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Good Wednesday morning to you!
 

“Ban that book. I don’t agree with it. No, not that book. I agree with that one. Keep it. Just get rid of the ones I don’t like.”

Sound familiar? That is exactly what is going on right now in school districts across America and right here in central Iowa.

Yes, book banning has been a hot subject as of late, especially with the changing of the guard on many local public school boards. Those who want certain books removed have legitimate points — at least from their perspective — but I fear that these efforts are damaging to free speech and, ironically, resulting in the opposite of what the book banners’ intentions are. Let me explain.

First, there should be a clear distinction between books in a public school library and books used for instructional purposes in classrooms. Books used for instructional purposes should be evaluated, scrutinized and carefully selected. Most public school districts have curriculum processes in place to address this. You have every right to inquire about that process and judge it appropriately, but banning books that are simply available in a public school library is another matter.

Second, most of us read to learn, to exercise our brains and to grow our knowledge of a particular subject. With that in mind, how much will we learn by only reading books that fall in line with our own opinions? And how can we expect young people to grow by limiting access to all kinds of ideas?

Third, tell a child not to do something, and you can bet that the youngster will do all he or she can to explore it further. I guarantee that most any banned book will be read more after the banning than before. Believe it or not, there is this thing called the Internet that kids are using today, regardless of what is or isn’t in a library.

And finally, it’s OK to be exposed to things we don’t agree with. Those differing views create healthy debates that we all learn from, and that includes our youth.

So if you don’t agree with books used for classroom instruction, let your voice be heard. You might want to serve on a committee or even run for school board, but we shouldn’t limit a child’s access to books that simply don’t fall in line with a certain person’s points of view. As Jo Godwin said, “A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.” As it should.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

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

 

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Very strong winds are ahead for the state today with gusts exceeding 50mph by afternoon and 60mph by evening. A few strong evening storms are also possible especially in northern Iowa. Colder air moves in after that.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

 
High winds may close mile long bridge today

Motorists should be prepared for emergency closures of the mile long bridge on Iowa 415 over Saylorville Lake near Polk City and the mile long bridge on Iowa 14 over Red Rock Lake north of Knoxville on Wednesday, Dec. 15, due to high winds. Crews may close the bridges unexpectedly for the safety of the traveling public, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.  Motorists, especially those traveling in high-profile vehicles, are encouraged...

 
Things To Do
 

Wednesday, Dec. 15
“HOME FREE’S WARMEST WINTER TOUR”
At: Des Moines Civic Center
Info: An evening mix of upbeat Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony and humor. www.dmpa.com

 
Featured Home For Sale
 
Attention Realtors, post your listings here for $50. Contact pat@dmcityview.com for details.
 
310 S E Street
Indianola, IA 50125
$135,000
 

Are you looking for an adorable starter home or investment property? Look no further! This cute 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow is ready for you - just needs a little TLC! Open concept living at its finest. Youll love the spacious kitchen and living room. Picture yourself enjoying a cup of coffee on your front porch or spacious back deck. ....

 
Find Out More!
 
The Score
 
 Iowa Wild (9-10-2-1; 21 pts.) fell to the Milwaukee Admirals (10-12-1-0; 21 pts.) by a score of 6-3.
 
Headlines

FROM KCCI: Schools announce early dismissals ahead of severe weather Wednesday

The National Weather Service is warning of severe winds and possible tornadoes Wednesday. Multiple school districts have already issued closings and early dismissals ahead of the severe weather. See a full list here. ...READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: MidAmerican Energy deploying crews in position ahead of high wind warning

DES MOINES, Iowa — The high winds expected to top 60 mph on Wednesday have local utility crews ready for the worst. MidAmerican Energy officials say they are not waiting to find out how bad the damage will be on Wednesday. They are already planning for 24-hour, around-the-clock coverage with line crews and tree service crews getting in place ahead of time.  READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Joppa opens new facility to help those experiencing homelessness in Polk County

DES MOINES, Iowa — A new facility to assist Polk County residents experiencing homelessness officially opened its doors on Tuesday.
Joppa, a Des Moines nonprofit that helps homeless individuals survive and rebuild, celebrated the opening of its Homeless Resource Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. City officials like Mayor Frank Cownie and City Manager Scott Sanders were there for the event. . ...
 READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

 
CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines 2021
 

Nearly 14,000 votes were cast in the 2021 CITYVIEW Best Of Des Moines readers' poll.

Best Local Women’s Clothing Store
1. The Funky Zebras
2. La Vida Foundry
3. Fusion Boutique

[...]

 
Read more
 
Personalities
 

Meet Brooke Cooper: First-year educators finds support and lessons from co-workers.

By TK West

Originally from Ankeny, Brooke Cooper graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May of 2021. Being from a larger town, Cooper says that she was drawn to the close-knit community of Adel and the welcoming nature and kindness of the people who work at Adel Elementary School. She teaches first grade for the Adel-De Soto-Minburn Community School District, and says she enjoys working with kids.

“They have such a vivid imagination and excitement to learn more about the world around them, and I wanted to be the one to bring that new information to them. First grade students definitely encompass both of these personality traits as they are always so intrigued to learn anything new and love to share their ideas and questions,” she says.

[...]

 
Read more
 
Jobs
 

Place your help wanted ad in the list below for FREE! Email to pat@dmcityview.com. And ask us about upgrading your FREE ad with a display ad in any of our publications.

MERCHANDISE ASSOCIATE...

SHIFT SUPERVISOR ...

SUBSTITUTES... 

 

 
See all jobs listings
 
Snapshots
This view of Prairie Trails is for my Ankeny native sons in law. This was the Iowa State farms that have grown into this since they left. — Photo by J. Frank
 
SEND YOUR PHOTOS OF SEASON DECORATIONS!
 
Email to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com to be included in an upcoming Daily Umbrella!
 
 
Digital Editions
 
Jordan Creek Living magazine is published each month and mailed to every household in the community. The December issue cover story, "Christmas Then and Now,"features stories of Christmases past and present and how they differ. Also included are other features, informational articles and local photos. Learn more at www.iowalivingmagazines.com. View a sample digital edition from this week here.
 
 
Birthdays and Notables!
 

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Michelle Dockery, Don Johnson, Adam Brody, Charlie Cox, Camilla Luddington, Maude Apatow, Helen Slater

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

 
Poll of the Week

How many times have you seen "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”?

None
1 time
2-5 times
6-10 times
11 times or more

 

How do you prefer your eggnog?

Homemade - 4%
Right out of the carton - 32%
Spiked - 25%
I don’t like eggnog - 39%

 
Morning Chuckle
 
YESTERDAY'S RIDDLE:

What’s another name for an artificial Christmas tree?

FAUX FIR! — Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson, Gail Pecht

TODAY'S RIDDLE

What’s the difference between weather and climate?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com 

 

If you would like to advertise in this daily newsletter, please contact Pat Checketts at pat@dmcityview.com, or call 515-953-4822 xt. 311.

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have a friend or coworker who you think would enjoy waking up to The Daily Umbrella each weekday morning, please share our newsletter sign-up page with them! Visit www.thedailyumbrella.com and click on the SUBSCRIBE link on the upper right-hand side!

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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