration is required for this event.
*In case of stormy weather, special storytimes will be held at the library instead, beginning at 9:15 and 10:15 am.

Adventures in Iowa’s Culinary History
Tuesday, Sept. 26; 6:30 p.m.
What comes to mind when you think of Iowa food? During her fun, interactive program, Iowa author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby serves up fascinating tidbits and cooking tips related to more than 150 years of Iowa cuisine and ethnic food traditions. She will share stories that include Pella’s famous Dutch letters, Iowa’s classic breaded pork tenderloins, church dinners, the historic Younkers Tea Room, Laura Ingalls Wilder and more. Signed copies of Darcy’s book “A Culinary History of Iowa and Dallas County” will be available. No registration required.

STEAM Sensation & Perception
Various dates and times throughout September through October – check our online calendar
Be amazed as we explore how the brain interprets all the sensations we experience on a daily basis, including sight, touch and hearing. Through a series of fun demonstrations and optical illusions, learn about blind spots, afterimages, color vision, and proprioception (the sense of body perception and movement). Registration is required at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

OCTOBER EVENTS

Fall Crafts
Saturday, Oct. 7; 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Get ready for a creative hour of crafting! Spend an hour letting your creative juices flow and make cute fall crafts. Recommended for students in grades K-5. Parents of younger students are encouraged to remain in the program to assist as needed. Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

Movie Matinee: Wonder Woman
Thursday, Oct. 12; 10 a.m.
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the library’s big screen. We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. All movies are free and popcorn and lemonade will be available. No registration is required.

Fall Book Sale
Friday, Oct. 20; 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21; 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Are you ready for the the Waukee Public Library Friends Foundation Fall Semi-Annual Book Sale? Become a Friends Foundation member to shop the Members Only Sale on Friday and get first dibs. Not a member? You can join before you shop. There will be great deals on used books, magazines, movies and more!

Home Brew Basics
Tuesday, Oct. 24; 6 p.m.
Members of the Iowa Brewers Union will share tips and tricks for making your own beer at home. They’ll discuss the basic brewing process and share an equipment checklist you will need to get started. Attendees can taste small samples and will be entered into a drawing for a Beer Crazy gift card and home brewing books. No registration is required.

Not So Scary Storytime
Tuesday, Oct. 31; 6 p.m.
Families are invited to wear their costumes to the library for a special Halloween storytime and craft. Don’t worry, the books won’t be too spooky! Registration is required and will open three weeks before the event at waukeelibrary.eventbrite.com.

Waukee Chamber Update {September / October 2017}

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Meet Your 2017 School Board Candidates

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2017 Waukee School Board Election Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the Prairieview Theatre Arts Building, located at 665 SE University Avenue in Waukee. Please register online, using the link on our events calendar. We hope to see you there!

Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee will host the 5th Annual Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. The tour will begin and end at Mickey’s Irish Pub, and a reception will be held there following the tour. This event is open to the public and will highlight community information, business, school and residential development. There is no cost to attend, but seats on the tour are limited, so please register online, using the link on our events calendar.

Waukee Chamber’s New Office

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce’s new office will be located at 208 Hickman in Waukee beginning this November. The Chamber’s new space will be directly behind the current office, next to Allstate Insurance and Skinner Paschke Law Office. Our builder will complete the 1600-sq. ft. remodel this fall. All members will be invited to visit the new space once the move is complete.

New Area Businesses

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed 40 new members this year and celebrated local grand openings with 23 of those businesses. We look forward to celebrating many more ribbon-cutting ceremonies and business anniversaries over the next few months. Please check our online calendar at waukeechamber.com and join us as we help our new business owners feel welcome in Waukee!

For more information on any of these events, please contact the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce at 515-978-7115 or info@waukeechamber.com.

Waukee Community Leaders

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Waukee’s population has more than tripled in the past 17 years as droves of new residents put down roots in the western Des Moines suburb. Affordable housing prices, a highly rated school district, family-friendly neighborhoods and a growing recreation and dining scene are just a few of the reasons so many call Waukee home.

As the city continues to grow, so does the need for individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing quality of life and addressing community needs through volunteerism and civic engagement.

Many residents donate their time to volunteer organizations while maintaining full-time positions elsewhere. Local organizational causes range from economic growth and leadership development to arts and culture and opportunities for fellowship.

