⚡️Spark for the Day,

Each day brings new chances to grow, learn, and make a positive impact. Seize the opportunities that come your way and make today count.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (Colossians 3:23)

💭TRIVIA CORNER

Question: Who is considered the "Father of the American Constitution"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Iowa Regents Approves 2-3% Tuition Increase Across State's 3 Public Universities

The Iowa Board of Regents has approved a 2-3% tuition increase across the state's three public universities for the 2024-2025 academic year. This hike affects undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Tuition Increase Details:

• University of Iowa:

  • Residents: Tuition increases to $9,286 from $9,016.

  • Non-residents: Tuition increases to $31,374 from $30,979.

• Iowa State University:

  • Residents: Tuition increases to $9,252 from $8,982.

  • Non-residents: Tuition increases to $27,346 from $26,168.

• University of Northern Iowa:

  • Residents: Tuition increases to $8,564 from $8,396.

  • Non-residents: Tuition increases to $20,340 from $19,940.

Program-Specific Increases:

• At Iowa State University, the Veterinary Medicine program will see a 5% increase for in-state students and a 3.5% increase for out-of-state students.

• The University of Iowa will increase tuition in programs such as the College of Law and the Carver College of Medicine.

Mandatory Fees:

• University of Iowa: Mandatory fees increase by 2.5% to $1,997.

• Iowa State University: Mandatory fees increase by 1.3% to $1,534.

• University of Northern Iowa: Mandatory fees increase by 3% to $1,534.

These adjustments are attributed to inflation and the universities' need to cover rising operational costs amidst funding constraints from the state legislature.

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Farmers' Market Season is in Full Swing: Details for Ames and Surrounding Areas

With farmers' market season in full swing, Ames and its surrounding communities offer events on several days of the week.

The Ames Main Street Farmers' Market is a major attraction in downtown Ames every Saturday through early fall, offering everything from locally grown produce to freshly baked goods. Voted the best local event in the Ames Tribune's 2023 Community's Choice Best of Story County awards, the market features live music and fun, free activities each week, justifying its well-deserved recognition.

Other nearby communities like Maxwell, Nevada, Slater, Roland, and Boone also host farmers' markets on various days.

Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Details

When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through October, with a change to 9 p.m. for a month.

Where: Main Street between Clark Avenue and Kellogg Avenue.

Parking: Free parking is available in lots X and Y, located a block south of Main Street between Clark and Kellogg. Lot V near the old train depot also offers free parking. Normally, free parking is limited to two or four hours, but during the farmers' market, there is no time limit in these lots. Lot Z, a block south of Main Street between Kellogg and Duff, also provides free parking, though the time limits remain enforced on market days.

Payment for Parking: Downtown Ames parking meters accept coins, but the Park Mobile app offers a convenient way to keep track of your parking time and extend it if needed.

CyRide Bus Route: CyRide Bus lines Red #1, Green #2, and Yellow #5 travel through Downtown Ames throughout the day.

2024 Cooking Contests

Ames Main Street Farmers' Market Cooking Contests require pre-registration by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before each contest. Sponsored by Cooks' Emporium and The Recipe, the remaining contests for this year will be held on July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, and Oct. 12. Register here.

Family Activities and Live Music

The Ames Main Street Farmers' Market features free activities for kids and families, along with live music every Saturday. Check the full schedule for 2024 here on Amesdowntown.org.

Other Area Farmers' Markets

North Grand Farmers' Market: Held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays in the parking lot north of JCPenney at North Grand Mall.

North Grand Indoor Farmers’ Market: Offers seasonal produce, baked goods, honey, and more. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays at the mall.

Maxwell’s Market in the Park: Features over 60 vendors and takes place from noon to 2:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays, May through September, near Maxwell city park.

Slater’s Tuesday Night Market: Offers baked goods, fresh produce, crafts, food trucks, and entertainment from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, June through August 6, at 405 Main St.

Nevada Farmers' Market: Celebrates local vendors with markets on Sixth Street between J Avenue and K Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays, June through September.

Roland Farmers’ Market: Features food trucks, baked goods, fresh produce, honey, eggs, and jams from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, June through September, in the vacant lot north of 201 E. Maple St.

Boone Farmers' Market: Showcases local farmers, bakers, and craftspeople from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays at Seventh Street and Story Street.

2024 Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday Instructions

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

In observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday, many local banks, state, and federal offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th.

Additionally, the Federal Reserve Bank will also be closed on this day.

Please plan accordingly and enjoy the holiday.

Ballard Graduate Ally Obermeier Pens New Children's Book About Caitlin Clark

Ally Obermeier, a Ballard High School graduate, mother of four, and basketball enthusiast, has written a new children's book titled "Just Like Caitlin." The book, inspired by basketball star Caitlin Clark, uses the sport to teach life lessons to kids.

Obermeier combined her love for books, basketball, and motherhood to create the 40-page, fully illustrated book, which was launched on June 11, 2023. Illustrated by Makenzie McCarthy and directed by Tim Palin, "Just Like Caitlin" tells Clark's story and aims to inspire children. The book is available at justlikecaitlin.com.

