Aug. 25-31, 2026

If you happen to have been in the vicinity of the Simpson Barn or the historical museum in the last few months, you might have heard an eerie squeaking sound emanating from the windmill. This squeal was a plea from the windmill for help. Sometime last year, someone decided they needed to free the windmill from its brake and to “let ‘er rip.” They broke a padlock and took away the braking mechanism. The blades not only spun all the time, but the windmill head turned 360 degrees depending on the direction of the wind.

Windmills were never meant to be going non-stop.  This invaluable equipment with no need for electricity or motor was used to pump water from a well to fill a tank for watering livestock or for household needs. Once the tank was full, the windmill was shut down.

Our 104-year-old windmill deserves respect. After numerous tries to rescue the windmill, the Johnston Historical Society contacted Great Plains Windmill Service from the Fairfield area.

It took specialized equipment, refurbished replacement parts and hefty donations to accomplish the goal of returning the windmill to its glory.

Donations were received by the Denny Elwell Foundation, an anonymous donor and numerous other donations. The Johnston Historical Society is very grateful.

PICTURED: The repaired 1922 Aermotor windmill with Branden Yelland and Micah Zook of Great Plains Windmill Service and Mary Jane Paez, Johnston Historical Society vice president.

Movies on the Yard

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring your favorite people along for a fun outdoor movie night on Thursday, Sept. 10 at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The event is free, so everyone in the community can join in on the summer fun. The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum, at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston, will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open during Johnston Commons park events, including Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

The final Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursday, Sept. 24  from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Bands will be The Sheet and Damon Dotson.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Come and be part of an exciting summer of music at The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts are Saturdays,  Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Featured are:

• Aug. 29: Not Quite Brothers
• Oct. 3: Pork Tornadoes

First Midwest Walk for FTD

On Saturday, Sept. 19, families from across Iowa and the Midwest will gather at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston, for the first-ever Walk for FTD Des Moines Area — A New Path. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the program starts at 10:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Mayor Paula Dierenfeld will have signed a proclamation recognizing and declaring National FTD Awareness Week, Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, and it will be celebrated during the walk festivities. FTD stands for frontotemporal dementia, a group of rare brain disorders that mainly affects behavior, personality, language and movement rather than memory, and it usually strikes people at a younger age (between 40 and 65) than other types of dementia.

The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District has been awarded a $16,510 Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant to purchase a biometric medication dispensing machine. 

This new technology, which will be housed at Station 39, 6373 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, will enhance the fire district's medication management by improving inventory control, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiency, ultimately providing cost savings for the district. The biometric medication dispensing machine also enhances security through user authentication, improving accountability and reducing liability for both the fire district and its personnel. The machine will serve all three stations and be used to securely store medications, as well as allow personnel to replace and stock medications in ambulances between calls. 

In addition, the system provides automatic inventory and restocking alerts while helping ensure compliance with Iowa EMS regulations and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements for medication storage, security and tracking. 

“We are grateful to Prairie Meadows for their continued investment in public safety. This grant allows us to enhance the security and accountability of our medication management system while ensuring our personnel have immediate access to the medications they need to provide exceptional emergency medical care to our community,” Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District Chief Percy Coleman said. 

Johnston Farmers Market

The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market is held every Tuesday until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m., and live performances from several local musicians truly make the market the place to be.

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

• Prairie Stomp at Sleepy Hollow: Thursday, Aug. 27, 6-8 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family, and enjoy a summer evening. Featured band: The Matt Woods Band.
• Restorative Hike at Jester Park: Thursday, Aug. 27, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take a moment to step away from the hubbub of regular life and join other adults each month this summer season for a guided hike. We’ll breathe in the fresh air, get in some healthy movement and explore what beautiful parks Polk County has to offer. We will be hiking more than 2 miles on uneven surfaces, up and down hills, on shaded and unshaded trails. Must be able to keep pace with minimal accommodation. Free, no registration required, ages 18 and older.
• Full Moon Forest Bathing: Friday, Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join this guided forest bathing experience timed with the full moon. This program will offer participants a chance to slow down and observe the natural transition from day to night. During this session, you’ll take part in simple, sensory-based invitations designed to help you notice your surroundings. No prior experience is needed, just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an openness to slowing down. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Aug. 24.
• Sunrise Inclusive Yoga: Saturday, Aug. 29, 6-7 a.m., Easter Lake Event Center, 2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines. Begin your day as the sun rises at Athene North Shore with instructor Dr. Stacey Huffman, OT/L. This mixed-level class welcomes every body and meets you where you are, with chair-supported and standing options offered. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Class will be held on the beach or inside the Event Center dependent on weather conditions. Registration required by one day before program. Ages 12 and older.
• Needle Felting: Sunday, Aug. 30, 1-3 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. You will learn techniques to create beautiful felted wool art using just wool and a needle in this beginner-friendly workshop. Fiber artist Megan Hammer will teach the basics before you create your first work of art. Registration includes step-by-step and creative guidance, tools and supplies for use during the workshop, and a needle-felted prairie landscape created by you. Registration required by Aug. 26. Ages 10 and older with an adult.

