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March 31 - April 6, 2026

 
 
The overlooked heroes of the bread aisle
 

Some inventions are so simple we take them for granted, assuming they have always been part of everyday life. As simple as sliced bread, you might say. And, if you eat sliced bread, you know this one well — the bread twist tie.

Charles E. Burford, a farmer and inventor from Maysville, Oklahoma, came up with the twist tie in 1961 after watching his wife struggle to keep bread fresh in paper bags. His solution was elegantly simple: a thin wire encased in paper that could twist and hold its shape. It worked. It stuck. It became standard.

Today, twist ties — often wrapped in plastic — seal everything from bread bags to garbage sacks. Billions are used each year in a range of sizes, colors, strengths and materials, quietly helping reduce food waste by keeping products fresh. Even the colors serve a purpose, signaling what day the bread was baked so shoppers can grab the freshest loaf.

Some people even re-use these twist ties for other functions, like bundling electrical cords, labeling spare keys or securing young plants to stakes or trellises. I have even seen them wrapped around earbuds to prevent tangling when not in use.

And yet, for all their usefulness, twist ties and I are not on good terms.

I untwist them off the bread wrapper, set them down for just a second and — gone. Vanished. It’s as if there’s a tiny portal on my countertop dedicated solely to swallowing twist ties. I could switch to silicone bands or plastic clips or even a clothespin. But no. I grab the bag, give it a tight spin and tuck the end underneath, hoping for the best.

What I really prefer are those small plastic bread tags, invented by Floyd G. Paxton in the early 1950s. Legend has it he fashioned the first one from an expired credit card on a flight — proof that necessity, and maybe boredom, really is the mother of invention. His idea led to Kwik Lok Corporation, now the world’s leading producer of those handy little clips.

So here’s to the overlooked heroes of the bread aisle — the twist ties we lose and the plastic tags that somehow stick around. They may not be glamorous, but they keep our bread fresh, our kitchens functioning and our small daily frustrations alive and well.

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

 
 
Johnston welcomes new police officer
 

On Monday, March 23, Lt. Marshall was sworn in as a member of the Johnston Police Department by Mayor Dierenfeld during the City Council meeting. Marshall is a founding member of an intelligence team, has served on the Community Response Team, and spent 10 years as a marksman/observer on the Emergency Response Team. He initiated and currently supervises a drone program and holds an FAA Part 107 pilot's license. Additionally, he is a standard field sobriety test instructor and an implicit bias instructor.

With three years of experience as an undercover narcotics detective for the Central Iowa Drug Task Force, he has collaborated extensively with state and federal prosecutors. Promoted to sergeant in 2014, he has supervised patrol shifts and the detective division, significantly advancing the unit's technological capabilities while serving as a dedicated leader and subject-matter expert in policing.

Lt. Marshall has received the Law Enforcement Victim Service Award from the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office for his work on a human trafficking case, which identified more than 100 victims and resulted in a life sentence conviction. He has also earned multiple life-saving awards, commendations and unit citations.

He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a major in marketing and a minor in Spanish. He was hired by a highly regarded police department in central Iowa in August 2003 and has served as a sworn law enforcement officer for more than 22 years.

 

Johnston awarded Public Art Grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines

Johnston has received a $9,750 Public Art Grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines to enhance the city's free outdoor summer film series hosted at The Yard.

“This funding is a tremendous opportunity for our community,” Economic Development Director Josh Laraby said. “It not only supports the arts, but also encourages connection and collaboration among our diverse residents. These outdoor films bring our community together and emphasize the importance of gathering in the green spaces that our city values.”

To further enrich the experience, the city plans to feature local artists providing pre-show entertainment. Attendees can look forward to engaging activities like balloon art and face painting, making each screening a memorable outing for families and individuals alike.


