City golf deal, record rainfall and Guard homecomings lead weekend headlines
Des Moines, IA – March 8, 2026 – City leaders approved a 15-year golf contract, record rain fell Friday, and Guard welcome-home events drew crowds.
It has been a busy few days across the metro, with major City Council decisions, record-setting weather and emotional homecomings for Iowa service members.
City Council locks in long-term golf contract
The Des Moines City Council approved a 15-year agreement with its longtime golf course management partner, extending operations at Waveland, Blank and Grandview through at least 2040.
The move drew questions from some residents because the contract was not opened to a public bid. City officials said the decision was based on decades of experience with the current operator and favorable financial terms for taxpayers. Critics argue the city should have tested the market before committing to such a lengthy deal.
The agreement is also tied to ongoing discussions about lighting improvements at Waveland Golf Course, an issue that has prompted neighborhood debate in recent months.
Record rainfall soaks Des Moines
Strong thunderstorms rolled through central Iowa early Friday, dropping nearly 1.5 inches of rain at the Des Moines airport and breaking a daily rainfall record for March 6.
The previous record for the date had stood since 1983. Forecasters say additional rounds of showers added to already impressive totals across the region, with some communities south of the metro seeing more than three inches.
The soggy start to March follows an unusually active stretch of late-winter weather.
National Guard welcome-home ceremonies
On a more uplifting note, welcome-home ceremonies were held this weekend for Iowa National Guard members returning from overseas deployments.
Events in Des Moines and other Iowa cities brought together families, friends and community members to recognize the returning service members. More ceremonies are scheduled in the coming days as additional units arrive home.
Together, the headlines reflect a week that mixed policy decisions, powerful storms and heartfelt reunions across Des Moines.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/05/des-moines-waveland-golf-course-c-corp-lights
https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-rainfall-totals-friday-march-6-2026-rain-storms/70639354
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/03/04/welcome-home-ceremonies-iowa-national-guard-set-sioux-city-cedar-rapids-des-moines/
