‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
View as Web Page
Forward Email
Friday, July 24, 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 and other Big Green Umbrella Media publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“I only have  my landline (Back to the landline, July 15, 2026). No texts and all that other stuff coming in or bothering with software upgrading or relearning how someone else wants to control things. If this cuts me out of the ability to subscribe to or purchase things, then they weren't worth it in the first place. If anyone wants to talk to me, they can knock on my door, call my landline or, heaven forbid, email me to my computer. I love having my life back. Life is too short, and I want my own control of the time I have left. Not to mention the money I've saved.” - Margaret

Good plan. And that may be why you will outlive all of us, Margaret. - Shane

“Good morning, Shane. I have a theory on robocalls (Back to the landline, July 15, 2026). The foreign-based caller may let it slip that they are licensed in all 50 states. That's a workaround for the Do Not Call list. Iowa and national regulators are reluctant to investigate these calls as the insurance industry would cut off election contributions. As to your kitchen-installed landline, you'll find out soon that getting up for the umpteenth time on a Monday morning as soon as you settle into your recliner stinks. Nostalgia be darned. Just got my fourth call at 9 a.m.” - John

Thanks, John. Now I remember why I canceled the landline phone. - Shane

“Hi, Shane. I have lived in Ankeny for 48 years. I remember the original Press-Citizen Ankeny, the stand-alone edition. It contained all the going-ons of a small town. I enjoy reading the Ankeny Living magazine because it gives highlights of the activities in a growing city. I do have something I feel I need to address with you. In an advertising column, How to Choose a Church, the Roman Catholic Church was referred to as a denomination (How To Guide, Ankeny Living magazine, July 2026). It flatly is not a denomination. The Roman Catholic Church is the Mother Church, the one church that God created, and has continued through apostolic succession. It’s the church from which all other denominations split. This might seem like just a disagreement on syntax, but it’s much more than that. Thank you for sharing the Ankeny spirit.” - Bev

The Father, the Son… and the Ankeny Spirit? - Shane

“Our dads would have gotten along just fine (Learn something new every day, July 21, 2026). My dad's advice, which he imparted many times: ‘Shut up and listen.’ That served me well over the years. I never got in trouble by listening too much. Or talking too little. Take care.” - John

Well, that might be the best advice I have ever heard, John. Thank you. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman

President and 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: Iowa reports increase in coyote sightings as cities take action. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports an increase in coyote sightings across the state, prompting cities like Johnston to adjust ordinances and educate residents on how to handle encounters. Gray’s Lake in Des Moines, a wooded area near a river and lake, is a natural spot to see coyotes. Experts remind the public that coyotes are likely just as afraid of humans as humans are of them. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Former Bondurant principal accused of being drunk at school now faces state ethics case. Public records show probable cause has been found to move forward with an ethics case against a central Iowa elementary school principal who was allegedly found drunk on campus during a school day this past spring. Carrie Ratliff, 49, allegedly blew more than twice the legal limit while at work at Morris Elementary School in Bondurant on Monday, March 9. Deputies responded to district offices after colleagues noticed she was “acting outside her normal self,” stated a law enforcement narrative on the incident. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Downtown Des Moines sees surge in apartment construction amid housing demand. There are a record number of housing units under construction right now in downtown Des Moines. On Thursday, financing cleared that will turn a historic Des Moines landmark office building into a mixed-use space that includes 209 new apartment units. It's the latest in a string of office buildings being converted into much-needed housing. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Wildfires near Madrid and in southwestern France force over 70,000 to evacuate. Spain’s government declared a national emergency Friday after wildfires forced the evacuation of some 10,000 people from villages near Madrid, while in southern France more than 60,000 residents fled their homes, including by boat, to escape two major blazes. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: No bodycam footage in fatal Madison police shooting, because the department doesn’t require cameras. As officials review widely circulated bystander videos of the fatal police shooting of a homeless man in Madison, Wisconsin, one key perspective won’t be emerging: footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras. Unlike nearly every other similarly sized city, Madison doesn’t require its police to wear them. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Felon in Iowa illegally owning ammo sentenced to federal prison. A man from New Mexico was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison for owning over 640 rounds of ammunition. Chase Walker, 41, pleaded guilty in March to possessing ammunition as a felon. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Walker said in his plea agreement that the ammunition was seized while driving intoxicated in Tama County. Walker was previously convicted on a felony drug trafficking offense, which prohibits him from owning any ammunition. ... READ MORE

