Polk County

Iowa State University researchers are working with Polk County Emergency Management to develop a game to help train emergency responders and test county emergency plans.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors voted to support a network of water quality sensors in rivers and streams across Iowa. They hope other counties will follow suit to prevent a funding cliff next year.

Polk County has opened a new election office in Des Moines with more space for voters and stronger security measures for ballot storage.

Scientists discussed pollution, bacteria and other challenges plaguing central Iowa's rivers at an event in Des Moines Monday. The presenters contributed to a two-year assessment of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which includes recommendations at the local, regional and state level.

Nitrates, fecal bacteria, sediment and other pollutants in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers threaten safe drinking water for 20% of the state’s population. That's one of the findings from a sweeping study commissioned by Polk County supervisors.