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Good morning to you! 
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026

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.

“I miss the sounds of kids outside playing games like hide and seek, redlight/greenlight, etc. (Sounds we miss, Oct. 8, 2026). And the laughter that went with it.” - Gail

Me, too. But there’s still time! See you by the street light at 9 p.m. - Shane

“A sound I'm not sure I miss, but that was an indelible part of my growing up, was the ‘ker-chunk’ of an 8-track player halfway through a song (Sounds we miss, Oct. 8, 2026). We didn't even question it. That's just the way it was. Can you imagine anyone putting up with that today?” - Valerie

I can even remember the points in some songs when the tracks changed. - Shane

“Shane, I read your column today (Sounds we miss, Oct. 8, 2026). Just a dial tone when you make a phone call. We probably are one of the few who still use the landlines. Last week, when we went to make a phone call, there was no dial tone. Even the phone plugged into the outlet, not part of the cordless system, was dead. Contacted CenturyLink to report the issue. Instead of trying to fix it, they converted us to a ‘Connected Voice With Air-Line.’ We will see how this works. Times have changed.” - Sharon

At least you were able to actually talk to someone, I assume. - Shane

“So why did someone once call me blustery (Blustery and blistery, Oct. 13, 2026)?” - Brad

Exactly. - Shane

“How about ‘Celebrate’ by Kool and the Gang (Greatest rock anthems, Oct. 14, 2026)? It was sung after every basketball game win when I was in high school.” - Sharon

In my deepest voice… “It’s a celebration.” – Shane

"How about ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ (Greatest rock anthems, Oct. 14, 2026)? Too bad you can't substitute other state names in the lyrics. I passed through Muscle Shoals a few years ago. Where the heck are the swamp and swamp people? Some research revealed ‘Swampers’ is a band, quite famous and worked with rock legends.” - John

At Lake Panorama, we sing “Sweet Home Panorama.” It works. Kind of. - 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: Data center company eyes Boone site after pushback in Ames. Boone residents had the chance on Thursday to ask questions about a proposed data center that Lightedge is considering for a 10-acre site in Boone Business Park. The proposal is a new location for a project Lightedge first considered for Ames, according to Lightedge's Chief Marketing Officer Matt Biegacki. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: President Trump to visit Iowa ahead of midterm elections. President Donald Trump will make two visits to Iowa ahead of Election Day. Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann announced in a Facebook post that the president will be visiting Iowa on Oct. 22 and on Nov. 1. “He is anxious for Iowans to hear his message before they vote,” the post reads in part. President Trump last visited Iowa in January. No details about the upcoming events have been shared. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Des Moines man convicted on multiple charges after 2025 chase that reached 110 mph. A Polk County jury found a Des Moines man guilty on five drug and driving charges in connection to a chase involving three separate vehicles in May 2025, the Polk County Attorney's Office said. On May 8, 2025, 42-year-old Cole Langford was driving a motorcycle on an interstate in the Des Moines metro when an Iowa State Patrol trooper attempted to stop him for failing to properly displaying the motorcycle plates. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Russia strikes 9 Ukrainian regions as strain grows between Zelenskyy and Trump. Russian attacks on nine regions of Ukraine caused emergency power outages for hundreds of thousands of households and damaged numerous homes, wounding at least 15 people, officials said Friday, as civilian casualties from Moscow’s invasion climb steeply. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness. A 16-year-old shot his way through locked doors to get into an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher. He was then shot by a person at the scene who followed him inside, authorities said. The suspect was found dead inside the school minutes after the shooting was first reported, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Should fraternities and sororities be abolished? University of Iowa students weigh in. The University of Iowa has more than 40 fraternities and sororities, many with houses on campus and calendars filled with fundraisers and social events. The high-profile investigation at Cornell University has elevated concerns about culture, consent and assaults within Greek-affiliated groups. Lillian Humphries, a University of Iowa junior, said, “I feel like it’s pretty normalized for things such as sexual assault, roofying, stuff like that to happen in a lot of fraternities.” ... READ MORE

 
 
Weather forecast
Friday, Oct. 16
 
Clouds and wind
High: 51
Low: 34
Rain chance: 20%
Saturday, Oct. 17
 

Sunshine
High: 58
Low: 42
Rain chance: 0%

Sunday, Oct. 18
 

Sunny and breezy
High: 65
Low: 45
Rain chance: 0%

 
 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 3.5 low-medium  range
 
Top allergens:
Ragweed
Sagebrush
Chenopods
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Place to Work Out
1. Iron Chapel Barbell
2. Bishop’s Elite Martial Arts Academy
3. Life Time
 
 
See all of the results
 
 

Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES Oct. 23-24, 7 p.m., Hoyt Sherman Place. Featuring the world premiere “Nevermore” inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly, “Ghost Ballads” by Adriana Pierce, eerie excerpts from “Giselle,” plus a “Thriller” of an appearance.

Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. "Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It." Oct. 16 - Nov. 1. 

Des Moines Performing Arts - "Spamalot," Oct. 20-25. 

Des Moines Performing Arts - Wellmark Family Series. "Velveteen: A New Musical." Oct .17. 

Comedy Xperiment. Oct. 16-17. Comedy improv from Tallgrass Theatre.

Jazz at Caspe. Oct. 18. Joe Fonda and the New Origin Trio. Abe Goldstein welcomes his latest internationally acclaimed jazz artist to Des Moines.

AUDITIONS. "Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress." Kate Goldman Family Series. Monday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. 

AUDITIONS. "I Never Sang for My Father," Ankeny Community Theatre. Sunday, Oct. 18, and Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Broadway Cabaret – Sondheim Tricks andTreats.
Announcing the amazing cast for Sondheim Tricks andTreats. Don’t miss this wonderful tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim. Twelve amazing guest artists. Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

 

Betcha didn't know...
While cow brains have been taboo for eating in America since the Mad Cow disease (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) breakout in 1995-96, one old German restaurant in Indiana has become famous for its brain sandwiches. Hilltop restaurant in Evansville serves them in several sizes, the smallest of which is described as "huge" by most first timers. 

We recall loving the "sesos tacos" served in Des Moines by more than one Mexican taqueria before the outbreak. Maybe it is time for a grand revival? 

Imagine Dragons broke venue attendance records at both Tottenham Stadium in London (100,000) and the Ippodromo la Mauro in Milan (76,000) last year. They appeared in Des Moines, at Gas Lamp, years before that. 

Weekend deals
• Taste of Norway will be at Valley High School Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with  traditional baked goods, crafters and live, traditional music.

• Irina's Steak & Seafood (650 S. Prairie View Drive, Unit 100, West Des Moines) has a Sunday special beef stroganoff with potatoes, salad and two glasses of wine for $33.
 
• Hy-Vees offer fish and chips for $5.99 Fridays, whole smoked chickens for $8.99 Saturdays and eight legs buckets of fried chicken Sundays. 
 
• AJ's at Prairie Meadows has a new all-you-can-eat prime rib and crab legs buffet from 4 p.m. Fridays. 
 
• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University Ave., West Des Moines) offers fish fry lunch specials $16.49-$21 including a pint or two shrimp Fridays. Saturdays feature $33 12-ounce prime rib dinners. 
 
• High Life Lounge (200 Second St., Des Moines) has a Friday special fish fry for $11.99.
 
• Amruth Indian Grill (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) offers mandi rice on Fridays, with chicken, paneer and vegan choices. 
 
• 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 BBQ pork loin 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).
 
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering Mongolian beef stir fry 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. 
 
• Pork loin and dressing is today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola). Saturday's will be creamed chicken on biscuits and Sunday's is fried chicken.
 
• 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 and 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. 
 
• 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 avocados at $.55, chicken breasts at $1.99/pound and baby bella mushrooms at $.99/half pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running sales through Sunday on snow crab clusters at $9.99/pound, grass fed ribeye at $9.99/pound and ahi and swordfish steaks at $10.99/pound.

• Fareway has sales through Saturday on boneless ribeyes at $19.99/pound, beef stew meat at $7.99/pound and brats at $4.99/pound.

 • Hy-Vee has specials through Monday on Birdseye vegetables at 99 cents, AE dips at $1.48, and Smart chicken legs or thighs at 1.99/pound.

• Price Choppers have sales through Tuesday on red peppers at $.88 cents, easy peel mandarins at $3.99/3-pound bag and Shullsburg butter at $1.99/pound.
 
Dinner with a show
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... Fred Gazzo Quintet  plays at Anna Dolce at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.  

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Exclusively in West Des Moines / Jordan Creek Living magazine at www.iowalivingmagazines.com.
 

From trauma to advocacy
Voshell created Warriors from Ashes Rising to help other survivors.

By Rachel Harrington

Often, the people best equipped to help others deal with trauma and difficult times are those who have survived similar circumstances themselves. Jenny Voshell began a nonprofit organization, Warriors from Ashes Rising, in January 2024. The goal of the organization is to support soldiers, especially female soldiers, who have endured sexual harassment and abuse. She has firsthand experience with this trauma and wants others to know, when it happens to them, they are not alone.

