It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Terrace Hill Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Des Moines, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”
“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Good Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Flemings Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar or visit Witmer House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Des Moines, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Des Moines, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Des Moines, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Iowa State caught a tough break at the end of the first of quarter of its Cy-Hawk Series matchup against Iowa.On an Iowa punt, the Iowa State return team blocked defensive back Zach Lutmer into return man Xavier Townsend. The ball then ricocheted back and was recovered by the Hawkeyes, giving Iowa possession in Iowa State territory.While a flag was initially thrown for kick-catch interference, it was rescinded on the grounds that Lutmer was blocked into Townsend, according to the officials. The play still went to a lengthy revi...
Iowa State caught a tough break at the end of the first of quarter of its Cy-Hawk Series matchup against Iowa.
On an Iowa punt, the Iowa State return team blocked defensive back Zach Lutmer into return man Xavier Townsend. The ball then ricocheted back and was recovered by the Hawkeyes, giving Iowa possession in Iowa State territory.
While a flag was initially thrown for kick-catch interference, it was rescinded on the grounds that Lutmer was blocked into Townsend, according to the officials. The play still went to a lengthy review, however, as it looked like the ball had hit off Lutmer's backside before bouncing off Townsend's leg.
As Fox commentator Gus Johnson pointed out, the ball did appear to hit Townsend's arm on the way down. Ultimately, the call was upheld. Iowa State's defense held fast on the ensuing series, holding Iowa to a field goal to make it 6-3 early in the second quarter.
Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.This was a weird play with a few moving parts.
Normally, when a player defending a punt makes contact with the returner, it's a clear kick-catch interference and the point is rendered moot on whether or not it's a fumble. Because Lutmer was blocked into Townsend, however, it becomes a question of who it ultimately hit first.
If the ball had hit Lutmer, the play would be dead there and Iowa State would get the ball where it hit him. In other words, if the order of who touched the football was Lutmer-Townsend, it would be Iowa State's ball. But because the ball appeared to graze Townsend's arm, it went Townsend-Lutmer-Townsend, which makes it a live ball that was recovered by Iowa.
It's the kind of call that review is usually going to uphold, as it didn't look indisputable on the replay. Luckily for the Cyclones, they were able to stymie the damage with yet another big defensive stop despite a strong run from Mark Gronowski to open the ensuing drive.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —Two regular season weeks down, seven more to go.Week 2 was a wild one. The four-time defending Class 5A champs got run out of their own stadium, and a Class 3A game was decided by a Hail Mary on the final play of the game. [related id='7ecbc95d-dc54-4e90-b8c2-79d4f6952b81' align='center' source=''][/related]Iowa high school football final scores from Friday, Sept. 5, 2025ADM 41, Ballard 3AHSTW 54, Red Oak 13Akron-Westfield 29, Westwood, Sloan 1...
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —
Two regular season weeks down, seven more to go.
Week 2 was a wild one. The four-time defending Class 5A champs got run out of their own stadium, and a Class 3A game was decided by a Hail Mary on the final play of the game.
[related id='7ecbc95d-dc54-4e90-b8c2-79d4f6952b81' align='center' source=''][/related]
ADM 41, Ballard 3
AHSTW 54, Red Oak 13
Akron-Westfield 29, Westwood, Sloan 19
Alburnett 42, Mid-Prairie, Wellman 37
Ankeny 26, Waukee 13
Ar-We-Va 15, Glidden-Ralston 14
Atlantic 30, Denison-Schleswig 8
Audubon 76, Griswold 8
BGM 76, Colfax-Mingo 12
Beckman Dyersville 44, Monticello 7
Bedford 50, Lenox 14
Bellevue 42, Camanche 35
Bettendorf 21, Iowa City 7
Bishop Garrigan 52, Riceville 0
Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City 27, Le Mars 12
Burlington 45, Oskaloosa 31
CAM, Anita 46, Coon Rapids-Bayard 40
Cedar Falls 21, Pleasant Valley 14
Cedar Rapids Xavier 21, Epworth, Western Dubuque 13
Cedar Rapids, Jefferson 42, Muscatine 21
Charles City 19, Forest City 15
Clarke 10, Saydel 0
