Sept. 4 Daily Umbrella: DART proposing to cut bus routes by more than half; $2.53 gas; what did the horse say after it tripped?

Thursday, Sept. 4, 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.

“Here is my favorite (Exit, Stage Left, Aug. 25, 2025): Tex Avery's ‘Symphony in Slang.’ This full version is hard to find. It runs about 8-9 minutes.” - Brad

And that was 8-9 minutes well spent. Thanks for passing this along. - Shane

“My only grandparent that was alive when I was born died when I was 5 years old (The development of photos, Aug. 26, 2025). She lived about 300 miles away and so the only memory I have is a very vague memory of the trip and her funeral. I grew up without any relatives near us. The closest relatives were an aunt and uncle 90 miles away. Neither of them had any children, so no cousins there. The rest of the relatives were more than 250 miles away. We had milk cows on the farm, so trips from the farm were very rare. But the town near us was about 90% Catholic and my parents were active in the church, so plenty of school friends and neighbors my age who became my adopted cousins. My dad and two neighboring farmers shared some farm machinery, so I had time with neighbors close to my age during the summer. Almost all the boys in school were farm boys without time for any sports except basketball.” - George

The isolated Catholic dairy farmers. You certainly were not alone. - Shane

“I remember the old crank/wall phones and party lines (Help me, information, Times Vedette, Aug. 26, 2025). Fun! (Not). But we only were charged yearly for the long-distance calls, which usually amounted to less than $15. Unbelievable by today’s standards!” - Jeri

What is truly amazing to me is to think of the work that was involved in installing all those telephone lines and poles across the country — a totally different game than installing a few cellular towers. - Shane

“Shane, I enjoyed your article on fake news, AI, and the National Enquirer (Woman Killed By Fur Coat, Aug. 27, 2025). Do you remember Weekly World News? I miss that publication as it was my only way to track Elvis’ whereabouts.” - Kevin

Remember it? Where else would I have learned about the bat boy? - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

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

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

News headlines

FROM KCCI: Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly announces retirement. Angela Connolly, the Polk County supervisor for the fifth district, announced her retirement Wednesday evening, stating she will not run for re-election. For 25 years, Connolly has represented the fifth district, which includes north and northwestern Des Moines, the East Village and parts of Downtown. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Reimagine DART proposing to cut bus routes by more than half. DART has released its Reimagine Draft Bus Network, the first major redesign of services in more than a decade. DART is proposing to cut more than half of its routes, taking it from 27 routes to 10. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Vaccine policies in Iowa in limbo following CDC leadership shake-up. Vaccine policies have been a large argument, as federal health officials and former CDC employees express concerns over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. The Trump administration and former CDC Director Susan Monarez are at odds over vaccine restrictions. The turmoil led to Monarez being fired and four other senior officials at the public health agency to resign in response. Former CDC acting director Dr. Richard Besser is among those who decided to leave. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Death toll in Lisbon streetcar crash rises to 17 as Portugal observes national day of mourning. The death toll in the crash of a famous Lisbon streetcar popular with tourists rose to 17 Thursday after two people died from their injuries while receiving hospital care, an emergency services official said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Chicago prepares for an influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents. Chicago community leaders forged ahead Wednesday with preparations for the influx of National Guard troops and immigration agents the city is expecting, advising residents about their rights and organizing protests with fresh urgency. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Inmate falls through ceiling in failed escape attempt in Iowa. A woman in southeast Iowa attempted to escape her jail cell by crawling through the ceiling but fell through the ceiling tiles to the floor. The Wapello County Sheriff's Office says 21-year-old Morgan West was being held on probation and theft charges when she tried to escape. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

A nice, sunny day ahead! We’ve got a quick shot of rain coming late tonight. Friday will be sunny and cooler. The weekend looks great!

