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Good morning to you! 
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Summer may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean everything from the season gets to retire. There are the fishing poles to put away, flip-flops to hide and that bag of grass seed you bought with every intention of spreading on the lawn. Then, there are the remnants of summer that seem to multiply in the garage. Yes, I am talking about those pesky pool noodles.
 
If you have kids or grandkids around the house, you likley have several of these things in a variety of colors. If you don’t have kids, check your garage anyway. Somehow, pool noodles have a way of appearing without explanation.
 
Sure, they are fun in the pool. They help you float, which is their primary purpose. But, I learned that these long, colorful foam tubes have a second career waiting for them after Labor Day.
 
For starters, a pool noodle can become a water hose. If you are like me and have needed to fill a bucket that won’t fit under your kitchen faucet, just slip the noodle over the faucet and run the other end into the bucket on the floor. Presto. You created a plumbing system using something that normally floats past you at the neighborhood pool.
 
If you spend more time at a computer than with a mop, cut a noodle to the desired length and then cut it in half. Congratulations. You now have two homemade wrist rests. Give one to a friend, and you have just completed a thoughtful gift exchange for about 37 cents.
 
Pool noodles can also solve the aggravating problem of a silverware organizer sliding around in the drawer. I speak from experience. Cut a noodle to size and place it behind the organizer. No more forks, knives and spoons shifting every time you open the drawer. Your silverware can finally live a stable life.
 
I have a thing about clean garage floors. I mop mine frequently, but I don’t enjoy waiting for it to dry, especially in winter when a wet garage floor can become an indoor skating rink. Cut a noodle to fit over the tines of a rake, slit it lengthwise and use the foam as a squeegee. Push the water toward the drain or out the garage door.
 
And those fishing poles? A pool noodle and a length of PVC pipe can turn an empty section of garage wall into a fishing rod storage rack. Drill holes in the PVC, cut slits in the noodle and mount both to the wall. Suddenly, your fishing rods have better accommodations than some of your guests.
 
Pool noodles even protect my wife’s SUV hatchback from hitting the garage door when opened. Slit a noodle lengthwise and slip it over the horizontal brace of the open garage door. No more surprise dings.
 
Clearly, pool noodles have plenty of life left after summer, so don’t throw yours away. Put them to work. Just remember that next summer when your family asks where all the pool noodles went, you may have some explaining to do.
 
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you 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: Trump announces $15 billion steel plant planned for southeast Iowa. President Donald Trump on Monday announced a new steel plant in southeast Iowa that he says will be the largest in the United States. The president hosted steel executives and several Iowa leaders Monday afternoon for the announcement at the White House. The mill is being built by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota company owned by India-based Essar Group. It's expected to create roughly 6,000 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa, with its first steel production in 2030. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: 2 charged with livestock neglect in large animal rescue at Iowa farm. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office announced that two arrests have been made in connection with the rescue of hundreds of farm animals. On Monday, the sheriff’s office said it arrested and charged Pedro Garcia-Alvarez, 46, and Millie Moreno-Garcia, 55, with livestock neglect – causing serious injury or death and livestock neglect – failure to provide adequate livestock care. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Court injunction clears the way for Tamin Lipsey to rejoin Iowa State basketball. Tamin Lipsey has been added to Iowa State's roster after being granted an injunction for another year of eligibility last week. Iowa State announced Lipsey's return on Monday with a social media post showing his No. 3 jersey hanging in his locker. ... READ MORE

 
 
FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Denmark, at UN, says Greenland pact benefits all parties involved. The security agreement signed by the U.S., Denmark and Greenland last week “strengthens the defense of Greenland, the NATO area, and the American continent,” Denmark’s U.N. ambassador told the U.N.’s annual gathering of world leaders Monday. “The agreement is good for Greenland, for Denmark, for the United States, for NATO and Europe, and for international peace and security,” Christina Lassen said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: From motorcycles to booze, US ban on $1 billion worth of Canadian imports goes into effect. U.S.-Canada relations, already tense, are likely to deteriorate further after the United States went ahead early Tuesday with a decision to ban nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles. The ban amounts to barely a ripple in $880 billion worth of a two-way annual trade between the two northern neighbors. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Linn County jail scam demands cash to free loved ones. Fraudsters are calling Linn County residents shortly after their family members are arrested and demanding money for their release, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say the callers claim to be officials from Linn County Corrections. They tell victims they can get their family member out of jail for a fee, saying the payment covers an electronic ankle monitor and enrollment in a required education program. ... READ MORE

 
 