Friday Night Hype: Clarke at Saydel
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Clear Creek-Amana 51, Davenport, North 6
Clear Lake 23, Humboldt 7
Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 38, Storm Lake 12
Dallas Center-Grimes 49, Ottumwa 0
Friday Night Hype: Ottumwa at Dallas Center-Grimes
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Des Moines Christian 28, Roland-Story 7
Dike-New Hartford 7, Aplington-Parkersburg 0
Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines 31, Johnston 10
Friday Night Hype: Johnston at Dowling
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Earlham 60, Martensdale-St. Marys 7
East Mills 46, Stanton 8
East Sac County 25, Alta-Aurelia 15
Edgewood-Colesburg 46, Springville 29
English Valleys, North English 52, H-L-V, Victor 32
Fort Dodge 7, Webster City 6
Friday Night Hype: Fort Dodge at Webster City
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Fremont Mills, Tabor 20, Boyer Valley, Dunlap 18
GTRA 54, St. Mary's High School, Remsen 14
Geneseo, Ill. 26, Assumption, Davenport 18
Gilbert 48, Mason City 26
Glenwood 17, Harlan 12
Grundy Center 41, Columbus Catholic, Waterloo 7
HMS 18, South O'Brien, Paullina 17
Independence 45, Washington 7
Indianola 13, Carlisle 3
Iowa City Liberty 38, Southeast Polk 20
Friday Night Hype: Iowa City Liberty at Southeast Polk
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Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 52, Algona 21
Lamoni 57, Mormon Trail, Garden Grove 22
Lawton-Bronson 17, Pocahontas 12
MOC-Floyd Valley 28, Unity Christian 18
MVAOCOU 42, Manson Northwest Webster 12
Marcus-Meridian-Cleghorn/Remsen Union 41, Hinton 6
Moravia 42, Murray 12
Mt Pleasant 42, Knoxville 8
Mt Vernon 30, Benton Community 20
Nashua-Plainfield 57, Postville 0
Nevada 30, PCM 28
Friday Night Hype: Nevada beats PCM on last-second hail-mary
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Nodaway Valley 33, Central Decatur, Leon 18
North Butler, Greene 18, South Winneshiek 14
North Polk, Alleman 16, Newton 13
Northeast, Goose Lake 26, Maquoketa 20
Northwood-Kensett 40, Harris-Lake Park 20
OABCIG 18, Tri-Center, Neola 14
Ogden 25, Eagle Grove 24
Okoboji, Milford 37, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley 6
Pella 10, Waverly-Shell Rock 3
Pleasantville 21, Pella Christian 20
Friday Night Hype: Des Moines Christian at Roland-Story
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Prairie, Cedar Rapids 38, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy 13
Regina, Iowa City 28, West Branch 16
Ridge View 28, South Central Calhoun 6
Riverside, Oakland 44, Mt Ayr 32
Sergeant Bluff-Luton 30, Lewis Central 27
Shenandoah 20, Clarinda 13, OT
Sibley-Ocheyedan 49, Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars 14
Sioux Center 35, Sheldon 14
Solon 33, Williamsburg 14
South Hardin 37, Iowa Falls-Alden 0
Southeast Warren, Liberty Center 62, Baxter 34
Spencer 27, Carroll 19
St. Albert, Council Bluffs 31, IKM-Manning 26
St. Edmond, Fort Dodge 64, Newell-Fonda 28
Union Community, LaPorte City 42, South Tama County, Tama 6
Van Meter 21, Treynor 13
Vinton-Shellsburg 42, Jesup 14
Wahlert, Dubuque 41, Anamosa 0
Wapello 40, Highland, Riverside 7
Wapsie Valley, Fairbank 53, East Buchanan, Winthrop 14
Waterloo, West 34, Dubuque Senior 27
Waukon 59, Oelwein 6
Wahlert 41, Anamosa 0
West Hancock, Britt 34, AGWSR, Ackley 0
West Lyon, Inwood 39, Central Lyon 0
West Sioux 41, Sioux Central 14
West Sioux 41, Sioux Central, Sioux Rapids 14
Western Christian 21, Spirit Lake 17
Woodbine 86, Sidney 6
Woodbury Central, Moville 42, West Monona 0
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: |
Work completed ahead of the new school year by veteran and aspiring anthropologists at Luther College could help locate now-forgotten burial sites and survey archeological finds before putting shovel to dirt.Luther College anthropology professor Colin Betts, joined by three student researchers, spent the summer visiting historical cemeteries, laying out grids and slowly moving through them with special equipment, to identify possible unmarked graves buried long ago.The group surveyed three cemeteries in Winneshiek County, each ...
Work completed ahead of the new school year by veteran and aspiring anthropologists at Luther College could help locate now-forgotten burial sites and survey archeological finds before putting shovel to dirt.
Luther College anthropology professor Colin Betts, joined by three student researchers, spent the summer visiting historical cemeteries, laying out grids and slowly moving through them with special equipment, to identify possible unmarked graves buried long ago.
