POTHOLES, SNOW & THE ENVIRONMENT In addition to overseeing nearly 400 employees, Public Works Director Jonathan Gano is stepping up in 2026 to become president of the Iowa Environmental Council (IEC), dovetailing with his City duties and longtime interests. Jonathan and I sat down at Scenic Route Bakery for coffee and a chat about how a leadership role for this nonprofit fits nicely with his City role. But first, a little background. Jonathan told me that as a teenager growi

TRAINING TOWER FOR FIREFIGHTERS Fire Marshal Jon Lund, left, and Captain Steve Kiburz stand outside the training tower that is part of the new Fire Station 4 under construction at 1505 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. The $15.8 million station is expected to open in early 2026. The five-story training tower, shown in the background, will serve firefighters from all 11 Des Moines stations. The cost to build the tower and the covered trench (below grade) is estimated at $300,000