As housing developments keep sprouting and new residents move in, we asked four of Waukee’s community leaders to share a little about themselves and the organizations for which they volunteer. Whether you’ve been thinking about ways to get involved with your community or just familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings, here are four Waukee leaders and organizations you should know.

Kirk Johnson
President of the Waukee Leadership Institute

Kirk Johnson is the former principal of Waukee High School and current associate superintendent of the Waukee Community School District, a role he moved into in 2016. Some of his responsibilities as an associate superintendent include advocating for students and staff throughout the district as well as collaborating with staff on plans for Waukee’s second high school.

Johnson also serves on a number of boards and in elected positions, including president of the Waukee Leadership Institute. He was a member of the Waukee Leadership Institute Class of 2012 and was elected vice president in 2016 before becoming president.

Johnson wanted to get involved with the Waukee Leadership Institute because he was inspired by its mission and vision.

“My ultimate goal is to serve others, and our community and school system have worked together on a number of projects for the betterment of our students and staff,” he said.

The Waukee Leadership Institute promotes effective leadership through an instructional informational forum that enables members to learn, grow and lead. It has a class of 15-20 community activists and business people that meet monthly. Typically, each class also works with volunteers throughout the community, and together, they develop and work on a project that aims to better Waukee.

Waukee Leadership Institute is currently filling its roster for the Class of 2018. It’s looking for leadership development ideas, ways to create community experiences, and individuals to work with class members. For more information, visit waukeeleadership.org.

Outside of his civic engagements, Johnson and his wife Nicole stay busy with their four children’s after-school activities. When he does have free time, he enjoys running, biking and golfing.

Cody Kilgore
President of the Waukee Area Arts Council

Cody Kilgore, a Kansas City native, is a professional photographer who has lived in the Waukee area for about 13 years.

Kilgore first became involved with the Waukee Area Arts Council three years ago. He had set up a booth at one of the council’s events at the downtown triangle, and several board members he met there invited him to get involved.

The Waukee Area Arts Council has several main goals, according to Kilgore: “Inject a little art into area life, support and encourage the young artists coming out of our schools, and grow the art scene to be a vibrant part of the community.”

The organization has a small board, so most duties of the organization are shared among the team. “Much of our time nowadays is focused on our annual Waukee Arts Festival, because it’s been our most successful event and best accomplishes the goals of the group,” he said.

This past July marked the festival’s third year, attracting 75 artists, four food vendors, 10 musical acts and around 3,000 attendees. The Centennial Park festival is free to the public.

For more information on the Waukee Area Arts Council, visit waukeearts.org.

Kilgore and his family reside in rural Waukee. He and his wife Jenn have two daughters—one is a senior at Waukee High School and the other is a senior at Iowa State University.

Kilgore’s business, Blackcap Photography, focuses mostly on wedding photography. The Kilgore family also has a small organic farm, Clarion Sage, which hosts a community-supported agriculture program.

Erna Morain
Assistant Governor of Rotary International

While she’s originally from the Netherlands, Erna Morain has lived in the Des Moines metro area for many years. She and her husband Steve have lived in Waukee since 2004.

Morain didn’t waste any time getting involved with community organizations. In the year she arrived, she began volunteering with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and the Waukee Rotary Club. She’s also been involved with the board of the Waukee Leadership Institute, Waukee Economic Development Corp. and, most recently, the Waukee Betterment Foundation.

It was at the Waukee Leadership Institute where Morain was asked to join the Waukee Rotary Club. “I attended and graduated from the inaugural class and was asked by a fellow classmate, the former Chamber of Commerce director, to join Rotary,” she explained.

The Rotary Club is both a local and global nonprofit that participates in projects with the goal of making life better for others. One of its greatest successes has been leading the fight to eradicate polio worldwide. There are clubs in almost every country, with global membership of around 1.3 million.

Morain has been the local club president, is currently an assistant governor and will be a Governor of District 6000, which encompasses the southern half of Iowa. When she assumes that title, she will be responsible for guiding and coordinating 66 Rotary Clubs and will take on some additional responsibility with Rotary International.

Morain said the group meets every Thursday at 6:45 a.m. at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club for “breakfast, fun, fellowship and service.”

