May 1 Daily Umbrella: Former Ankeny Chamber CEO admits to stealing; the beef on beef; a can of Coke at your head?

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

Good morning to you!

Welcome to another edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Shane, I used to tease my parents for having eight bird feeders and two bird baths in their backyard (Bird-watching, April 22, 2025). They had bird books so they could identify each feathered visitor. Well, well, well how the turntables (Michael Scott). I am now an official bird nerd. The only difference between me and my parents is the technology available now. I have multiple feeders, anxiously watch each bird’s migration so I can place the right feeders at the right time. If my parents could see me now.” - Kevin

Somehow, I think they are. - Shane

“Shane, I enjoy your columns in the mornings. I have also found myself turning into a bird nerd, as I am apparently slowly turning into my father (Bird-watching, April 22, 2025). I wanted to make sure that you knew about the app called Merlin Bird ID. It is made with the help of Cornell University and helps identify birds by not only you describing them, but also by listening to their songs using your cell phone. The app can also use photos that you have taken of birds to help identify what you saw. Once the bird is identified by either sight or sound, it will give you descriptions and multiple photos of the birds. You then save the sighting and add them to your bird ID life list and ‘collect them.’ I have been able to identify birds all across the country as well as on trips to Greece and Jamaica. If you don’t have the app yet, please download it. It is really neat to see what birds are in your own backyard. Thanks for sharing your nerdy hobby with all of us!” – Jason

Just downloaded it, and I am officially a bird nerd, too. Thank you! – Shane

“Here is a great organization www.iowabirdrehab.org/ (Bird-watching, April 22, 2025). I’m sure you are aware.” - Steve

What a great organization. Thanks for passing this along. - Shane

“This reminds of a story of a little boy who received a BB gun for his 7th birthday (Bird-watching, April 22, 2025). After being given this gift, his mother instructed him to never shoot at birds — only cans, trees, etc. After a couple of months, he became bored and decided to take aim at a moving object. Much to his surprise, he nailed the fine-feathered object and suddenly became scared. What would his mother do to him? He won't tell her. It's that simple. What he didn't think of was his brother sharing the good news of his well-aimed shot with their mother. Mom, being the stern figure she was, grabbed the BB gun from the little boy, accidentally pulling the trigger, shooting the sliding glass door to the back of their home, shattering it. Needless to say, this only made matters worse. In her anger, she ordered the young fellow to turn around and drop his Toughskins as she cocked the BB gun and took aim at his bum. Seems she was equally as good of a shot as the little boy and nailed his fleshy little round derriere. Lesson learned. Nowadays, that little boy has a bird app on his phone as he talks to the birds trying to see if he can get them to answer back to him. Some lessons are tough to learn but bring enjoyment later in life.” - Jimmy

Do you still walk with a limp? - Shane

“I always thought bird watching was for the birds (Bird-watching, April 22, 2025). Then we bought a house with a feeder. My wife compelled me to buy bird feed. Then we got a bird book. Now, I look out my window and go, ‘Honey, look!’ ” – Brad

What, no bird baths? - Shane

“Whoa, calm down (Prescription pills, April 23, 2025). Take a chill pill.” – Irving

I took two, and I am calling you in the morning. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman

President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill to restrict cellphone use in Iowa schools. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law Wednesday that would restrict cellphone use in Iowa classrooms. House File 782 has been at the top of her list of priorities this legislative session. The bill requires schools to come up with a policy restricting the use of electronic devices next school year. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Former Ankeny Chamber CEO withdraws not guilty pleas, admits to stealing from the organization. The former President and CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce has admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from the organization and to altering records in an effort to cover up her crimes. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Auditor Rob Sand's $27.5 million in court debt findings questioned by government oversight committee. The millions of dollars didn't actually leave the government’s hands, they were just put into the wrong place via a "coding error," Sand said on Wednesday. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Intermittent shower and storm chances through Friday afternoon. A gorgeous weekend and start to next week follow.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

Pollen tracker

Tree pollen: Moderate

Grass pollen: Moderate

Ragweed pollen: None

Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Theatre. “Alice in Wonderland.” May 2-18.

Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. “The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later.” May 2-11.

Des Moines Performing Arts. “& Juliet.” May 6-11.

Tallgrass Theatre Company. “The Emerald Earring.” This world premier as the 2025 Dream Project runs through May 4.

Unity Center of Des Moines will hold its Spring 2025 Spirit Seekers Fair on Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity to casually explore many aspects of metaphysical modality benefits.

