⚡️Spark for the Day

Remember, setbacks are just setups for comebacks. Every obstacle you face is an opportunity for growth.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

💭TRIVIA CORNER

Question: When was Ames incorporated, and what was its population at that time?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Iowans cannot sue over the early termination of COVID-19 unemployment benefits, a court has ruled.

Iowans who lost jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic cannot sue over the early termination of federal unemployment benefits, a judge has ruled. The benefits, part of the CARES Act in response to pandemic-related job losses, were initially accepted by Iowa but ended in May 2021 by Governor Kim Reynolds. Reynolds cited businesses' concerns over labor shortages as a reason for halting the programs.

Two lawsuits filed against Reynolds argued that ending the benefits deprived workers of promised income and violated their rights. However, Chief District Judge Stephanie Rose dismissed the claims, stating that recipients did not have a protected property interest in the benefits under Iowa's weekly eligibility evaluation system. Similar cases in other states also failed to gain traction in court.

Attorney John Stoltze, representing the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated plans to discuss next steps with their clients. Governor Reynolds supported the decision, emphasizing her stance on encouraging workforce participation and economic recovery in Iowa.

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Iowa City schools Superintendent Matt Degner has secured a new three-year contract.

Iowa City schools Superintendent Matt Degner’s new three-year contract received approval from the school board on Tuesday with a 6-1 vote.

Board member Jayne Finch opposed the contract due to concerns over the amount of deferred compensation included. She noted that few districts in Iowa offer as high as 15 percent in deferred compensation, suggesting it could distort the perception of the superintendent's actual salary.

Finch advocated for a more straightforward compensation approach, suggesting that if the board aims to align Degner's compensation with top superintendent salaries in the state, it should consider adjusting the base salary instead.

Under the approved contract, Degner’s salary for the first year will be $249,491, marking a 3 percent increase from his current salary of $241,755. He will also be eligible for annual salary adjustments tied to those received by teachers and administrators.

Degner, who took over as superintendent in January 2021 after serving as interim for two years, was commended by board President Ruthina Malone for his leadership during challenging times. Malone acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions Degner has faced and praised his dedication to the district's mission.

Board member Charlie Eastham expressed satisfaction with Degner's performance and emphasized the board's commitment to transparency in disclosing the superintendent's compensation package as a matter of public record.

June 13th (Thursday)

Softball: Ames vs Ankeny Centennial (Level 5). 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ankeny Centennial High School

Softball: Nevada Middle School “Love Like Carly” Softball Tournament (Level 5). 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Nevada SCORE Recreation Complex

Baseball: Ames vs Boone (Level 5). 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Memorial Park

Softball: Southeast Polk vs Ames (Varsity)7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ames High Baseball & Softball

Iowa State Basketball

We’re Back.

#Cyclones | #C5C

Iowa State Football

Cooper Alexander looking to make an early impact!

Mullen, Sweeney Honored as Coaches of the Year at Iowa High School Sports Awards

Ankeny boys track and field coach Jordan Mullen and Clear Creek-Amana girls basketball coach PJ Sweeney were celebrated as the Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year at the Iowa High School Sports Awards, sponsored by SCHEELS, on Monday night.

The ceremony, held at Hoyt-Sherman Place in Des Moines, acknowledged over 250 outstanding student-athletes from across Iowa.

USA TODAY Sports presented the Boys and Girls Team Coaches of the Year awards. Other nominees for the Boys Team Coach of the Year included Jonathan Rubino of Des Moines Hoover and Gary Swenson of Valley. On the girls' side, finalists were Brett Delaney of Ankeny Centennial and Angela Kessler of Regina.

Mullen led Ankeny to its first boys track and field state title since 1972. Under his guidance, the team not only secured gold but also shattered records at the state meet, scoring 112 points—the highest ever by a boys team, surpassing the previous record of 89. This remarkable achievement was due to the depth of talent Mullen cultivated across sprinters, jumpers, and distance runners, resulting in six gold medals and three additional top-four finishes.

Sweeney directed the Clippers to an undefeated season and their first-ever Class 4A state title. His team's defensive prowess was on full display in the championship game, where they limited Waverly-Shell Rock to a 7-of-49 shooting performance and won by 18 points. Since taking over the program a decade ago, Sweeney has focused on generating enthusiasm for girls basketball, culminating in three state tournament appearances in the last five years and this historic championship.

Both coaches have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, making significant impacts on their respective programs and achieving remarkable success this past season.

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

3607 Fletcher Blvd Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $474,900; Date Sold: June 11, 2024

2832 Weston Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $500,000; Date Sold: June 11, 2024

1412/1414 N Dakota Ave Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $370,000; Date Sold: June 11, 2024

428 Stonehaven Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $1,790,000; Date Sold: June 10, 2024

203 Jewel Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $900,000; Date Sold: June 10, 2024

3129 Roxboro Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $459,900; Date Sold: June 7, 2024

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

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Permanent Christmas Lights LED

Ames Municipal Band Concert

• Date: 06/13/2024. 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM 

• Location: Bandshell Park, East Sixth Street and Duff Avenue, Ames, Iowa

Concerts are free, fun, and family-friendly. Concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 

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 12th (Wednesday)

GARDEN PLAYHOUSE GUIDED TOUR Reiman Gardens. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

KIDS’ CRAFTS AT THE WORKSPACE Memorial Union Workspace. 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

NORTH GRAND AFTER SUNDOWN North Grand Mall. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

June 13th (Thursday)

WELCOME SUMMER EVENT Sweet Caroline's Kitchen & Cocktails. 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

JAKE KEMBLE @ ALLUVIAL Alluvial Brewing. 7:00 pm

AMES MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT Bandshell Park. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Meet Daisy, a charming 2-year-old Beagle with a nose for adventure. Daisy loves exploring new scents on her daily walks and has a keen interest in finding hidden treats. Her playful nature and wagging tail bring joy to everyone she meets.

Give it up for Daisy!

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 filled with peace and positivity. I embrace the opportunities and challenges that come my way, knowing they help me grow and become stronger."

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Densmore Insurance Strategies, Inc. Bondurant, IA

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All About Ames - Be Part of Our Story

The Answer to the Trivia Corner Question  👇👇👇

Ames was incorporated in 1870 with a population of 844. The town's layout included 12 blocks, from the railroad right-of-way to Ninth Street, and bounded by Duff and Burnett Avenues. This period also saw the establishment of the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.