Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why I-35 roadsides near Ames are buzzing with new life
You won't want to miss The Temptations on the Ames Patch calendar

Good morning Ames! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why I-35 roadsides near Ames are buzzing with new life
- What K-State's struggles mean for Friday's showdown in Ames
- How new ISU checklists could keep Iowa farms running in blackouts
Also on today's calendar: Mind Over Miles 5k Run Walk and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 70 and low of 41 degrees.
- Monday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 68, low: 45.
- Tuesday: Sunny and beautiful, with a high of 74 and low of 53 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• A 'Monarch Highway' in the central U.S. stalled. But states are still planting butterfly rest stops (ipmnewsroom.org) — Native wildflowers and milkweed along I-35 near Ames are part of Iowa's decades-long effort to turn roadsides into prairie that supports monarchs, bees, and other wildlife while cutting mowing costs. Though a broader "Monarch Highway" plan stalled, Iowa DOT and local partners continue seeding and managing thousands of acres of roadside habitat that residents can see right off Ames exits.
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• No. 23 Utah sweeps K-State behind dominant offense (kstatecollegian.com) — K-State volleyball will visit Iowa State at Hilton Coliseum in Ames this Friday after being swept by No. 23 Utah, a loss that exposed defensive struggles against a hot-hitting offense. The Wildcats, now 9-3 overall, showed late fight but need more consistency as they prepare for a tough Big 12 road swing that includes Ames and then Colorado.
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• New Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Resources Help Farmers Protect Operations Against Digital and Power Disruptions (yankton.net) — Iowa State University Extension in Ames has launched a free four-part checklist and planning guide to help farmers prepare for power outages and digital disruptions that could cripple their operations. The series walks crop and livestock producers through assessing cyber risks, backup power needs, and manual workarounds so they can protect animals, equipment, and finances before emergencies hit.
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📸 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 ★
- The Temptations →
Ames
7:30 pm
Sunday October 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Mind Over Miles 5k Run Walk →
Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave, Ames
8:00 am - Brush Club Meet-Up →
St Andrews Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado St, Ames
9:00 am - Men's Shed Meeting →
Sixty Forward Center, 205 S Walnut Ave, Ames
9:00 am - All Kinds of Art (No School Days), Grades K - 5 →
Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames
9:00 am - All Kinds of Art (No School Days), Grades K - 5 at the Octagon →
Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames
9:00 am - Drop-In Volunteering →
Ames IA
10:00 am - Widow/Widower Meet-Up →
Sixty Forward Center, 205 S Walnut Ave, Ames
10:00 am - Sixty Forward Orientation Session →
Sixty Forward Center, 205 S Walnut Ave, Ames
9:00 am - Book Club Meet-Up →
Sixty Forward Center, 205 S Walnut Ave, Ames
10:30 am - World Ballet Company: Swan Lake →
Ames IA
7:00 pm - Congregate Meals →
Sixty Forward Center, 205 South Walnut Ave, Ames
11:30 am
Sunday October 4
Monday October 5
Tuesday October 6
Wednesday October 7
Thursday October 8
📣 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!
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
- Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Ames. Apply here.
- GPAC posted a job opening for Sales Agronomist in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.
🗞 Nearby News
Nevada
- BMO Bank Account Bonus Offers (2026) (finder.com)
- GEAPS to Bring Emerging Leaders Workshops to Iowa and Kansas (millingandgrain.com)
- New Kalshi Promo Code AL55 activates $55 bonus for NCAAF Week 5, MLB Playoffs, UFC 332 (al.com)
Boone
- KWBG Senior Spotlight: Bek Anderson, Ogden Senior (kwbg.com)
- Civil rights icons share school desegregation journey with Iowans (bleedingheartland.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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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