Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Ames High students are really coping with Iowa’s new phone rules

Also check out Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on the Ames Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
Tuesday December 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Ames! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Ames High students are really coping with Iowa’s new phone rules
  • How a $100 million I-35 overhaul will change driving in Ames
  • How is Ames’ own ACTORS stacking up in this year’s awards?

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Ames? Post it to Ames photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

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

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Ames Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Ames.AdvertisementAdvertisement

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 38 and low of 23 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, temps: high: 39, low: 34.
  • Thursday: Winds becoming strong; colder, with a high of 39 and low of 8 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. What's Your Average Screen Time? (ameshighweb.com) — Students and teachers at Ames High describe how Iowa’s new phone restrictions during class are changing daily life, with many agreeing screen time hurts focus and mental health. Local voices share how social media, hidden phones, and constant notifications clash with learning, and why some hope stricter rules will help teens in Ames rebuild attention and real-world connections.
   

2. DOT unveils $100 million plan to widen I-35 from Huxley to Ames (kcci.com) — A major $100 million Iowa DOT project will widen I-35 between Huxley and Ames and completely rebuild the I-35/Highway 30 interchange, including new three-lane bridges and a lowered Highway 30. Ames drivers can expect long-term construction but also more capacity and safer clearances once the work is finished, addressing years of traffic growth and frequent bridge strikes.
   

3. Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards; SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical! (broadwayworld.com) — Ames theatre fans can see ACTORS/Ames Community Theatre strongly represented in the latest BroadwayWorld Des Moines Awards standings, with “The Prom,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” and more earning nominations. The article breaks down current vote percentages across categories and reminds readers they can still support their favorite central Iowa productions before winners are announced in January.
   

4. Giant Holiday Lights Display in Central Iowa is Considered ‘Instagram Heaven' (kiow.com) — Reiman Gardens at Iowa State in Ames is lighting up the season with its Winter Wonderscape display, featuring nearly 200,000 lights along ADA-accessible walking paths. Families, selfie-takers, and even couples planning engagements can explore tunnels, a “lake of lights,” and a disco-ball children’s garden on select evenings through late December.
   

5. Applications open for First Impressions (communitynewspapergroup.com) — Ames-based Iowa State University Extension is inviting Iowa towns under 20,000 people to apply for the 2026 First Impressions tourism and community assessment program, with applications due Feb. 18. Selected communities will get surprise visits from assessment teams and a detailed report to help boost tourism, attract residents, and improve quality of life.
   

📸 Around Ames

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Ames Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17s5aXoGgb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
    I don’t know what’s worse - a short haired dog missing in the cold or horrible people snatching other people’s dogs. (Nextdoor Hillside Court)
  • Iowa State University posted a job opening for Custodian I - Part-Time in Ames. Apply here.
  • ABM Industries posted a job opening for PT Cleaner 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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Ames