Nov. 21 Daily Umbrella: The next RV boom; $2.46 gas; what happens when winter arrives early?

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Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

Good morning to you!

Welcome to the Friday 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.

“Hi, Shane. In regard to your Daily Umbrella column (Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025), thank you for recognizing Veterans Day and those who served. Prior to 1970, as just a lad and acting as a reporter, I convinced my father and two of his brothers to let me interview them about their service. Starting with the eldest, Leonard answered my questions about his service starting with his deployment to north Africa and then to Italy finally participating in the battle of the bulge. Next, I questioned Dad. He told me about how in WWII he volunteered for the Navy at just 17 years old. His ship plied the north pacific ocean from the arctic to coastal China and Japan for 16 months (having at one point taking a torpedo to the bow) before the war ended. Having only served 16 months, he was re-called to serve another 18 months during the Korean conflict. Finally, it was Uncle Junior’s turn. He experienced, perhaps, the worst of it, deploying from England to Normandy and onward toward D-Day. Getting shot in one of his legs, in his back and in a hand losing a thumb and two and a half fingers. Even that didn't stop him.” - Brent

I interviewed my uncle, who was a WWII veteran, as part of a history class project in high school, and I vividly remember his responses, too. I don’t know if this is encouraged as much in education today, but it should be. - Shane

“Good afternoon, Shane. This recent shutdown affected one family member and brought relief in the sense that another was not effected and suffering through it (Penalty for delay, Nov. 13, 2025). In the past, my daughter and her family, with two growing boys, tightened their belts as a young military officer's family during shut downs. He's now a retired officer, and the boys are on their own. However, one of them is in a job that is essential, and he must report for work unpaid. A single guy with affordable housing and a strong dose of his grandmother's Dutch thriftiness, he's just fine. I wish to point out that if you work for the Department of Health as a garbage can inspector, you probably aren't considered essential. This shutdown went on long enough that those items you appraise are becoming a health threat. Not only will you get your back pay but overtime as you try to now perform a critical function even on an olfactory level.” - John

I have often found the term “essential worker” odd. How essential or not it is depends on how much you personally need the services that person provides. - Shane

“Shane, the universal cure for all that ails you — hot chicken noodle/matza ball soup (Home remedies, Nov. 17, 2025)! All levels of colds and all nationalities. To feed a cold, Mom used to have 7-up and sugar sticks to power us through. Not sure if they cured anything, but you had some energy to do so. For nighttime leg cramps, soap chips under the sheets, or tonic water and bananas and Tums. Stuffed-up nose and congestion? Not only some Vicks but a Vicks steamer with your chest smeared with the aromatic goo. Add a tent over cribs or smaller beds. For a hangover, my dad said the cure was more hard work, no complaining and a few gallons of water as you suffer in silence. And for chapped lips, Dad claimed if you rubbed parakeet guano on your lips, you would never lick them again.” - Rex

I think I will stick with Chapstick. Thanks, Rex. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: Two minors call 911 after kitchen fire breaks out in Waukee home. A house fire in Waukee sent two minors rushing to dial 911 on Tuesday. Waukee Fire and EMS Chief Tony Clemen says firefighters arrived to the home on Bison trail within minutes and were able to confirm that everyone inside made it out safely. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Iowa man charged after allegedly hacking into former employer’s systems. An Iowa man is facing computer fraud charges after authorities say he hacked into his former employer’s computer systems causing “widespread disruption.” Ezekiel Dean Potter, 34, of Des Moines, was charged with computer fraud by a federal grand jury on October 15, according to the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Iowa. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Des Moines residents renew calls to make busy street safer after child was hit by a car. Lower Beaver Neighborhood residents are back to call for change after a child was hit by a car near a preschool. Laura Barnett was a witness of the crash at the intersection of Lower Beaver Road and Madison Avenue. She claims she and other residents have had concerns for years that have gone unaddressed. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Ukraine’s president is under growing pressure. Here are 5 things to know. The president of Ukraine is facing a confluence of crises testing his ability to lead an increasingly weary nation nearly four years into a devastating full-scale invasion by Russia. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Charlotte immigration crackdown goes on, Homeland Security says, despite sheriff saying it ended. A federal immigration crackdown centered around North Carolina’s largest city of Charlotte appeared to be tapering off Thursday, local law enforcement leaders said, but a Homeland Security official insisted the arrests would not let up. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Field of Dreams game returning to Iowa; Carrie Underwood, Creed headline concert series. If you build it, they will come ... back. Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced it is once again holding a signature event at the field constructed next to the iconic "Field of Dreams" movie site in the northeast Iowa town of Dyersville. The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies will play each other there on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. The game will be streamed on Netflix. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