“We’re always looking for anyone who would like to help make a difference. Our nearly 70 members are men and women from all walks of life who enjoy community and having a great time.”

To learn more, visit waukeerotary.com

Don Frazer
Waukee Chamber of Commerce Board Chair

Don Frazer joined the Waukee Chamber of Commerce in 2011 as a way to meet new people in the community. He became a board member in 2016 and chairman in 2017.

As board chair, Frazer leads monthly board meetings and works closely with Melinda Behn, their President and CEO, to plan and execute events. He also represents the Waukee Chamber as a member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership Leadership Council.

Chamber activities include serving its membership base—businesses, individuals and non-profits—by providing communication, networking opportunities and involvement in community events.

Some of those events include its annual dinner, “What’s Cookin’ in Waukee,” its annual golf outing, State of the City Luncheon, Waukee Teacher Appreciation and the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour.

Waukee residents can get involved with the Chamber through any of the six committees, which are always open to new volunteers.

For more information, visit waukeechamber.com.

Don and his wife Dianne have lived in Waukee for about five years. His daughter Shae teaches at Woodland Hills Elementary School, and their son Will is a chef in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Outside of his civic engagements, Frazer has spent most of his career in community banking. He’s currently the Director of Credit for Heartland Co-op and Heartland Credit Company, LLC.

Baer Ag Supply, Inc. – The End of a Historic Legacy

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In 1946, Leo Francis Garland and his son, Francis E. “Pat” Garland, purchased the property at 6th Street and Hickman and built their own company—LF Garland and Son Grain Company. Leo’s son-in-law, Joe Wiltgen, later became a partner as well.

The families’ children and grandchildren spent a lot of time both working and playing at the grain elevator. They delivered water, coal and other merchandise around town, and when there wasn’t work to be done, they’d join other neighborhood kids behind the elevator to play baseball, wiffle ball or football, or in the wintertime, to play in the snow.

“Half the town would be down there,” says Chuck Garland. “In the winter, elevator snow would be piled high and all us kids would build tunnels and slide.”

Meanwhile, in the 1960s, Lewis Baer started a fertilizer and chemical plant on the north side of Hickman (where Shottenkirk Chevrolet sits today). The plant, called Baer Ag Supply, offered custom spraying, as well as the sales and storage of fertilizer, lime, chemicals and seed.

As the company expanded, Baer took on several partners—Al Scholes, Jay Hoskinson and Bob McIlrath—yet remained the majority stockholder. McIlrath came on board in 1973, when Baer purchased Dexter Fertilizer, a liquid fertilizer and chemical business located in Dexter.

In 1976, Baer Ag Supply’s expansion continued with the purchase of LF Garland and Son’s elevator across from them on Hickman. The grain elevator operated under the name Waukee Grain and Feed until 1983, when it was changed to Baer Ag Supply, Inc., to tie all of the operations together.

In 1978, grain storage and drying capacity were added. In 1982, the company also added a new central office and scales. During peak times, Baer Ag Supply employed 21 full-time employees at the Waukee and Dexter locations, as well as additional part-time seasonal employees.

Baer and his partners expanded their service territory to include as far south as Cummings, north to Ankeny and past Dexter to Stuart. In 1997, Heartland Co-op acquired Baer Ag Supply’s grain elevator facility on the south side of Hickman and the fertilizer plant in Dexter, and then leased the fertilizer and chemical plant on the north side of Hickman.

After the widening of Highway 6 (Hickman Road) to four lanes, the remaining fertilizer and chemical facilities on the north side were eventually sold to Doug Telke in 2001, who used it for general storage, as well as lawn mower sales and operations. He eventually sold the property to Shottenkirk in 2008.

Heartland Co-op sold the remnants of Baer Ag Supply’s buildings and land to Kum & Go. In June of 2017, preparations were made to demolish the old buildings and begin new construction of a Kum & Go Marketplace. The Waukee Area Historical Society acquired Baer Ag Supply’s company sign. Kum & Go presented the sign to the society on August 6, 2017 at the Waukee Public Library.

More About Lewis Baer

Lewis Baer was born in March of 1921 on the Baer family farm in Cedar County. He attended school at Tipton Junior College and Iowa State University, and met his wife, Avalon Seiberling, while attending school at Tipton. They were married for nearly 64 years.

