In this important episode of Waukee Talkee, we sit down with Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke and Communications Director Heather Behrens to break down two crucial ballot issues facing Dallas County and Waukee residents in the upcoming election. First, we explore the proposed Aquatic Center, a project designed to meet growing community demand for recreational spaces. Clarke and Behrens discuss the center's potential features, market differentiation, staffing needs, costs, and the ideal location within Waukee. For information on the aquatic center, click here. They also reflect on the last referendum in 2010 when the city population was just under 14,000 and how the city’s rapid growth makes this a timely discussion.

The second ballot issue is the proposed expansion of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors from three to five members. Our guests explain the reasoning behind this move, the impact of population growth, and how this change could provide better representation for the county's diverse and expanding population. Click here for a sample ballot.  Fore information on Absentee Voting go here. For your voting precincts go here. To contact Mayor Clarke and the City Council Members, click here: [email protected].

In the second half of the episode, Jamie Thompson from What's Up Waukee joins us in the studio with all the spooky events and activities coming up this weekend. And Aly Davis is back with Well Waukee, this time featuring Danni Kastner from OPE (One Planet Earth) for a deep dive into sound therapy, Reiki, and the powerful convergence of Eastern and Western healing practices. For more information contact Dani at 515-473-4603 or [email protected].  

Family Events:

• Elementary Craft Lab @ Waukee Public Library
   Friday, October 27, 4:00 PM
  An open-ended art space exploring different craft techniques each month. This month: wax resist web paintings. For grades K-5.
  Learn more
• Premiere Dance Project Parking Lot Event
   Saturday, October 28, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  Join local community businesses in the Premiere Dance Project parking lot to trick or treat.
  Learn more
• Adult/Child Doubles Bowling Tournament @ Warrior Lanes
   Sunday, October 29, 11:00 AM
  A fun family tournament for adults and kids! Compete in doubles format at Warrior Lanes.
  Learn more
• Trunk or Treat @ Lutheran Church of Hope (WDM Campus)
   Sunday, October 29, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  Trunk or Treat for 6th graders and younger in the parking lot. Stick around for the 5:00 PM service.
  Learn more

Community Events:

• Waukee Public Safety Halloween Open House
   Thursday, October 26, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  Join the Waukee Police & Fire Departments at the Public Safety Building as they hand out candy to the community.
  Learn more
• Tunnel of Terror @ Tommy’s Express Car Wash (WDM)
   Friday & Saturday, October 27-28, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  A haunted car wash experience at Tommy’s Express Car Wash!
  Learn more
• Community Birthday Party @ Playgrounds Cafe
   Saturday, October 28, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Support Waukee Area Christian Services and celebrate! Follow @WhatsUpWaukee & @PlaygroundsCafe for updates.
  Learn more
• Trick or Treat @ Waukee Hy-Vee
   Saturday, October 28, 10:00 AM
  Family fun with activities, coloring, and candy for everyone.
  Learn more
• Easy as Pie @ Waukee Public Library
   Saturday, October 28, 2:00 PM
  Adult event: Learn how to make a delicious pie from Iowa State Fair award-winning baker, Lana Shope.
  Learn more

• Pumpkin Carving Night @ Mickey’s Waukee
   Monday, October 30, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  All ages event. Pumpkins are provided, but you need to reserve your spot.
  Learn more

Date Ideas:

• Live Music @ Kenny’s Garage: The Bond
   Friday, October 27, 8:00 PM
  Enjoy live music by The Bond at Kenny’s Garage.
  Learn more
• Live Music @ Mickey’s: 10 Fold Return
   Saturday, October 28, 8:30 PM
  Catch live music by 10 Fold Return at Mickey’s Waukee.
  Learn more
• Des Moines Whiskey Festival @ Horizon Events Center
   Saturday, October 28, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  Tastings, classes, live music, food, and more at the Des Moines Whiskey Festival.
  Learn more
• The Kee’s Halloween Party
   Saturday, October 28, 9:00 PM - Midnight
  Drinks, food, fun, and live music at The Kee’s Halloween Party.
  Learn more
• • Pedal Pawlooza Halloween Big Wheel Rally @ Kenny’s Garage
     Sunday, October 29, 10:00 AM
    Join Kenny’s Garage & AHeinz57 for a fun Big Wheel Rally from Mickey’s to Kenny’s. Prizes, drink specials, food, and more.
    Learn more

  REMINDER:

  • Beggars Night
     Wednesday, October 30, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Trick-or-treating across the metro. Get your costumes ready!
    Learn more

  ---

  More links to check out:

   

  • Waukee.org/Elections gets to information on all 3 local questions. Or these are more direct to the detailed info on the two topics from today:
    1. 3 to 5 for Board of Supervisors: Dallas County 3 to 5 Supervisors | Waukee, IA - Official Website
    2. Aquatic Center referendum: Waukee.org/AquaticCenter

• Developers:
  • Dickson Jensen – owner of the huge fieldhouses going up in Kettlestone Central off Grand Prairie Parkway that people so often ask “what is that” About | Jensen Group
  • Henry Coin – KeeTown Loop (where Vibrant Music Hall is) Entertainment, Nightlife and Shopping in Waukee, Iowa | KeeTown Loop
  • Pierson Companies: Waukee Towne Center (where Target is) Waukee Towne Center (piersoncorp.com)
• Nonprofits:
  • Waukee Area Christian Services: Home - Waukee Area Christian Services - Welcome! (waukeechristianservices.org)  - they do so many things and people don’t always know about these opportunities for help. Director is Melissa Stimple <[email protected]>
  • HIRTA (transportation): HIRTA Public Transit (ridehirta.com)  - for people who struggle with transportation, this may be a really good option, but a lot of people don’t know it exists.
  • Waukee Betterment Foundation: they fundraise and gift to a lot of different organizations. Home | Waukee Betterment and email: [email protected]. They were a huge part of bringing all the inclusive amenities to Triumph Park, like the EPIC playground, Miracle League field and ADA-accessible fishing pier