Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What big bill and street changes is Ames City Council weighing Tuesday?

Also, don't miss Works by Maggie Douglas - Gallery in the Round on the Ames Patch calendar

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Hey there, Ames! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What big bill and street changes is Ames City Council weighing Tuesday?
  • How could downtown Ames change under the proposed 'Sip and Stroll' rules?
  • What Ames can expect from hometown native President David Cook at ISU.

Also on today's calendar: Mind Over Miles 5k Run Walk and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call advice from a cow ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, with a high of 61 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Some sun, then clouds; cool, temps: high: 63, low: 46.
  • Wednesday: Sun, then clouds, with a high of 65 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Council to discuss electric rates affecting off-campus students, residents (iowastatedaily.com) — Ames residents and off-campus students could see a 2.5% electric rate hike as the City Council meets Tuesday to decide on higher charges tied to the costly Municipal Energy Center. The council will also debate a downtown "Sip and Stroll" district, launch a data-center impacts committee, consider a Lincoln Way safety study, and review plans for nearly 100 new homes.
   

2. Ames 'Sip and Stroll' ordinance advances after split commission vote (amestrib.com) — Ames officials are weighing a new "Sip and Stroll" social district that would let approved bars serve drinks in special cups for people to carry through much of downtown during designated events. After a split planning and zoning vote, the proposal heads to the City Council on Sept. 22, with questions still swirling about event frequency, multi-day festivals, and impacts on nearby residents.
   

3. 'Coming Back to Where it All Began' — Iowa State University's 17th President, David Cook, Reflects on His Journey Home (iastate.edu) — Ames residents now have a hometown native, David Cook, leading Iowa State University as its 17th president, after he grew up here, attended Ames High, and graduated from ISU. He outlines plans to strengthen innovation, AI leadership, research, and extension work while honoring the land‑grant mission, highlighting how the university's success, research park, and CyTown development will continue shaping Ames' future.
   

4. Anna Woodward to lead small business support across 12 Iowa counties (kimt.com) — Ames residents should know that America's SBDC Iowa, based here in town, has named Anna Woodward as the new regional director serving 12 north-central counties. She'll provide free, confidential counseling on planning, financing, workforce, and marketing to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and navigate challenges, while also organizing workshops and partnerships with area economic development groups.
   

5. Slater finds high nitrate levels, warns drinking water may harm babies (amestrib.com) — Families in Slater, just 10 miles south of Ames, are being warned not to use city tap water for infants under six months after tests showed nitrate levels above state limits. Adults and older children can safely drink the water, but boiling or filtering won't remove nitrates, so many residents are relying on donated bottled water while the city awaits further guidance from the Iowa DNR.
   

📸 Around Ames

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I know it's been a bit since my last post but my Juno is still out there.
    I've been setting traps and going out nightly with a net to try to catch her but please keep looking out for her. Thank you to everyone who has… (Nextdoor South-West Duff)
  • Junk removal available throughout Central Iowa!
    From single-item pickups to full property cleanouts, we'll get it hauled away. Call or text 515-686-7761 for a free estimate! (Nextdoor East End)
  • Pizza Hut - Flynn Group posted a job opening for Team Member in Ames. Apply here.
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Bartender 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: Beef Tips (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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