A slight rain chance is ahead today, then a sunnier and warmer weekend. Rain chances return Monday and Tuesday.

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

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

Best Local Orthopedic Clinic

1. DMOS Orthopaedic Centers

2. Iowa Ortho

3. Capital Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

See all of the results

Tinseltown Tree Lighting Ceremony in Water Works Park
Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5:45-6:45 p.m., Des Moines Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway

"Coop" is historical fiction theatre at its finest
Free admission to stellar historical show at the Des Moines Mennonite Church, 4001 56th St., Des Moines, Friday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. The play runs for one hour with a talk-back discussion following the performance. Mary Swander’s new play, “Coop,” is historical fiction, an enactment of true stories of Amish, Mennonite, and other conscientious objectors during WWI and WWII. Starring veteran Iowa actor Rip Russell.

Des Moines Symphony. "Strength – Scottish Highlands & Eroica." Violinist Stefan Jackiw ignites the Civic Center with the triumphant and virtuosic melodies of Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy.” Nov. 22-23.

Runaway Twain live improv at the Des Moines Playhouse. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Final week for engaging exhibition at Grand View University
“GAIA II: The Pale Blue Dot Exhibition” at Grand View University. Christine A. Curry joins Mary Kline-Misol for an extraordinary Climate Crisis Dialogue in the Prairie Meadows Gallery in the Rasmussen Center at Grand View University through Nov. 21.

Downtown Des Moines Winter Farmers' Market presented by Prairie Meadows will return for its 20th season on Friday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 23. Pick up seasonal items, holiday gifts and handcrafted art and decor at the Iowa Events Center, Hall C of the EMC Expo Center.

Still showing:
1. Boone Community Theatre. “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical.” Through Nov. 22.

2. Tallgrass Theatre Company – Seedlings Children’s Theatre. “Boxcar Children.” Through Nov 23.

3. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Theatre. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Through Nov. 29.

4. "Triple Espresso," Iowa's record-breaking theatrical run for a show returns to The Temple Theatre for Performing Arts. Through Dec. 7.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

The next RV boom
Rising prices for hotels and airlines plus lower prices for gas and financing portend a coming boom in RV sales. Some upscale RV resorts are banning, or limiting RVs more than 10 years old to keep the riff raff out. Many Walmarts and Home Depots are welcoming them with free overnight parking. (You must have the store's permission.)

The RV boom is already happening in Japan. That nation allowed their currency to weaken during the COVID Era. That lured thousands of travelers to hotel and restaurant bargains for foreigners. But tourists and price gougers crowded out ordinary Japanese tourists. Those travelers created a booming market for RVs. Japanese RVs are much smaller than American ones — parking is notoriously expensive and priced on the sizes of parking places. Japanese buyers like RVs the size of a VW bus or smaller. They don’t need shower or cooking space because restaurants, hot springs and public baths are affordable and plentiful. Lawson’s is one of three major convenience store operators in Japan. They have converted many stores into overnight campgrounds with electric hookups, taking advantage of the fact that their parking lots are mostly empty overnight. The campers are boosting Lawson's profits not just with camping fees but by shopping and eating there. So much so that Lawson’s competitors are now entering the campground game. (NHK-Tokyo and WSJ)

Weekend deals
• ShortE's BBQ (8805 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) offers 20% discounts to first responders and military on Friday and Saturday. They have a Friday special pulled pork sandwich, fries and fountain drink for $12.

• Table 128's Saturday chef's menu will include wild salmon ceviche, pork loin and cranberry crumble, $58.  