 
Weather forecast
Friday, July 24
 
Morning showers
High: 75
Low: 66
Rain chance: 60%
 
Saturday, July 25
 

Drastic warm up
High: 90
Low: 72
Rain chance: 0%

Sunday, July 26
 

Hot weather returns
High: 95
Low: 74
Rain chance: 20%

 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 2, low  range
 
Top allergens:
Nettle
Cattail
Grasses
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Bar to Play Games
1. Up-Down
2. Monsterama Pubcade
3. Ricochet
 
See all of the results
 
 

Betcha didn't know...
When Kleen Bakery in Chillicothe, Missouri, advertised sliced bread for the first time ever, in 1928, they called it “The best thing since bread was wrapped.”

The Kansas City Royals introduced new concession stand offers after the All Star break, including watermelon salad and an expanded line of corn dogs.

Weekend deals
• Exile offers half-priced kids meals on Fridays. 
 
•Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) has $6 buckets of eight pieces of baked chicken on Fridays. 
 
• Desi Bites (1475 S.E. Bishop Drive, Waukee) has weekend specials on nine biryanis and five pulavs. 
 
• Marianna's (1305 University Ave., Des Moines) offers green enchiladas combos for $10 Fridays and Saturdays and four shrimp tacos for $12 Sundays.
 
• Talk Shop Lounge (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles) has a steak dinner deal Friday $16. 
 
• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has wings on sale Fridays for $8.
 
• Waveland Cafe (4708 University Ave., Des Moines) offers Buffalo chicken wrap specials today.  
 
• 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 sweet and sour chicken 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). Saturday's will be creamed chicken and biscuit and Sunday's is fried chicken.
 
• 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. 
 
• Paula's (Elm at Sixth, Valley Junction) has a Friday special Rachel (turkey Reuben) with fries for $14.
 
• 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.
 
• It's French dip Friday at Club 2000 (420 Indianola Road, Des Moines).
 
• Price Choppers have sales through Monday on red cherries at $2.99/pound, avocados at $.68 and frozen swai fillets at $3.49/pound.

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on plums or nectarines at $1.49/pound, avocados at $.45, and spare ribs at $1.99/pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Sunday on corned beef briskets at $5.99/pound and through Tuesday on nine kinds of melons and cherries at $3.99/pound.

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on Fareway butter at $2.77/pound, whole pork butts at $1.88/pound and Iowa sweet corn for $5/dozen.

Dinner with a show
Robbie Michael 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... Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... Brian Herrin plays Exile Brewing Sunday at 5 p.m.... Fred Gazzo Quintet  plays at Anna Dolce at 6:30 p.m. Saturday... Tina: Tribute To The Queen of Rock & Roll plays The Ingersoll at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
Featured in the current issue of Adel  Living magazine.
 

Backyard adventures
Unique play spaces spark local kids’ imaginations.

By Rachel Harrington

In backyards across the community, simple ideas are turning into unforgettable childhood spaces. Whether perched in a towering tree or built at ground level, these play areas invite creativity, independence and hours of outdoor fun.

A treehouse retreat
Though often associated with younger children, playsets and treehouses can be fun for adults, too. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kip Hutzell was watching “Treehouse Masters” when he decided to take on a new project.

