⚡️Spark for the Day

Unleash your potential. Today, rise like the sun, radiating confidence and conquering every challenge.

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

💭TRIVIA CORNER

Question: In what year did the citizens of Ames vote to establish the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Cy in the Sky: Seeking a New Home for an Iowa State Icon

The beloved "Cy in the Sky," a unique hot air balloon cherished by Ames residents and Iowa State University fans, is looking for a new home. Owned by Bill and Toni Woodman, this 70-foot-tall balloon, featuring a sewn-on cartoon character of ISU's mascot Cy, was a familiar sight from 1985 to 2000, especially over football games.

The Woodmans, now in their 80s, are eager to find a permanent display spot for Cy. Despite efforts to donate it to ISU, the Iowa Balloon Museum, and the State Historical Museum, they've had no luck. Cy remains vibrant and intact, thanks to meticulous indoor storage.

The Woodmans envision Cy as an indoor display, perhaps in an atrium with a cold air blower to keep it inflated, similar to how historic balloons are showcased at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Phil Gray, who created the Woodmans' balloons, supports this idea and may assist in realizing this dream.

The Woodmans' journey with hot air ballooning began in the 1970s, blending their love for ISU and the sport. Now, their hope is to see Cy preserved and appreciated, ensuring this piece of ISU history continues to bring joy.

If you know of a suitable home for Cy in the Sky, or if you have any suggestions, please contact us. Your support could help preserve this unique piece of Ames history.

ISU Capstone Course Solves Industry Problems with Student-Engineers

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University's capstone course in mechanical engineering continues to provide innovative solutions for industry problems through student-engineered projects. This semester, students are tackling a challenge from Gomaco Trolley Co. in Ida Grove, Iowa, which needed a vintage brake valve, the SA-26, reverse-engineered for their trolleys.

Lex Jacobson, a 1998 ISU mechanical engineering graduate and the manager of Gomaco, turned to ISU’s capstone students for help. The project involves two teams of senior students disassembling and analyzing the 46-part valve to create detailed 3D engineering drawings and manufacturing recommendations. Despite the challenges, the students are making significant progress.

Jim Heise, Distinguished Professor of Practice and one of the instructors of the course, highlighted the program's success, noting that students have completed 354 projects for 144 Iowa manufacturers since 2008. Each project involves multiple teams working parallelly, providing diverse solutions at a cost-effective rate for the sponsoring companies.

The course not only benefits the companies but also provides substantial learning experiences for the students, preparing them to deliver economic value and effective engineering solutions. The impact of these projects is significant, contributing millions to the economy and creating numerous jobs annually.

Through these hands-on projects, students gain practical experience, learn to communicate their ideas, and understand real-world applications of their engineering skills, making them valuable assets to future employers.

Iowa State Secures Commitment from Class of 2025 WR Karon Brookins

Iowa State football has added a key offensive player to their future roster with the commitment of Karon Brookins, a wide receiver from Winslow Township High School in New Jersey. Announcing his decision on social media, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Brookins, a three-star recruit according to 247Sports Composite, plans to join the Cyclones after completing his high school career.

Brookins transferred from Timber Creek High School to Winslow for his senior year, bringing his impressive skills to a new team. His commitment comes as Iowa State looks forward to a strong wide receiver lineup in 2024, including seniors Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Daniel Jackson. With several starters graduating, Brookins, along with fellow three-star recruit Zay Robinson from West Des Moines Valley, may have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the 2025 season.

Brookins visited Ames from June 7-9 and chose Iowa State despite holding offers from Pittsburgh, Temple, and West Virginia, among others.

Schraft Cements Bronze to Close NCAAs

EUGENE, Oregon – Janette Schraft capped off the NCAA Championships in style with a third-place finish in the steeplechase, while Maelle Porcher also garnered All-America honors.

The Cyclone women finished tied for 36th with six points, marking their best outdoor finish since 2017 when they placed 21st. Both the Iowa State men's and women's teams scored at the indoor and outdoor NCAA Championships in 2024, a milestone not achieved since 1991.

Schraft earned First Team All-America honors, while Rachel Joseph and Makayla Clark secured Second Team, and Sydney Willits and Maelle Porcher received Honorable Mention for the women.

In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Schraft claimed the bronze, achieving a First Team All-America distinction and recording the 21st-best collegiate performance ever. With a time of 9:34.82, she broke her own school record by 14 seconds and met the automatic U.S. Olympic Trials standard. Schraft finished behind Alabama's Doris Lemngole, who set a collegiate record, and Notre Dame's Olivia Markezich, the 2023 steeplechase champion.

