Ice Cream at the July 4th Celebration in Slater — This and more in this week's issue of Polk City Living Weekly!

June 5-11, 2026

The return of glass bottles is more than nostalgia

I read recently in The Daily Umbrella that Heinz is bringing back glass ketchup bottles, at least in limited quantities at Walmart stores. It is a good start. Frankly, it is about time.

The more I read about microplastics and the damage they may be doing to our bodies, the more I want to see glass bottles make a comeback. Ketchup today. Maybe mustard jars and soda bottles tomorrow. A person can dream.

Not familiar with the concern over microplastics? Here is the short version: Researchers estimate humans ingest the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of microplastics every week. Scientists have found microplastics in human blood, lungs and even breast milk. Global exposure has skyrocketed since 1990 through contaminated seafood, drinking water and even the air we breathe.

So where do these tiny plastic particles come from? Practically everywhere. Plastic packaging. Synthetic clothing. Personal care products. Plastic-lined cans. Bottled water. If it is wrapped, sealed, sprayed or marketed as “convenient,” chances are plastic is involved somewhere along the line.

And the potential health effects are not exactly comforting. Researchers say microplastics may accumulate in organs and tissues, contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress and possibly even cancer and reproductive problems. To be fair, scientists are still studying the long-term effects, but when the phrase “plastic particles in your bloodstream” enters the conversation, it is probably worth paying attention.

I first learned about all this after losing an argument with a co-worker a few years ago about bottled water expiration dates. He said bottled water expires. I said he was crazy. As it turns out, the water itself does not expire, but, over time, chemicals and microplastics from the plastic bottle can leach into the water. So, technically, he was right. Which, unfortunately, made me wrong.

Of course, trying to avoid plastic entirely in 2026 is nearly impossible. Plastic is everywhere. Look around the room you are sitting in right now. Odds are good you are within arm’s reach of enough plastic to build a small kayak. Still, “it is everywhere” is not much of a defense. We already know too many microplastics in our bodies is not a good thing. What is the downside to having less?

When I was a child in the 1970s, I lost another argument, this time to my sister. We were debating the lyrics in the old Heinz ketchup commercials featuring Carly Simon’s song “Anticipation” while the ketchup slowly crawled out of the glass bottle. I was convinced the lyrics were “Heinz is the patience.” My sister informed me — repeatedly — that the word was “anticipation.” Once again, she was right. But maybe that is fitting. We have anticipated long enough. Welcome back, glass bottles. Please bring your friends.

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

Duane Harris

Duane Harris, 94, of Polk City, died June 2, 2026, at the Madrid Home in Madrid, Iowa. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-6 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at Iles Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel, Madrid. Private interment will be at the Sheldahl Cemetery at a later date.

Duane was born Dec. 12, 1931, in Rippey and graduated from Rippey High School. On Sept. 17, 1952, he married LaVerna Kever. They made their home south of Sheldahl.

Duane served in the U.S. Army (1952-1954). Following his discharge, he began his life-long passion of farming.

Duane enjoyed helping people with any project and always had the coffee pot on for anyone who would stop by. He was known for flipping up the bill of his hat and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, taking care of his livestock and his dog. He also enjoyed the Saturday morning coffee get togethers with his sons and grandsons.

Duane is survived by his four sons, Don (Connie), Robert (Tammie), Rodney (Sherilyn) and Gary (Cathy); his grandchildren, Greg and Dan, Tim and Rob, Nick and Ryan, and Kevin, Mitch and Maria; 16 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerna, and siblings, Vernon, Theo, Marvin “Spud” and LaVonne Carr.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Chamber golf tournament

The Polk City Area Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is Friday, June 26 at Tournament Club of Iowa with check in at 8 a.m. and shotgun start at 9 a.m. Proceeds will assist in giving back to the community. Cost is $600 per team for members and $650 for non-members. Contact admin@polkcitychamber.com for information and registration.

Free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm

Practical Farmers of Iowa is hosting a free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm, 3989 N.W. 94th Ave., Polk City, on Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Polk County NRCS received an award for using CRP and EQIP to establish multipurpose wetlands to intercept high nitrate field tiles and upland runoff. This provides free high nitrate water and phosphates to rapid soil restoration (recent soil tested at 13.2% organic matter). Data collected shows this can boost table food production 250%. NRCS has switched the fields from commodity crops to high value perennial food cropping. PFI is planning on hosting a second Field Day related to on-farm hands-on STEM in the trades for farming.

