Daily Umbrella Dec.12: DM woman charged with animal torture after dog found dead in suitcase; holiday dining deals; what did the

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Friday, Dec. 12, 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.

“Live with a partially lit tree (Half lit, Dec. 2, 2025). It will be good for your soul.” - JP

Well, my soul could use some work. Thanks for the advice. - Shane

“In terms of the lights, I think you should go retro with those bigger bulbs that are different colors and more spaced out — you know, Christmas like it's 1969 (Half lit, Dec. 2, 2025). But, the lights are like the dinner without the great dessert, so, in terms of topping it off, what ornament or ornaments must be on your tree?” - Brad

I like retro. If I dig into some more boxes, I might find some of those retro lights that I once used outdoors. And, I might then have a Christmas tree on fire. As far as ornaments on the tree, I don’t have any input, and I am OK with that. - Shane

“Excellent column this morning, Shane (Alignment and evolution, Dec. 9, 2025) ! Many times, the question for businesses regarding change is evolution or revolution. Keep up the great work!” - Mike

I once heard a quote that said, “If you keep on doing what you have always done, you will keep on getting what you have always got — or less.” I believe that to be true. - Shane

“Your mention of ‘All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth’ recalls one of the most embarrassing incidents from my childhood (Novelty Christmas songs, Dec. 10, 2025.) My extended family all attended the same church. The church had an annual Christmas variety show that featured the various talents of the members. My parents and my aunts and uncles decided it would be cute to have my cousins and my brother and I perform a skit. We were all within an age range of about six years. Picture, if you will, four boys with their two front teeth blacked out with black jack gum, standing in a row, stair-stepped in height, singing ‘All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,’ complete with the lisp. It was so memorable that even years later as an adult, I would have elderly members of the congregation approach me with ‘I remember when you, your brother, and your cousins…’ Fortunately, we are all now in our 70s and 80s, and no one else remembers.” - Bill

Bill, the image is now forever cemented in my head, too. - 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: After decades of leadership, Terry Branstad receives Iowa’s top honor. For decades, Terry Branstad helped shape Iowa from inside the Statehouse. On Thursday, he returned to the building he spent much of his life in as the guest of honor. Branstad, a former Iowa governor and U.S. ambassador to China, received the Iowa Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. It is the first time the award has been presented in nearly a decade. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Des Moines woman charged with animal torture after dog found dead in suitcase. A Des Moines woman has been charged with animal torture after police say a dog was found dead and tied up in a suitcase at her home. Back in October, court records say law enforcement officers responded to the home of 26-year-old Kyra Johnson in the 1900 block of 10th Street in Des Moines to investigate a report of “suspicious activity.” ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Value of Iowa farmland holds steady, row crop land sees decline. Iowa farmland values rose slightly this year, but experts say the increase doesn’t tell the whole story. Iowa State University’s annual Land Value Survey shows the statewide average price per acre climbed just 0.7% to $11,549. However, that bump trails inflation, which is tracking at around 3%. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: EU set to lock up Russia’s frozen assets so Hungary and Slovakia can’t veto their use for Ukraine. The European Union is expected on Friday to lock up Russia’s assets held in Europe until it gives up its war in Ukraine and compensates its neighbor for the heavy damage that it has inflicted for almost four years. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Court blocks the release of hundreds of immigrants arrested in a Chicago-area crackdown. A federal appeals court blocked the immediate release of hundreds of immigrants detained during a Chicago area immigration crackdown in a split decision Thursday that also allowed the extension of a consent decree outlining how federal immigration agents can make warrantless arrests. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Fort Dodge FD battles second house fire Thursday, saves multiple pets. After an early morning blaze that claimed the life of a pet, the Fort Dodge Fire Department responded to a second house fire Thursday afternoon. The Fort Dodge FD says shortly after 3 p.m. fire crews were called to the 1200 block of S 24th Street on reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival crews found a two-story wood-frame home with flames showing from the front of the first floor. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Dry today. Much colder this weekend. One to three inches of snow look to fall from early morning until mid afternoon Saturday. Warmer temperatures next week.

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 Credit Union

1. Veridian Credit Union

2. Community Choice Credit Union

3. GreenState Credit Union

See all of the results

Two productions of the beloved Nutcracker
See companion "Center Stage" story in Cityview's December issue about this rite of passage show.

Ballet Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre.
The Nutcracker (also touring to other Iowa cities) Dec. 11-14.

Iowa Dance Theatre at Des Moines Performing Arts.
The Nutcracker. Dec 12-13.

