In Today’s All About Ames Issue…

📰 November Prairie Burns Planned in Ames Parks

🏅 Cyclone Men's Basketball Signs Four Top Recruits for 2025-26

🗓️ Calendar of Events

👮‍♂️ Ames Police Department

🏡 Real Estate Update

🐕 Dog of the Day

🌟 Positive Affirmation

⚡️Spark for the Day

Gold Star Hall Ceremony Honors Fallen Iowa State Students

The Gold Star Hall Ceremony at Iowa State University’s Memorial Union honored former students who lost their lives serving in the military. Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen welcomed families and guests to the event, held on Nov. 13, where the stories of 1st Lt. Sidney Wilson Peterson, 2nd Lt. Max Harvey Collins, and Capt. James Wayne Herrick Jr. were shared.

In a tradition of honor, families of the fallen received commemorative coins symbolizing Iowa State’s gratitude. The Gold Star Hall, a living memorial, lists nearly 600 Iowa State students who died in service from WWI through the global war on terrorism.

November Prairie Burns Planned in Ames Parks

Ames Parks and Recreation will conduct prairie burns in November at Moore Memorial Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Christofferson Park, and the Ames Water Plant, weather permitting.

According to City Forester Gabbi Edwards, these burns reduce dead vegetation, curb invasive weeds, and enhance habitats for local wildlife. Notice of burns will be posted at each location, with limited closures in burn areas. Visitors, particularly those with health concerns, should be mindful of potential smoke exposure.

“These burns rejuvenate our natural spaces,” Edwards explained, noting the prairies will grow back lush by summer.

Input Needed for Ames Indoor Aquatic Center Programs

The Ames Parks & Recreation Department invites community feedback on aquatic programs and schedules for the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center via an online survey, open until 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

The facility, at 115 North Elm Street, will feature a lap pool, play structure pool, wellness pool, slide, and party rooms. Residents can take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WLMVZ8N to help shape its first-year offerings.

Peter "Pete" Kaser (1945 - 2024)

No. 8 Iowa State Set to Face St. Thomas

Iowa State (3-0) will host St. Thomas (3-0) in Hilton Coliseum on Thursday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Cyclones are looking to extend their home winning streak to seven games and capture their second victory over the Tommies.

Fans can tune in to the game on ESPN+ or through the Cyclone Radio Network, where live coverage and commentary will be provided.

ISU Softball Welcomes Five New Signees for 2025

Iowa State softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton has signed five standout players to National Letters of Intent: Kylee Espinoza, Hailey Holtz, Kasey Kane, Liv Palumbo, and Ava Wilmes. The recruits strengthen the Cyclones across pitching, catching, and infield, addressing key lineup needs. Pinkerton praised the new additions for their versatility, defensive strength, and offensive power, noting the importance of adding a left-handed bat to the lineup for the 2026 team.

Iowa State vs. Cincinnati: Night Game Showdown at Jack Trice

Iowa State (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) hosts Cincinnati (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) in a high-stakes Big 12 matchup under the lights. The Cyclones are undefeated in night games this season, with a 4-0 record, including 2-0 at home.

- Where: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA

- When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 – 7 p.m. CT

Christian Carroll Earns Big 12 Wrestler of the Week Honors

Iowa State's 197-pound redshirt freshman Christian Carroll has been named Big 12 Wrestler of the Week, his first career honor. Carroll made a strong collegiate debut by defeating Stanford’s No. 13 Nick Stemmet with an 11-7 decision, which boosted him to No. 13 nationally in FloWrestling's rankings.

- Next Match: Iowa State vs. Navy, Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum

Cyclone Men's Basketball Signs Four Top Recruits for 2025-26

Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger announced the signing of four highly ranked recruits, marking the best class in school history and the top-ranked class in the Big 12.

- Macari Moore (6-3 Guard, Ann Arbor, MI) – Top 25 guard, strong defender, known for his playmaking and scoring.

