FROM KCCI: Turning manure into magic: Iowa farmer, ISU researchers use byproduct to cut synthetic fertilizer use. Farming in Iowa comes down to dirt. And how healthy it is. A new study with Iowa State University College of Agriculture's agronomy department researchers shows how farmer Bryan Sievers of Stockton, Iowa, is improving his soil. This project started 12 years ago. Sievers put in something called an anaerobic digester. It's basically a giant composter that uses microorganisms to break down organic waste. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: “I have nothing to hide,” Des Moines School Board member seeks re-election. Early voting kicks off on Wednesday and one of the most anticipated races is for the Des Moines School Board. Member Maria Alonzo is now sharing why she is running for a second term. Alonzo is running for one of the two at-large seats on the Des Moines School Board. It is the only contested position on the board because two other candidates are in the running for the seats. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Des Moines International Airport declines to air DHS video blaming Democrats for shutdown. Des Moines International Airport is joining several airports across the country, and in the Midwest, declining to show a new Department of Homeland Security video, which blames Democrats for the government shutdown. A spokesperson for DSM International says the airport will not display videos or advertisements related to the shutdown due to its political nature. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Israel receives remains of 2 more hostages as military says another body was not that of a hostage. Israel received the remains of two more hostages Wednesday, hours after the Israeli military said that one of the bodies previously turned over was not that of a hostage. The confusion added to tensions over the fragile truce that has paused the two-year war.  ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Alaska airlifting hundreds from storm-devastated coastal villages. One of the most significant airlifts in Alaska history was underway Wednesday to move hundreds of people from coastal villages ravaged by high surf and strong winds from the remnants of Typhoon Halong last weekend, officials said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: 5,000-gallon manure spill in Carroll County creek prompts investigation. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating after 5,000 gallons of hog manure spilled into a tributary of Elk Run Creek in Carroll County. It happened Monday evening near a hog confinement site along 120th Street. According to the DNR, a local business was spreading manure when a hose blew out. Field staff from the DNR's Atlantic office were notified the next day. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Spotty showers through this morning. Warm and breezy today. Rain chances Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning, then again Saturday evening into early Sunday. Sunday looks to be a windy one.

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

Coffee fixes
In September, Starbucks laid off thousands of workers and closed hundreds of stores. That was the second round in less than one year of downsizing under new CEO Brian Niccol. Employees were informed with this e-mail: “We regret to inform you that we no longer have a position available for you at Starbucks. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” The move was a response to six straight quarters of same store sales declines as people go out to eat and drink less frequently as prices rise. Starbucks also released a new line of protein-infused beverages. (WSJ)

Coffee's price is up 52.38% compared to the same time last year, according to Trading Economics. Prices retreated a bit in the last week after favorable fall-winter rain forecasts in Brazil. Fox Business reported that coffee prices are the most inflationary of all commodities, mostly due to tariffs on Brazil, the U.S.’ top importer of arabica, the preferred bean of coffee houses. 

Dutch Brothers, an Arizona coffee chain, announced it is coming to Iowa including a drive thru on East 14th Street in Des Moines. 

Deals today
• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on avocados at $.65, red grapes at $1.29/pound and Frenched rack of lamb at $9.99/pound.

• Mullets Norwalk offers two two-topping pizzas for $20 on Thursdays, 4 p.m. to close.

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

• Whatch Smokin? (Highway 17, Luther) has a pork belly burnt ends special 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.

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

• Mullets has a Thursday pizza special - buy one large specialty pizza and get a free 14-inch two-topping pizza.

• 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.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) has a sale on ahi, swordfish or snow crab clusters at $10.99/pound, bone-in ribeyes at $16.99/pound, and Clementines at $2.49/2-pound bag.

• 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.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

“Buried Child” opens Friday
Iowa Stage Theatre Company’s production of this Pulitzer Prize-winning Sam Shepard play begins a two-week run in the Stoner Theatre in the Civic Center.
 
AUDITIONS – Iowa Stage Theatre Company. “A Christmas Carol.” Sunday, Oct. 19, 5-9 p.m.
 
CJC Big Band – Bad to the Bones Concert (Trombones, that is)
The Community Jazz Center Big Band features an appealing mix of veteran and emerging jazz musicians celebrating their music in their monthly concert Sunday, Oct. 19 from 2-4 p.m. at New Hope Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Ave., Des Moines. Featuring the band’s “bone” section, this musical immersion will get everyone swinging into the season with Halloween music and more. 

“Disenchanted: The Hit Musical Comedy”
Des Moines Performing Arts opens its Temple Theatre Comedy Series with this uproarious show. Oct 14-19. Interview with cast member Emily Qualmann (as Sleeping Beauty) can be found here.
"A NIGHT OF ENCHANTMENT, IRREVERENCE, AND NON-STOP LAUGHTER" 

Taste of Norway
Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge presents Taste of Norway, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines. The popular annual event features Scandinavian baked goods, lefse demonstrations, and artisans. A Scandinavian café also has baked goods and coffee for sale. New this year is Norwegian folk songs played live by a fiddle duo.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

1793: Marie Antoinette is beheaded. Nine months after the execution of her husband, the former King Louis XVI of France, Marie Antoinette follows him to the guillotine on Oct. 16, 1793. ... READ MORE

1854: Abraham Lincoln speaks out against slavery. On Oct. 16, 1854, an obscure lawyer and Congressional hopeful from the state of Illinois named Abraham Lincoln delivers a speech regarding the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which Congress had passed five months earlier. In his speech, the future president denounced the act and outlined his views on slavery, which he called “immoral.” ... READ MORE

1923: Walt Disney Company is founded. On Oct. 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy found the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in Hollywood, California. The studio, now known as the Walt Disney Company, has had an oversized impact on the entertainment industry and is now one of the largest media companies in the world. ... READ MORE

 www.history.com