Schraft's impressive last 400 meters of 1:11.18 propelled her to third place. She became the first ISU woman to earn multiple All-America honors in the steeplechase.

Maelle Porcher earned her first All-America honor with a 21st-place finish in the 5,000m, clocking in at 16:07.38. She now advances to the Olympic Trials, representing France.

In total, Iowa State athletes earned five First Team, six Second Team, and two Honorable Mention All-America honors during the 2024 season.

With the season concluded, ISU athletes now turn their focus to the Olympic Trials. Seven will compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field from June 21-30, while five other Cyclones will represent their countries.

Iowa State Outdoor All-Americans:

First Team: Sanele Masondo (10,000m), Ezekiel Rop (1,500m), Finley Mclear (800m), Gable Sieperda (Steeple), Janette Schraft (Steeple)

Second Team: Peter Smith (1,500m), Darius Kipyego (800m), Cam Jones (Shot Put), Said Mechaal (5,000m), Rachel Joseph (400m), Makayla Clark (800m)

Honorable Mention: Kevin Sakson (Discus), Sydney Willits (Long Jump), Maelle Porcher (5,000m)

Iowa State Results:

3,000m Steeplechase Final (W): 1. Doris Lemngole, Alabama – 9:15.24; 3. Janette Schraft, Iowa State – 9:34.82 (PR, No. 1 ISU)

5,000m Final (W): 1. Parker Valby, Florida – 14:52.18; 21. Maelle Porcher, Iowa State – 16:07.38

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

4202 Welbeck Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $368,000; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

3418 Jewel Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $350,000; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

914 Yuma Ave Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $250,000; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

4824 Waller St Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $335,000; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

3022 Cottontail Ln Ames, IA 50014, Sold Price: $425,000; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

4142 Eisenhower Ln #1 Ames, IA 50010, Sold Price: $195,000; Date Sold: June 6, 2024

4509 Westbend Dr Ames, IA 50014, Sold Price: $315,000; Date Sold: June 6, 2024

If you would like your business to be featured in our next issue, please contact us at [email protected].

Ames West Side Storage LLC

Permanent Christmas Lights LED

Densmore Insurance Strategies, Inc. Bondurant, IA

Lutheran Church of Hope Events

Summer HopeKids - Sunday, June 16, 23 & 30 | 9:30 am | Ames City Auditorium | City Hall Gymnasium

Christ Community Church Events

Summer FM 2024 - June 12, 19 & 26, 2024 | 6pm – 8pm (CDT) | Christ Community Church Ames 5501 George Washington Carver Ave. Ames, IA 50010

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.

June 9th (Sunday)

PARADE OF HOMES Throughout Ames. Ongoing

SUNDAY TOURS WITH UNIVERSITY MUSEUMS Brunnier Art Museum. 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

AMES HISTORY MUSEUM EVENTS @ THE HOGGATT SCHOOL 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

STRANGER THAN FICTION @ PRAIRIE MOON Prairie Moon.  3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

CENTRAL IOWA SYMPHONY REVEAL GALA Ames Golf & Country Club. 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

ROOSEVELT SUMMER SUNDAYS: RIVER CITY OPRY Roosevelt Park. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

June 11th (Tuesday)

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS: MAGICIAN MIKAYLA OZ Ames Public Library. 10:00 am

TUNES IN THE TREES: CARTER GUSE Iowa Arboretum.  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Dog of the Day

Meet Luna, our delightful Dog of the Day! Luna is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu with a loving personality and a playful spirit. She adores belly rubs, enjoys long walks in the park, and has a special fondness for squeaky toys. Luna's sweet nature and charming antics make her the perfect furry friend for her family.

Give it up for Luna!

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

"My inner light shines outward, illuminating the world around me. With kindness and compassion, I make a difference, one step at a time."

Highlight Your Local Business!

Want to feature your local business and reach thousands of Ames area residents in the next issue of All About Ames? Apply here. Not a business owner, but have a favorite local business? Share it with us – send us an email at [email protected]

All About Ames - Be Part of Our Story

The Answer to the Trivia Corner Question  👇👇👇

In 1943, the citizens of Ames voted to establish the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport, marking the beginning of its development with two turf runways. Over the years, the airport expanded with two paved runways, various aircraft and hangars, a modern terminal, and other facilities. In 2017, the City of Ames leased the airport to Central Iowa Air Service, the current Fixed Base Operator, while retaining ownership and operational control of the airport.