At Iowa State, Baer’s class started the AG ED 450 farm. He taught high school agriculture and sponsored Future Farmers of America in Keota and Waukee. He was also very active in our community, serving on the school board and town council, as well as being an active member of Waukee United Methodist Church. He was passionate about soil conservation practices and once served as president of the Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Association.

Lewis Baer passed away on September 29, 2007. He is laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Perfect Tailgating Recipes With A Twist

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Iowa-Tailgating-Waukee

You’ve been waiting a whole year for this season to be here… Football season! This time of year brings crisp weather, pumpkin spice everything and TAILGATING! We’ve compiled a list of classic tailgating recipes with a twist to kick your next tailgate up a notch!

Italian Pinwheels

From {Mother Thyme}

This new take on a tortilla roll-up is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Bloody Mary

From {Country Living}

No early morning tailgate (or afternoon tailgate for that matter) is complete without a savory Bloody Mary on the menu!

Chili and Cornbread In A Jar

From {Nest Of Posies}

Football + Fall = Chili. This unique way to serve chili is genius for tailgating!

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

From {An Affair From The Heart}

A must-try hybrid between a meatball and a cheeseburger, make this finger food perfect for a pre-game appetizer!

Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites

From {Sally’s Baking Addiction}

Cookie dough AND pretzels in one bite?! Yes please!

Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders

From {Kings Hawaiian}

You will redefined “slider” with this recipe!

Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats

From {Delish}

No more ants on a log. These crispy celery treats are perfect for those warm games!

Pancake Dippers

From {Lady Behind The Curtain}

Not just any pancake, this pancake is a) dunk-able and b) filled with bacon. You’re welcome!

Touchdown Taco Cups

From {Southern Made Simple}

Tacos in a cup. Not sure we can ever eat tacos the same way again!

 Macaroni and Cheese Bites

From {Old House To New Home}

Reinventing this good ol’ comfort food and making it finger food friendly is brilliant!

So, is anyone hungry yet? What are your tailgating staples?

Tech Giant Apple Inc. Is Coming To Waukee

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We’re (Apple) here today because across Iowa; businesses, schools, developers, and government are coming together to build a new home for innovation in America’s heartland.
– Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc.

Apple is building a 1.4 billion data center right here in Waukee. State and local leaders approved $208 million in tax incentives for Apple Inc. to build two data storage centers in Waukee. This is being called the biggest economic development deal in the history of the state.

According to Apple CEO, Tim Cook, Apple has pledged up to $100 million to Waukee, which will be paid out over decades and go towards the development of street and sidewalk projects, amenities such as libraries and parks.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “At Apple, we admire what you guys have accomplished, and we want to be a part of it. Data centers like this new facility are critical to Apple’s operations, and they make up the backbone of America’s innovation in infrastructure. Every day, they make it possible for Apple users to send tens of billions of messages, to save more than a billion photos and to place 10 billion FaceTime video calls.”

Having a tech giant such as Apple in the Greater Des Moines area, puts Iowa on the tech industry map and will open opportunities and growth for the city and state.

For more information visit: KCCI Des Moines 8, Des Moines Register

Iowa State Fair Bucket List

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iowa-state-fair

Summertime in Iowa is synonymous with the Iowa State Fair! As excitement builds for the upcoming Fair, we asked fellow Waukee-residents what’s on their Iowa State Fair Bucket List.

Here is the Ultimate Crowd-Sourced Iowa State Fair Bucket List:

  1. Take a ride on the Sky Glider.
  2. Visit Little Hands on the Farm with the kids, where they can become farmers.
  3. Check out local artistic talent at the Fine Art and Photography contest entries.
  4. Visit the Horse Barn and catch a horse show.
  5. Take a spin on the Giant Slide.
  6. See the World-Famous Butter Cow.
  7. Grab a brew at the craft beer tent.
  8. See the giant bull up-close and in person.
  9. Get a thrill and ride the grav-a-tron.
  10. Eat something on a stick such as cheese, a pork chop, peanut butter and jelly, pickle, tater tot, you name it, it’s likely on a stick!
  11. Check out the Tractor and Truck Pull.
  12. Listen to Iowa-based band, The Nadas jam out on stage.

What’s your favorite attraction, show or food item at the Iowa State Fair?

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