Oct. 28 Daily Umbrella: Several members suspended from ISU men's cross country team; this week's wonder bargain; what do baby gh

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Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

Good morning to you!

Scary movies. There doesn’t seem to be any shortage of them, especially this time of year. My wife and I decided we are no longer into those types of movies. But, there was a time when I actually enjoyed getting tense and uneasy and on edge when movie-watching. Interestingly, a “scary” movie to one person is laughable to another. Even so, here are a few of the movies I didn’t want to watch alone.

“The Exorcist.” This 1973 horror film was directed by William Friedkin from a screenplay by William Peter Blatty based on his 1971 novel. The film follows the demonic possession of a young girl and the attempt to rescue her through an exorcism by two Catholic priests. I once had a VHS copy of it. I am sure I destroyed it, as I found few films more disturbing. Until this …

“The Omen.” In 1976, this horror film rocked the nation. It was directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer. The plot follows Damien Thorn, a child replaced at birth by his father, unbeknownst to his wife, after their biological child dies shortly after birth. As a series of deaths occur around the family and Damien enters childhood, they learn he is the Antichrist. I only saw the TV version. Too real. Too scary. Nothing worse, until this…

“Damien - Omen II.” The year 1978 brought us the sequel to “The Omen,” directed by Don Taylor. Set seven years later, it follows a now-pubescent Damien Thorn as he realizes his destiny as the Antichrist. Harvey Bernhard wrote the screen story with a screenplay by Stanley Mann and Mike Hodges. Again, I saw the TV version. That was enough. No more devil movies.

“Nightmare on Elm Street.” A high school buddy talked me into going to this movie in 1984 at the theater. It was written and directed by Wes Craven and produced by Robert Shaye. The plot involves a group of teenagers targeted by Freddy Krueger, an “undead” child killer who murders teenagers through their dreams as retribution against their parents who burned him alive. Interestingly, this was Johnny Depp’s film debut. And, it was the only film of the series I watched. One was enough.

“The Birds.” Like many of you who grew up in central Iowa, I watched Floppy after the noon news. If I recall correctly, WHO-13 would play old movies until the soap operas started. This usually made me go outside and play, but I recall once staying tuned in to watch “The Birds,” the 1963 action-horror film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Loosely based on the 1952 short story of the same name, it focuses on a series of violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California. I never looked at birds the same way again.

“Poltergeist.” This 1982 film was directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais and Mark Victor from the story by Spielberg. It follows a family whose home is invaded by ghosts that abduct their youngest daughter. Most who saw this movie can still see a young Heather O'Rourke with her hands on the TV, saying “They’re here.” The pool scene sticks with me, too.

What scary movies that put you on the edge of your seat did I miss? Send me a note and let me know.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading.

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

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: New federal fraud charges filed against former Des Moines radio host Marty Tirrell. Former radio host Marty Tirrell, long known as the "Mouth of the Midwest," is facing 11 new federal wire fraud counts tied to what prosecutors call a more than $1.5 million ticket-flipping scheme. The indictment alleges the conduct occurred between February 2024 and January 2025. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Several members of No. 1 ISU cross country team suspended. Several members of the top-ranked Iowa State University men’s cross country team have been suspended. A spokesperson from ISU athletics said that a few members of the team were suspended for violating team rules. No specific information about what rules were violated or who was suspended has been released. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: 5 cats rescued as late night fire causes $60,000 in damages to West Des Moines apartment building. Five cats were rescued from a late Sunday night apartment fire in West Des Moines, which also caused thousands of dollars in damage. After receiving a report of an outside fire, West Des Moines fire crews were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 500 block of S. 19th Street around 11:15 p.m. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Netanyahu says remains returned by Hamas are body parts of a hostage previously retrieved in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the remains of a hostage returned by Hamas overnight are body parts of a hostage who was recovered in Gaza by Israeli troops almost two years ago — an announcement that will likely rattle the tenuous, U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing can wear street clothes in court amid ‘extraordinary’ attention. The 22-year-old Utah man charged with killing Charlie Kirk can appear in court wearing street clothes but must be physically restrained due to security concerns, a judge ruled Monday. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Adult, child from Des Moines die after being hit by vehicle along I-880 in Pottawattamie County. An adult and a child from Des Moines died after being struck by a vehicle while standing outside of their car on Interstate 880 in Pottawattamie County over the weekend. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Rain chances stick anround into Wednesday morning. Expect breezy conditions Wednesday. Dry but a little breezy on Halloween.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

Pollen tracker

Tree pollen: Low

Grass pollen: Low

Ragweed pollen: Low

Mold: Low

The 2025 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local Tanning Salon

1. Tanique

2. Bronze515

3. Sun Tan City

See all of the results

Tuesday touts

Every Saturday, Waterfront Seafood Markets offers half-priced oysters on the half shell and peel-and-eat shrimp. They also have a special price on their Bloody Marys, which come with a shrimp as garnish. That's this week's wonder bargain.

