In Today’s All About Ames Issue…

💭 Trivia Corner

📰 Ames Community School District Announces New Associate Principals for 2024-2025

🕊️ Iconic Spotlight - Bobby Douglas

🏅 Olympic 2024: Pack your bags boys, you're going to Paris!!!

👮‍♂️ Ames Police Department

🗓️ Upcoming Events in July

🏡 Real Estate Update

🗓️ Calendar of Events

🐕 Dog of the Day

🌟 Positive Affirmation

🎥 Video - Food and Shopping, Ames IA

🧠 Answer to Trivia Question

⚡️Spark for the Day

Use this day to rejuvenate your spirit and prepare for the week ahead. Take time for rest, reflection, and connecting with loved ones.

"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3)

💭TRIVIA CORNER

How Much Do You Know About Ames?

Question: What was the significance of the first-ever public library in Iowa, established in Ames in 1870?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Ames Community School District Announces New Associate Principals for 2024-2025

The Ames Community School District has announced new associate principal appointments for the 2024-2025 school year. Anthony Jahr will join Ames Middle School, having previously served as the associate principal at Fellows Elementary and Ames High School. Jahr brings a robust background in science education and educational leadership, holding degrees from Culver-Stockton College and the University of Northern Iowa. Michelle Fuqua, who has been with Ames CSD since 2004, will become the associate principal at Fellows Elementary. Fuqua's experience includes roles as an instructional coach at Ames High School and work in special education, with degrees from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

The district also welcomes Aaron Weddle to Ames Middle School, pending board approval. Weddle, currently the principal at Fairview Elementary in Grinnell, has a background as a school counselor and teacher, emphasizing curriculum development and student support. He holds degrees from Buena Vista University and Viterbo University. The district is excited for the leadership and expertise Jahr, Fuqua, and Weddle will bring to their new roles, officially starting on July 1, 2024.

SWITA receives two major honors at 2024 Iowa Public Transit Association Annual Awards

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) received two major honors at the 2024 Iowa Public Transit Association Annual Awards. SWITA was named the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Regional Transit System of the Year and received the FTA Region 7 Rural Transit Systems Award of Excellence. The awards, presented on June 6th in Ames, recognized SWITA for its record ridership and cost efficiency. In 2022, SWITA provided 480,229 rides, with 526,300 rides in 2023, reflecting significant year-over-year growth.

SWITA Transit Director Mark Lander attributed this success to the hard work and dedication of the entire SWITA team. SWITA offers various transportation options, including work routes, medical trips, student transportation, taxi services, and special trips, ensuring accessibility for everyone in the eight-county region. Southwest Iowa Planning Council Executive Director John McCurdy highlighted the importance of public transportation for freedom of movement and local economic growth, emphasizing the exceptional service provided by SWITA’s staff and drivers.

Bobby Douglas: Wrestling Legend and Trailblazer

Bobby Douglas, a legendary wrestler and pioneering coach, began his career with two Ohio high school state wrestling championships at Bridgeport High School. He won an NAIA title at West Liberty College and later a Big Eight Conference title at Oklahoma State. Douglas competed in the 1964 and 1968 Olympics, placing fourth in 1964, and earned silver and bronze medals at the 1966 and 1970 world championships.

Douglas broke racial barriers as the first African American college wrestling coach, leading programs at UC-Santa Barbara, Arizona State, and Iowa State. He guided ASU to an NCAA team national title in 1988 and achieved five NCAA runner-up finishes. Over 31 seasons, Douglas coached 13 NCAA champions, including Cael Sanderson, 68 conference champions, and 110 NCAA All-Americans. His accolades include 12 Conference Coach of the Year awards and a 427-170-9 dual meet record.

Beyond wrestling, Douglas excelled in football and baseball, earning all-state honors. At Bridgeport High, he was considered the best prospect on a team with future Hall of Famers John Havlicek, Phil Niekro, and Joe Niekro. Douglas’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. As he famously said, "Greater than the treads of a mighty army is an idea whose time has come."

Pack your bags boys, you're going to Paris!!!

Ward to Play in NBA Summer League with Kings

Hason Ward, a recent graduate of Iowa State University, has signed to play with the Sacramento Kings in two upcoming NBA Summer Leagues. The first, the California Classic Summer League, will take place from July 6-10 in Sacramento and San Francisco. Following that, he will participate in the NBA2k25 Summer League from July 12-22 in Las Vegas. Ward, known for his contributions to Iowa State's basketball team, helped them reach two NCAA Tournaments, including a Sweet 16 appearance. Despite missing games due to injury, he averaged 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in his final season. Throughout his collegiate career at Iowa State and VCU, Ward averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and made significant defensive contributions with 162 blocks and 92 steals.

Iowa State Adds Illinois Transfer Sydney Malott to Softball Roster

Iowa State softball coach Jamie Pinkerton has announced the addition of Sydney Malott, an Illinois transfer, to the 2025 roster. Malott, who has two seasons of eligibility left, is the first transfer addition since 2022.

A versatile 5-7 infielder from Liberty, Mo., Malott played 49 games for Illinois last season, starting in 46 at various positions including first, second, and third base, as well as catcher. She posted a .283/.386/.390 slash line with 24 RBIs and 36 hits as a sophomore.

Coach Pinkerton praised Malott for her experience and versatility, expecting her to provide leadership and fill multiple roles on the team.

Ames Police Department - Arrests between 6/17/2024 06:05AM and 6/29/2024 06:05AM

Download Full Report Here

July Events

EVENT DATES WIL BE REVEALED IN SUBSEQUENT NEWSLETTERS

Ready to showcase your property to potential buyers? Share your upcoming open house details with us at [email protected] and we'll help spread the word in our newsletter!

Ames, IA Recently Sold Properties

3804 Toronto St Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $259,900; Date Sold: June 28, 2024

2316 Camden Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $352,000; Date Sold: June 28, 2024

925 Carroll Ave Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $250,000; Date Sold: June 28, 2024

2109 Hunziker Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $269,900; Date Sold: June 27, 2024

5317 Irons Ct Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $125,000; Date Sold: June 27, 2024

2912 Eisenhower Ave Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $283,000; Date Sold: June 25, 2024

211 E 16th St Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $250,000; Date Sold: June 25, 2024

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Ames, IA in the coming week. Outdoor events may be subject to change due to weather.

Introducing DD, a delightful 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves cuddling up with her family and exploring the outdoors. Luna enjoys playing with her favorite toys, going on gentle walks, and making new friends wherever she goes. Her affectionate personality and charming demeanor make her an absolute joy. Celebrate DD today!

If you have a canine companion who deserves a moment in the spotlight, don't hesitate to reach out to us at allaboutames.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

Today’s Affirmation

“Today, I affirm that I am renewed and refreshed. I take this time to restore my spirit, appreciate my blessings, and prepare myself for the week ahead with a peaceful heart.”

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Food and Shopping, Ames IA

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The Answer to the Trivia Corner Question  👇👇👇

The establishment of the first-ever public library in Iowa in Ames in 1870 marked a significant milestone in the state's commitment to public education and access to information, offering a variety of programs and resources for all ages.