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🌱 Patch AM: See how an Ankeny private school stacks up statewide

You won't want to miss IDHA Fall Event 2026 on the Ankeny Patch calendar

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Morning Ankeny! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • See how an Ankeny private school stacks up statewide
  • How Ankeny's Jack Whitver is facing his toughest battle yet
  • How Ankeny's 'Fill the Fund' helps students eat at school

Also on today's calendar: Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A little morning rain; cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 67, low: 46.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 68 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Best private high schools in Iowa (southernminn.com) — Families in Ankeny will notice one of their own private PK–12 schools included among Iowa's top-rated options, with details on enrollment, student–teacher ratio, and overall Niche grade. The statewide list lets local parents compare Ankeny's offering with strong private schools in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Bettendorf, Fairfield, and more as they weigh future education choices.
   

2. Jack Whitver battles brain tumor with help from Iowa State teammates (amestrib.com) — Ankeny resident and former Iowa State football standout Jack Whitver is confronting a brain tumor with constant support from former teammates, coaches, and friends who visit his Ankeny home and help with daily challenges. Fundraisers, including a major event at Talons of Tuscany, have helped cover costly treatments in Germany, while Whitver focuses on time with family and reconnecting with old teammates.
   

3. As Student Meal Debt Soars, School Districts Launch Their Own Fundraisers (edweek.org) — Ankeny schools are tackling rising student meal debt through a "Fill the Fund" campaign that invites community donations online or by check to cover unpaid balances. The story compares Ankeny's approach with similar district-led fundraisers nationwide, explaining how higher food prices and changing federal rules are pushing more local families into school lunch debt.
   

4. Week 6 Football Capsules: Breaking Down the Your Prep Sports Area Games (yourprepsports.com) — Iowa high school football heads into Week 6 with Southeast Polk joining Ankeny as the last unbeaten Class 5A teams, setting up a compelling statewide race that Ankeny fans will be watching closely. The capsules break down key matchups, star players, and stats for several Your Prep Sports area games, offering context on how these results could shape playoff positioning.
   

5. 17-year-old Iowa pedestrian killed after SUV driven by 15-year-old strikes him in roadway (northiowatoday.com) — An Ankeny 15-year-old driving an SUV struck and killed a 17-year-old pedestrian Sunday evening in Indianola, and state troopers are still investigating the circumstances. The crash adds to a troubling year of pedestrian deaths on Iowa roads and raises fresh questions about teen drivers' safety responsibilities for families in and around Ankeny.
   

📸 Around Ankeny

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ankeny

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My Nextdoor Neighbor and I are looking for someone to move snow this winter.
    We each have three stall garages/driveway and sidewalks. Looking for a small company or individual who charges for each snow, not by the month or… (Nextdoor Summerbrook)
  • Leading Edge Insulation posted a job opening for Accounts Receivable Assistant in Ankeny. Apply here.
  • Pizza Hut - Flynn Group posted a job opening for Team Member 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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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