Garage Sale and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women in Faith are having a garage sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheldahl United Metbodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Features denim rag rugs, free coffee and bottled water.

Elkhart citywide garage sale

Elkhart is having a city wide garage sale on July 25. Enjoy an opportunity to visit multiple sales on the same day.

The Endless Variety of Quilts

Celebrate an eclectic array of quilts reaching back to our grandmothers and forward to now from 4-8 p.m. on June 25, 6-8 p.m. on June 26 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 27 at the Big Creek Schoolhouse Museum, 116 S. Third St., Polk City. Direct questions to i nfo@polkcityhistory.org.

Ice Cream at the July 4th Celebration in Slater

The Sheldahl and Slater United Methodist Churches will be selling soft serve ice cream at the July 4th celebration in Nelson Park, 305 Benton St., Slater, on Saturday, July 4. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until sold out. Find them south of the grandstand.

Polk City Public Library news

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

Announcements

The library will close at noon Friday, June 26, and remain closed Saturday, June 27. Visit the library at the Four Seasons Festival.

2026 Summer Reading Program

The 2026 Summer Reading Program has begun. This year’s theme is “UnEarth a Story.” Programs are available for children, teens and adults.

Kids and teens: Through July 31 

Stop by the library for participation details, free events and prize opportunities. Offerings include Movies on Mondays, storytime on Tuesdays, Comets Kids Club on Wednesdays (grades K-5), and the performers series on Thursdays. Teen events are also planned. Programming runs June 8–July 24, with reading logs beginning June 1.

Adults: Through July 31 

Participants can earn tickets toward grand prizes by reading and attending programs. The schedule includes DIY workshops, author visits and a Laura Ingalls Wilder program.

Activities

Movie Mondays. June 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m. Family-friendly movies will be shown in the library multipurpose room. Popcorn is provided. June 8, “Goat”; June 15, “The Land Before Time”; June 22, “Mulan”
Thursday Summer Performers Series. 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). June 12, University of Iowa Archaeology: Games and Toys; June 18, “Dinosaurs Are Loose” with Kelly Crull; June 25, Skippy the Human Drum Machine.
Mah Jongg Open Play. Monday, June 8, 1 p.m. Drop-in play; beginners welcome. Ages 17 and older.
Adult Apron Adventures: Martha Stewart’s Oatcakes. Tuesday, June 9, 2 p.m.  A tea-themed baking program. Registration required; ages 17 and older.
Welcome to Medicare. Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m. A free seminar presented by Iowa SHIIP. Registration required.
Teen Hangout: Relax, Create and Connect. June 12 and 19, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Drop-in program for grades 6–12.
Taylor and Travis Get Married! Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. All-ages celebration with crafts, snacks and activities. Registration requested.
Monday Book Club. Monday, June 15, 2 p.m. Book: “The Journey of Karoline Olsen,” by Ann Hanigan Kotz. Includes an author visit.
Calligraphy for Tweens and Teens (two-part series). June 15 and 18, 3:30 p.m. Registration required; grades 6–12.
Adult Coloring. Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m. evening session; ages 17 and older.
Learn to Paint: Dinosaur Painting Party. June 17, 2–3 p.m. Registration required; grades 2–6.
Men’s Book Club. Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. (note date change). Location: Fenders Brewing, Book: “The Last Green Valley,” by Mark T. Sullivan.
PJ Storytime. Thursday, June 18, 6:30 p.m. Evening storytime for families with young children.
Adult DIY: Second Act Studio Stations. Tuesday, June 23, 6 p.m. Registration required; ages 17 and older.
Mah Jongg Open Play. Thursday, June 25, 5 p.m. Drop-in play; ages 17 and older.
Teens and tweens: Learn to Beatbox. Thursday, June 25, 1 p.m. Registration required.
Four Seasons Festival. Saturday, June 27. The library will be closed. Look for the library in the parade and join bingo at City Hall afterward.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the library. Audiobooks and e-books are available at bridges.lib.overdrive.com. Follow the library on Facebook for updates.

