Oct. 1 Daily Umbrella: DMPS board accepts resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts; sugar prices expected to rise; do you know

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Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Good morning to you!

Many of you have reached out wishing me a speedy recovery from my recent shoulder surgery, often asking how I am feeling. What I am feeling is some physical pain, and I expected that. It comes attached to most surgeries. But, as we all know, pain is relative. Physical pain. Mental pain. Personal pain. It comes in many ways, shapes and forms, but pain is real.

Some people think that to be strong is to never feel pain. That’s wrong. In my experiences, the strongest people I know are the ones who have endured much pain. They understand it. They accept it.

In the big scheme of things, a few aches and pains in a shoulder are miniscule.

When my father was in his final days of dealing with a cancer that spread to his bones, his priest would stop by each morning to see him. One day, the priest asked me to join their conversation. I simply nodded and listened. The priest talked with my dad about his pain and the need to offer it as a personal sacrifice. He reminded Dad about the pain Jesus endured for us in his crucifixion. Dad simply nodded and listened… with tears flowing down his cheeks. It was a powerful message that immediately connected with my father and has stuck with me to this day.

In truth, the cure for pain is in the pain. Accepting it. Dealing with it. Getting better by experiencing it. And, maybe most importantly, realizing what we must do to minimize future pains and properly address the unavoidable ones.

Some of you have heard the quote that pain will leave you once it has finished teaching you. Those lessons can be brutal, but they are important. And the scars that pain leaves behind? Whether physical or mental, they are “a treasure map for the pain we have buried too deep to remember.” I borrowed that bit of wisdom from novelist Jodi Picoult, who wrote many novels and short stories including several issues of “Wonder Woman.” How fitting.

Should we avoid pain? We can try, but we need to recognize that dealing with injuries, sickness and the death of loved ones are all part of living. In fact, some say pain is the fuel we need for our lifelong journey. Yes, pain is part of life, but suffering is an option.

So, I appreciate your asking how I am recovering. The answer is that I am doing fine, and this minor experience has reminded me about the importance of the true pain we all experience in our lives and how the suffering we may feel today can be the strength we will feel tomorrow.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

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

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: DMPS board votes to accept resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts. The Des Moines public schools superintendent who has been detained by immigration authorities submitted his resignation Tuesday while he focuses on challenging his looming deportation, his lawyer said. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Justice Department launches investigation into DMPS employment practices following Superintendent Roberts’ resignation. The Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into Des Moines Public Schools’ employment practices. In a letter sent to DMPS, the Justice Department said it is opening an investigation into the district for what it described as “race-based” employment practices, and whether those practices violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Sen. Grassley presses Department of Homeland Security for additional information on Dr. Ian Roberts. Sen. Chuck Grassley has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for additional information regarding former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts’ criminal and immigration history. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 16 as the world awaits Hamas’ response to Trump’s peace plan. Israel pressed its offensive in Gaza on Wednesday, with at least 16 Palestinians reported killed across the strip as the world awaited Hamas’ response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the embattled territory. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty. Plunged into a government shutdown, the U.S. is confronting a fresh cycle of uncertainty after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Former Spirit Lake restaurant owner sentenced to life in prison. A man who was living on the run for 25 years in Iowa was sentenced to prison for crimes committed in Louisiana. According to a press release, the owner of the Asian Palace Restaurant in Spirit Lake, Choy Van Leo, was arrested on May 24, 2024, after local police were informed of an outstanding arrest warrant. A report from KUOO Radio shows Van Leo was convicted of sex crimes involving children from 4 to 12 years old, with the incidents taking place over the course of eight years in Louisiana. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Hot and dry conditions continue. Rain chances increase late Sunday into Monday with cooler temperatures.

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: None

Ragweed pollen: High

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

Best Local Landmark

1. Iowa State Capitol

2, Pappajohn Sculpture Park

3. The Traveler’s Sign

See all of the results

Woebegone Wednesday
The U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled its annual hunger report and put a dozen employees, many of whom worked on data collection for the report, on paid leave. A subsequent statement by the USDA called the annual report “liberal fodder” used to justify expanding federal food assistance programs. (WSJ)

Sugar, particularly organic, prices are expected to rise as the U.S. and Brazil stay locked in a tariffs battle over other things. Brazil exports about 40% of U.S. sugar and 50% tariffs are in play.