“I decided right then and there that I wanted to make a treehouse. I figured that I had enough of a skill set to do it, so I immediately went out and began collecting the materials to make one,” he shares. “I knew I could make it into a fun place for friends and family to hang out. It was a hot summer, and it was somewhat difficult for me to do it by myself, but I am the kind of person who, once I start a project, I keep going and going on it.” ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$699,999
10277 N.W. 38th St.
Polk City, IA 50226
 
Truly one-of-a-kind, this captivating 3-story home blends charm, distinctive character, and exceptional craftsmanship just minutes from all the recreation and beauty of Saylorville Lake. Nestled on a one-acre lot, the home showcases remarkable woodwork, thoughtful design, and custom details throughout every level filled with natural light. Offering 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and an additional non-conforming room, this residence provides an abundance of flexible living space suited for both everyday comfort and entertaining. ...
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
1225 COPPER CREEK DRIVE, PLEASANT HILL
SALE DATE: 2025-12-30
SALE PRICE: $3,565,000
SELLER: GEORGE CATALDO REVOCABLE TRUST
BUYER: COPPER CREEK HOLDINGS LLC
ACRES: 4.060
SQUARE FEET: 29,506
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines

FROM ESPN: Ravens waive rookie Diego Pavia to make room for Ethan Pocic. The Baltimore Ravens waived rookie quarterback Diego Pavia on Thursday to make room for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who officially signed his free agent contract. The Ravens signed Pavia as an undrafted free agent in April after he became the first Heisman Trophy finalist in 12 years to go undrafted. ... READ MORE

 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Caitlin Clark’s latest technical foul was a joke. Here’s What the WNBA should do about it. The Fever blew out the Sun 123–88 at home on Wednesday night. It was their third straight win and pushed their record to 17–10 on the year. While the game itself was a laugher, one moment from the blowout could soon prove to be costly for Caitlin Clark as she was called for her seventh technical foul of the season after having words with Sun guard Saniya Rivers. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Tarik Skubal says he regrets not getting offseason elbow MRI, admits he might be making his final home start at Comerica Park. From now until he signs a piece of paper in the winter, Tarik Skubal's elbow is going to be the most talked-about ligament in baseball. As the past couple of days have shown. The Detroit Tigers ace found himself clearing the air Thursday after a discourse outbreak around his decision to not undergo an MRI last offseason, which could have revealed an issue in his elbow at a more convenient time. Instead, he underwent a novel treatment for loose bodies in May and missed a month and a half. ... READ MORE
 
 

1911: American historian encounters Machu Picchu ruins. On July 24, 1911, American history scholar Hiram Bingham gets his first look at the ruins of Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca settlement in Peru that is now one of the world’s top tourist destinations. … READ MORE

1969: Apollo 11 safely returns to Earth. At 12:51 EDT on July 24, 1969, Apollo 11, the U.S. spacecraft that had taken the first astronauts to the surface of the moon, safely returns to Earth. … READ MORE

2005: Lance Armstrong wins seventh Tour de France. On July 24, 2005, American cyclist Lance Armstrong wins a record-setting seventh consecutive Tour de France and retires from the sport. After Armstrong survived testicular cancer, his rise to cycling greatness inspired cancer patients and fans around the world and significantly boosted his sport’s popularity in the United States. However, in 2012, in a dramatic fall from grace, the onetime global cycling icon was stripped of his seven Tour titles after being charged with the systematic use of performance-enhancing drugs.. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
Happy Birthday Celeste Tilton! Happy Birthday on Sunday to Paula Burkhalter Becker and Brooke Pulliam!
 
These celebrities were born on this date: Jennifer Lopez, Dylan Hoffman, Benjamin Flores Jr., Bindi Irwin, Mara Wilson, Kristin Chenoweth, Rose Byrne, Cailee Spaeny, Danny Dyer, Anna Paquin, Mitch Grassi, Kyle Kuzma, Karl Malone, Barry Bonds, Lynda Carter, Emily Rickards, Torrie Wilson
 
Historical birthdays
South American liberator Simón Bolívar (1783)
French author Alexandre Dumas (1802)
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart (1897)
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What’s a ballerina’s favorite number? TWO TWO! - Judy Anderson, Carolyn Rogers, Gail Tomlinson, Anne Lentz

Today's riddle: What dessert is the best dancer?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com BY NOON to be sure your answer gets included!

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Winterset Living magazines, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

This email was sent to: email@example.com

Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam

Logo