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Friday, June 26, 2026
Good morning to you! 

Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“We take each of our grandchildren on a trip every year (The childhood swing set, June 17, 2026). Sometimes we are near a city where we grew up or our grandparents once lived. We often offer them the opportunity to see one of our homes and, surprisingly, once in a while they say OK. One of those homes was torn down long ago; nothing put back in its place. We once drove through Frankford, Missouri, to see where my grandfather preached, now a defunct opry house, and saw that the parsonage was torn down and replaced with a newer home with indoor plumbing. While the grandkids may not jump at the opportunity for these side trips, they often become a source of conversation and humor. We are leaving on a trip today that includes Sioux City. I’m sure we will drive past our home there for a quick view by the grandchild on this trip. Those memories need to be shared while we can share them.” - Chuck

Amen. - Shane

“Shane, you sure brought back a memory from my childhood (The childhood swing set, June 17, 2026). We had a leaning boxelder tree near a creek in the pasture. My brother and I used some scrap lumber to build a treehouse platform. I nailed boards as kind of a ladder/step arrangement for my younger brother so he could climb up. Now this was even hard for me to believe, but our border collie dog would climb up using this crazy ladder/step to join us. We had fun with this treehouse until the old leaning tree fell over during a big storm. It is one of those great childhood memories. Thanks for sharing yours.” - Len

This is why every boy needs a place to call his own, whether it be a treehouse or a backyard tent or a cardboard box. - Shane

“Memory Lane can be a fond place, but it's often surprising to see what's changed over the decades (The childhood swing set, June 17, 2026). Whenever I get the chance, I drive through some of the towns where I lived previously just to take a look and am almost always amazed at what's changed in the neighborhood. Time doesn't stand still, nor do people's efforts to make a place their own.” - Brad

Those strolls down memory lane deliver a lot of smiles, and that makes them worth every step. - Shane

“Please tell Jim there isn’t a square in Waukee. I grew up there and all we have is a triangle.  Thanks.” - Don

I spent the last 20 minutes trying to find his reference to a square, and I gave up. Regardless, I appreciate you pointing this out. And who needs a town square when you have a town triangle? It is unique and wonderful. - Shane

“Shane, we also played a lot of H-O-R-S-E growing up. Our basketball hoop was on the front of the garage with a rock driveway so, when dribbling, the ball did not always bounce straight up (Driveway challenges, June 22, 2026). My specialty shot was the over the shrub and off the backboard. If you missed, you had to make sure to track down the ball before it hit something that Mom would get upset about. Good memories!” - Kris

The pros should play on rock courts. It would make the game more interesting.  - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman

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

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

 
 

FROM KCCI: iHeart-broken: Listeners react to mass layoffs at local sports radio station. Some local sports fans say they are ready to find a new radio station after mass layoffs at iHeartRadio gutted Des Moines’ KXNO. The layoffs came Tuesday afternoon, leaving much of the station’s local staff out of work. Longtime host Heather Burnside posted on X, “I’m no longer at KXNO and The Bus. Thank you so much for listening and being part of my extended family.” ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Des Moines drug dealer receives lengthy federal prison sentence. A Des Moines drug dealer has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Andrew Meyer, 26, entered a guilty plea in February in the case. Court records show that as part of the deal, a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance was dismissed. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Supreme Court limits cancer claims on Roundup; Iowa farmers express concern. A new Supreme Court ruling limits the amount of cancer claims that can be made in regards to Roundup weedkiller. Popular pesticide Roundup and similar products have been a prominent topic of conversation in Iowa politics recently due to their alleged link to cancer diagnoses. "We've used a lot of Roundup on our farm over the years in various different capacities," said Polk County farmer and President of the Iowa Farmer's Union, Aaron Lehman. ... READ MORE

 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Neighbors dig through Venezuela rubble to search for loved ones after 2 deadly earthquakes. In cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors helped each other dig through rubble to search for loved ones, after back-to-back earthquakes that officials say killed more than 230 people and left thousands injured. The official death toll rose to around 235 late Thursday, with at least 4,300 people injured, Venezuela Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told state media. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Supreme Court clears way for Trump administration to revive restrictive policy for asylum seekers. The Supreme Court cleared the way Thursday for the Trump administration to potentially revive an immigration policy once used to turn back migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. The justices, in a 6-3 decision, overturned a lower court order blocking the practice that limited the number of people who could apply for asylum each day, first under the Obama administration and then expanded during President Donald Trump’s first term. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Late-night Aplington fire under investigation after death reported. A house fire was reported in Aplington around 10:30 p.m Wednesday. The fire happened at the 1200 block of Parriott. Firefighters rescued one person from the home who later died. The Butler County EMA says it is unknown whether the death was related to the fire. ... READ MORE

 
Weather forecast
Friday, June 26
 
Partly cloudy
High: 78
Low: 64
Rain chance: 20%
 
Saturday, June 27
 

Partly cloudy
High: 84
Low: 71
Rain chance: 20%

Sunday, June 28
 

Partly cloudy, windy
High: 93
Low: 75
Rain chance: 0%

 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 3.9 - low-medium range
 
Top allergens:
Dock weed
Cattail
Grasses
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Craft Beer
1. Confluence Brewing Company 
2. Barn Town Brewing
3. Exile Brewing Company
 
See all of the results
 
 

 

Good news, bad news
This from reader Laura Buffalo - "Diego Rodriguez is joining the team at Michelin-starred Beckon in Denver. What an absolute talent; we were spoiled to have him here for so long. From Proof to Clyde’s to Sinduda Dinner Series and pop-ups with his mother (Mamá Laura Meals), what a story and journey. Best of luck to him!"