- Xzavion Mitchell (6-6 Forward, Oshkosh, WI) – Versatile wing, Top 25 forward, excels in rebounding and defensive flexibility.

- Jamarion Batemon (6-3 Guard, Milwaukee, WI) – Elite scorer with range, ranked as the No. 5 guard nationally.

- Killyan Toure (6-3 Guard, Pamiers, France) – Experienced in French ProA U21, known for defense and transition play.

Ranked No. 8 nationally by 247Sports and Rivals, and No. 9 by ESPN, this class represents Otzelberger’s second Top 10 class in four years.

Iowa State Women’s Basketball Signs Two for 2025 Class

Head coach Bill Fennelly announced the addition of Reese Beaty and Freya Jensen to Iowa State’s 2025 recruiting class, bringing skill and versatility to the Cyclones.

- Reese Beaty (5-8 Guard, Jamestown, TN) – Second-ranked prospect in Tennessee, strong leader and multi-sport athlete, averaged 17.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as a junior.

- Freya Jensen (5-10 Guard, Risskov, Denmark) – Awarded "Young Talent of the Year" in Denmark, known for shooting and scoring at all levels, and has international championship experience.

Ames High Winter Cheer Clinic – December 6, 2024

Students in preschool (age 4+) through 8th grade are invited to join the Ames High cheer squad for a fun-filled winter cheer clinic! Participants will enjoy games, learn cheers, and perform with AHS cheerleaders at halftime of the girls' varsity basketball game.

- Date: Friday, December 6, 2024, 3:50-7 p.m.

- Cost: $30 (includes t-shirt, tattoo, pizza, and varsity game admission)

Register by December 2: cheerleading.ameshighsportscamps.com

DECA Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Underway

Help make a difference this Thanksgiving! DECA is hosting a canned food drive now through November 26. Bring any canned or boxed non-perishable foods and drop them in collection boxes located in all English teachers' classrooms and Mrs. Schieffer's room. All donations will benefit Bethesda Community Food Pantry to support families in need. Let’s come together and give back this season!

Explore Ames High’s Alternative Learning Program

Interested in Ames High’s Alternative Learning Program (ALP)? Join teacher Ben Matthies on Future-Ready Family Night, today, November 14, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 1711 for an informational session. Learn how ALP supports students and explore unique pathways to success!

Open Studio Conversation with Artist Peyton Scott Russell

Join us today during Future-Ready Family Night from 6-8 p.m. for an Open Studio Conversation with artist Peyton Scott Russell. AHS student Ella Grail, one of fewer than 10 National Art Honor Society ambassadors nationwide, will co-host. Come to Room 1236 to watch the livestream and be part of this unique event!

Ames Police Department - Arrests between 11/09/2024 06:05AM and 11/13/2024 06:05AM

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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

201 Howard Ave, Ames, IA 50014, Westside. 6 Beds, 2 Baths. Sold Price: $455,000; Date Sold: November 12, 2024.

1021 Yuma Ave, Ames, IA 50014. 4 Beds, 2 Baths. Sold Price: $270,000; Date Sold: November 8, 2024.

3471 Southdale Dr, Ames, IA 50010, Kate Mitchell. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. $270,000. Last Sold: November 8, 2024.

Ames, IA Available Properties For Sale

5108 Schubert St Ames, IA 50014 (3 Beds, 2 Baths); $203,000

3430 Southdale Dr Ames, IA 50010 Kate Mitchell (3 Beds, 2 Baths); $197,500

1003 Marston Ave Ames, IA 50010 (3 Beds, 2 Baths); $196,000

Meet Ruby, a charming 2-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi known for her bright personality and affectionate nature. Ruby adores meeting new people, going on leisurely walks, and chasing after tennis balls at the park. Her adorable face and joyful spirit bring smiles wherever she goes. Let's give a warm applause for Ruby!

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

“I choose to thrive today. Every action I take is a step toward excellence, and I give my best in all I do.”

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