CAP Theatre (Class Act Productions).
The CAP Radio Hour –Live! Dec. 12-14.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
National tour at Des Moines Performing Arts Dec. 16-21.

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble.
Holiday Spectacular. Dec. 13 (in Ames), Dec. 14 (in Des Moines).

World premiere of Iowa indie film at Fleur Cinema & Café
Dec. 12-14. William Rock is the writer/director of "A Jury of Her Peers," a dramatic film inspired by real events more than a century ago in Iowa. The original short story was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Susan Glaspell.

The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Small Discoveries exhibit, a hands-on space specially designed for SCI’s littlest learners. Following a full-scale renovation this fall, the reimagined exhibit space will open to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Still playing:
• A Christmas Carol. Iowa Stage Theatre Company.
• Disney's Frozen. Des Moines Playhouse.
• Miracle on 34th Street. Ankeny Community Theatre.

'Tis the season - Holiday deals
Splash will host Splash Dance Dec. 14, 6 p.m. $35 tickets include dancing, entertainment, a “huge” buffet from Splash and Jethro’s and complimentary Champagne… Splash owner Bruce Gerleman calls it "the ultimate dance party"... The Palms on Ingersoll is hosting a Reggae Christmas Dec. 16, 5:30-8 p.m. All proceeds go directly to two Jamaican high schools destroted in the last hurricane... Chuck’s served 3,300 free Thanksgiving dinners this year… PepsiCo launched a new probiotic drink on Black Friday, made with real sugar... Chicago Speakeasy is taking orders during the holidays for their "prime rib to go" at $19.99/pound including jus. 24 hour notice required... Saturday is wine sampling day at Graziano Brothers... Trostel's Greenbriar is giving $20 gift cards away with $100 purchase of gift cards... Des Moines Metro Opera’s Wine, Food & Beer Showcase brings together an exceptional collection of restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and distilleries. $55 and $150. March 6, 6-9 p.m... HoQ's New Year's Eve dinner features lamb, walleye, halibut and duck courses, $110... Cafe Madeleine's Christmas Market dinners are Tuesday through Saturday before Christmas, Friday and Saturday on Boxing Day and Dec. 27, $145. Their 11 course New Year's Eve dinner is $250.

Weekend deals
• Machine Shed (11151 Hickman, Urbandale) offers smoked prime rib on Saturday only. Whatcha Smokin? (Luther) offers smoked Dino beef ribs on Saturday only.

• 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.

• Saturday is wine sampling day at Graziano Brothers.
 
• Amruth (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) has 20 dishes on their 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 a 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 pecan crusted walleye for $28.95. Saturday's special is roast beef and mashed potato dinners 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 has sales on Frenched racks of lamb at $9.99/pound, bone-in USDA choice ribeye roasts at $7.99 (limit one) and USDA choice beef tenderloins at $10.99/pound (limit one), all through Tuesday.

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on broth and egg noodles at two for $1, 85/15 burger at $4.95/pound and avocados at 88 cents.

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

• Hy-Vee offer $7 take-n-bake Mia Italian pizza pies through December.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) has sales on chuck roasts at $5.99/pound, blueberries or blackberries at $1.99, and value packs of NY strip steaks at $9.99/pound. All through Tuesday.

• Price Chopper stores have sales through Monday on russet potatoes at 99 cents/5-pound bag, Sugardale bone-in half hams at $1.99/pound, and Clementines or Cara Cara oranges at $2.99/3-pound bag.

• Hy-Vee stores have sales through Jan. 4 on Dungeness crab clusters at $16.99/ pound, whole American lobsters at $13.99 each, golden king crab legs at 49.98/pound, and through Monday on standard East Coast oysters at $19.99/pound.

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... Neva Alden plays Kelly's Little Nipper at 7 p.m. Friday… Fred Gazzo Quintet plays Anna Dolce Ristorante, WDM at 6 p.m. Saturday... The Crowfoot Rakes Celtic Christmas plays at Middlebrook Mercantile, Cumming at 5 p.m. Saturday... Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... Steve Grismore / Rod Leaverton Duo plays Louie’s Wine Dive at 5 p.m. Sunday... Jimmy & The Weasel Christmas Show plays Mickey's Irish Pub, Waukee, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

FOOD DUDE
Trostel’s Greenbriar, after the gunslinger rode off

By Jim Duncan

When Colorado cowboy Paul Trostel rode into Des Moines in the early 1970s, the city thought: appetizers meant a choice of shrimp cocktail, tomato juice or fruit cocktail; that wine choices were simply “red or white;” and that French dressings were all orange and very sweet. He changed Des Moines restaurant culture by sheer force of personality at Colorado Feed & Grain and Rosie’s Cantina on Ingersoll. Then, in 1987, he shocked Des Moines by pulling up stakes and moving, cowboy style, to the frontier’s edge in Johnston.

