Des Moines County proclaims Aug. 4 National Night Out; supervisors note partner agencies

The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors read and approved a proclamation declaring Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, as National Night Out in the county. The proclamation cites the National Association of Town Watch campaign’s community-building goals and called on residents to join the county attorney's office and the Burlington Police Department in support of the event.

One supervisor said the proclamation should explicitly include the sheriff's department. Jim Carey observed it "should have had the sheriff's department in there too," prompting supervisors to note that multiple public-safety agencies will participate in local events. The proclamation passed on a board motion and voice vote.

Why it matters: National Night Out is an annual community-engagement effort that pairs residents with law enforcement for neighborhood outreach and relationship-building. The county will promote local events tied to the proclamation and county staff said county agencies will staff booths and demonstrations at community gatherings.