The group surveyed three cemeteries in Winneshiek County, each with unique aspects that students had to take into account. Each cemetery also yielded different data for the researchers to analyze, and served as important teaching grounds for the students, who said they gained valuable knowledge they’ll be able to apply to their future work.
To best identify potential graves, the team utilized three different instruments to gather data — magnetic gradiometry, soil resistivity and ground penetrating radar. Magnetic gradiometry and soil resistivity tools use different methods to find where soil has been disturbed, like when a grave is dug and then refilled. Ground penetrating radar sends electromagnetic waves underground that bounce energy back when encountering different materials in the soil.
These tools allowed the team to examine larger areas and receive information faster, than if they had employed the usual tool — digging — to find what’s underneath the surface.
“It’d never replace traditional archeological methods, but it can add a whole lot to it,” Betts said.
Benson Newhouse, a Luther College junior and one of the students who worked with Betts this summer, said he was excited to be able to train on the remote sensing equipment, as those skills and knowledge will serve as an asset when he graduates and pursues a career in archeology.
While many graduate programs have access to this equipment, Betts said Luther is unique in being able to offer undergraduate students the chance to learn with them.
“It’s wonderful for me because it’s a great research tool, it’s great data, but on the other hand, it’s just a fantastic teaching tool, so students like Benson can get that practical experience,” Betts said. “They can learn how to use the instruments, how to interpret the data, all that other fun stuff. So it’s just an integral part of what I do.”
The group conducted tests at Big Canoe Norwegian Methodist Cemetery, Springwater Cemetery and Crossroads/Metcalf Cemetery. Weather caused the occasional problem with equipment measurements and the ability to complete the work in a timely manner, but Betts said they found promising signs at both Springwater and Big Canoe of what could be unmarked graves.
Betts and the students are still going through the data they collected from the cemeteries, which they will use to craft presentations and a report. With information provided to the Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission on areas where graves could be, Betts said staff can use it to better manage the cemeteries and avoid unearthing bodies unexpectedly. The commission was happy to see an initial presentation from Betts in August, he said.
“They were really excited, because they were seeing it in ways they hadn’t and could already see the value in some of that stuff,” Betts said.
Even with all the data collected by the team, student researcher Rebecca Zheng said they can’t say with complete certainty whether the indications of shifted dirt and different objects under the earth are actually the coffins from graves lost to time.
If an object detected by the equipment has very similar dimensions to that of a coffin and is measured at the correct depth for a burial, Betts said they can be “pretty sure,” but that’s the furthest they can go with the equipment they used.
“We can say that this anomaly has all the characteristics of (a grave), but the only way to know would actually be to dig it up,” Zheng said. “And I hope we can develop our ability to do these things and not have to excavate as much as our predecessors.”
One inherent problem with traditional archeology methods is that once researchers dig up a site, they’ve potentially destroyed areas or objects of interest by virtue of disturbing the space. There are “no do-overs in using traditional techniques,” Betts said, and when burial sites and human remains are involved, there are moral and ethical reasons for not disturbing the area.
However, this equipment can provide an avenue for gathering at least some information about an area before anyone starts digging, Luther College student and research team member Evan McElroy said.
“It’s a perfect first step for any sort of archeology work that you do anywhere, because if you have an area where you want to dig into, being able to use this in advance is super necessary to guarantee the integrity of the site,” McElroy said.
Betts and the students said the equipment could also be used to identify gravesites at indigenous boarding schools, where Native American children were taken from their families and forced to attend.
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs identified four boarding school locations across Iowa as of Jan. 1, 2024. Betts said he would be interested in using the technology to help locate some of these gravesites, but no official project has been initiated.
Zheng, who said her interests lie more with cultural anthropology, said the use of noninvasive equipment will be important to expand historical and cultural knowledge.
“It’s emphasizing the context that archeological monuments, whatever they may be, are within, and how that is so important just for everything that’s involved, whether it be people or history or things like that,” Zheng said.
Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions:[email protected]
DES MOINES, Iowa —Looking to get out of the house this weekend?Check out these events and activities happening across the metro Sept. 6-7.Cy-Hawk watch partiesUnless you're living under a rock, you know the annual Cy-Hawk game is Saturday in Ames. Can't make it to Jack Trice Stadium? No problem -- there are plenty of watch parties around the metro. Check out the Touchdown Tailgate at Cowles Commons starting at 9 a.m., or Big Grove's watch party at 10 a.m., or bring your pup to Paws & P...
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Looking to get out of the house this weekend?
Check out these events and activities happening across the metro Sept. 6-7.
Unless you're living under a rock, you know the annual Cy-Hawk game is Saturday in Ames. Can't make it to Jack Trice Stadium? No problem -- there are plenty of watch parties around the metro. Check out the Touchdown Tailgate at Cowles Commons starting at 9 a.m., or Big Grove's watch party at 10 a.m., or bring your pup to Paws & Pints to catch the game at 11 a.m.
