Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did an octagonal house spark Ames’ beloved arts institution?

And check out Puzzle Time in the Hobby Hub on the Ames Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM
Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Ames! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did an octagonal house spark Ames' beloved arts institution?
  • Six Ames students named to elite 10-year National Math Stars program
  • How Ames researchers are rethinking firefighter gear to fight cancer risks

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

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (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:

  • Tuesday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 61 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Some sun, then clouds, temps: high: 67, low: 54.
  • Thursday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 65 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. See Octagon Center for the Arts through the years in Ames (amestrib.com) — Photos trace the Octagon Center for the Arts' evolution in Ames, from its beginnings in an octagonal house on Sumner Avenue to festivals at Bandshell Park, Hilton Coliseum and the Iowa State Center greenspace. It's a nostalgic look at the founders and milestones of one of Ames' signature arts institutions that many locals have visited or volunteered with over the years.
   

2. 44 Math Stars named in Iowa (ourquadcities.com) — Six local students from Ames are among just 44 Iowa kids chosen for the prestigious National Math Stars program, which supports advanced math learning through high school. The long-term initiative offers tailored coursework, mentoring, and STEM opportunities, with Ames joining other central Iowa districts celebrating standout young problem-solvers.
   

3. Iowa State University leads efforts to prevent contaminant exposure for firefighters (kcrg.com) — Researchers at Iowa State University in Ames are leading a major effort to understand and reduce firefighters' exposure to cancer-causing contaminants that cling to their gear. Backed by FEMA and statewide partners, the team is testing new monitoring tools, cleaning methods, and protective materials that could help keep Iowa's largely volunteer fire service safer.
   

4. Technology and value added ag guide ISU priorities (iowaagribusinessradionetwork.com) — Iowa State University's new president, David Cook, is shaping long-term priorities that will influence research and partnerships based in Ames, especially around value-added agriculture and digital farming technology. He's been traveling beyond Ames to hear from communities and farmers statewide, using their feedback to decide where ISU should invest to help agriculture stay competitive and innovative.
   

5. Iowa Transportation Commission Approves New Business Meeting Actions (news-usa.today) — State transportation leaders just met in Ames to approve funding shifts and project authorizations that shape highway, bridge, and transit work across Iowa. Their decisions influence when local communities see road repairs, bridge replacements, and corridor upgrades move from planning into construction over the coming fiscal cycle.
   

📸 Around Ames

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Ames Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This may be a little odd, but does anyone possibly have a spare wheelchair that I could use for Halloween night?
    Just for part of a costume for trick or treating and then it will be returned. (Nextdoor 18th Street)
  • Compass Group posted a job opening for Dishwasher in Ames. Apply here.
  • Babki posted a job opening for Part-Time Game Tester 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: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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