• Amruth (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) has 20 dishes on their new Saturday and Sunday buffet, noon to 4 p.m. Of course, there will be dosas.

• Waterfront stores' Saturday special includes cocktail shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell for half price until 4 p.m.  

• Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines) does Saturday and Sunday brunch buffets for $24.99 for adults. Kids 6 and younger eat free.

• Rube's steakhouses offer a prime sirloin special on Sundays only, $29.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $9 Philly cheesesteaks or hot honey chicken plus $8 biscuit and gravy breakfasts on Fridays.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) offers walleye or steak dinner specials tonight and karaoke after 9 p.m. They have a ten for $10 wings deal on Sundays.

• Jethro's Sunday special is burger baskets with fries for $9.95. Fridays they have open faced turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy for $12.

• G Mig's has Friday prime rib dinners with chipotle mashed potatoes and asparagus for $32 or walleye and orzo for $28.95. Saturday's special is Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner for $18.50.

• Heavenly Asian (225 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has an all-day Friday sale on orange chicken served with soup, crab Rangoon, egg roll and rice, $14, available for dine-in and phone carry-out.

• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a $40 prime rib dinner special Friday and Saturday.

• Court Avenue Brewing Company (309 Court Ave., Des Moines) hosts Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffets for $23.99.

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on navel oranges at $2.99/4-pound bag, wagyu ground beef at $4.99/pound and russet potatoes at $3.25/10-pound bag.

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on red grapes at $1.88/pound, boneless USDA Choice rump roast (pot roast) at $6.99/pound, and 10-pound bags of russet potatoes for $4.88.

• Whole Foods (4100 University Ave., West Des Moines) offers $1 oysters on Fridays with good selection and free shucking.

• Price Choppers have sales through Saturday on breakfast and Italian sausage at $1.99/pound, Shullsberg butter at $2.28/pound and russet potatoes at $1.99/10-pound bag.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) has sales through Tuesday on large King crab legs at $29.99/pound, standing rib roasts at $14.99/pound and 8-12/pound shrimp at $7.99/pound.    • Hy-Vee stores have sales on turkey gravy at $1.48/12-ounce jar, Birdseye frozen vegetables at 79 cents, and a buy a ham, get a turkey deal.

Music 

El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill on EP True has live music from The Juan and Only on Friday from 6 p.m... Willie James Shay plays Sonny’s Pizza Bistro Friday at 5:30 p.m... Drew Peer play Kelly's Little Nipper at 7 p.m. Friday... Mike Tiedeman will be at Caffrey’s Irish Pub, Waukee at 5 p.m. Friday. … Fred Gazzo Quintet plays Anna Dolce Ristorante, WDM at 6 p.m. Saturday... Ducharme-Jones Band plays Middlebrook Mercantile, Cumming, at 2 p.m. Sunday... Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... Tanner Taylor Organ Duo plays Louie’s Wine Dive at 5 p.m. Sunday... The Get Down plays Mickey’s Irish Pub, Waukee, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

SOUND CIRCUIT
Other Brothers cooks up the blues

By Jackie Wilson

Seven years ago, the Other Brothers received a second-place finish in the Central Iowa Blues Society’s Iowa Blues Challenge. As “life happened” throughout the years, the band competed again in October 2025. This time, they won the best band award.

They will represent Iowa in the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Also representing Iowa for a solo/duo act is the Weary Ramblers. ...

Featured home for sale

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

$899,000

7291 70th Ave.
Indianola, IA 50125

16.80 acres with timber, pasture, food plots. Enjoy the privacy with family and friends on this beautiful setting. Just south of Norwalk, Iowa. Walkout ranch built in 2022, 3597 SQ FT of finished living area, 5 Bedrooms, 3 baths, large kitchen area, 3 car attached garage, finished basement complete with a custom-built wet bar, large covered deck and patio, also an open patio area, fire pit to sit by outside and enjoy with great views. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

3120 DOUGLAS AVE., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-06-30
SALE PRICE: $6,125,000
SELLER: VARECO 3120 DOUGLAS LLC
BUYER: THE BIRCH APARTMENT LLC
ACRES: 3.339
SQUARE FEET: 66,127

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Norwalk Living magazine

’Tis the season of gratitude
Residents share stories of thankfulness.

