In Today’s All About Ames Issue…

📰 Ames Ranked Best College Town in Iowa

🌟 What’s Up Wednesday

🏅Yair Banuelos Promoted to Associate Head Coach

📰 Ames Community School District

🗓️ Calendar of Events

👮‍♂️ Ames Police Department

🏡 Real Estate Update

⚡️Spark for the Day

Ames Ranked Best College Town in Iowa

Ames has been ranked the best college town in Iowa, with Iowa State University offering over 100 majors, minors, and certificates. The city has also earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal and Forbes Magazine as one of America's top cities to live, work, play, and attend college. Ames scored 50.98 overall in WalletHub's ranking, placing 112th out of 415 cities.

Ames City Council Wraps Up Year with Key Approvals and Updates

Tax Abatement for New Furniture Store
The City Council approved a five-year partial property tax abatement to support the construction of an Ashley HomeStore and Furniture Mart on S.E. 5th Street. With a $7 million investment, the store will bring an estimated 20-25 jobs and boost local tax revenue. Construction is set to begin by May 2025, with completion expected within 18 months.

Funding for Homeless Outreach
The council allocated $15,000 to support homelessness outreach in collaboration with ISU Extension. Funds will enhance local services, document needs, and offer essentials to the homeless, with ISU providing a report by December's end. Winter preparedness was also a priority.

Climate Action Plan Update
Ames shared progress on its Climate Action Plan, including hiring a Sustainability Coordinator, expanding renewable energy efforts, and transitioning to electric vehicles. A recycling map for residents is also in development.

Lead Pipe Replacement Program
In response to lead service line regulations, Ames will notify 244 affected properties on Nov. 13, offering free water testing and future financial support for pipe replacement. A comprehensive replacement plan will be detailed in January.

Upcoming City of Ames Events: Art, Recycling, and Community Initiatives

No-Charge Yard Waste Day
Ames residents can dispose of yard waste free of charge at GreenRU (400 Freel Drive) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and again on Nov. 23. For directions and more details, visit the city’s website or call 515-450-0450.

Ames Connect 2050 Open House
The AAMPO invites residents to an open house on Nov. 21 from 4-6 p.m. at the Ames Public Library to discuss future transportation plans. An online survey will also be available from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6.

Humanitarian Award Nominations
The Ames Human Relations Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Humanitarian Award, honoring community contributions in diversity and inclusion. The deadline is Nov. 29, and the award ceremony will be held on Jan. 20.

Pumpkin Drop-off & Recycling
Residents can drop off pumpkins and other harvest items at the Resource Recovery Plant’s designated bins until Dec. 1. The self-serve recycling center at 420 E. Second St. accepts various recyclables year-round.

Water and Pollution Control Art Contest
Ames’ Water and Pollution Control is holding an art contest with the theme “Water in Nature.” Artists may submit up to three pieces by Jan. 10. Selected works will be displayed in February, with cash prizes awarded for top entries.

Iowa State Study Uncovers Unique Genome Folding in Turtles

A research team at Iowa State University, led by Professor Nicole Valenzuela, has discovered a unique chromatin arrangement in turtles, not observed in other animals. The study, published in Genome Research, found that turtle chromosomes have aligned telomeres and centromeres, a pattern not seen in other species like mammals or birds. This discovery could provide insights into genome function and evolution, potentially aiding biomedical advancements, such as treatments for strokes and cryogenic preservation. Further research will examine additional turtle species and compare them to other reptiles for deeper understanding.

Yair Banuelos Promoted to Associate Head Coach

Iowa State’s head tennis coach, Jaron Maestas, announced the promotion of Yair Banuelos to associate head coach. Banuelos, who joined the Cyclones in 2023 as an assistant coach, was previously head coach for both men’s and women’s programs at Auburn University at Montgomery, earning two Coach of the Year honors.

"Yair understood our program's challenges from day one," Maestas stated, praising Banuelos’ commitment to the team’s growth and success. Banuelos has significantly contributed to building a strong Cyclone roster, which recorded a 62-27 singles record this fall despite its youth, with five freshmen on the squad.

Cyclones Gear Up for Key Matchups vs. Colorado, Texas Tech

Iowa State volleyball (9-13, 3-8 Big 12) is set for a pair of critical Big 12 contests, first hosting Colorado today before traveling to face Texas Tech on Saturday. Wednesday’s match at Hilton Coliseum marks the first Big 12 contest between the Cyclones and Colorado since 2010 and will also feature Military Appreciation and Local Heroes Night. Fans can purchase $1 tickets for the final three home games as part of an early Black Friday promotion.

Head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch, who has led Iowa State to 206 Big 12 victories over her 20-year career, stands one conference win away from tying for the third-most wins in Big 12 history. Junior Brooke Stonestreet and Morgan Brandt continue climbing Iowa State’s record books, with Stonestreet nearing eighth in all-time career digs and Brandt ranking ninth in career assists.

The Cyclones aim to build on their recent sweep over Texas Tech and extend a four-match win streak against the Red Raiders.

Crooks Named to Prestigious Wade Trophy Watch List

Iowa State sophomore Audi Crooks has been added to the "Wade Watch" list for the 2025 Wade Trophy, recognizing the nation’s top player in women’s college basketball. This honor completes her sweep of major preseason awards, including spots on the Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award lists, as well as the Lisa Leslie Award for the top center. Crooks, a Preseason All-Big 12 selection, is averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, helping lead No. 8 Iowa State to a 3-0 start.

The Cyclones will face St. Thomas on Thursday, Nov. 14, at Hilton Coliseum.

AMES TURKEY TROT

Date & Time: November 28, 2024; 9:00 AM

Location: Fitness Sports; 410 5th Street, Ames IA, 50010

BAND ENTRAVAGANZE @ STEPHENS AUDITORIUM

Date & Time: November 15, 2024; 7:30 PM

Location: Stephens Auditorium

School Celebrates Thanksgiving Early with Chartwells Meal

Today, November 13, Chartwells will serve a special Thanksgiving meal to students in grades K-12, offering the school community an early celebration of the season of gratitude. This meal allows students and staff to come together and appreciate the Thanksgiving spirit. Thank you, Chartwells, for making this event possible!

No School for PK-5 on Nov. 15

There will be no school for grades PK-5 on Friday, November 15, to allow for Parent/Teacher Conference Prep. Grades 6-12 will attend classes as usual.

Ames Police Department - Arrests between 11/08/2024 06:05AM and 11/12/2024 06:05AM

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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.

5469 Frost Dr, Ames, IA 50014. 3 Beds, 2 Baths. Sold Price: $210,000; Date 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

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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 focus on my strengths and use them to achieve success today. My talents guide me to meaningful wins.”

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