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

Pollen tracker

Tree pollen: None

Grass pollen: Low

Ragweed pollen: None

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

Best Local Theatrical Venue

1. Des Moines Playhouse

2. Des Moines Civic Center

3. Hoyt Sherman Place

See all of the results

“Back to School”
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m.
Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation announces the five Iowans who will tell their original “Back to School” story. Kim Lipshutz, Tim McCoy, Sarah Scull, Quinn Whitaker and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Harry Smith will present their compelling stories on the historic Hoyt Sherman Place stage. Courtney Crowder, Kyle Munson, Kim Norvell, John Sorrell and Amanda Tugade are serving as coaches for The Tellers. Tickets are on sale now at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office and hoytsherman.org.

Beaverdale Books at West Des Moines Public Library – John M Donovan. “Confessions of the Tenth-Smartest Person in the World (and Other Delusions),” Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
Beaverdale Books. Shadley Grei. “Before Closure.” Monday, Sept. 8, 6:30 PM.

Des Moines Performing Arts Touchdown Tailgate
Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) will celebrate the intrastate rivalry football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones with the popular Touchdown Tailgate. Touchdown Tailgate will take place Saturday, Sept. 6 at 9 a.m. at Cowles Commons.

Des Moines’ largest tailgate event is free to attend. There will be two large screens for guests to enjoy the big game. Your Private Bar will be on site throughout the event selling drinks, along with local food trucks.

The event kicks off at 9 a.m., with entertainment provided throughout the day. Kickoff for Iowa at Iowa State will be at 11 a.m. The National Anthem will be just before kickoff. A bags tournament run by SoCo Baggers will begin at 2 p. m. You can sign up here.
Immediately following the game, local musician Jordan Beem will perform.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

Dairy cows are smarter than they look. As previously reported, Kalona Super Natural milk, a former Tuesday Tout, has been sold out in many stores this summer. Now we know why. “The intense Iowa heat encouraged our cows to shelter more in cooler places and graze less. The less a natural diet cow grazes, the less milk she will produce," according to the company newsletter.

Dairy cows taste great. Mark Schatzker, author of "Steak," was in Des Moines in late August to speak to Niman Ranch's farmer appreciation celebration. He observed that, in Spain, farmers fatten retired dairy cows to create some of the most flavorful and expensive steaks on earth. Here, retired dairy cows are slaughtered and made into fast food burgers, dog food and biogas.

Thursday deals
• Maxie's (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) new Thursday special for $20.95 is half a fried chicken with potato, side of spaghetti, and a salad. Lunch and dinner.

• Buzzard Billy's (615 Third St., Des Moines) has $2 off appetizers on Thursdays.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $10 country fried breakfasts and $9 tenderloins or shrimp/fish tacos on Thursdays.

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

• Steaks: Sirloin steak dinners are featured specials today at Johnny's Italian Steakhouses (before 4 p.m.), 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. The Station on Ingersoll (3120 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) has a ribeye special on Thursdays. Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St. West Des Moines) offers ribeyes and sirloins only on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines) has $7 loaded fries on Thursdays.

• Haiku (1350 31st St., Des Moines) offers free tom yum soup and edamames with lunch entrees today.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

FEATURE STORY
Fall Arts & Entertainment Guide

By Cyote Williams

The leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is cooling off. What does not change is the array of things to do around central Iowa. From September to December, the metro area has countless activities for those of all ages.

Art galleries continue to display the best works from world-famous artists to those who make their art right here in the Hawkeye state and in Des Moines. The same goes for theatrical and musical performances. The wide range of theaters gives Iowans the chance to check out which local talents are showing their stuff, while also being able to see who is topping the charts. Our local sports teams do the same, with several high-level collegiate programs close by, as well as the ever-present Wild, Wolves and Buccaneers, ready to skate, shoot and entertain.

If that is not enough, we gathered a list of events from comedians, community festivals, pumpkin smashings, and even holiday celebrations to fill your schedules with. ...

Featured home for sale

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

$285,000

110 Rolling Vista Place
Indianola, IA 50125

This well-maintained residence features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering comfortable living with a host of recent updates. The upper level showcases a large living room with a vaulted ceiling that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

3006 S.E. 14TH ST., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-04-22
SALE PRICE: $860,000
SELLER: SEAFOOD PROPERTY NO 1 LLC
BUYER: TRINITY HOLDINGS LLC
ACRES: 0.954
SQUARE FEET: 2,573

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of WaukeeLiving magazine

Camping in style
Residents share the joy of traveling with the conveniences.

