Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How $3.2 million in debt threatens Ames’ new homeless shelter plans

Happening soon: Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone in Ames, IA on Jan 27 — I'm Julie Murphy on the Ames Patch calendar

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Hi there, Ames! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Ames PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

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Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • How $3.2 million in debt threatens Ames’ new homeless shelter plans
  • Why an Ames hotel suddenly stopped taking online reservations
  • How an Ames High freshman’s faith shapes her daily choices

Today's riddle: What did the hair spray say to the hair when it got back from vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 41 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 56, low: 30.
  • Thursday: Increasing cloudiness, with a high of 46 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Bridge Home looks to build homeless shelter in Ames despite debt (amestrib.com) — Ames’ only emergency shelter provider, The Bridge Home, is pushing ahead with plans for a new homeless shelter on South Sherman Avenue despite $3.2 million in project debt. Leaders are weighing a scaled-back design, seeking major community donations, and planning a March pitch to Story County businesses, while continuing to operate existing shelters and housing in Ames.
   

2. Ames hotel halts online bookings following small guest room fire (amestrib.com) — A small but destructive room fire at the Econo Lodge off South 16th Street in Ames has halted online bookings, though guests and staff were not injured. Ames firefighters contained the blaze to one room, but smoke and water damage have closed the hallway and left managers weighing possible wider closure while repairs and an investigation continue.
   

3. Avery Vance: Growing in Faith (ameshighweb.com) — A freshman at Ames High, Avery Vance is drawing on her Christian faith to guide everyday choices at school, church, and home. She describes how Bible reading, youth group, and church camps helped her move past anxiety and perfectionism, and why she hopes her openness about struggles encourages classmates to deepen their own faith journeys.
   

4. Best moments of Ames vs Urbandale boys & girls basketball doubleheader (amestrib.com) — Ames High’s boys and girls basketball teams faced Urbandale in a doubleheader at Harrison Barnes Gymnasium, with local players featured in action throughout the night. Photo highlights capture Ames guards driving, shooting, and defending on their home court, giving fans a close-up look at key moments from the games in Ames.
   

5. SBDC names Pitts assistant state director for operations (quadcitiesbusiness.com) — A leadership change at Iowa’s Small Business Development Center is being announced from Ames, where America’s SBDC Iowa has named Leah Pitts assistant state director for operations and compliance. Pitts, an Iowa State University graduate with five years in the SBDC network, will oversee statewide operations, regulatory compliance, and performance improvements that can ultimately affect how small businesses here access support.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • CommonSail Investment Group posted a job opening for Life Enrichment / Activity Director in Ames. Apply here.
  • Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC posted a job opening for Crew Member in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.

Ok Ames! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I mist you!
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