Disco sports bars: Are they a thing in West Des Moines? The World Cup has redefined what a “sports bar” is in West Des Moines. I tried going with several friends to two establishments in hopes of watching Caitlyn Clark, the Cubs and the World Cup at the same time. Both places played very loud dance club music during a Saturday afternoon of World Cup, Major League baseball, golf and an Indiana Fever game. One of the places is named after a soccer term, yet World Cup games were relegated to the audio bench?

Both bars are recommended "sports bars" by Catch Des Moines. It would be helpful to know if a “sports bar” is committed to sports enough to turn down, or turn off, audio more appropriate to dance clubs. The music was so loud it was difficult to hear humans talk at my table. Where do sports trump disco in a sports bar in West Des Moines? If you know, pass it on. 

Jason’s Deli gave away more free World Cup promotion food than planned. It is now extending "Goal Rush" with additional reward milestones for USA's goals 7-12. 

June 26, CITYVIEW’s Traveling Cocktail Party, Summer Stir,  returns to downtown. Try 10 different drinks for $25 with your online order ($35 at the door). Participating establishments: Revelry Room, Johnny's Hall of Fame, Tipsy Crow, Stuffed Olive and Hessen Haus.

Weekend deals 
• Desi Bites (1475 S.E. Bishop Drive, Waukee) has weekend specials on nine biryanis and five pulavs. 
 
• Marianna's (1305 University Ave., Des Moines) offers green enchiladas combos for $10 Fridays and Saturdays and four shrimp tacos for $12 Sundays.
 
• Talk Shop Lounge (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles) has a steak dinner deal Friday $16. 
 
• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has wings on sale Fridays for $8.
 
• Waveland Cafe (4708 University Ave., Des Moines) offers hot beef sundae special today.  
 
• Friday lunch special is $12 Italian beef with fries and soda, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Striking Sparrow (1930 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines).
 
• Friday is ramen day at Wilson Orchard & Farm (3201 15th Ave., Cumming). 
 
• Most Hy-Vees offer $5 fish and chips Fridays, $14 ribs Saturdays and eight-piece chicken buckets for $10 on Sundays.
 
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering smothered chicken specials today.
 
• Machine Shed (11151 Hickman, Urbandale) offers smoked prime rib on Saturday only. Whatcha Smokin? (Luther) offers smoked Dino beef ribs on Saturday only. 
 
• Spaghetti is today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola). Saturday's will be shrimp baskets and Sunday's is fried chicken.
 
• Saturday is wine sampling day at Graziano Brothers.
 
• ShortE's BBQ (8805 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) offers  "kids eat free" deals on Friday and Saturday.
 
• Amruth (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) has 20 dishes on their Saturday and Sunday buffet, noon to 4 p.m. Of course, there will be dosas.
 
• Waterfront stores' Saturday special includes cocktail shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell for half price until 4 p.m.



• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers Surf & Turf specials Fridays and $33 prime rib dinners Saturdays.



• Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines) does Saturday and Sunday brunch buffets for $24.99 for adults. Kids 6 and younger eat free.
 
• Rube's steakhouses offer a prime sirloin special on Sundays only, $29.
 
• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $9 Philly cheesesteaks or hot honey chicken plus $8 biscuit and gravy breakfasts on Fridays.
 
• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) offers walleye or steak dinner specials tonight and karaoke after 9 p.m. They have a 10 for $10 wings deal on Sundays. 
 
•  Jethro's Sunday special is burger baskets with fries for $9.95. Fridays they have Buffalo turkey sandwiches with a side for $9.95. 
 
• Paula's (Elm at Sixth, Valley Junction) has a Friday special Rachel (turkey Reuben) with fries for $14.
 
• Heavenly Asian (225 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has an all-day Friday sale on orange chicken served with soup, crab Rangoon, egg roll and rice, $14, available for dine-in and phone carry-out.
 
• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a $40 prime rib dinner special Friday and Saturday. 
 
• Court Avenue Brewing Company (309 Court Ave., Des Moines) hosts Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffets for $23.99.
 
• It's French dip Friday at Club 2000 (420 Indianola Road, Des Moines).

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on top sirloin at $9.99/pound, 5-ounce pork ribeyes at $1.25 and red cherries at $3.88/pound.

• Whole Foods (4100 University Ave., West Des Moines) offers $1 oysters on Fridays with good selection and free shucking. 

