Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Ankeny family mourns the passing of beloved grandmother Aurelia Greenig
Also, don't miss MS/HS Welcome Back Nights on the Ankeny Patch calendar
Good morning Ankeny! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Ankeny family mourns the passing of beloved grandmother Aurelia Greenig
- Ankeny 12-year-old turns Iowa State Fair harmonica contest into family affair
- How a Jethro's BBQ feast in Ankeny nearly beat a pro eater
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Wednesday: Humid with clouds and sun, with a high of 79 and low of 61 degrees.
- Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 83, low: 65.
- Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 83 and low of 63 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Aurelia Greenig (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — An 88-year-old grandmother with close family in Ankeny has passed away, leaving children and grandchildren who now call Ankeny and nearby Iowa communities home. Her survivors include a daughter and granddaughter living in Ankeny, as well as relatives in Grimes, Des Moines, Kansas City, and Alaska. The family plans to hold private services to honor her life. 
2. Youth harmonica champ finally gets competition at Iowa State Fair (usatoday.com) — An Ankeny 12-year-old, August "Gus" Major, just captured his fourth straight Youth Harmonica Contest title at the Iowa State Fair, finally facing real competition from his sister and cousins. Playing classics like "When the Saints Go Marching In," he performed for more than 200 people and even dedicated his set to his grandmother, inspiring his younger relatives to start their own harmonica journeys.
3. Meet the award-winning competitive eater crushing area food challenges (pigeon605.com) — Ankeny diners might recognize Jethro's BBQ as one of the stops where South Dakota competitive eater Karen Meyer conquered a massive multi-meat, waffle-fry-loaded challenge with just 10 seconds left. Her growing list of victories spans Iowa and beyond, as she chases tougher timed food contests, national rankings, and maybe even a future shot at Coney Island's famous hot dog competition.
4. Mile posts: Items on Edwin Kurgat, Wesley Kiptoo, Adva Cohen, Matt Hanson, Dalton Rice (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Ankeny running fans will note that Ankeny High graduate Logan Rolling placed second at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5K, finishing 1:06 behind winner Emerson Vokes. The broader roundup tracks standout performances by Iowa-connected distance runners and triathletes at road races, trail events, and Ironman competitions across the U.S. and abroad, showcasing how many former Iowa athletes are excelling on bigger stages.
📸 Around Ankeny
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📣 Ankeny Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- MS/HS Welcome Back Nights
Middle School Alleman, IA 50007
4:00 pm - Johnston Middle School - Open House
Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Excel & Launch - Open House
Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Summit - Open House
Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Elementary Meet the Teacher
Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Library Board Meeting →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
5:30 pm - Board of Adjustment Meeting →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
6:30 pm - Football: North Polk vs Urbandale (Varsity)
North Polk Comm School District Urbandale High School Frerichs Field
6:30 pm - 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 - 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
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
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
- Charitable Organizations' Alert! —Viking Foundation Read on Patch
- Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
Kevin was LOST on August 11, 2026 in Ankeny, IA 50023 near 18th and Irvinedale Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Applewood) - Anyone know good single time lawn service in Ankeny?
Not opposed to using a high schooler or something to get our front lawn mowed, we have gotten behind with all the rain and would be happy to pay $25… (Nextdoor Aspen Ridge Estates)
- Acosta Group - Acosta Sales & Marketing Company posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser - Walmart in Ankeny. Apply here.
- B&G Foods, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler in Ankeny. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ankeny here.
Ok Ankeny! 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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