The Hedgehog Jet. This tout from Norway is pricy but revolutionary according to most reviews. Wall Street Journal calls it "a cleaning beast." It brings a virtual leaf blower into the kitchen with four speeds up to 162 MPH. (Leaf blowers only go up to 180 MPH.) $299 at https://us.hedgehogdryer.com/products/hedgehog-jet

Reservations are open for Centro's Nov. 14 Piedmont dinner. Courses will include duck, scallops and veal paired with wines from Italy's northern foothills, $95.

Deals today
• Abundance to Go is tonight 3-6 p.m. at the Wallace House (756 16th St., Des Moines). The seasonal pop-up market bring goods and fresh dishes to go from the historic farm: tomato compote, garlic smoked salt, lavender sugar pair with prepared dishes to go with a spooky theme.

• Hy-Vee Market Grilles offer a Tuesday special America's cut pork chop dinner for $8.

• Mullet’s Norwalk offers a free kids meal per adult meal on Tuesday’s 4 p.m. to close.

• Mickey's Irish Pub (50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee) has a special $7 half-pound burger with a side all day Tuesday.

• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers a "Tendy's Tuesday" pork tenderloin basket with a drink for $11.50.

• Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special cheeseburger with fries, tots or salad and a drink for $10.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave.) offers $7 breakfasts and $8 burgers Tuesdays.

• Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) offers a special smashburger with cheese, fries and a draft beer for $10 on Tuesdays.

• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a beef stroganoff special on Tuesdays, $14 including beverage.

• McDonald's is advertising its new $8 Big Mac meal (includes fries and medium drink) in an effort to bring back the Value Meal.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) hosts 222 BBQ today from 5-9 p.m.

• Red Robin stores are featuring a $10 cheeseburger with an "endless side" on Tuesdays.

• Jethro's Tuesday special is 2 pounds of bone-in smoked wings for the price of one.

• Paula's (524 Elm St., Valley Junction) runs a Tuesday special hot beef sandwich for $13.50.

• Kids meals are half price till 2 p.m. today at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale).

• Taco Tuesday brings serious discounts to Mariscos El Pirata (6050 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines), La Familia (1610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines), all Taco John's, all Abelardo's, all Fernando’s, Malo (900 Mulberry St., Des Moines), Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines), Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines), The Continental, (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines), Gilroy's (1238 8th St., West Des Moines) and Faustino's.

• Today is beef and noodles day at Maxie's Supper Club (1311 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines).

• Django (1420 Locust St., Des Moines) has happy hour all night Tuesdays. That means super deals on oysters, shrimp, duck frites, poutine, charcuterie, cheese boards, beers, wine and classic martinis.

• Sully's (806 First St., West Des Moines) has a burger basket special for $12 today.

• Destination Grille (2491 E 1st St, Grimes) hosts a Tuesday Burger and Beer special of half-pound burger, chips and dip, with a tap beer of choice $15.

• The Station on Ingersoll (3124 Ingersoll Ave.) has a tenderloin Tuesday special with BPT and fries for $10.

• Curbin Cuisine (1325 S.W. Oralabor Drive, Ankeny) offers cheeseburgers and fries for $7.99 on Tuesdays.

• G Mig's (128 Fifth St., Valley Junction) offers a Tuesday special BBQ ribs or brisket, beans, creamy corn and cornbread for 19.95.

• Angry Goldfish (2301 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) has $10 burger and a side and a drink on Tuesdays.

• Ruby Tuesdays offers $5.95 burgers with fries on Tuesdays.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

DES MOINES FORGOTTEN
Beggars’ Night lore

By Kristian Day

With trick-or-treating returning on Halloween night in Des Moines after 87 years, I am going to take us on a deep dive into the lore, rumors and old wives’ tales that may have contributed to the creation of “Beggars’ Night.”