Deals today
• Fareway is offering $5 rotisserie chickens on Wednesdays. Other days they cost about $9.

• Kids eat free on Wednesday evenings at ShortE's BBQ (8805 Chambery Blvd., Johnston), which offers 20% discounts to first responders and military.

• Whatch Smokin? (Highway 17, Luther) has a brisket burnt ends special on Wednesdays.

• The Bistro at Iowa Culinary Institute is open for its fall season in Building 7 of Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. Lunch will be served Wednesdays through Fridays till Dec. 5. $17 for a buffet or three course a la carte with a drink. 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers any burger with a side for $10 on Wednesdays.

• Exile (1514 Walnut St., Des Moines) offers a $12 burger basket with fries and a beer on Wednesdays.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $8 French toast or pancake breakfasts and $2 tacos, $9 wraps and $10 half pounds of wings on Wednesdays.

• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a chicken Madeira special on Wednesdays before 4 p.m., $15 including beverage.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) has a $10 classic burger and beer all day.

• Paula's (524 Elm, Valley Junction) has a Wednesday special Salisbury steak with potatoes and gravy $13.50.

• Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines) has all you can eat fried chicken dinners on Wednesdays, $23.99 after 5 p.m. Jake Schrodt will play the patio there from 6 p.m. tonight.

• Haiku (1315 31st St., Des Moines) lets kids 11 and younger eat free with adults on Wednesdays. Hot sour soup and eggrolls are comped today with lunch entrees.

• Wednesdays bring steak night to Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines). Steaks are cooked to order with salad, potato and bread, $14.99.

• Angry Goldfish (2301 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) offers hot beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy for $11.50 on Wednesday.

• Curbin' Cuisine (1325 S.W. Oralabor Road, Ankeny) offers traditional gyros for $7 Wednesdays.

• Wine bottles are half price on Wednesdays at Trostel's Greenbriar (5910 Merle Hay Road, Johnston). The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines) also has half priced bottles on Wednesdays.

• G Mig's (128 Fifth St., Valley Junction) offers a special two-meat lasagna dinner today with salad and garlic bread for $19.25.

• Barntown's (9500 S.E. University Ave., West Des Moines) Wednesday specials are a pound of chicken tenders with fries and two sauces for $11.99, plus $13 core pitchers of beer.

• Wednesday is Biryani Festival at Chowrastha (5910 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines). Buy two and a third is free.

• Tacos Mariana's (1305 University Ave. , Des Moines) and The Station (3124 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) have specials on tacos today.

• Village Inns offer free pie with entrees on Wednesdays.

• It's lasagna day at Maxie's Supper Club (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) and breaded pork tenderloin day at Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St.).

• Panka Peruvian (2708 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) has live jazz Wednesday.

• Chuck's (3610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines) offers $5 off pizza on Wednesdays.

• Curbin Cuisine (1325 S.W. Oralabor, Ankeny) has $7 gyros on Wednesdays.

• Kwik Stars' Wednesday special is eight pieces of fried chicken for $10. Their fried chicken is ridiculously good for a convenience store.

• On Wednesdays you can get any burger with fries for $10.99 at Tito's Lounge (3916 N.W. Urbandale Drive, Urbandale).

• Jethro's have $9.95 BPT sandwiches, including a side of choice, on Wednesdays.

• Hy-Vee Market Grilles are offering a cheeseburger and fries Wednesday special for $8.

• NOLA Jazz Duo plays Louie’s Wine Dive tonight at 7 p.m.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) begins a week-long sale on red or green organic grapes at $1.99/pound, mini watermelons at $2.99, and Coho salmon filets at $6.99/pound.

• Price Choppers have sales on red, green or black grapes at $1.99/pound, Bartlett pears at $1.49/pound and pollock frozen filets at $3.49/pound through Monday.

— 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. ...