By Rachel Harrington

This time of year encourages us to be grateful for our blessings: family, friends, health, a warm home, festive meals and gatherings, and so much more. Some find ourselves thankful for an unexpected helping hand when we most need it. From a neighbor shoveling the sidewalk to a nonprofit offering supplies and hope, we often see the spirit of kindness around us. And, some are motivated by their gratefulness to pay it forward, spreading the holiday spirit even farther.

Thankful for community giving
Taylor Erickson, president of Norwalk Easter Public Library Foundation, is grateful to the city and the community for all they give to the foundation. Various individuals and groups have helped the foundation make a larger impact on the public library. Jean Strable, Norwalk Easter Public Library director, is equally grateful for how the community supports the foundation because most donations are filtered through it to support the library and its programs and resources. ...

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: New Lakers owner fires two Buss Brothers as part of organizational restructuring. The Lakers and new owner Mark Walter are reorganizing the front office and have terminated Joey and Jesse Buss from their roles effective immediately, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: Texans' defense thumps Bills, stakes claim as league's best. The Texans had the No. 1-ranked defense coming into Thursday night and showed why in their 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. The matchup was a battle of one of the best offenses versus the best defense. Led by the reigning MVP in quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills were fourth in points per game (29.2) and coming off a 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which Allen accounted for six touchdowns. And Houston's defense came in allowing the fewest points (16.4) and yards (258) per game. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Alex Ovechkin becomes sixth player in NHL history to score hat trick in his 40s. Alex Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer earlier this year. He continued to make history Thursday. In an 8-4 blowout win over the Montreal Canadiens, the Washington Capitals legend scored the 33rd hat trick of his NHL career. Those scores also represent the 905th, 906th and 907th goals of his career. ... READ MORE

Weekly fuel report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline remained unchanged from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.76 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up 3 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.09, up 1 cent from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 7 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.69. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.29 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 9 cents lower than the national average of $3.78.

Natural gas prices were up 5 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.55 MMbtu.
Propane prices averaged $1.52 per gallon in Iowa.
Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.33 per gallon.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com

Fast & Fresh in Urbandale (15501 Meredith Drive) - $2.46

Git n Go in Ankeny (2811 S.W. Oralabor Road) - $2.47

Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Waukee (155 Hickman Road) - $2.49

1877: “Scientific American” announces Thomas Edison’s “wonderful invention”- the phonograph. On Nov. 17, 1877, the publication Scientific American enthuses about Thomas Edison's new invention: the phonograph, a way to record and play back sound. ... READ MORE

1916: Britannic, sister ship to the Titanic, sinks in Aegean Sea. The Britannic, sister ship to the Titanic, sinks in the Aegean Sea on Nov. 21, 1916, killing 30 people. More than 1,000 others were rescued. ... READ MORE

1980: Millions tune in to find out who shot J.R. On Nov. 21, 1980, 350 million people around the world tune in to television’s popular primetime drama “Dallas” to find out who shot J.R. Ewing, the character fans loved to hate. J.R. had been shot on the season-ending episode the previous March 21, which now stands as one of television’s most famous cliffhangers. The plot twist inspired widespread media coverage and left America wondering “Who shot J.R.?” for the next eight months. The November 21 episode solved the mystery, identifying Kristin Shepard, J.R.’s wife’s sister-in-law and his former mistress, as the culprit.. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Carolyn LeWarne!

These celebrities were born on this date: Carly Rae Jepsen, Goldie Hawn, Ken Griffey Jr., Marlo Thomas, Michael Strahan, Troy Aikman

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

The answer to the last riddle: How many cooks do you need to stuff a turkey? ONLY ONE BUT HE MAY NOT COMPLETELY FIT! - Kris Laurson, Gail Tomlinson. Other answers: Rich Boger.

Today's riddle: What happens when winter arrives early?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella, Johnston Weekly or the Johnston Living magazine, contact:

Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com

This email was sent to: email@example.com

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8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

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