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on 85/15 grass-fed organic burger at $5.95/pound, peaches at $1.49/pound, and ground turkey at $4.95/3 pounds.

• Price Choppers have sales through Monday on red cherries at $2.99/pound, Kentucky Legend bacon at $2.99/pound and frozen swai fillets at $2.49/pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Sunday on NY strips at $11.99/pound and through Tuesday on baby back ribs $1.99/pound and snow crab clusters at $9.99/pound.

Dinner with a show
Kenni Falls play Kelly's Little Nipper at 7 Friday... El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill on EP True has live music from The Juan and Only on Friday from 6 p.m... Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... Asher Brown plays Exile Brewing Sunday at 5 p.m... Jeremy Alvarez plays Mickey's Irish Pub Waukee at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW Living magazine.
 

PEOPLE & PETS
Second careers
By Jackie Wilson

As Caty Elgin rides her horse, Smokescreen, during a jumping competition, she leans in, guiding the horse over a fence. As the horse clears it and other obstacles in record time, Elgin wins another riding competition.

In addition to competing, Elgin teaches riding lessons and trains riders for competitions. She also retrains racehorses that have retired from racing, teaching them new roles outside the track. Most of the horses she owns are retired thoroughbred racehorses.

When searching for the ideal horse, she looks for animals that are disciplined, quiet and well-mannered. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$604,900
1300 Deer Ridge Drive  N.W.
Bondurant, IA 50035
 
Stunning like-new Bondurant ranch ready for you to make your own! Step inside to find a front BR perfect for a home office, guest room or flex space, along with a beautifully finished full BA featuring tile surround and nearby linen and coat closets for added convenience. The heart of the home is the gorgeous kitchen, complete w/abundant white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a large wood-toned island with seating and a spacious walk-in pantry. ...
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
3700 PRAIRIE FIRE N.W., ALTOONA
SALE DATE: 2025-12-11
SALE PRICE: $5,825,000
SELLER: HURD MCW ALTOONA LLC
BUYER: 3700 PRAIRIE FIRE Drive LLC
ACRES: 1.501
SQUARE FEET: 6,488
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Christian Pulisic subs on as U.S. loses to Türkiye on last kick. After starting the World Cup with two performances full of incredible verve and vibrancy, the United States finished its group stage Thursday with a showing that was erratic, inconsistent and ultimately dispiriting as the U.S. lost for the first time at this tournament -- beaten on the final kick of the game when Turkiye substitute Kaan Ayhan scored during a scramble in front of the goal. ... READ MORE
 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Alyssa Thomas receives stiff punishment from WNBA after fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat. Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has been suspended for one game after “recklessly making contact” with Caitlin Clark’s throat during Phoenix’s 111–109 win over Indiana on Wednesday, the league announced Thursday. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: MLB makes big push for salary cap, floor with public statement outlining labor negotiations with MLBPA. It should come as no surprise to fans that a salary cap is the biggest issue facing the league and its players in labor negotiations ahead of the current collective-bargaining agreement (CBA) expiring in December. Given the league's actions in previous negotiations, gaining cost certainty on team expenses and player contracts is a major focus for the owners. ... READ MORE
 
 

1974: Pack of chewing gum becomes first ever item scanned with a UPC barcode. On the morning of June 26, 1974, at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio, a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum becomes the first grocery item scanned with a Universal Product Code, or UPC. The result of years of scientific experimentation and industry cooperation, the UPC barcode would go on to be used well beyond the grocery checkout counter, becoming a ubiquitous feature of modern commerce, with billions of barcodes scanned daily. … READ MORE

1975: Sonny and Cher’s divorce becomes final. After 13 years together as a couple and six years of marriage — the last three for the cameras — pop singers and TV entertainers Sonny and Cher are legally divorced on June 26, 1975 … READ MORE

2015: Same-sex marriage is made legal nationwide with Obergefell v. Hodges decision. June 26, 2015 marks a major milestone for civil rights in the United States, as the Supreme Court announces its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. By one vote, the court rules that same-sex marriage cannot be banned in the United States and that all same-sex marriages must be recognized nationwide, finally granting same-sex couples equal rights to heterosexual couples under the law. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
Happy birthday, Gary Walljasper!
 
These celebrities were born on this date: Ariana Grande, Jacob Elordi, Jennette McCurdy, King Bach, Mikey Williams, Aubrey Plaza, Derek Jeter, Indila, Cristian Llama, Iman Shumpert, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Vick, Rudy Gobert, Ryan Tedder, Rudy Gobert, Nick Offerman
 
Key historic birthdays 
1892: Pearl S. Buck. Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck was an American writer and humanitarian. She is best known for "The Good Earth," the best-selling novel in the United States in 1931 and 1932, which won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1932.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What do you call a funny chicken? A COMEDI-HEN! - Gail Tomlinson.

Today's riddle: What did the chicken say when it broke out in spots?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

To advertise in the Guthrie Center Times, Panora Times, Lake Panorama Times and Guthrie County Times Vedette, contact:

KERRY JACOBSEN
Account Executive
Office: 641-332-2707
Mobile: 515-619-2788
kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

 

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