“When I was an active duty soldier, I was raped. It was brutal,” she shared. “My military sexual trauma (MST) really took me hard — I mean absolutely devastatingly. I was brand new to my unit, I didn’t know a single soul, and it was my 20th birthday. I wasn’t sure how or if I should report it, if I should be ‘that person,’ or if I should keep it to myself and still fight. I chose to keep it to myself and chose to fight, and I fought myself on it for so many years." ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$265,000
1500 Cherry St.
Dallas Center, IA 50063
 
Charming 1900 two-story with character, space & updates in the heart of Dallas Center! Situated on a lovely corner lot, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom stucco home offers 2,172 square feet of living space and a layout that gives you room to spread out. Step inside from the cozy front porch and you'll find original hardwood floors, beautiful woodwork and built-ins that add timeless character throughout. ...
 
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
3409 S.W. NINTH ST., DES MOINES
DATE: 2026-05-11
SALE PRICE: $460,000
SELLER: RUBBY LLC
BUYER: BMSK INVESTMENT LLC
ACRES: 0.255
SQUARE FEET: 3,200
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
 FROM ESPN: Brewers sweep Dodgers in NLCS, advance to 1st World Series in 44 years. For the first time since 1982, the Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the World Series. Garrett Mitchell hammered a go-ahead sixth-inning solo homer off Dodgers lefty Tanner Scott as Milwaukee capped a rally from a four-run deficit against the Dodgers on Thursday. Milwaukee beat the Dodgers 6-4, completing a National League Championship Series sweep of the two-time defending champs. ... READ MORE
 
FROM FOX SPORTS: 3 takeaways from Broncos' OT win vs. Seahawks. In a game that looked like a 1980s flashback with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos wearing their throwback uniforms from their AFC West rivalry days, the defending Super Bowl champs appear to have lost their swagger. The Broncos took a double-digit lead into halftime, but needed overtime to escape with a 17-14 victory over the visiting Seahawks in primetime on Thursday night. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Petey Halpin plays hero with go-ahead homer, epic bat flip in Guardians' Game 3 ALCS victory over Rays. Petey Halpin flipped the script on Thursday. Then he flipped the bat. The 24-year-old rookie outfielder, a bit more than a year removed from making his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians, sent Progressive Field into a frenzy when he blasted a go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. ... READ MORE
 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 10 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $4.20 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up $1.44 from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $4.33, down 4 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $6.07. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.45 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 23 cents lower than the national average of $6.30.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $3.24 for U87-E10, $3.88 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $5.27 for ULSD#2, $5.60 for ULSD#1, and $2.64 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were down 2 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.19 MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.64 per gallon in Iowa. Last year the price averaged $1.52 per gallon for propane.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $5.76 per gallon. The price for heating oil last year averaged $3.00 per gallon.

 

1793: Marie Antoinette is beheaded. Nine months after the execution of her husband, the former King Louis XVI of France, Marie Antoinette follows him to the guillotine on Oct. 16, 1793. … READ MORE

1854: Abraham Lincoln speaks out against slavery. On Oct. 16, 1854, an obscure lawyer and Congressional hopeful from the state of Illinois named Abraham Lincoln delivers a speech regarding the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which Congress had passed five months earlier. In his speech, the future president denounced the act and outlined his views on slavery, which he called “immoral.” … READ MORE

1923: Walt Disney Company is founded. On Oct. 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy found the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in Hollywood, California. The studio, now known as the Walt Disney Company, has had an oversized impact on the entertainment industry and is now one of the largest media companies in the world.  … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
Happy birthday, Andrea Hodapp! Happy birthday Saturday to Jill Nelson!

These celebrities were born on this date: Ruby Rose Turner, Charles Leclerc, John Mayer, Cris MJ, Bryce Harper, Sham Idrees, Loreen, Caterina Scorsone, Flea, Naomi Osaka, Shayne Ward, Inna, Andrew Santino, Sue Bird
 
Historical birthdays
1758: Noah Webster was an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English-language spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and author. He has been called the "Father of American Scholarship and Education."
 
1875: Princess Kaʻiulani was a Hawaiian royal, the only child of Princess Miriam Likelike, and the last heir apparent to the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom. She was the niece of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What did Alfred reply when Batman asked him to fill the bathtub? "Master Bruce, what is a bat tub?" - Wendy DenAdel, Gail Tomlinson. Or, "I’ll get the bat tub ready, sir." - Anne Lentz.

Today's riddle: What did the hairdresser say when I asked if she ever gave a henna rinse?

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

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella, CITYVIEW, SENIORVIEW, HOMEVIEW, Explore DM or Relish DM, contact:

Mary Fowler
Account Executive
515-953-4822 x311
c: 641-485-0555
mary@dmcityview.com

 

 

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