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April 18-24, 2025

 
 
Where you live has a lot to do with how many miles you drive
 

Like most of you, I recently compiled information for my taxes. And, like most of you, I dread doing it.

As part of the process, I gathered documentation on the business miles I drove in the past year, as well as the personal miles. I seem to average about 14,400 miles total per year. That’s a bit more than the average American, who drives 13,476 per year, according to lookupaplate.com. I use a vehicle quite extensively for work purposes, as I drive between our two offices frequently. But, apparently, others are driving nearly as much for a variety of reasons.

Although I put the pedal to the metal between our offices, my commute from home is quite short — less than 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the average driver is behind the wheel for up to 55 minutes per day. That’s almost an hour. On the road. Every day. Add it up, and that’s two weeks of drive time. Yikes.

Most of you would guess that men drive more than women. And, most of you would be correct. How much more? According to the same data set, men drive an average of 6,000 more miles per year than women. Don't tell my wife, as I actually prefer to have her drive.

Do you ever wonder how many combined miles Americans drive each year? Inquiring minds want to know, and I found the answer — 3.26 trillion miles per year. Trillions sound like a lot, but 3.26 is only about 10% of our national debt, which also sounds like a lot. Meanwhile, the number of miles Americans drive is expected to increase by 22% by 2049. Let’s hope our national debt doesn’t do the same.

Apparently, where you live has a lot to do with how many miles you drive, and the answer may not be what you are thinking. The state with drivers who rack up the most miles? It’s Wyoming, averaging 24,069 miles per driver each year. The question is, are Wyoming residents coming or going? My friend Alan always says, “Take your time going but hurry back.” That must be Wyoming’s state motto.

The state with the lowest average miles driven? Well, it’s not really a state, but Washington, D.C. is the answer, averaging 7,013 miles per driver each year. They have nowhere to go, apparently.

Is age a factor? Absolutely. Those ages 35-54 drive more than any other age group, averaging 15,291 each year. Throw the male vs. female aspect in with age, and it gets even more interesting. Men ages 35-54 drive the most, while females ages 65 or older drive the least.

And 65-year-old women from Wyoming who are concerned about the national debt? You don’t want to know.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

 
 
NP JV soccer faces ADM
 

Nathan Pitlock in action during the North Polk vs. ADM JV Soccer contest in Adel on April 3.

 

Summer odd-even lawn watering schedule

Lawn watering uses a high volume of water, particularly during the warmer months of the year. Automated, in-ground lawn sprinkler systems need regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Even the most properly maintained system can be operated unwisely, wasting gallons of water.


City of Polk City and Des Moines Water Works, in partnership with Central Iowa Water Works, encourages central Iowa homeowners and businesses to Use Water Wisely, a recommended schedule aimed at smart summer lawn watering. By improving the efficiency of irrigation practices, homeowners and businesses can reduce consumption, save money and reduce the peak load on water facilities.

Recommended schedule: The recommended outdoor watering schedule applies to all spray irrigation systems for homes and businesses:


  • Watering is not recommended on Mondays
.
  • Watering is not recommended during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

  • Even-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

  • Odd-numbered addresses are encouraged to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
 

Celebrate North Polk

Celebrate North Polk (CNP), is the biggest event of the year that raises money for all the additional expenses North Polk Community School has and creates opportunities for students, athletes and the arts. CNP distributes funds equally among Fine Arts Boosters, Athletic Booster Club, and North Polk Foundation. This year's event will be held Saturday, May 31, 5-11:30 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway in Ankeny. To purchase tickets, visit www.celebratenorthpolk.org.

 

Curbside yard waste collection has begun

Easily dispose of leaves, grass clippings and more right at your curb. Yard waste curbside collection in Polk City occurs on Friday, the regular garbage collection day. You can set out a variety of yard waste for curbside collection, including: twigs and branches, leaves, grass clippings and garden vegetation (such as spoiled vegetables on the vine or wilted flowers from landscaping).

Items that are not accepted include: dirt, mulch, rocks, food or pet waste.

You have two options for curbside collection with Metro Waste Authority:

  • Bags and Stickers: Place yard waste in Compost it! bags or store-brand bags with a green Compost It! sticker attached. Set bags at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day. Bags and stickers are available at many local retailers.
  • Cart Service: If you have a lot of yard waste, consider a Compost It! cart. Just fill the 96-gallon cart and place it at the curb on your regular collection day each week. 

Logs, stumps, large branches, rocks and dirt are not accepted in the curbside Compost It! program, but they can be self-hauled to Metro Park East Landfill, where yard waste is accepted year-round. 

Once collected, your lawn and garden debris is taken to Metro Compost Center at Metro Park East Landfill. There, Metro Waste Authority’s team turns and maintains the yard waste for four to nine months as it decomposes. The final product is Grow Gold Compost, a natural soil enhancer available for purchase for your home, garden or landscaping projects.

Have questions about yard waste or the Compost It! program? Visit www.WhereItShouldGo.com/YardWaste,  or give Metro Waste Authority a call at 515-244-0021.

 

Coming up at the Polk City Community Library

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119  | polkcitylibrary.org

  • Announcements:
    The library will be closed Saturday, April 19.
  • Adult Crafternoon: Quilled Flower Photo Frames, Tuesday, April 22, 2 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting. We will be learning basic quilling techniques to make paper flowers to decorate a photo frame. All supplies will be provided. Ages 17 and older, registration required.
  • Plant Swap, Tuesday, April 22, 5-7 p.m.
  • Lights, Beats and Little Feets! Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m. Get ready for the ultimate baby dance at the library. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can dance, groove and enjoy music under colorful lights.
  • Iowa’s Prohibition & Bootlegging Legacy, Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m. Join Iowa historical fiction writer, Ann Hanigan Kotz, as she takes you through the early 20th century in her new program. Registration requested but not required.
 