Lions Clubs worldwide are known for doing projects related to sight. With that in mind, the Johnston Lions Club had their first BINGO night of the season on Aug. 20. This year, they had Braille BINGO cards available for those who could use them.  What a delight to have Emily Brown from Johnston winning $30 using one of the club’s Braille cards.

The club will continue to have BINGO games on Sept. 17, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, from 6-8 p.m.  Fundraising from this activity is used for other community enrichment programs.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Shrimp and Bingo!
Saturday, Aug. 29, 5:30-9 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny
A Shrimp and Bingo Scholarship Fundraiser will be held to support scholarships for the DMACC Water Environmental Technology Program. Casual dinner, bingo games, raffles and more. Proceeds from the event benefit programs and initiatives that help remove barriers for students and strengthen access to education, workforce training and student support services. Cost is $100. Register at www.dmacc.edu/foundation/bingo.html.

Craft for Paws: Painting with a Twist
Sunday, Aug. 30, 2-5 p.m.
Painting with a Twist, 3743 86th St., Urbandale
Join the ARL at Painting with a Twist for a creative evening benefiting animals in need. Paint your own one-of-a-kind pet portrait, while enjoying a fun, relaxed atmosphere surrounded by fellow animal lovers. Once you are done, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a Pink Poodle strawberry lemonade and champagne cocktail (available to participants 21 and older) or strawberry lemonade and snuggle with adorable, adoptable kittens. Buy tickets at https://arl-iowa.org/event/events/craft-for-paws-august/.

Autumn at the Amphitheater
Sunday evenings, 5-7 p.m.
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Unwind in a picturesque natural setting while listening to talented local musicians. Food trucks will be available and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, blankets, family and friends. The lineup includes: Aug. 30, Andrew Hoyt; Sept. 6, The Carousel; Sept. 13, The Juan and Only; Sept. 20, Joshua Sinclair; Sept. 27, The Lamplighters; Oct. 4: Weary Ramblers; Oct. 11, Standing Hampton. Admission is free.

Square Dance Lessons
Sunday nights starting Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church, 4601 Douglas Ave., Des Moines
Ankeny Square Dance Club is sponsoring Square Dance Lessons. Cost is $20 per person for the entire session accepted at the third lesson. Attend with or without a dance partner. You will learn the calls, one at a time, taught by a caller (instructor) and volunteers. For more information, call Sandy Townsend, 515-294-2624, or visit www.ankenysquares.com.

Iowa Barn Foundation All-State Barn Tour
Sept. 19-20
The Iowa Barn Foundation is hosting the largest barn tour with a record 108 stops.  The tour is free and open to the public, made possible by member donors. The tour will run both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The Iowa Barn Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit committed to preserving Iowa's rural heritage one barn at a time.

Des Moines Area Quilters Guild Quilt Show
Sept. 24-26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Iowa State Fairgrounds 4-H Building, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
More than 600 quilts will be on display. Dozens of vendors will be displaying and selling their goods. Free demonstrations, quilt turnings and classes will be offered daily. There will be a raffle quilt and a Quilt Maker's Market. Admission is $12 at the door or $10 in advance; children 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit dmaqg.org or follow Des Moines Area Quilters Guild on Facebook.

CITYVIEW’s Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center, 5465 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Enjoy CITYVIEW’s Martini Fest, featuring 10 tickets for sample-size martinis at participating stops for $25 ($35 at the event). Visit https://martinifest.dmcityview.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

(Feature Impact) Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at the close of a hectic day.

With a little planning and convenient ingredients like Little Potatoes – which come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut – families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.

If you’re in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.

To find more ways to bring loved ones together at the table throughout the school year, visit LittlePotatoes.com.

Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 package maple bacon
• 1/2 pound fresh string beans, washed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit

Directions:

• On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
• In same pan, add fresh string beans, bacon grease, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute until soft.
• Peel back plastic on potatoes kit and microwave 5 minutes.
• Let potatoes cool 1-2 minutes and spread ranch seasoning over potatoes followed by bacon and string beans.

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ LOWE SUNCRUISER BIMINI 214 PONTOON BOAT. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000/best offer. Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FOR SALE: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo SUV in good condition. 89,000 Miles, automatic transmission, AWD. Runs good, new starter, new tires, new battery. Black with gray interior. Call Jerry at 641-485-4297 for more info. $3,500.00

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZING SERVICES – FIND YOUR PEACE: Overwhelmed by clutter? Let me help you create a calm, organized home for a healthier, happier living space. Services include home organization, decluttering, and tailored packages. Call Jennifer at (515) 991-2511 to book your consultation!

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