At that time, Pioneer-owned Green Meadows had constructed a building to encourage restaurant options for Pioneer’s Johnston employees. Three different restaurants had tried it out and all gave up in one year or less. Paul named his place Greenbriar to please the realtor and to suggest the 18th century resort in West Virginia — the Greenbrier. ...

Featured home for sale

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

$700,000

15899 Boston Parkway
Clive, IA 50325

Truly better than new, this 2-story home in Clive has SO much to offer. For starters, when is the last time you came upon a private half acre lot in an established neighborhood, used to its very full potential? ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

575 S. PRAIRIE VIEW DRIVE, WEST DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-07-22
SALE PRICE: $14,525,000
SELLER: SILVERWEST-I WDM LLC
BUYER: STAYSHARPE WEST DES MOINES LLC
ACRES: 1.798
SQUARE FEET: 69,814

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Altoona Center Living magazine

Meet Grace Narber
Influencing students’ educational journeys

By T.K. West

An alumnus of the Southeast Polk Community School District, Grace Narber received her degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading and English as a second language from Iowa State University. Now, she is a third-year ESL teacher at the Altoona, Centennial and Delaware elementary schools. She is also attending Morningside University for a master’s degree in English as a second language. ...

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: ADs threatening to nix Notre Dame from schedules due to preferential playoff treatment. In the wake of Notre Dame's controversial exclusion from this year's College Football Playoff, Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported that, as part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the CFP last spring, Notre Dame is essentially guaranteed a playoff spot if it is ranked in the top 12 beginning next year. Moreover, should the playoff field expand to 14 teams and additional at-large berths are added, the Irish are a lock for a spot if they are ranked No. 13 or better. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: Steelers' T.J. Watt at hospital having lung evaluated. Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt is in a local hospital for further lung evaluation after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility Wednesday, and his status for Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins is in question, team spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement.

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: 5 coaches who could succeed Sherrone Moore at Michigan. Michigan made a late entry into the never-ending 2025 college football coaching carousel on Wednesday when it fired coach Sherrone Moore for cause. The school said that Moore had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Hours after Michigan announced Moore's firing, reports emerged that he had been detained by police in a nearby municipality and could potentially face charges regarding a Wednesday evening incident. ... READ MORE

1901: First radio transmission sent across the Atlantic Ocean. Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi succeeds in sending the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean, disproving detractors who told him that the curvature of the earth would limit transmission to 200 miles or less. The message—simply the Morse-code signal for the letter “s” — traveled more than 2,000 miles from Poldhu in Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada. ... READ MORE

1913: Stolen “Mona Lisa” recovered in Florence. Two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Mona Lisa is recovered inside Italian waiter Vincenzo Peruggia’s hotel room in Florence. Peruggia had previously worked at the Louvre and had participated in the heist with a group of accomplices dressed as Louvre janitors on the morning of Aug. 21, 1911. ... READ MORE

1980: Da Vinci notebook sells for over $5M. On Dec. 12, 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer pays $5,126,000 at auction for a notebook containing writings by the legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Weekly fuel report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 12 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.53 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 17 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $2.94, down 6 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 11 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.50. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.26 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 18 cents lower than the national average of $3.68.

Natural gas prices were down 39 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.61 MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.55 per gallon in Iowa.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.07 per gallon.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com

Casey's in Ankeny (1515 S.E. Corporate Woods Drive) - $2.19

Maverik in Ankeny (Corporate Woods Drive) - $2.19

Murphy USA in Altoona (3405 8th St. S.W.) - $2.21

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Kris Miler, Ken Andresen and Vicki Porter today.

These celebrities were born on this date: Bill Nighy, Cathy Rigby, Dionne Warwick, Eric Schenkman, Jennifer Connelly, Lucas Hedges, Madchen Amick, Mayim Bialik, Regina Hall, Sheila E., Sky Katz, Tracy Austin

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

The answer to the last riddle: Why do bears have a hairy coat? FUR PROTECTION! - Gail Tomlinson. Or, To cover their bare (bear) butts! - Carolyn Rogers. Other answers: Irving Stone, Bill Snyder, Sharon Hill Watkins

Today's riddle: What did the wise men say after they offered up their gifts of gold and frankincense?

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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