Book club meetings

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119  |  polkcitylibrary.org

  • Monday Book Club, “Midnight at the Blackbird Café” by Heather Webber, Monday April 21, 2 p.m. It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother's estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father's side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can't stop talking about.
 
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Sunset Yoga: Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. at Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets on the outdoor plaza or inside the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. This gentle yoga class will focus on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sun sets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint. Bring a yoga mat and block, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration is due one day ahead of the event. Cost is $15 for this program for ages 12 and older.
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Earth Day at the Botanical Garden
Saturday, April 19
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Celebrate Earth Day and explore the vital connections between plants, people and the natural world at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Participate in family-friendly activities, explore the garden, and engage with a variety of community partners that promote environmental awareness, sustainability and Earth-friendly practices, all for free. For more information, visit dmbotanicalgarden.com/event/earth-day/.

Family Easter
Saturday, April 19
Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Celebrate Easter with an old-fashioned flair. Ongoing egg hunts will be held for toddlers to 12-year-olds, with allergy-free options available. Attendees will also find Easter games, crafts and stories, a baby chick exhibit, demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more. For more information, visit lhf.org/event/family-easter/.

WDM Elks Spring Style Show Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Des Moines Elks Lodge No. 2752, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive
Tickets are $15 each or reserve a table for eight for $130 or a table for four for $70. The Style Show starts at 11 a.m. with a salad luncheon at 12:30 p.m. and door prize drawing at 2 p.m. Many fantastic vendors including K.A.B.E. & Co clothes and accessories will be available. Funds raised will benefit Veterans Children’s Christmas and other Elks approved charities and outreach.

Spring Wildflower Photography Walk
Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St., Prairie City
Join photographer Mike Cox for a free guided photo walk. Stroll the half-mile Oak Savanna trail and discover spring ephemerals. These are the first wildflowers that bloom in the oak savanna. Discover how to take stunning photos as you enjoy the spring weather. Any type of camera is fine for this program, including cell phone cameras. The program will start at the Oak Savanna Trailhead. This trail is a half-mile loop with a gravel surface. The trail has several gradual inclines. The parking lot has a restroom. Wear pants and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a refillable water bottle and insect repellent. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 to register and for information.

Eat|Drink|Architecture
Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. shotgun start
Iowa Taproom, Royal Mile, Hessen Haus, Fong's Pizza (choose your preferred departure location when you register)
The Iowa Architectural Foundation announces the return of Eat|Drink|Architecture, a one-of-a-kind walking tour that celebrates the intersection of notable architecture, delicious food and craft beverages. Eat|Drink|Architecture offers attendees an engaging and social experience, guiding them through a curated walking route featuring notable architectural landmarks and unique spaces. Along the way, participants will enjoy stops at partnering Full Court Press restaurants, each offering a taste of their signature flavors. This year's route will feature the new Fong's Pizza location in the East Village. Proceeds support IAF's educational programming, including Architecture in the Schools and Architecture in the Community initiatives, which promote architectural appreciation and literacy throughout Iowa. Tickets and additional details are available at EDA2025.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance.

Earth Day Adventure
Sunday, April 27, noon to 3 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Bring the friends and family for an afternoon of sustainable activities and outdoor exploration of areas in Water Works Park that you may not even know exist. Go for a hike, bring your bike, identify wildlife and discover The Wild.

Terrace Hill Mother’s Day Tea Set
Saturday, May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor's Residence and National Historic Landmark, 2300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines  
Guests will enjoy scones, tea sandwiches, sweets and Terrace Hill’s special blend tea while enjoying the beauty of the 1869 residence. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill. Reservations are $50 per guest and must be made in advance. Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite at thmothersdaytea2025.eventbrite.com, or call the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.

 
Cooking up comfort with ease and convenience
 

(Family Features) Checking all the boxes with family meals - convenience, nutrition and, of course, deliciousness - can be a tall task. If you're aiming to add recipes to your dinner rotation that are equally flavorful and easy to make, look no further than Fettuccine with Pesto, Prosciutto and Asparagus.

This two-pan meal serves four and provides a warm, comforting taste without making a mess of the kitchen. The classic combination of fettuccine and pesto are complemented by prosciutto and thick, flavorful asparagus for a recipe practically made for spring.

As an added (but important) bonus, it's easy to prepare — just don't overcook it. All it needs is 5-8 minutes in boiling water, or, in this case, 5-6 minutes in a heated skillet for perfectly cooked, firm and delicious spears.

Visit MichiganAsparagus.org to find more family favorites to add to your menu.

Fettuccine with pesto, prosciutto and asparagus
Recipe courtesy of Michigan Asparagus
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ pound fresh Michigan Asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 6 slices prosciutto
  • ¼ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  • In medium skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add asparagus and cook 5-6 minutes until tender.

  • While asparagus is cooking, bring large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  • Add pesto to asparagus and add pasta. Toss pasta with pesto and asparagus.
    Divide between four plates. Top with prosciutto and 1 tablespoon ricotta per plate. Top with fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.

 
 
 
From your North Polk Living magazine
 

Mailed to residential home addresses in Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

RESIDENTS' CHOICE AWARDS

Ankeny/Northern Polk County residents share their favorites.

Residents of Ankeny/Northern Polk County have again weighed in on their favorite businesses, people, events and places in the latest Residents’ Choice poll. The poll results share residents’ top three choices in dozens of categories, many of which are extremely competitive with a handful of votes separating the winner from the runners up. Consequently, we view them all as winners. They have captured the favor of people who live in the area and who know the businesses, people, events and places of the area best.

[...]

 
Read this month's issue
 

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Polk City Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by CLICKING HERE. or under the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com

 

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