First Friday at Mainframe Studios
Join in this Friday, May 2, from 5-8 p.m. to explore Mainframe's five floors of 181 open studios and a special exhibition, “The Environment,” curated by Diane Kunzler.

Des Moines Metro Opera
Mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce will present a Des Moines concert on May 3. Fresh off a "definitive" (Opera Today) role debut as Rosina in the Des Moines Metro Opera’s 2024 production of “The Barber of Seville,” she brings her "ravishing" and "stellar" voice to Des Moines this spring for an intimate musical program before returning this summer for a role debut as the Fox in “The Cunning Little Vixen.” The public is invited to see her performance at Plymouth Church on Saturday, May 3 for the 2025 Artist Recital.

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Live Music Trivia, Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. at Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines. This performance features “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin with Dr. Mei-Hsuan Huang on piano. Admission is free but tickets are required. Available at www.ciwe.org.

Auditions for “Waitress” will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6 p.m., Monday, May 5, and 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 6.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

The 2025 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local New or Used Book Store

1. Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe

2. Half Price Books

3. Beaverdale Books

See all of the results

The beef on beef
• Nate Rempe, CEO of 108-year-old Omaha Steaks, told Fox Business that this year’s cattle supply is about 4 million under that of 2022, that 8-20% of American ground beef is imported, and that “grass finished beef” is 75% imported. Why don't we have country of origin labels on beef?

• Fareway guarantees their "freshly ground" is ground the same day.

• Next to eggs, ground beef has the highest year-over inflation of essential foods at 11.14%, steaks are up only 3.64%. Tariffs will likely exasperate those discrepancies as few steaks are imported.

Thursday deals
• Ruth's Chris (Ashworth Road at Jordan Creek Parkway) has a Thursday special with their decadent RBAR burgers going for $16.

• Steak deals: Sirloin steak dinners are featured specials today at Sully's Irish Pub (860 First St., West Des Moines); Front Row (9956 Swanson Blvd., Clive); Winn’s Pizza and Steakhouse (122 W. Ashland Ave., Indianola), and Hy-Vee Market Grilles. Gilroy's has both sirloin and NY strip specials. The Station on Ingersoll (3120 Ingersoll Ave.) has a ribeye special on Thursdays.

• Thursday nights, Moroccan couscous — lemon chicken, beef keftas, five vegetables, harissa — are $17 at Purveyor (505 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines).

• Sprockets (2314 University Ave., Des Moines) offers a breaded pork tenderloin special on Thursdays for $9.99

• Kids eat free at Scornovacca’s (1930 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) on Thursdays

• Mariscos El Pirata (6050 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) offers $2 off all sushi on Thursdays

• Chuck's (3610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines) has karaoke tonight from 6 p.m.

• ShortE's BBQ (8505 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) has $1 smoked wings Thursdays.

• Jethro's Thursday special is a pound of boneless "wings" for $8.

• Table 128 (220 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) is running a chef's special poke bowl through Saturday.

• Bevy’s Tavern (1300 50th St., West Des Moines) has a special of beef stew and cornbread Thursdays for $13.

• Amruth Indian Grill (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) offers an all-you-can-eat dosa (gram/rice flour crepes) buffet on Thursdays 5:30-9 p.m. $18.95.

• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a "Comfort Thursday" special chicken fried De Burgo, a gluten-free spin on DSM's classic. $16

• The Dam Pub (2710 Beaver Ave., Des Moines) has a throwback Thursday special goulash with garlic toast.

• Table 128 (220 S.W. Ninth, Des Moines) has a weekly salmon poke bowl special with cucumber, pickled shallot and carrot, sesame, farro, crispy nori cracker, sweet chili, soy and seaweed salad.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) begins a sale on stuffed chicken breasts and chicken fajita at $5.79/pound today.

• Aldi is selling both avocados and mangos for $.69/each through Tuesday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

FEATURE STORY
Summer Arts & Entertainment Guide

By Cyote Williams

That’s right, Iowa; summer is back. With it comes a whole host of reasons to get out of the house and get out the sunscreen. Des Moines and the surrounding metro area become a destination in the steamy months with art, food, music and cultural festivals to satisfy most every craving.

Several communities have their neighborhood celebrations and Fourth of July fireworks displays. Looking to stay inside? Community theatre performances deliver the entertainment — with air conditioning. If your way of beating the heat is working up a sweat, there are also plenty of fun runs, walks and triathlons for you and your kids. ...

Featured home for sale

Post listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.