Featured home for sale

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

$775,000

18272 N.W. Alderleaf Drive
Clive, IA 50325

Discover this beautifully crafted ranch home in Clive, offering over 4,000 sq ft of exceptional finishes. This thoughtfully designed residence includes 5 bedrooms (featuring 2 suites with private ensuite bathrooms) and 4 bathrooms. The main floor boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, highlighted by a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, quartz countertops, soft-close cabinetry, a waterfall island, and a touch of Venetian plaster for added elegance. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

4830 MAPLE DRIVE, PLEASANT HILL
SALE DATE: 2025-05-19
SALE PRICE: $865,000
SELLER: PLEASANT HILL HOLDINGS LLC
BUYER: F5 HOLDINGS PH LLC
ACRES: 2.000
SQUARE FEET: 14,751

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Waukee Living magazine

Room for improvement
Residents share their home renovation experiences.

By Jackie Wilson

Live in a home for a while, and one is likely to start thinking, “If only….” If only the bathroom had a walk-in shower…. If only the kitchen had new cabinets.… If only the old flooring could be replaced.… If only the basement was finished…. If only a room could be added…. If only that longed-for home improvement project could be completed … then the house would be just right. Residents who have taken the leap from thinking about it to tackling their dream projects share their experiences.

Finished basement
When Derek and Kayla Richards moved to their home last June, the basement was still unfinished, even after two previous owners had lived there since 2014. With two young kids, they knew they wanted extra space for their growing family.

The Richards contacted several contractors, each of which offered different ideas. They hired Cody Bailey Construction to carry out their final vision. ...

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: The magic finally ran out for the Fever. It can feel redundant to list everything that is missing for the Fever. There is nothing fresh about the battered backcourt, the obscenely full bench, the injury report with so many lines in such fine print that it reads like an eye exam. All of that has been true for weeks now. It can still feel striking. But it gets old, at a certain point, to focus on what is not here rather than what is. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: Colorado fined, reprimanded by Big 12 over fans' anti-Mormon chants. The Big 12 Conference has fined Colorado $50,000 and publicly reprimanded the school after a derogatory chant from Buffaloes fans targeted The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during Saturday's football game against BYU. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell power Dodgers to Game 1 victory over Reds, but their bullpen could be their undoing. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández belted two home runs apiece. Blake Snell didn’t allow a run until the seventh inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers were well on their way to the sort of dominant victory that would reaffirm their status as the favorites to emerge as World Series champs for a second straight year. ... READ MORE

1890: Yosemite National Park established. On Oct. 1, 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park, home of such natural wonders as Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees. Environmental trailblazer John Muir (1838-1914) and his colleagues campaigned for the congressional action, which was signed into law by President Benjamin Harrison and paved the way for generations of hikers, campers and nature lovers, along with countless “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs. ... READ MORE

1920: Scientific American reports that radio will soon be used to transmit music to the home. On Oct. 1, 1920, Scientific American magazine reports that the rapidly developing medium of radio would soon be used to broadcast music. A revolution in the role of music in everyday life was about to be born. ... READ MORE

1958: American Express launches its first credit card. On Oct. 1, 1958, the American Express Company issues its first charge card in the U.S. and Canada to give traveling customers more flexibility. The purple paperboard card—which later becomes the iconic green or gold plastic card—pre-dates a new era of paying for purchases with revolving credit cards, with MasterCard and Visa following years later. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

These celebrities were born on this date: Julie Andrews, Zach Galifianakis, Brie Larson, Esai Morales, Sarah Drew, Jurnee Smollett, Katie Aselton, Mark McGwire, Matthew Daddario, Rod Carew, Beck Bennett, Cindy Margolis, Danielle Bisutti, John Ridley, Jade Bird

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

The answer to the last riddle: What kind of tea is hard to swallow? REALI-TEA! - Gail Tomlinson. OR GUIL-TEA PLEAS! - Rex Post. OR, The cri-tea-k kind! Bill Snyder. OR, Four-tea! - Donna Willems. OR, A teaspoon! - Carolyn Rogers.

Today's riddle: Do you know what they say about a clean desk?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or West Des Moines/Jordan Creek, Waukee or Norwalk Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

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