Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new ‘Sip and Stroll’ district could change downtown Ames

And check out Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach on the Ames Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Ames! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new 'Sip and Stroll' district could change downtown Ames
  • Ames favorite Macubana is closing—what's next for the Cuban eatery?
  • How Bluestem Boulders pushed Ames to rewrite its zoning rules

Also on today's calendar: Come From Away and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (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.
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunny and less humid, with a high of 81 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 82, low: 65.
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 76 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Council advances alcohol 'Sip and Stroll' district for downtown events (iowastatedaily.com) — Ames City Council is moving quickly to create a downtown "Sip and Stroll" social district, which would let people carry marked alcoholic drinks on certain streets during approved events as soon as early October. Council members also tweaked the city's urban deer hunt rules, advanced urban renewal changes before a key 2027 deadline, and discussed a proposed rural housing development north of town.
   

• A popular Campustown restaurant known for Cuban offerings is closing (amestrib.com) — Macubana, the beloved Cuban‑inspired spot on Welch Avenue, is preparing to close its brick‑and‑mortar restaurant after nearly a decade serving Iowa State students and Ames residents. Owners say staffing struggles drove the decision, though they hope to stay open through fall semester and may keep a food truck going. A final closing date will be announced soon.
   

• Outdated Zoning Codes Are Holding Climbing Gyms Back (climbing.com) — Ames climbers may be surprised how much local zoning shapes where they can climb, as Bluestem Boulders' owners had to lobby the city to create a special "Rock Climbing Facilities" use so their gym could open in an industrial building. Their experience, along with similar struggles nationwide, shows how ceiling heights, land-use rules, and special-use permits can make or break community climbing spaces.
   

📸 Around Ames

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames

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📣 Ames Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please Kindly Avoid Using Lawn Chemicals!
    We understand that neighbors want to care for their lawns and control weeds or insects. However, we kindly ask everyone to consider using lawn… (Nextdoor Northridge)
  • Henkel Construction Company posted a job opening for Construction Superintendent in Ames. Apply here.
  • Iowa State University posted a job opening for Financial Aid Advisor I in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.

🗞 Nearby News

Nevada

  • Story County Medical Center Celebrates 75th Anniversary in Nevada Iowa (news-usa.today)
  • Iowa Ag Secretary Naig says water quality 'blame game' should stop (radioiowa.com)
  • Iowa CSP, EQIP Application Deadline Set for Sept. 25 (morningagclips.com)

Boone

  • Boone girls' swimming rolls past Algona (kwbg.com)
  • New Holland rolls out MY2027 Roll-Belt 1 Series round balers at Farm Progress Show (farms.com)

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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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