Weather forecast
Tuesday, Sept. 29
 
Mostly cloudy
High: 76
Low: 55
Rain chance: 40%
Wednesday, Sept. 30
 

Rain
High: 73
Low: 62
Rain chance: 80%

Thursday, Oct. 1
 

Scattered showers
High: 66
Low: 60
Rain chance: 60%

 
 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 5 medium range
 
Top allergens:
Ragweed
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Wedding Venue
1. Magnolia Farms
2. Rollins Mansion
3. The Monroe
 
See all of the results
 
 
Tuesday Touts
 

Iowa is not West Tennessee or East Carolina, but we also have developed a superb whole-hog culture. This gorgeous fellow was wood smoked and served recently at West End Salvage by Mary Ann's of Webster City. Mary Ann Gleue told us this "was a good way to keep the staff busy on weekends." Mary Ann's Specialty Meats is renowned for their bone-in Kor-Bert hams and best known for the Webster City bacon sold at Fareways. West End's Don Short said he loves hosting these events. This one was for Niman Ranch, whose pig was sacrificed. Such events will ruin ordinary "pulled pork" for anyone who tries this pigmeat. Sadly, Mary Ann also told us the company still has no plan to open a restaurant. 

Today's deals
• Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem Ave., Indianola) features cavatelli specials specials today.
 
• High Life Lounge (200 S.W. Second St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special tenderloin, tots and tang pie for $12.99.
 
• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) has $6 quarts of prepared soup on Mondays. rotisserie chickens on Tuesdays. 
 
• The Empire's (223 Fourth St., Des Moines) Tuesday special is chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes for $10.
 
• Flamingo Lounge (3089 North Ave., Norwalk) has half-priced flatbreads on Tuesdays.
 
• Tuesday is $5 chats day at Desi Bites (3820 100th St., Urbandale).
 
• Carnitas tacos is today's special at Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni). 
 
• Talk Shop Lounge (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles) has a deal Mondays on fried beef tacos, $3.
 
• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) offers half-priced appetizers on Tuesdays.
 
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines) celebrates Tomahawk Tuesday with a choice of 35-ounce prime tomahawk or 34-ounce prime porterhouse, two salads, two sides and two desserts. $162.
 
• B&B Grocery, Meat and Deli (2001 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special Killer's grinder with fries and soda $11.95.
 
• Striking Sparrow (1930 S.E. Sixth St.) has a $12 double smash with fries and soda every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
• All pizzas are half priced at Maggie's Rumble Room (1432 Second Ave., Des Moines) 5-9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
 
• It's steak night at Grand Junction (1970 Grand Ave., West Des Moines). Steak, salad and potato $13.99. 
 
• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers fried chicken dinner special on Tuesdays, $17-23, plus half-priced whiskey pours.

 
• Mullet’s Norwalk offers a free kids meal per adult meal on Tuesdays 4 p.m. to close.
 
• Mickey's Irish Pub (50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee) has a special $10 half-pound burger with a side all day Tuesday. 
 
• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers a "Tendy's Tuesday" pork tenderloin basket with a drink for $11.50.
 
• The Station on Ingersoll (3124 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special pork tenderloin with a side for $10.
 
• Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special cheeseburger with fries, tots or salad and a drink for $10.
 
• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $7 breakfasts and $8 burgers Tuesdays.
 
• Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) offers a special smashburger with cheese, fries and a draft beer for $12 on Tuesdays.
 
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a beef stroganoff special on Tuesdays, $14 including beverage.
 
• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) hosts 222 BBQ today from 5-9 p.m.
 
• Baklava is half priced Tuesdays at Istanbul Cafe and Bakery (3281 100th, Urbandale). 
 
• Red Robin stores are featuring a $10 cheeseburger with an "endless side" on Tuesdays.
 
• Jethro's Tuesday special is 2 pounds of bone-in smoked wings for the price of one. 
 
• Kids meals are half price till 2 p.m. today at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale).  
 
• Taco Tuesday brings serious discounts to La Familia (1610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines), all Taco John's, all Abelardo's, all Fernando’s, Malo (900 Mulberry St., Des Moines), Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines), Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines), The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines), Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines), Jack's Place Grill & Bar, (6112 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) and both Faustino's. 
 
• Most Hy-Vees offer $6 two entrees Chinese deli meals on Tuesdays. 
 
• Today is beef and noodles day at Maxie's Supper Club (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines).

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Exclusively in North Polk Living magazine at www.iowalivingmagazines.com.
 

From dream to reality
Residents reimagine their homes to fit their lives.

By Lindsey Giardino

Home improvement projects are often about much more than a few repairs, fresh paint and new appliances. They are about creating living spaces that fit the owners’ needs, style and desire for a home that is “just right.” Residents share how their renovations made their dreams into a reality.