Polk County Conservation events

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

June Summer Skills: Tuesdays and Thursdays of June beginning June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign-up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Ages 10-16. Registration required by two days ahead of class. Classes are as follows: June 9 Paddling, June 11 Fishing, June 16 Air Rifle, June 18 Geocaching, June 23 Archery, and June 25 Outdoor Survival.
Hike for Health at Thomas Mitchell Park. Monday, June 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Why walk the mall when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Hike along with this friendly group of nature lovers who walk the trails each month for exercise and fun. Enjoy the camaraderie and explore some new trails. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by June 14.
Princess Adventures. Thursday, June 18, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Do you know a child who loves princesses? Want to encourage them to dress up AND have fun exploring the outdoors at the same time? Children, ages 4-6, are invited to the park in “princess attire,” (whatever that means to them.) We will learn about a courageous woman from the past, participate in a nature activity, and have a tea party with a snack. Ages 4-6. Registration required by June 16.
Picnic with the Turtles. Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m. to noon. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Meet our naturalist at Easter Lake Park for a fun and educational afternoon with our resident box turtles. You’re invited to pack a picnic lunch while our naturalist introduces you to these fascinating creatures, sharing interesting facts about their habitat, diet, and behavior. Get up close and personal with our box turtles as they enjoy their own lunch. Observe these gentle animals as they roam and forage and learn about their unique characteristics. Free, all ages welcome.
BioBlitz. Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come participate in a BioBlitz at Jester Park with other nature enthusiasts. Polk County Conservation and the Science Center of Iowa are teaming up to try and document as many species as possible using the Inaturalist app. Conservationists and trained volunteers will take you on guided walk to explore the park to see what you can find. All ages welcome. Registration required by June 18.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Music Under The Stars
Various dates and locations
This summer, Iowa's professional musicians perform a series of free, outdoor concerts at Water Works Park and Jasper Winery at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings.

June 15: Soundtrack of a Nation. Mike Short, tuba. Gina Gedler, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
June 21: Summer Songs. Andy Classen, trumpet. Napoleon Douglas, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
June 28: Heartland Horizons. James Romain, saxophone. Tina Haase-Findlay, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
July 5: Stars, Stripes and Celebration. Dana Slater, clarinet. Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
July 12: Bourbon Street Parade. NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m., Killinger Community Series.

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicUnderTheStarsIowa/events. Learn more at: www.musicunderthestars.org.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs
Friday, June 26, Downtown Des Moines
Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village
CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026 Food n’ Drink Lineup
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham

June 14: Music: Ozone Creations, Robert Deitch. Food trucks: Smokin Bad Decisions, Iowa Noodz, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
June 21: Music: Braided Janes, Soten Taiko Drums. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Pho Wheels and Sushi, C’est La Crepe, Jodee Sodees.
June 28: Music: Shannon Curfman, Iowa Military Veterans Band. Food trucks: Deardorff Highland Cattle, Sabores De Mexico, Zipps Pizza, C’est La Crepe, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
July 12: Music: The Elders, Banjokat. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Street Sweets.
July 19: Music: BYOBrass, Beth and Brandon. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
Aug. 2: Music: Leon Timbo, Carol Montag Music. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Sabores De Mexico, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
Aug. 9: Music: Newfound Road, Cedar County Cobras. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Hotsy Totsy, C’est La Crepe.
Aug. 16: Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels and Sushi, Street Sweets.

Social Saturday: Pride and Seek
Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Join the Des Moines Art Center’s June Social Saturday event: Pride and Seek. During Des Moines’ annual Capitol City Pride PrideFest, stop by the Art Center for a couple hours of fun, art making and educational engagement. Enjoy crafts in the Art School studios, a free screening of “Last American Gay Bar,” a free guided tour, drag king storytime, treats in the Café, and so much more. Visit https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/social-saturday-pride-and-seek/ for full schedule.

Gooey goodness with a protein punch

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter — but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

Protein, please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Visit BordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

The Protein Powerhouse:

1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions:

Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.

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

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

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 or best offer Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachmen Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

RESIDENTS' CHOICE AWARDS

Ankeny/Northern Polk County residents share their favorites

Once again, residents in the Ankeny/North Polk area have given kudos to the people, places, events and businesses that help make living in the area a pleasure and a breeze. Quality services, products, amenities and more are close to home, and those who live in the area tipped their hats to them by choosing their favorites in our annual Residents’ Choice Poll.

[...]

Read the full digital issue

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