The high-quality LED screen will allow the movies to begin at 6:30 p.m. Movie screenings are scheduled for Thursdays on June 11, July 9, July 30, Aug. 20 and Sept. 10. The upgraded screen will allow for earlier start times, ensuring that families with young children can enjoy the films comfortably and increase overall community attendance.

 

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 Kites on the Green on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundae in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The museum is also open by appointment. Contact them at johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by calling 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

 

Sign up for the Iowa Hero Academy

The Iowa Hero Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women 16-18 in central Iowa to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. The academy will take place July 26-31 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Iowa Hero Academy is a six-day, overnight camp designed to encourage young women to reach their potential by developing leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence. From the moment campers check in to the moment they complete graduation, Iowa Hero Academy will engage participants through hands-on activities led by local female first responders passionate about making a difference in their careers. Learn more and sign up here.

 

Brunch and Bowling with the Easter Bunny

Join Backpocket in Johnston for Brunch and Bowling with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 4. There will be face-painting and Easter Bunny for the kids, as well as half-price bowling for all. Cost for ages 13 and older is $20 per person and $15 for kids younger than 13 (smaller kid-sized portions). Tickets include one breakfast entree and one beverage from a special menu. Reservations required with seating times every 15 minutes from 9:45-10:45 a.m. See the event page here. Make reservations here.

 

Johnston Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, the Johnston Lions Club is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast. The location this year is the Johnston Middle School cafeteria, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. Hours are 7-11 a.m., and the breakfast features pancakes (including gluten-free pancakes), sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club service projects.

 
 
Jeffrey Scott Johnson
 

Jeffrey Scott Johnson died Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life gathering was held on Sunday, March 29, at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines.

Jeff was born in Ames and graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 1983, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. A state champion diver, Jeff earned a place in the Iowa High School Athletic Association record books and went on to continue his diving career on scholarship at Iowa State University.

Jeff lived life with an unmistakable sense of humor and an unwavering positive outlook. Fiercely independent, honest and deeply loyal, he cared profoundly for his family and friends and brought joy to those around him through his wit, generosity and steady presence.

A gifted artisan, Jeff had a remarkable talent for building and creating. His skills ranged from carpentry to stone cutting to wood sculpture, and he took great pride in working with his hands. He also liked to cook, and his meals were always appreciated by family fortunate enough to gather at his table.

Jeff found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, driving his beloved convertible, “Zoomy,” spending time on the golf course (especially his annual Florida golf trips with close friends), and traveling. He cherished yearly trips to Mexico with his sister, brother-in-law and wife, as well as time spent in the Pacific Northwest at his family’s cottage on the Puget Sound.

Above all, Jeff was a devoted family man. He was an incredible father to his daughter, Macenzie, and took immense pride in her accomplishments, especially her achievement of becoming a veterinarian. Whether helping with home projects, offering advice, spending time together, or playing with her beloved dog, Jeff was always there. He also adored his granddaughters, delighting in games of charades, trips to the park, and the laughter they shared.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Tonia Johnson; his daughter, Macenzie Johnson; stepdaughter, Heather (Romell) Jones-Brown; stepson, Trevor (Mindy) Jones; three granddaughters: Lucy Winebrenner-Jones, Gwen Winebrenner-Jones, and Ruby Jones; parents, Jary and Jay Johnson; sister, Janel Johnson (Daryl Campbell); and his nephew, Hugo Swangstu.

He was preceded in death by his former brother-in-law, Eric Swangstu; father-in-law, William Earl Wears; and his brother-in-law, Tim Wears.

Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com

 

Bloom at 62W Open House

A spring open house called Bloom at 62W will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Residences at 62W, 6000 N.W. 62nd Ave., Johnston. The event will feature a build-your-own bouquet bar, a dirty soda and lemonade bar, and apartment tours. It’s free and open to the public. Even if people aren't looking to apartment shop, this is a fun afternoon to get free flowers and a drink.

