Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How much more will Ames families pay on utility bills now?
Make time for Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach on the Ames Patch calendar
Hello Ames! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How much more will Ames families pay on utility bills now?
- What's changing for Ames students before classes start this month?
- Where and when to shop these two vintage pop-ups in Ames
Also on today's calendar: Loft Reserved and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Ames. 
- Tuesday: Humid with drenching t-storms, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.
- Wednesday: Nice with periods of sun, temps: high: 79, low: 59.
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 79 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. What is driving the recent utility rate increases? (iowastatedaily.com) — Ames residents will see higher utility bills as water, sewer, and soon electric rates rise to pay for new treatment plants and power generation, plus a flat $7.75 monthly recycling fee already in place. City finance staff say small annual increases should avoid big future spikes, with typical families paying about $12.82 more per month while still keeping Ames Electric cheaper than many alternatives. 
2. What Ames families should know ahead of the new school year (amestrib.com) — Ames families face several changes this school year, including temporary free breakfast at all elementary, middle, and high schools and a new girls' flag football team at Ames High. The article also details staggered start dates, new district leaders, facility upgrades, and expanded career and technical classes, with more information available in the district's Back-to-School Guide online.
3. Two Vintage pop-ups set for stops in Ames (iowastatedaily.com) — Vintage lovers in Ames can browse two big pop-up markets as students return to town, with Campus Flea at the ISU Memorial Union on Aug. 27 and Iowa Vintage Fest at North Grand Mall on Aug. 29. Both events are free, feature dozens of vendors, and spotlight 1980s, Y2K styles and vintage Cyclone gear, including budget-friendly $5–$10 racks.
4. Thousands of Children Across America Are Waiting for a Permanent, Safe Family. (issuewire.com) — Ames residents are invited to a From Hope to Home Gala at Reiman Gardens on Sept. 17, highlighting the urgent need for permanent families for children in foster care. Hosted by Iowans for Adoption, the evening will feature speakers, education, and opportunities for individuals and businesses to sponsor, donate, or otherwise support foster and adoptive families nationwide.
5. Flora Is Among ISU Football Captains For 2026 Season (westerniowatoday.com) — Iowa State football fans in Ames now know the six captains leading the Cyclones into the 2026 season under new head coach Jimmy Rogers. The group includes return man Aiden Flora, quarterback Jaylen Raynor, and several experienced transfers expected to anchor key positions on both sides of the ball.
📸 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 ★
- Roach Motel Zine Club — Kristin M Roach →
Kristin M Roach Art, 138 Main St, Ames
4:00 pm
Friday September 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Central Elementary Back to School Night
Nevada Comm School District Central Elementary School
5:00 pm - Middle School Open House
Nevada Comm School District Nevada Middle School
5:30 pm - Loft Reserved →
Dog·Eared Books, 203 Main St, Ames
9:00 am
Thursday August 20
Tuesday September 15
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Kids Chess Club – Ames Public Library →
Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave, Ames
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: Oskaloosa vs North Polk (Varsity)
West Elementary School Caldwell Park - Pella Tennis Courts
5:00 pm - Huxley Community Connections →
Huxley Public Library, 515 N Main Ave 2nd Floor, Huxley
10:00 am - MS/HS Welcome Back Nights
Middle School Alleman, IA 50007
4:00 pm - Tech Help Thursdays at the library
Madrid Public Library Madrid Library, 100 West 3rd St., Madrid, IA, 50156, United States - Mah-Jongg at the Library
Madrid Public Library Madrid Library, 100 West 3rd St., Madrid, IA, 50156, United States
9:30 am - Central Elementary Back to School Night
Nevada Comm School District Central Elementary School
5:00 pm - Middle School Open House
Nevada Comm School District Nevada Middle School
5:30 pm
Tuesday August 18
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- 2 events in Ames to call attention to the high number of kids waiting to be adopted from foster care and to celebrate all who have been impacted by adoption.
Please share and join us!!!! https://www.iowansforadoption.org/events (Nextdoor Bloomington Heights)
- Fareway Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk (Burnett Avenue) in Ames. Apply here.
- Iowa State University posted a job opening for Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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