Johnston Police Department welcomes new officer — This and more in this week's issue!

May 13-19, 2025

The ice cube tray debate

I like ice. Not the kind on the ground that I slip on in the winter, but rather the stuff I plop in my soda. I especially like crushed ice, the kind some convenience stores have in their machines. There is something about the combination that makes me smile.

Truth be told, I like to chew ice. And, truth be told, it drives some people batty. It’s like fingernails on a chalkboard, I am told. My dentist isn’t too fond of it either. So, I try to chew ice sparingly and when I am by myself, but it is a difficult habit to go cold turkey on.

I blame this obsession on the widespread accessibility we have to ice today. Ice-makers in home refrigerators are commonplace now, and I love them — except when they break down, which seems to happen more often than it should. I have tried to repair them myself, but I struggle to get the right part for the right breakdown — and then I end up calling a repair guy anyway.

When those breakdowns occur, or with our office refrigerator that does not have an ice maker, I break out the old-fashioned, plastic ice cube trays and fill them with water. A simple twist of the tray, and several fall out into my hand — and one or two on the floor. Then, the ice cube tray debate happens. Do I fill the remaining spots with water and put the tray back in the freezer? Or do I simply put the tray back half-empty? Despite the frustration in being the next person and twisting an ice cube tray of barely frozen water and spilling it on myself, I tend to go with option one. When I want ice and all the trays are empty, it is frustrating. Sure, this isn’t the biggest problem of the day, but it does make me grumble for a moment or two and wonder who was too lazy to refill the trays.

Setting the tray-filling debate aside, one has to marvel in the simple technological improvement with ice-making containers. Some of you may recall the metal ice cube trays with the lever on top and the sharp dividers that inserted in the tray of water. Some of you may still use these. I do join those of you with concerns about the overuse of plastic in today’s society, but, in the case of ice cube trays, the newer option is a great improvement.

Lately, my obsession with ice has compounded. I discovered the trays for the slow-melting, oversized balls of ice for my adult beverages, and I love them. I have also purchased a counter-top ice-maker for my garage, making a glass of water or any beverage just the right temperature for those hot summer days — and giving me something to chew on.

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 Police Department welcomes new officer

Mayor Paula Dierenfeld and Police Chief McDaniel welcome Officer Russell as the newest member of the Johnston Police Department during the City Council meeting held on Monday, May 5. Russell joined the department in November and recently graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy on April 25. He holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Indian Hills Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Iowa State University. With a lifelong passion for community service, Officer Russell aspired to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. He is eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of the Johnston community.

Summer Reading program begins

Celebrate the end of the school year by swinging through Johnston Public Library’s Summer Reading Drive-Thru on the last day of school, Friday, May 30, to pick up your summer reading materials. Library staff will be in the parking lot from 2-5:30 p.m. with to-go bags for all ages so you can get a head start on a summer full of amazing programs and reading incentives that will keep you engaged and plugged in all summer long.

Join library staff to celebrate the freedom to read and create — and kick off Summer Reading — at the Library Love Drop-In Print Party on Saturday, May 31, from 1-5 p.m. Make your own zines, design custom buttons and screen print shirts or bags with one of four bold, library-loving designs. Printing will be with white ink, so bring a dark-colored shirt or tote bag. A limited number of bags will be available if you don’t have your own. 

More information about all events and resources at Johnston Public Library can be found online at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling the library at 515-278-5233.

Garland K. Carver

Garland K. Carver, 93, died May 8, 2025. His memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at The Bridge in Johnston, where his family will greet friends from 2-3 p.m. He will be interred at McDivitt Grove Cemetery in Urbandale at 10 a.m. Monday, May 19. More information was unavailable at press time. When available, the full obituary will be posted at https://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary?id=1893409.

Laurence 'Larry' Fred Shepard

Laurence Fred Shepard, known to many as Larry or “Shep,” died May 2, 2025. Born Oct. 7, 1936, in Des Moines, Larry lived a life marked by deep love for family, commitment to his community, and a joyful appreciation for fun and relaxation.

Following graduation from North High School in Des Moines, Larry attended Iowa State University and served in the U.S. Army. He completed his degree at Drake University, where he met the love of his life, Norma Nighswonger. They married on May 26, 1962, and, in 2012, marked their 50th wedding anniversary with a dream visit to the Masters Tournament and a family trip to the Bahamas.

Larry and Norma opened Shepard Carpet and Furniture in Madrid in 1962. The store — later known as Shepard Home Furnishings — became a staple in the community and served customers for 37 years. Retirement brought winters in sunny golf destinations where the couple enjoyed golfing. Larry was especially proud of his seven career holes-in-one.

Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing at Lake Robbins on New Year’s Eve with Norma, and cooking up a good meal. He and Norma were part of a Bridge Club. He was a dedicated supporter of Madrid High School football, Iowa State and Drake sports. He was a member of the Lions Club and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

Larry is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters Tracy (Ken) Smalley and Julie (Jeremy) McCarty; grandchildren Erin (Josh) Prock, Laura (Isaac) Emery, and Andrew (and his girlfriend, Alicia); great-grandson Mason Shepard Prock; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nina and Paul Havens; niece, Heather (Chris) Carr; and nephews, Brian (Sandy) Havens and Mike Murphy. He was preceded in death by his son, Craig Laurence; his parents; and his sister, Jackie Murphy.

Later in life, Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The family encourages everyone to join the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, a landmark study aimed at learning more about how brain disease starts, changes, and how to stop it. Join the study at michaeljfox.org/ppmi.

Funeral services were May 8 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Madrid. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Madrid (facebook.com/StPaulsUCCMadridIA/), Giving Back Outdoors (givingbackoutdoors.org), or the American Parkinson Disease Association - Iowa Chapter (apdaparkinson.org/community/iowa/). Iles-Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

David Dean Sampel

David “Dave” Dean Sampel was born and raised in Des Moines and was a proud Theodore Roosevelt High School graduate where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. He loved two wives and had a Rolodex full of jobs. He served in the Peace Corps and various educational pursuits in the Des Moines Schools and Drake University. He earned his PhD from the University of Missouri Columbia.

He loved travel, especially biking in France and scuba diving with great friends.

The light of his life during his later years was becoming a dad to daughter Anjea Neff and son-in-law Justin, as well as grandpa to Aria, now 12. and Silas, now 9.

His life was a life well lived, even in death as he donated his body to the University of Iowa Medical School so the next generation of doctors could learn from him.

Per Dave’s wishes, no services will be held.

Rotary Club golf fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Johnston is hosting its annual golf fundraiser on Monday, June 2, at the Hyperion Field Club, 7390 N.W. Beaver Drive, Johnston. Register your foursome now. Cost of $1,600 includes 18 holes of golf, raffle with more than 50 prizes, a chance to shoot the golf cannon, meals and a swag bag. The event benefits Johnston Partnership, Dorothy’s House and Johnston Rotary. Register at https://4th-annual-johnston-rotary-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com.

Streetscape beautification questionnaire

The City of Johnston is excited to share updates on the beautification framework plan, which draws inspiration from our unique urban tree canopy and natural landscape. A big part of this plan includes designing attractive entry monuments and markers that reflect our community’s identity as a tree loving city. The monuments will feature modern laser-cut designs of leaves and trees, and at night, accent lighting will make them stand out. We’re also focusing on improving areas like roundabouts and intersections with landscaping and decorative pavement to make our streets more inviting and easier to maintain. Plus, we’re planning pedestrian-friendly spots with landscaping, seating, and special paving in busier areas to enhance walkability. To learn more about the progress of our beautification efforts, check out our interactive update here: https://bit.ly/JohnstonStreetscape.

Food drive

A food drive is being held by VFW Post 9668 of Urbandale/Johnston, Urbandale American Legion 663, Boy Scout Troops 43 and 98 and Urbandale Food Pantry on May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The American Legion, 6805 Douglas Ave., Urbandale. There will be curbside drop off. Monetary support is also appreciated. Checks can be made to Urbandale Food Pantry. The greatest need is for personal hygiene items, such as toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent, body wash and soap, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers and wipes, and cash. Food needed includes meals in a can, canned fruit, peanut butter, tuna and canned meats, cereal, canned vegetables and pasta sauce.

Vietnam War Living History Event

Discover what life was like for the U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War. Meet knowledgeable historians, explore historically accurate campsites, and see period military vehicles at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave, Johnston, on Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, 4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines
Cost: Free Will Donations (suggested $10 per person)
Menu: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, milk and coffee
We will be supporting the Youth Group, specifically for members planning to attend the NCYC Conference this year in Indianapolis Nov. 20-22. All profits will be given to the Youth Group to support the financial needs for those attending the conference

Movies on the Yard

Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars at 6245 Merle Hay Road. Mark your calendars for the Fridays of May 23, July 18 and Aug. 29. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making it the perfect picnic opportunity. Admission to Movies on the Yard is free, ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy this summer's entertainment. Screenings begin around 8 p.m.

