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Friday, April 23, 2026
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.

“Your column (Senior View, April/May 2026) reminded me of this quote from Booker T. Washington: ‘Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.’ ” - Ray

There is certainly a lot of truth to that. - Shane

“The first ‘digital’ alarm clock I remember (I’m 79) was one with the numbers on little flaps that fell into view as the shaft rotated (No bells required, April 20, 2026). It wasn’t any quieter than the mechanical clocks, but the noise occurred once a minute instead of once a second. Then we had the LED clocks that were just as hard to set as the future VCRs would be. I’m sure there is one somewhere that is still flashing 00:00 in red numerals. I have a Sony that is approaching 30 years old. It still works just fine, and its redeeming feature is a simple button to engage daylight saving time. No resetting required.” - Bill

Maybe the town whistles from days gone by should go off at 6 a.m.? - Shane

“I don't need an alarm clock (No bells required, April 20, 2026). I have dogs that know that it is 5 a.m. year round.” - John

Do they make sleeping pills for dogs? They should — whoever “they” are. - Shane

“I think you might enjoy a tour of a cattle farm that raises cattle for breeding purposes (Worms, April 21, 2026). Let me know if you want a tour. Indianola area.” - Terry

I appreciate the invite. Then I could experience worms, robins and cattle — all in one trip! - Shane

“Great read (Remakes, April 22, 2026). And Marv was wrong, by the way.” - Ian

On Martha and the Vandellas, yes. On Roy Orbison, probably not. - 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: KCCI viewers send in photos, videos of Thursday's intense storms. A volatile round of thunderstorms pushed across Iowa on Thursday, spinning up tornadoes and dropping hail and intense rain. See some of the photos and videos KCCI viewers shared from the storms. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Buccaneer arena closes doors, citing substantial upkeep of facilities. The teams are out, and the doors of the Buccaneer Arena off of Hickman Road are officially shut. The Bucs arena appears to have hosted its final season. The arena is more than 60 years old, and hasn’t undergone major updates in years, even after suffering significant damage in a 2020 derecho. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Iowa legislature continues past session deadline, still searching for middle ground on final issues. As day 102 of the Iowa legislative session came to a close Thursday, lawmakers remained at odds on several major issues. The big ticket items continue to be property tax relief and passing a budget. Passing a budget is required before the session ends and Democrats have been critical of the Republican majority, saying they have failed to make progress on priorities. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Trump says Lebanon and Israel agree to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by 3 weeks. President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group by three weeks after talks at the White House on Thursday. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Exchange of gunfire inside Mall of Louisiana leaves 1 person dead and 5 wounded. An exchange of gunfire at a food court inside a Louisiana mall on Thursday killed one person and wounded five others and sent workers and shoppers scrambling for safety, police and witnesses said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Fayette man charged with offering drugs for sex to minors. An 18-year-old Fayette man was arrested on multiple felony charges following a month-long investigation into sexual assault allegations and drug distribution to minors. ... READ MORE

 
 
Weather forecast
Friday, April 24
 
Sunny
High: 65
Low: 45
Rain chance: 0%
 
Saturday, April 25
 

Cloudy
High: 66
Low: 50
Rain chance: 20%

Sunday, April 26
 

Windy and PM rain
High: 69
Low: 58
Rain chance: 20%

 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Frame Shop
1. Tandem Brick Gallery
2. The Great Frame Up
3. Dot’s Gallery & Frame Shop 
 
See all of the results
 
 

By the numbers
~ A leatherback turtle was spotted on the coast of South Carolina for the first time in 23 years. Once prominent there, coastal construction drove them to near extinction.
 
~ Commercial salmon fishing in California rivers has been approved for the first time in three years. Wet winters were credited for its revival. 

~ Southern Utah towns have partnered to hire 400 goats as a fire force. The goats eat up flammable sagebrush and other things that lead to forest fires. They need no maintenance and can dine where lawnmowers cannot go.

~ Buffalo have been restored to southern Oklahoma’s Choctaw region for the first time in 125 years.
 

Weekend deals 
• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has wings on sale Fridays for $8.
 
• Paula's (524 Elm, Valley Junction) has a Friday special meat loaf dinner, $14.
 
• Friday lunch special is $12 Italian beef with fries and soda, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Striking Sparrow (1930 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines).
 
• Friday is ramen day at Wilson Orchard & Farm (3201 15th Ave., Cumming). 
 
• Most Hy-Vees offer $5 fish and chips Fridays, $14 ribs Saturdays and eight-piece chicken buckets for $10 on Sundays.
 
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering turkey club specials today.
 
• Machine Shed (11151 Hickman, Urbandale) offers smoked prime rib on Saturday only. Whatcha Smokin? (Luther) offers smoked Dino beef ribs on Saturday only. 
 
• Spaghetti is today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola). Salmon patties are Saturday's special and fried chicken is Sunday's.
 
• Saturday is wine sampling day at Graziano Brothers.
 
• ShortE's BBQ (8805 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) offers  "kids eat free" deals on Friday and Saturday.
 
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.



• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers Surf & Turf specials Fridays and $33 prime rib dinners Saturdays.



• 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 10 for $10 wings deal on Sundays. 
 
•  Jethro's Sunday special is burger baskets with fries for $9.95. Fridays they have Buffalo turkey sandwiches with a side for $9.95. 
 
• G Mig 's (128 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has Friday prime rib dinners with au gratin potatoes and asparagus for $32 or grilled swordfish with mango salsa for $28.50. Saturday's special is bbq glazed meatloaf 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.

Fareways have specials through Saturday on red or gold baby potatoes at $1.99/3-pound bag, large eggs at $1.44/dozen and lemons at 50 cents.