By Jackie Wilson

Sitting around a campfire, toasting s’mores, telling stories and visiting with friends and family after a day of enjoying nature and exploring the big outdoors. Ah, the joys of camping! And you don’t have to hike into the woods — covered in bug spray — and pitch a tent to partake in the fun. Those who prefer to make the trip with a camper share why they like to have some of the conveniences of home — bed, bathroom, air conditioner and more — on the trip with them.

Campgrounds: a slice of Americana
Valerie and Butch Peters of Waukee have camped for 30 years. Recently, the Waukee couple began camping full time, spending summers in Iowa and winters camping in Arizona.

The pair began camping at an early age.
“I started when I was a baby,” Valerie says. “I was born in Oregon and tent camped as a kid. Then, our family got a motorhome.” ...

Sports headlines

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Clippers issue statement denying report of circumventing salary cap for Kawhi Leonard. In the aftermath of Pablo Torre's bombshell report which alleged the Los Angeles Clippers paid Kawhi Leonard a $28 million endorsement deal in order to circumvent the NBA salary cap when he signed with the franchise in 2019, the Clippers issued a statement in which they vehemently denied any truth to Torre's reporting. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: Naomi Osaka beats Karolina Muchova, returns to US Open semis. Naomi Osaka kept up her resurgent run at the US Open, eliminating No. 11 Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Wednesday night to return to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the first time since winning the title five years ago. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Sky star Angel Reese picks up 8th technical foul of 2025 season, triggering automatic 1-game suspension. Barring a reversal of course by the WNBA, Angel Reese will be missing the Chicago Sky's next game. The Sky star picked up her eighth technical foul of the season on Wednesday, triggering an automatic one-game suspension without pay from the WNBA unless the league rescinds the foul for whatever reason. Reese entered the game with a WNBA-high seven techs. ... READ MORE

Weekly Fuel Report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 4 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.84 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 25 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.51, up 2 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.51. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.44 in Iowa.
The current Iowa diesel price is 19 cents lower than the national average of $3.70.

Natural gas prices were up 18 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.07 MMbtu.

Lowest gas prices in the metro area. www.gasbuddy.com

Sam's Club in Ankeny (4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.) - $2.53

Maverick, Kum & Go stations and Costco in Ankeny - $2.54

1951: President Truman makes first transcontinental television broadcast. On Sept. 4, 1951, President Harry S. Truman’s opening speech before a conference in San Francisco is broadcast across the nation, marking the first time a television program was broadcast from coast to coast. The speech focused on Truman’s acceptance of a treaty that officially ended America’s post-World War II occupation of Japan. ... READ MORE

1957: Arkansas troops block “Little Rock Nine” from entering segregated high school. Arkansas governor Orval Faubus enlists the National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Central High School in Little Rock. The armed Arkansas militia troops surrounded the school while an angry crowd of some 400 whites jeered, booed, and threatened to lynch the frightened African American teenagers, who fled shortly after arriving. Faubus took the action in violation of a federal order to integrate the school. The conflict set the stage for the first major test of the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that racial segregation in educational facilities is unconstitutional. ... READ MORE

2016: Mother Teresa becomes a saint. On Sept. 4, 2016, Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic nun who dedicated her life to caring for the destitute in India, officially becomes Saint Teresa of Calcutta, almost two decades after her death on September 5, 1997. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

These celebrities were born on this date: Beyoncé, Carter Jenkins, Damon Wayans, Jan Pol, Granger Smith, Ione Skye, James Bay, James Monroe Iglehart, Judith Ivey, Kim Thayil, Kyle Mooney, Max Greenfield, Tom Watson, Neyla Pekarek, Mitzi Gaynor, Wes Bentley, Whitney Cummings

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

Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What did one hat say to the other? You go on ahead! Irving Stone, Gail Tomlinson, Chuck Golliher. Other answers by Rex Post, Bill Snyder. Sharon Hill Watkins.

Today's riddle: What did the horse say after it tripped?

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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