Just the way they wanted it
Emily and Corey Hoeft’s Polk City home has gone through a couple of renovations. About a year after they moved in, they tackled some basic updates, including painting and replacing light fixtures. The second time around, they went big, essentially gutting the entire main level and transforming the space.

The renovation added a 250-square-foot dining room, expanded the primary bedroom and closet by another 250 square feet, added two decks and completely changed the floor plan. They also remodeled the kitchen and both bathrooms. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$995,000
1010 32nd St.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
  
This one-owner custom home in the heart of West Des Moines was designed for gathering, celebrating and making memories—and now it’s ready for its next chapter. Set on 1.26 acres, this distinctive 1970s home offers approximately 6,000 finished sq ft, 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, a 4-car garage, in-ground swimming pool, expansive deck and finished lower level. ...
 
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
2620 S.W. VINTAGE PARKWAY, ANKENY
DATE: 2026-04-20
SALE PRICE: $4,100,000
SELLER: SLM PROPERTIES LLC
BUYER: TONNIGES PR 2 LLC
ACRES: 1.991
SQUARE FEET: 12,487
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Giants trade for Vikings QB McCarthy but say Winston is QB1. The New York Giants traded for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy on Monday, sending a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to Minnesota for the 2024 first-round pick. McCarthy, taken by the Vikings with the No. 10 pick, was the third-string quarterback in Minnesota behind starter Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. Giants coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday's victory over the Tennessee Titans that Jameis Winston would remain the Giants' starter even if the team added another quarterback. He reiterated that on Monday after the trade for McCarthy. ... READ MORE
 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Ben Johnson showed why he’s more than a great play-caller with Case Keenum’s performance. I don’t want to give my editors more ideas because I’ve already given the backup quarterbacks too much attention this season, but part of me wants to rank the top third-string signal-callers in the NFL to give Case Keenum more praise. He was that good Monday night in the Bears’ 27–7 victory against the Eagles while filling in for Caleb Williams, who’s dealing with a hamstring injury, and Tyson Bagent, who was recently cleared from the concussion protocol. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Aaron Judge wants to play in the wild-card round — will the Yankees include him on the roster?  Aaron Judge would like to play baseball. That much is clear. Whether the New York Yankees include their leading man on the upcoming wild-card roster is a much hazier situation. Judge has not seen game action since Sept. 16, sidelined due to a right calf strain. Before that ailment emerged, Judge missed three months due to a stress fracture in his rib. He returned on Sept. 8, went a lackluster 4-for-23, hurt the calf and went right back on the shelf. ... READ MORE
 
 

1918: Allied forces break through the Hindenburg Line. On Sept. 29, 1918, after a 56-hour-long bombardment, Allied forces breach the so-called Hindenburg Line, the last line of German defenses on the Western Front during World War I. … READ MORE

1982: Cyanide-lacd Tylenol kills first three of seven victims. On Sept. 29, 1982, three Chicago area residents become ill and die after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol later found to be poisoned with cyanide. They are the first of seven victims to lose their lives after taking the over-the-counter pain reliever, which had been tampered with. The case would create a national panic over the safety of nonprescription medications and lead to new standards for pill packaging. … READ MORE

1988: Stacy Allison becomes first American woman to reach summit of Mt. Everest. Stacy Allison of Portland, Oregon, becomes the first American woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth. Allison, a member of the Northwest American Everest Expedition, climbed the Himalayan peak using the southeast ridge route. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
These celebrities were born on this date: Halsey, Kevin Durant, Lilah Pate, Nicholas Galitzine, Zachary Levi, Michael Epps, Adore Delano, Ian McShane, Ninel Conde, Sasha Lane, Chrissy Metz, Kelly McCreary, Roger Bart, Les Claypool
 
Historical birthdays
1547: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists. He is best known for his two-part novel Don Quixote, a work considered to be the first modern novel.
 
1899: László József Bíró, Hispanicized as Ladislao José Biro, was an Argentine, Hungary-born inventor who patented the first commercially successful modern ballpoint pen. The first ballpoint pen had been invented roughly 50 years earlier by John J. Loud, but it was not a commercial success.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: How do you stop a bull from charging? TAKE AWAY ITS CREDIT CARD! - Deb Guntly, Carolyn Rogers, Peri Van Tassel, Wendy Den, Kris Laurson, Chuck Golliher, Sharon Hill Watkins, Gail Tomlinson, Anne Lentz, Judy Anderson, Bill Snyder. Or, UNPLUG HIM! - Irving Stone.

 Today's riddle: Why do sweaters tend to hang out together?

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

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Indianola, Waukee or Norwalk Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

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