 

Spring Cleanup is April 20-23

Spring cleanup in Johnston will take place April 20-23. Residents living west of N.W. 86th Street are scheduled for cleanup on April 20 and 21, while those living east of N.W. 86th Street will have their cleanup on April 22 and 23. As winter comes to a close, it's a great time to think about your own spring cleaning tasks. Learn more here.

 

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Join the Johnston-Grimes Firefighters Foundation for a pancake breakfast at the new Public Safety Center, 2001 S.W. Sixth St., Grimes, on Saturday, April 25, from 7-11 a.m.

 

Electronics recycling event is April 18

Are you looking to dispose of your old electronics but unsure how to do it? The city is offering an electronics recycling day on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall east parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road. This event takes place on the Saturday before spring cleanup. Most electronics can be recycled for free.

 

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. For more details, please contact us. Apply here.

 

Public meetings

  • Monday, April 6: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday, April 6: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, April 13: Planning and Zoning Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 16: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 16: Board of Adjustment Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
 
 

Johnston Public Library spring events

Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, 515-278-5233, www.johnstonlibrary.com

Get ready for Johnston’s Kites on the Green Festival by attending a Kite Building Workshop on Saturday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. Attendees will receive a free kite kit, instructions on how to assemble it and a chance to test their new kites. No registration is required.

Do you have budding architects in your family? Register them for LEGO Club. Monthly meetings feature a new theme or challenge and a chance to build with LEGO bricks. This month’s meeting is Monday, April 13, from 4-5 p.m.

 

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

 

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

  • Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
 

Polk County Conservation events

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

  • Trail Construction. Friday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Join us for a day of teamwork, conservation and community as we finish building a new and improved trail at Easter Lake Park. This is an excellent opportunity for trail enthusiasts to gain entry-level trail construction skills while make a meaningful impact on our local trails. The event begins with a brief training session, followed by hands‑on building activities, and is well‑suited for both first‑time and experienced trail‑building volunteers. Registration required by noon the day prior.
  • Songkran. Saturday, April 4, 10-11:30 a.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Songkran is a spring festival marking the New Year in Thailand. Held in April every year, the festival highlights water as a way to wash away the old and celebrate the fun and joy of the new. Come prepared for a short presentation, hands-on crafts, games and activities to make a splash. Registration required by April 3.
  • Geocache Egg Hunt. Monday, April 6, 1-2:30 p.m. Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Learn how to use GPS, then go search the park to find some “eggciting” treasures. Space is limited, so register early. Ages 8-16. Registration required by April 3.
  • Hands In Clay - Beginning Hand-Built Forms. Saturday, April 11, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Create a bowl, flower pot and/or tile while learning simple hand-built clay techniques. Finished work will be fired at our studio and be available for pickup at the Nature Center after May 1 (check website for hours). All materials and tools are provided. The class is open to adults, no experience required. Bring a sack lunch and refillable water bottle as we will take a short break to eat. Ages 16 and older. Registration required by April 3.
  • Wake Up with Spring. Wednesdays in April, 2-3:30 p.m. Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join ISU Polk County Extension and Polk County Conservation this April for a Wake Up With Spring walking series. Meet at the Jester Park's Wetland Shelter Wednesdays in April at 2 p.m. Polk County Conservation naturalists will lead participants on a walk through the park discussing a new nature theme each week. Walk with us this April to see how Iowa's landscape awakens during the spring months. Themes are as follows: April 1: Phenology; April 8: Birds; April 15: Spring Ephemerals; April 22: Critters; April 29: Trees. Free, ages 16 and older. No registration required, but RSVP appreciated here. For more information, contact Laura Fraser at lafraser@iastate.edu or 515-957-5785.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Des Moines Art Center Museum Highlights Tour
Saturdays, 1-2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
Discover the vast variety of the Des Moines Art Center’s permanent collections during the Museum Highlights Tour. This tour offers a unique journey through the galleries, featuring a selection of timeless paintings, sculptures and more. Join knowledgeable guides to uncover the stories, techniques and inspirations behind the art on view, and experience the highlights of the Art Center in a fresh and engaging way. This guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages. Free to all, no registration required.