All profits from the book will benefit the Iowa Youth Athletic Foundation, helping more kids play basketball and learn valuable life lessons. Obermeier, who has a close connection to Clark through her father’s All Iowa Attack basketball program, shares a personal bond with the athlete. Obermeier played at Ballard and later at Creighton University, and she coached Clark in her youth.

Clark, a high school star at Dowling Catholic and record-setting player at the University of Iowa, was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Her journey, marked by remarkable achievements and overcoming adversity, is a central theme of the book. Obermeier emphasizes the importance of family, relationships, and resilience in her narrative.

Obermeier's family, including her father, Dickson Jensen, is proud of her efforts to encourage and positively influence children through literature.

Iowa State Football Secures 11th Commitment for 2025 Class: Defensive Lineman BJ Carter

Iowa State's football program continues its strong recruiting streak with the addition of BJ Carter to the 2025 class. Carter, a defensive lineman from Middlesburg High School in Florida, stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 235 pounds. Although unrated by major recruiting services like 247Sports and Rivals, he holds offers from several Division I schools including North Carolina State and West Virginia.

In his previous high school season, Carter recorded 40 tackles and two sacks, showcasing his potential as a defensive end. His commitment marks the 11th for Iowa State's 2025 recruiting class, following recent commitments received on June 9. Currently, the Cyclones rank 48th nationally in recruiting and 10th in the new Big 12 according to 247 Sports' rankings. The team's highest-rated recruit for 2025 is Algona quarterback Alex Manske.

Cyclones in the WNBA: Week 6

In Week 6 of the WNBA season which started on Monday, June 17, Iowa State women's basketball alumni Bridget Carleton and Stephanie Soares continue to make their mark.

Week 6 Schedule:

- Monday, June 17

- Dallas Wings at Minnesota Lynx – 7 p.m. CT – WNBA League Pass

- Wednesday, June 19

- Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream – 7 p.m. CT – WNBA League Pass

- Thursday, June 20

- Dallas Wings at Chicago Sky – 11:00 p.m. CT – WNBA League Pass

- Saturday, June 22

- Dallas Wings at Washington Mystics – 2 p.m. CT – ESPN 3, WNBA League Pass

- Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury – 7 p.m. CT – WNBA League Pass

Last Week with the Pros:

- #6 Bridget Carleton, F – Minnesota Lynx (10-3)

Carleton started both Week 5 contests for the Lynx, scoring 15 points with a season-high five 3-pointers against the Las Vegas Aces, the defending WNBA Champions. She followed up with three triples on Friday night in Minnesota's win over Los Angeles. Carleton tallied eight rebounds, five steals, and three assists on the week.

 Carleton in Week 5:

- 13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 APG

- #10 Stephanie Soares, F – Dallas Wings (3-9)

Soares saw action in both contests for the Wings last week, scoring two points, pulling down two rebounds, and tallying an assist against Connecticut on Saturday. The Wings dropped both contests last week.

 Soares in Week 5:

- 1.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.5 APG

Carleton and Soares continue to showcase their skills on the WNBA stage, representing Iowa State with pride.

Happening Today…

1. CAN-DO CORPS

2. Special Meeting of the Ames City Council: Electric Cost of Service/Rate Study Workshop

Date and Time: 06/18/2024 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Ames City Hall Council Chambers. 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010

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

4116 Welbeck Dr Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $330,000; Date Sold: June 15, 2024

2810 Eisenhower Ave Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $368,500; Date Sold: June 14, 2024

1414 Kentucky Ave Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $300,000; Date Sold: June 14, 2024

2175 Ashmore Dr Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $540,000; Date Sold: June 14, 2024

221 16th St Ames, IA 50010. Sold Price: $246,135; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

2601 White Oak Dr Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $385,000; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

2200 Hamilton Dr #208 Ames, IA 50014. Sold Price: $200,000; Date Sold: June 13, 2024

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Permanent Christmas Lights LED

Christ Community Church Events

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

CAN-DO CORPS 2024 - June 18, 20, 25 & 27, 2024 | 10:30am–2pm (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 18th (Tuesday)

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS: COMEDIAN WILL STUCK Ames Public Library. 10:00 am

PICNIC IN THE GARDENS Reiman Gardens. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

STROLLIN’ IN THE PARK Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor. 10:30 am - 11:30 am

PICNIC IN THE PARK McFarland Park. 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

GATHERING OF ARTISTS Octagon Center for the Arts. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

KHOI PRESENTS THE WEARY RAMBLERS Stephens Auditorium. 7:00 pm

June 19th (Wednesday)

CHILDSERVE’S LAUNCH + LEARN Reiman Gardens. 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Say hello to Luna, a playful 1-year-old French Bulldog with a heart full of love. Luna enjoys short walks in the neighborhood, chewing on her favorite squeaky toys, and snuggling on the couch with her family. Her endearing snorts and expressive eyes make her an irresistible companion. Celebrate Luna 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 open to new opportunities and ready to take on new challenges. I approach everything I do with passion and dedication, making the most of every moment."

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The Answer to the Trivia Corner Question  👇👇👇

James Madison is considered the "Father of the American Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution. He authored the Virginia Plan and many of the Federalist Papers, and later served as the fourth U.S. President.