Monarch Day at Blank Park Zoo, 7401 S.W. 9th St., Des Moines10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SaturdayCost: Included with regular admission.Be a monarch and migrate to Blank Park Zoo to celebrate the great monarch migration! The day will include activities with Plant.Grow.Fly. partners, dancing with Jovenes Embajadores, a pollinator storytime and other fun activities. Come dressed as your favorite pollinator or pollinator flower and show off your dance moves at the Pollinator Dance Party.
Family Fun Day at Brenton Arboretum, 25141 260th St., Dallas Center1 p.m. to 3 p.m. SaturdayCost: FreeBring the entire family out for this fun afternoon of adventures at The Brenton Arboretum. The afternoon will offer many hands on activities and events for kids and families of all ages.Live animals, live and interactive music, yoga on the lawn for all ages, kids crafts, family make and take activities and so much more.
Des Moines Concours D'elegance, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, 1300 Grand Ave.10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SundayCost: FreeThe Concours combines a display of more than 125 rare, classic & exotic vehicles with a mission of supporting Children’s Cancer Connection, a nonprofit serving Iowa families impacted by childhood cancer. The free exhibition will also include interactive exhibits, food vendors and family fun.
Sensory Spaces with ARL Therapets, West Des Moines Public Library2 p.m. to 3 p.m. SundayCost: FreeFor this Sensory Spaces at WDM Public Library, the Animal Rescue League will be bringing in their TheraPets to visit with patrons. Each patron will need to sign up for a time slot on the day-of in the building.Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory friendly environment. While individuals and families with special needs are welcome at our libraries during regular hours, these sensory times will offer quieter browsing, special programming, and other adaptive services that will vary by location.
Full moon hike with Polk County Conservation, 4590 N.E. 180th St., Mitchellville8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. SundayCost: FreeJoin Polk County Conservation for an evening hike where you'll discover the sights, sounds, and wildlife that come alive after dark. As you walk through the forest and open prairies, you'll discuss nocturnal animals, night vision adaptations, and the fascinating role of the moon in nature. This guided hike offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park in a whole new light.
Everybody's Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival at Riverview Park, 710 Corning Ave., Des MoinesAll weekend. Full schedule here.Cost: Varies. Tickets available online. Teachers and veterans get in free.Everybody’s Favorite BBQ & Hot Sauce Festival is an inviting diverse event that highlights the aroma of America’s best barbecue vendors while bringing together a multi-cultural outdoor social setting that is sure to evoke a spirit of love, unity, and memories among all those in attendance. Enjoy barbecue, live music and fellowship with other barbecue fanatics.
Wilson's Orchard in Cumming has free admission for apple picking here. Learn more here.
The Fall Renaissance Fair at Sleepy Hollow for the next two weekends. Find the schedule and purchase tickets online.
Looking for live music concerts and other shows? Check our extensive concert list here.
And don't forget to chill out with some ice cream at one of these local shops.
Saturday: Sunshine and some clouds. Cool. High around 67F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday night: Clear. Low 42F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunny. High 71F. Winds light and variable.
Sunday night: Mostly clear. Low 52F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Have a weekend event or favorite place to grab a bite on the weekend? Share it with us by emailing [email protected].
Iowa State football continues its 2025 season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Jack Trice Stadium against rival Iowa in the annual Cy-Hawk game.The Cyclones (2-0) are coming off a dominant 55-7 victory over South Dakota in their home opener. The Hawkeyes (1-0) beat Albany 34-7 in their season opener.Here are details on how to watch head coach Matt Campbell's group try to win its first Cy-Hawk game in Ames since 2011:What channel is Iowa State vs. Iowa on today?Iowa State vs. Iowa will broadcast nationally on FOX in Week ...
Iowa State football continues its 2025 season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Jack Trice Stadium against rival Iowa in the annual Cy-Hawk game.
The Cyclones (2-0) are coming off a dominant 55-7 victory over South Dakota in their home opener. The Hawkeyes (1-0) beat Albany 34-7 in their season opener.
Here are details on how to watch head coach Matt Campbell's group try to win its first Cy-Hawk game in Ames since 2011:
Iowa State vs. Iowa will broadcast nationally on FOX in Week 2 of the 2025 college football season. Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will call the game from the booth at Jack Trice Stadium, with Jenny Taft reporting from the sidelines.
Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The Iowa State vs. Iowa game starts at 11:10 a.m. CT from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Sept. 5.
To see a full list of ticket prices, visit StubHub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
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