Bill Owens: Work and Leisure
Through April 19
John Brady Print Gallery, Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines
Bill Owens documented the suburbs in the 1970s, capturing the lives of prosperous, predominantly white Americans at a moment after the cultural shifts of the 1960s but before the dawn of the digital age of computers and video games in the 1980s. His photographs were compiled in the best-selling coffee table books “Leisure” (1972), “Our Kind of People” (1975), and “Working: I Do It For the Money” (1977). The images in this exhibition, taken from all three of these series and shot mainly in California and the Midwest, reveal Owens’ unique comedic eye as he seems to lightly poke fun at his subjects while clearly enjoying their company, finding both the genuine and the absurd in everyday life.

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Online and in-person at the Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

  • April 12: Colfax, the Spring City. In the 1870s, underground mineral water, which was a cure-all health craze at the time, was discovered in Colfax. The water sparked health resort and bottling industries which made Colfax a world famous destination at the turn of the 20th Century. Kevin Williams, Cofax Historical Society’s board president, will share information and pictures about this little-known boom in Colfax.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
The Ingersoll announces some exciting additions to its spring performance lineup. Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, these new shows promise unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

  • April 2–5 and April 9–12: “Church Basement Ladies” Matinee performances will have dining at 11 a.m., and the show beginning at 1 p.m. Evening performances will have dining at 5:30 p.m., and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Scam Prevention Seminar
Thursday, April 16, 10 a.m.
Ramsey Village Continuing Care, 1611 27th St., Des Moines
Every day someone becomes a victim of fraud. Don't let it be you. Learn common scam tactics, prevention tips, and how to report scams. Presenter is The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Refreshments and pastries will be served. RSVP to Kelly, 515-802-0822, or Kelly.Baughman@ramseyvillage.org.

Middle River Arts Festival
Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Madison County Conservation Center, 2508 Pammel Park Trail, Winterset
The Middle River Arts Festival will take place at the Madison County Conservation Center in Pammel Park, hosted by the Winterset Art Center. This event is scheduled for one day, is free of charge, and open to the public.

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents FEAST!
Sunday, May 3, 3 p.m.
Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
Join the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble with a musical feast, literally. Its final concert, FEAST!, pairs amazing music with the flavors of the metro. With spicy selections like Wine Dark Sea, Party Potatoes (yes, you heard that right, a tuba concerto about potatoes), and Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, the group is serving up a musical menu like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Purchase tickets at www.ciwe.org/feast/.

 
Go green with a fresh spring salad
 

(Feature Impact) While most people think of dirty kitchens, cramped closets and grimy garages when they hear “spring cleaning,” the popular phrase can apply to your menu, too. Refresh your family’s regular dining routines with fresh ingredients that call to mind the flavors of the season.

When it’s time to put the slow cooker away, consider this spring greens salad with mozzarella. Paired with an easy homemade lemon vinaigrette, it’s a delicious way to swap out heavier meals for a lighter lunch.

To find more springtime solutions, visit Culinary.net.

Spring greens salad with mozzarella
Recipe adapted from Organic Authority
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups baby arugula or spring mix
  • 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • sea salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

Directions:

  • In large mixing bowl, combine arugula or spring mix, mozzarella and lemon zest; set aside.
  • In small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice vigorously with fork until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Pour vinaigrette over greens; toss gently to coat. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

 

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

 
 
 
 
From your Johnston Living magazine
 

This month's cover story:

A ‘fur-ever’ home

Residents share stories about the animals they rescued

Abandoned. Abused. Neglected. The world is full of animals — big and small — that don’t know the comfort of a full belly, a warm place to sleep, and the love of a caring owner. Some people seek out these needy animals when looking to add a pet to their family. Others come across them unexpectedly and are moved to rescue them. 

[...]

 
Read more
 

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