Tunes at Twilight

Experience live music in the Yard. Concerts will be from 7:30-9 p.m. on the Thursdays of May 29, July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The lineup includes: May 29, The Squares; July 10, Jordan Beem; Aug. 7, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz; Sept. 11, Damon Dotson.

Community Greetings

Johnston Community Greetings would like to welcome anyone new to Johnston with a welcome bag including discounts at local businesses and city information. Contact Missy Shepherd by phone, text or email at 515-991-5014 or mshepherdgreetings@gmail.com.

Curbside yard waste collection is underway

The Compost It! program’s curbside yard waste collection has begun. To ensure collection, set your Compost It! bags, yard waste bags with a Compost It! sticker, and Compost It! carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Accepted yard waste: 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 and pet waste. For more information, visit www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/yard-waste/news/compost-it-season-begins/.

Johnston Partnership needs

The Johnston Partnership provides food and personal hygiene products to those in need, as well as children’s seasonal clothing. The Partnership also has a Friday food bag program. They are currently delivering around more than 800 bags per month to all nine Johnston schools. This program supplements food insecurity over the weekend when school breakfast and lunch aren’t available and is open to any family at any time (contact the school office). Items needed are individual packages or cups of peanut butter; individual shelf stable milk; fruit and applesauce cups; granola bars; easy Mac and ramen noodles.

The Partnership is open normal hours during spring break for families needing extra food assistance.

Donations can be dropped off at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite C, Johnston, during open hours. For more information, visit https://johnstonpartnership.org/donate/.

Zenith Chamber Music Festival

The Zenith Chamber Music Festival will return this June for its 11th season, presenting a week-long festival packed with an outstanding lineup of musicians in venues across central Iowa. The public is invited from Tuesday, June 3, through Saturday, June 7, for five free performances.

June 3: Violin and piano duo Yang and Olivia, Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Ave., Des Moines
June 4: Oleg Timofeyev and Dan Caraway “Seven-String Guitar Museum on Wheels,” Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines
June 5: Saxophonist Damani Phillips, The Simpsons Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston
June 6: Indianapolis Quartet, Iowa Theater, 121 N. John Wayne Drive, Winterset
June 7: Indianapolis Quartet joined by students from the Zenith Virtuosi Young Artist Festival, Sheslow Auditorium, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines

Polk County Conservation events

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

Endangered Species Awareness, Friday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Every year on the third Friday in May, people around the world join together to celebrate, learn about, and take action to protect threatened and endangered species. This program will identify the factors that cause animals to become endangered and provide information on how you can help them. You will also meet Indigo, a short-eared owl, an Iowa endangered species.
Nature Play Day at Thomas Mitchell Park, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. Gather your family together to spend a morning taking part in nature play. We’ll explore Iowa’s habitats through interactive play as we visit some of the highlights of Thomas Mitchell Park. It’ll be a simple and fun day that will get your family learning together without even knowing it. We’ll be walking a little more than 1 mile on bumpy, uneven trails with some hills. Feel free to bring a snack or two along for your family to eat part way through the program. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2MDI4OTk=.
Sunset Yoga, Monday, May 19, 8-9 p.m., 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. Items to bring: yoga mat and block, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Registration required: https://secure.rec1.com/IA/polk-county-ia/catalog?

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Jordan House Tours
Fridays and Sundays, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Jordan House Museum, 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines
Weekly guided tours are offered at the Jordan House. The cut off for purchasing tickets is noon Thursday for Friday tours and noon Friday for Sunday tours. If you have missed that cutoff, call 515-225-1286 to find out if walk-up tickets are available. To reserve a ticket, see the schedule and links at https://www.wdmhs.org/openhousevisit/. All tours will be guided by a docent. Arrive at the Jordan House Museum at least 10 minutes before the tour begins. The tour will involve taking stairs to the basement and the second floor, as well as walking and standing for at least one hour. If you have a group of eight or more, call to schedule a private tour.

Concrete Cruizers Charity Car Show
Saturday, May 17
Deery Chevrolet, 6000 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill
Registration is from 8-11 a.m. with awards starting at 3 p.m. Preregister by May 3 for $20 to get a free T-shirt. Day of show cost is $25 without a T-shirt. The event will include an auction, music, food and goodie bags for the first 100 registrants. For more information, call 515-299-3165 or 515-360-8257.

Gary’s Annual Brain Cancer Bike Ride
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Start: Waukee Raccoon River Valley Trail Head, Hickman Road and N.W. 10th Street.
End: Dallas Center at the HandleBar Restaurant, 1607 Sugar Grove Ave.
This ride is a fundraiser to increase awareness of glioblastoma and support the Richard Deming Cancer Center’s terminal brain cancer patients through the Integrative Medicine program. The ride also supports Iowa Oncology Research Association for clinical trials for terminal brain cancer patients, especially those with glioblastoma.