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

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on cantaloupes at $1.99, strawberries at $1.79/pound, mandarins $2.89/3-pound bag and wagyu burger at $4.99/pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Sunday on baby back ribs at $2.99/pound and through Tuesday on Atlantic salmon fillets at $6.99/pound and King salmon at $21.99/pound.

• Price Choppers have sales through Monday on strawberries at $1.99/pound and Nathan's hot dogs at $4.39/pack.

Music with dinner
Kevin Lindgren plays Kelly's Little Nipper at 7 p.m. Friday... El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill on EP True has live music from The Juan and Only on Friday from 6 p.m... The Music of Dream Girls plays The Ingersoll at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday… Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... Tanner Taylor / Steve Charlson Duo plays Louie’s Wine Dive Sunday at 5 p.m.... Midnight Radio plays Mickey's Irish Pub, Waukee, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
 

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Featured in the current issue of Adel Living magazine.
 

CELEBRATING HERITAGE
Residents reflect on the traditions that connect them to home.

By Rachel Harrington

From multigenerational farm families to recent immigrants, the stories of local residents reveal how heritage shapes identity in deeply personal ways. Whether tracing roots to Austria, South Africa or early American settlers, each story reflects a blend of tradition, resilience and adaptation passed down through generations.

A rural heritage
Ruby Lenze, 100, has lived a life deeply rooted in rural Iowa. She grew up in a family of 10 children — six girls and four boys — born at home on a farm northwest of Adel in an area once known as Panther.

Her mother grew up in Redfield, and her father, born in 1893, moved to Iowa from Jackson, Minnesota, as a child.

Lenze says her family has been in the United States for generations. Her son, Kevin Schultze, believes their ancestors were once Pennsylvania Dutch. Lenze is also a direct descendant of Miles Standish, who arrived on the Mayflower. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$609,900
1010 Harrington Way
Waukee, IA 50263
 
This 4 bed/3 bath meticulously maintained walkout ranch is sure to impress! The main level features a beautiful kitchen with quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, undercabinet lighting, and stainless-steel appliances. The living room is spacious with a gas fireplace that is flanked by built-in cabinets and transom windows. ...
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
5714 HICKMAN ROAD, DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-11-14
SALE PRICE: $320,000
SELLER: KARAIDOS, RANDY G
BUYER: DEEPITA INC
ACRES: 0.486
SQUARE FEET: 1,290
 
More transactions
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Raiders take Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick in NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders selected former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. Mendoza became the first quarterback taken in the opening round by the Raiders since 2007, when they selected JaMarcus Russell at No. 1. ... READ MORE
 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Rams Explain Decision to Select QB Ty Simpson With No. 13 Pick. The Rams have lined up their successor for Matthew Stafford. In one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NFL draft, the Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick. Though Simpson is seen as the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this year’s draft class, many did not anticipate he would go in the top-15 of the draft, or even the first round. Simpson was seen as a potential candidate to fall into the second round. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Knicks bench Mikal Bridges, who went scoreless in Game 3 loss to Hawks: 'We have to look at everything'. At least Mikal Bridges gets a few days out of New York. In a 109-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the Knicks wing posted a stat line — a 0-1-2 (or zero points, one rebound and two assists) with four turnovers — that will live in infamy if his team cannot come back from a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-seven set. Heck, knowing New Yorkers, they might name a 0-1-2 after Bridges. ... READ MORE
 
 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 14 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $3.51 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices  are up 55 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $4.02, down 9 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 16 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.91. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.37 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 58 cents lower than the national average of $5.49.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.57 for U87-E10, $2.97 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $3.44 for ULSD#2, $3.59 for ULSD#1, and $2.26 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were up 10 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.71 MMbtu.

Lowest fuel prices in the metro www.gasbuddy.com

Sam's Club in Ankeny (4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.) - $3.07

Murphy USA in Altoona (3405 Eighth St. S.W.) - $3.21

Numerous locations followed with a cost of $3.22.

 

1800: Library of Congress established. resident John Adams approves legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress. The first books, ordered from London, arrived in 1801 and were stored in the U.S. Capitol, the library’s first home. The first library catalog, dated April 1802, listed 964 volumes and nine maps. Twelve years later, the British army invaded the city of Washington and burned the Capitol, including the then 3,000-volume Library of Congress. … READ MORE

1953: Winston Churchill knighted. Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, the British leader who guided Great Britain and the Allies through the crisis of World War II, is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on April 24, 1953.   … READ MORE

1982: Jane Fonda’s first workout video released. On April 24, 1982, Oscar-winning actress, anti-war activist and Hollywood royalty Jane Fonda adds a new title—exercise guru—as she extends her reach into the home-video market with the release of her first of her many bestselling aerobic workout tapes. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 

Happy Birthday Abigail Goodman and Luke LeWarne today, Dan Goodwin on Saturday and Ann Appleseth on Sunday!

These celebrities were born on this date: Joe Keery, Kelly Clarkson, Kehlani, Jordan Fisher, Kellin Quinn, Barbra Streisand, Carly Pearce, Cedric the Entertainer, Jack Quaid, Chipper Jones, Travis Clark

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What do you get when you cross people who break into computers with a caramel-coated popcorn snack? HACKER JACKS!  - Judy Anderson, Gail Tomlinson, Kris Laurson, Carolyn Rogers, Anne Lentz

Today's riddle: * What do you get when you cross a software feature that corrects mistakes with a cereal?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or CITYVIEW magazine, contact:

Aaron Burns
Advertising Sales Manager
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 330
Mobile: 712-310-3860
aaron@dmcityview.com

 

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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