$1,395,625

2714 Southbridge Drive
Adel, IA 50003

Nestled in the rolling hills of Adel and designed by an award-winning architect, this custom designed contemporary home sits on a 3+ acre lot surrounded by mature trees that enhance the privacy of this home's features. Enter the house through a thoughtfully designed landscape courtyard lined with decorative trees into a large open main living area concept with a vaulted ceiling and expansive views. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

5685 MCKINLEY AVE., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-12-26
SALE PRICE: $7,900,000
SELLER: R MICHAEL KNAPP 2001 REVOCABLE TRUST
BUYER: BELL AVENUE PROPERTIES INC
ACRES: 74.648
SQUARE FEET: 9,292

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Grimes / Dallas Center Living magazine

Homes away from home
Local families share experiences hosting foreign exchange students.

By Ashley Rullestad

The decision to host a foreign exchange student can come with a myriad of worries. Will the student want to eat the food we make? Will everyone get along? How will we keep the student entertained? Will he or she get homesick? However, many of those who decide to give it a try find their fears to be unfounded as they gain an appreciation of the student’s homeland and culture, see their own country from a new perspective and build bonds that endure. Local residents share their stories about the adventure of being a host family.

All around the world
Janet and Dave Harwood are no strangers to hosting foreign exchange students. Since 2014, they have hosted 12 students. They hosted their first student when their daughter, Sonya, now 27, was a junior in high school. Sonya wanted to go abroad herself, but the Harwoods weren’t comfortable with that, so hosting was the compromise. They went though AFS Intercultural Programs, which offers study abroad high school exchange programs. Janet now serves as a volunteer host family coordinator for the organization.

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Falcons and Coach Jeff Ulbrich fined by NFL for prank call made to Shedeur Sanders. After the NFL's investigation of the prank call made to Shedeur Sanders by Atlanta Falcons head coach Jeff Ulbrich's son Jax, the league has fined the team $250,000 and coach Ulbrich $100,000, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN.COM: Timberwolves eliminate Lakers behind Rudy Gobert's 27-24 game. After beating the third-seeded Lakers to advance to the second round of the playoffs Wednesday night, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards walked into his news conference yelling, "Ant-man, Superman, Lakers in five." ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Andre Agassi notches win in professional pickleball debut with star Anna Leigh Waters. Tennis legend and eight-time Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi walked away with a win in his professional pickleball debut on Wednesday, alongside star Anna Leigh Waters in the mixed pro doubles event at the U.S. Open Pickleball. The pair walked away with a 2-1 win against youngsters Tristan Dussault and Stevie Petropouleas, advancing to the third round of the tournament, taking place in Naples, Florida. ... READ MORE

Weekly fuel report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 1 cent, averaging $2.97 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 29 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.18, up 1 cent from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.34. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.72 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.56.

Natural gas prices were up $.25 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.32 MMbtu.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com

Kwik Star in Grimes (1450 N.E. Gateway Court) - $2.58

Numerous Casey's and Kum & Gos in Ankeny - $2.69

1931: Empire State Building dedicated. On May 1, 1931, President Herbert Hoover officially dedicates New York City’s Empire State Building, pressing a button from the White House that turns on the building’s lights. Hoover’s gesture, of course, was symbolic; while the president remained in Washington, D.C., someone else flicked the switches in New York. ... READ MORE

1926: Ford factory workers get 40-hour week. On May 1, 1926, Ford Motor Company becomes one of the first companies in America to adopt a five-day, 40-hour week for workers in its automotive factories. The policy would be extended to Ford’s office workers the following August. ... READ MORE

2002: Former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams indicted for manslaughter. On May 1, 2002, former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams was indicted on a series of charges, including aggravated manslaughter, in connection with the shooting death of limousine driver Costas Christofi at Williams’ estate on February 14. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

Happy belated birthday, Mark Reno, whose birthday was Tuesday!

These celebrities were born on this date: Camilla Araujo, Lizzy Greene, Victoria Monet, Tim McGraw, Jamie Dornan, James Murray, Katya Petrovna Zamolodchikova, William Nylander

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle: Did you hear about the guy who was addicted to the hokey pokey? HE TURNED HIMSELF AROUND! - Kris Laurson, Carolyn Rogers, William Snyder, Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post

Today's riddle: Why doesn't it hurt if someone throws a can of Coke at your head?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Guthrie Center Times, Panora Times, Lake Panorama Times and Guthrie County Times Vedette, contact:

KERRY JACOBSEN
Account Executive
Office: 641-332-2707
Mobile: 515-619-2788
kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com

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