Iowa Files: The History of Women's Correction in Iowa
Sunday, May 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
Iowa began building its first prison before achieving statehood, and women were sentenced to penitentiaries prior to the establishment of plans for their own housing. Early in Iowa’s correctional history, women disproportionately served time for crimes considered to be against public decency, such as prostitution, lewdness and incorrigibility. Over time, their conditions and crimes evolved, but incarcerated women continually faced obstacles, such as access to treatment and programming, adequate facilities and opportunities for reentry and reform. Author Erica Spiller will explore the history of incarceration that began even before Iowa was a state.

John Wayne Birthday Celebration
May 23-24
Winterset
The John Wayne Birthday Celebration will feature musical headliner Riders In The Sky, 40-year veterans of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Tickets are on sale for the Friday Night VIP event and the Saturday Night Benefit Dinner and Auction. Seating will be limited for each event. Barry Corbin, a Hollywood legend, will perform a one-man show on May 23. Also returning will be the popular Fly-In Breakfast at the Winterset Municipal Airport, the Winterset Rotary's 5K Run/Walk, and John Wayne in “Chisum” on the big screen at the Iowa Theater. Visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum website for tickets and more information, www.johnwaynebirthplace.museum.

Colby Park Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting and Touch A Truck
Friday, May 30, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights
Attend the Colby Park splash pad ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. followed by Touch A Truck from 5-7:30 p.m. The Des Moines Children's Museum and the City of Windsor Heights are excited to team up to bring you this year's Touch A Truck. Get ready for a hands-on experience with all kinds of cool trucks and vehicles that you can explore, climb on, in, around, take pictures with and touch. From construction equipment to garbage trucks to city snow plows, this Touch A Truck will have it all.

Paige Clark Memorial Poker Run
Saturday, June 7, 8:30-10 a.m. registration, 10:15 a.m. cruise leaves.
Cruise leaves from Route 65 Harley-Davidson, 1300 S. Jefferson Way, Indianola
Join the 2 Lane Cruisers of Iowa for this poker run. All makes and models are welcome. Cost is $10 per hand, and 50/50 tickets will be sold. Stops include Humeston, Garden Grove, Eagles in Osceola and final stop returns to Route 65 for ice cream. For more information, call Cliff, 515-419-3824.

Show your love with a special sweet dessert

(Family Features) Going above and beyond for your loved ones, whether it’s a special occasion or a regular night at home, can show just how much you care. Homemade desserts like these Cheesecake Cookie Cups offer a perfect way to make a delicious treat with love.

Cheesecake cookie cups
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Yield: 12 cups

Whipping cream:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
crumbled cookies, for topping (optional)
sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 F.
In muffin tin, press three pieces of cookie dough into each muffin hole. Bake 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes then use shot glass and press into each hole. Let cool another 5 minutes and place on rack to cool completely.
With hand mixer, mix heavy cream and sugar until it thickens then add cream cheese and powdered sugar; cream together. Spoon into cool cookie cups.
If desired, use piping bag and pipe pretty edge around cup. Top with crumbled cookies or sprinkles, if desired.

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From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

PAMPERED PETS

Residents share how they go the extra mile to spoil their critters.

Many pet owners view their animal companions as part of the family — deserving of the best care, lots of attention, and at least a few perks. Besides the usual walks, pet beds and toys, some of these pampered pets get extra special treatment: pup cups from drive-throughs, birthday parties, paw soaks and a special place in those important days of their owners’ lives — as well as in their hearts.

[...]

Read this month's issue

The man who helped build Johnston

Remembering Jean Linn

By Lindsey Giardino

Jean Linn’s impact on Johnston has been long-lasting and helped shape Johnston into the city it is today.

After graduating from high school in Audubon County, Linn began his long career with Pioneer International, Inc., starting in the Hy-Line Poultry Division. His work was interrupted when he was called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

[...]

What is a circle of protection?

By Dave Cortner

So many times we deal with families that indicate that their loved one had “everything taken care of” only to find out that everything was not taken care of. Maybe the loved one had their cemetery arrangements handled in advance but had never visited with the funeral home. Or, maybe they had talked with a funeral home, but never decided on a cemetery.

What we know is that this can leave a family with an unexpected burden and/or unexpected expenses at what can otherwise be a very emotional and stressful time.

[...]

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 Johnston Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by CLICKING HERE.

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