🌱 Patch AM: How Mary Greeley staff turned an ICU into a wedding day

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

In today's newsletter:

• How Mary Greeley staff turned an ICU into a wedding day
• Why Steelers once came to Ames to scout a future NFL star

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 40 and low of 29 degrees.
• Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, temps: high: 47, low: 31.
• Tuesday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 46 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Iowa Bride Marries Groom in Hospital Wedding So Terminally Ill Mom Could Attend (people.com) — A young couple rushed their wedding so the bride’s terminally ill mother could attend a heartfelt ceremony at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, where staff turned an ICU room into a bridal suite and hosted the vows in the hospital chapel. Her mother died four days later, and the couple later held a larger ceremony honoring her memory.
   

• ‘Jack Campbell's A Monster': Tomlin Effusive In Praise Of Lions Linebacker (steelersdepot.com) — Ames gets a brief nod in NFL chatter as Steelers brass are recalled visiting Iowa’s Pro Day in town to scout linebacker Jack Campbell, now starring for the Detroit Lions. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is effusive about Campbell’s leadership, tackling, and disruptive play ahead of their Week 16 showdown, underscoring how closely the Steelers once considered drafting him.
   

📸 Around Ames

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ames

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Monday December 22

• Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
  Stephens Auditorium, 1900 Center Dr, Ames
  7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday December 23

• Story County Board of Supervisors Meeting
  Story County Administration Building , 900 6th Street , Nevada
  10:00 am

📣 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

Sunday December 21

• Skunk River P.R.S. – Iowa – Open To Public – Monthly COF
  2066 Stagecoach Rd , Ames
  2:00 pm
• Winter Wonderscape – Reiman Gardens
  Reiman Gardens , 1407 University Blvd , Ames
  5:00 pm

Monday December 22

• Gilbert Library is Open
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
  8:00 am
• Hidden Candy Cane Hike
  McFarland Park , 56461 180th St , Ames
  12:00 pm
• Perry Girls Varsity Basketball @ Nevada
  Nevada High School , 1001 15th St , Nevada
  6:00 pm
• City Council Meeting
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 105 SE 2ND STREET , Gilbert
  6:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Preschool Storytime & crafts at the Library
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
  8:30 am
• Better Birding Book Club
  Dog·Eared Books , 203 Main St , Ames
  5:30 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Red Buchman Community Room Reserved
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
  7:00 am

Friday December 26

• Camelot Movie: Love Actually
  Camelot Theater , 1114 6th St , Nevada
  7:00 pm

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

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Chester was LOST on December 18, 2025 in Ames, IA 50010 near Southview apmts south 5th street For the latest information or to contact the owner,… (Nextdoor South-West Duff)

• Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Team Member in Ames. Apply here.
• Iowa State University posted a job opening for Adjunct Assistant Professor of Economics of Agricultural Processing and Contracts in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.

🗞 Nearby News

Boone

• Yankees news: Aaron Boone talks Chisholm, Imai, and Rosario (pinstripealley.com)
• ‘Sheriff Country' Boss Explains Shocking Cliffhanger, Mickey & Travis' Feelings, and More (jacksonprogress-argus.com)

Polk City

• Man arrested after shooting during 'puffing party' at Polk City home: PCSO (fox13news.com)
• Waukee Northwest basketball fends off late Southeast Polk comeback (desmoinesregister.com)
• IA Paramedic Fired Over Online Comments About Charlie Kirk Sues City (jems.com)

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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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