You have likely heard many of them before: razor blades in apples, poisoned candy, pins and needles inside soft candy, and laxative chocolate bars.

From age 6 to 13, I would receive a lecture from my mother about the candy I would trick-or-treat for. A Halloween episode of “Roseanne” from 1992 featured Roseanne taking a bite of chocolate and pretending that it contained a razor blade, causing her mouth to bleed profusely. It was a comedic bit that also struck a bit of fear. ...

Featured home for sale

Post listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.

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139 56th St.
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Set along a quiet street connected to the paths of Willow Springs Park, this beautifully maintained West Des Moines home delivers the best of comfort, convenience, and community. Willow Springs Park is at the end of the street and Westridge Elementary is 2 blocks away. The home offers 6 bedrooms (5 conforming), 4 bathrooms, highlighted with a main-level bedroom or office. ...

See the listing here.

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SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

111 11TH ST., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-06-06
SALE PRICE: $835,000
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ACRES: 0.400
SQUARE FEET: 7,920

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Waukee Living magazine

Costume creations
Residents share how they add their own touches to Halloween garbs.

By Jackie Wilson

When it comes to Halloween, some people like to pull out all the stops. They turn their yards into haunted or cartoon landscapes. They carve pumpkins, bob for apples, and offer the best treats to their trick-or-treaters. And, they put their energy and holiday spirit into making sure their costumes — or their kids’ — make others “ooh” and “aah” … and perhaps shudder.

Imagination transforms walker
When Ian Pak was 3 years old, he enjoyed watching “Blaze and The Monster Machines,” a cartoon on Nickelodeon. The show featured a boy who drives a monster truck named Blaze. The pair go on adventures together, fighting villains and saving the day.
As Halloween time rolled around, Ian’s dad, Jason, wondered how he could make a costume such as Blaze. Yet, he had one requirement. Any idea needed to incorporate Ian’s medical walker. ...

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Freddie Freeman’s 18th Inning Walk-Off Home Run Gives Dodgers Epic Game 3 Win. In the end, it was star first baseman Freddie Freeman who ended it at 18 innings, when his third consecutive deep drive to center field was finally enough, but when he crossed the plate, the person he was looking for was an anonymous reliever who barely made the roster: Will Klein. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: Vikings' Carson Wentz to have season-ending shoulder surgery. Carson Wentz's painful run as the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback has come to an end. Wentz will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a left shoulder injury he originally suffered Oct. 5 while playing in place of injured starter J.J. McCarthy. Wentz has been playing through a dislocated shoulder that included a torn labrum and fractured socket, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Kansas City has little second-half trouble with Washington and its backup QB in 28-7 victory at Arrowhead. When a team has a breakout season, especially with a historic rookie star, the assumption is the trajectory will remain upward for years. It’s rarely that easy. The Washington Commanders had a dream season in 2024. Jayden Daniels had arguably the best rookie season for a quarterback in NFL history. The Commanders went 12-5 with a series of zany and exciting wins, then made a postseason run to the NFC championship game. But that wasn’t sustainable. ... READ MORE

1886: Statue of Liberty dedicated. The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States, is dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland. ... READ MORE

1919: Congress overrides presidential veto of the Volstead Act, ushering in Prohibition. Congress passes the Volstead Act over President Woodrow Wilson’s veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, also known as the Prohibition Amendment ... READ MORE

1998: President Bill Clinton signs the Digital Millennium Copyright Act into law. On Oct. 28, 1998, President Bill Clinton signs into law the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The legislation was written in order to strengthen existing federal copyright protections against new threats posed by the Internet and by the democratization of high technology. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

These celebrities were born on this date: Julia Roberts, Annie Potts, Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Paisley, Gwendoline Christie, Matt Smith, Andy Richter, Bill Gates, Frank Ocean, Caitlyn Jenner, Daphne Zuniga, Dennis Franz, Ben Harper, Jami Gertz, Lauren Holly, Troian Bellisario, Chris Bauer, Lenny Wilkens

SUBMIT: Send your local birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle: What's a ghost with a broken leg called? Ghostbusted! - Carolyn Rogers. Or, a hoblin' gobllin! - Gail Tomlinson. Other answers from Bill Snyder.

Today's riddle: What do baby ghosts wear on Halloween?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or CITYVIEW magazine, contact:

Aaron Burns
Advertising Sales Manager
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 330
Mobile: 712-310-3860
aaron@dmcityview.com

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