Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How an ISU scientist in Ames is chasing the “perfect” battery
Also check out Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach on the Ames Patch calendar
Hi there, Ames! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How an ISU scientist in Ames is chasing the "perfect" battery
- How ISU's new captain Bobby Terrell became a relentless pass-rushing force
- Why a global agriculture communication leader is being honored from Ames
Also on today's calendar: Loft Reserved.
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Ames Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Ames Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Ames. 
- Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 81, low: 53.
- Sunday: Nice with sun and some clouds, with a high of 76 and low of 57 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. In pursuit of nearly perfect battery materials, performance (eurekalert.org) — In Ames State University professor Steve Martin is leading cutting-edge research to make batteries so efficient they retain about 75% capacity after 5,000 charges. His team is perfecting battery interfaces and exploring cheaper sodium-based designs, work backed by Iowa funding and recently recognized with a prestigious international glass science award, underscoring Ames' role in next-generation energy technology. 
2. Explosive ISU EDGE Isaac 'Bobby' Terrell's powerful motor 'only knows go' (cyclonefanatic.com) — Ames fans will see new Iowa State edge rusher Isaac "Bobby" Terrell bring his relentless motor to Jack Trice Stadium this fall after transferring from Washington State. Now a 6-foot-2, 255-pound captain, Terrell's journey from undersized freshman to feared pass rusher highlights the grit, family support, and work ethic coaches say will anchor the Cyclones' revamped defense.
3. Michigan State professor receives Borlaug award (world-grain.com) — A major international agriculture communication award will be presented in Ames, underscoring the city's role as a gathering point for global ag leaders. Michigan State professor Karim Maredia is being honored for decades of work helping translate complex agricultural science for farmers and policymakers worldwide, with the ceremony set for December at the Library of Congress.
4. Survey ranks Decatur among top small U.S. cities for AI-focused businesses (thechampionnewspaper.com) — A new HostingAdvice.com survey ranks Ames among the top three small U.S. cities best positioned for AI-focused business growth, just behind Verona, Wisconsin and Lexington, Massachusetts. The report highlights how cities like Ames benefit from strong labor markets, nearby universities, and data centers, suggesting the community is well-placed to attract future tech and AI investment.
📸 Around Ames
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach →
Kristin M Roach Art, 138 Main St, Ames
4:00 pm
Friday September 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Loft Reserved →
Dog·Eared Books, 203 Main St, Ames
9:00 am
Tuesday September 15
📣 Ames Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Girls Cross Country: PreSeason Scrimmage (Varsity)
Middle School North Polk High School
4:15 pm - Boys Cross Country: Nevada vs North Polk (Varsity)
Middle School North Polk High School
4:15 pm - Football: Gilbert vs Roland-Story (Junior Varsity 2)
Roland-Story Comm School District Roland-Story Sports Complex Kerry Van Winkle Field
4:45 pm - Football: Gilbert vs Roland-Story (Junior Varsity)
Roland-Story Comm School District Roland-Story Sports Complex Kerry Van Winkle Field
6:00 pm - Football: Gilbert vs Roland-Story (Varsity)
Roland-Story Comm School District Roland-Story Sports Complex Kerry Van Winkle Field
7:00 pm - Volleyball: Hudson Volleyball Scrimmage (Varsity)
North Polk Comm School District Hudson Elementary/Middle School, Hudson High School
8:30 am - Grace LIfe Church
North Polk Comm School District North Polk High School Auditorium
7:00 am - Girls Tennis: Carroll vs North Polk (Varsity)
Middle School North Polk High School Tennis Courts
4:00 pm - Volleyball: Roland-Story "Early Bird" Quad (Varsity)
Roland-Story Comm School District Roland-Story High School South Gym
5:00 pm - Girls Tennis: North Polk vs Boone (Varsity)
North Polk Comm School District Boone - McHose Park
4:15 pm
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Mostly notes, one doodle from last night's Special Meeting.
It was our mid year goal review, held at the Water Plant. The one doodle is for Lincoln Way construction from Beach to Hayward which will be coming… (Nextdoor Roosevelt)
- Babki posted a job opening for Part-Time Game Tester in Ames. Apply here.
- Panera Bread Company posted a job opening for Catering Lead in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.
Ok Ames! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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