Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How much more could Ames households pay in 2026–27?
Make time for Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on the Ames Patch calendar
Good morning Ames! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How much more could Ames households pay in 2026–27?
- How a Cyclone libero in Ames just made All-America history
- Hamilton County conservation leaders honor longtime member with Ames ties
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Winds becoming strong; colder, with a high of 38 and low of 10 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 31, low: 28.
- Saturday: Increasing amounts of sun, with a high of 39 and low of 18 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Ames projects new property taxes, higher utility rates for 2026-27 (amestrib.com) — Ames residents could see higher property tax bills, utility rates, and trash tipping fees as the city plans its 2026–27 budget, including funding for a new Resource Recovery and Recycling campus and curbside recycling. City staff outlined projected tax impacts, water, wastewater and electric increases, and support for ARCH, ASSET, and Discover Ames during a recent council budget discussion. 
Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• Van Gorp Named AVCA Second Team All-American (cyclones.com) — In Ames State libero Rachel Van Gorp has been named an AVCA Second Team All-American, becoming the first underclassman in Cyclone history to reach the first or second team. Her standout defensive season, including 556 digs and multiple Big 12 honors, helped ISU lead the conference in digs and kills and fueled a strong NCAA Tournament run.
• Wide range of issues face the Hamilton County Conservation Board in their final meeting of 2025 on Wednesday morning. (kqradio.com) — Hamilton County’s Conservation Board wrapped up 2025 by keeping golf and camping fees steady for next season and recognizing key volunteers at Briggs Woods and Little Wall Lake. Members also honored longtime board member Nyle Cottington, who recently died at Heartwood House in Ames, reflecting on his years of service to county conservation efforts.
📸 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
★ Featured events ★
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Stephens Auditorium, 1900 Center Dr, Ames
7:30 pm
Monday December 22
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Story County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Story County Administration Building , 900 6th Street , Nevada
10:00 am
Tuesday December 23
📣 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
- Gilbert Library is Open
Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
8:00 am - EMS Meeting
Gilbert, IA Calendar , 105 SE 2ND STREET , Gilbert
6:00 pm - Skunk River P.R.S. – Iowa – Open To Public – Monthly COF
2066 Stagecoach Rd , Ames
2:00 pm - 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 - Preschool Storytime & crafts at the Library
Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
8:30 am - Red Buchman Community Room Reserved
Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
7:00 am - Intro to Musical Theater: A Winter's Tale
Story Theater Company , 1609 Golden Aspen Dr #105 , Ames
9:00 am - Cribbage & Mahjong
Sixty Forward , 205 S Walnut Ave , Ames
1:30 pm
Thursday December 18
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Tuesday December 30
Wednesday December 31
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
- My husband and I are looking for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in Ames Iowa.
We would need to move in by February 1st. Landlords, Please message me your info and an application along with pictures of the home you are renting. (Nextdoor South-West Duff)
- Iowa State University posted a job opening for Professor and Department Chair of Agricultural Education and Studies in Ames. Apply here.
- Wendy's posted a job opening for Customer Service Manager in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.
🗞 Nearby News
Boone
- Ruth Bryant (kwbg.com)
- Isaac Clark sets school record in 100 fly (kwbg.com)
- Trump promises 'big damage' after 2 National Guard soldiers killed in Syrian ambush (theblaze.com)
Polk City
- We're excited about these new parks and trails in 2026 and beyond (axios.com)
- Iowa counties press on as state reviews opioid grants (dailyiowan.com)
- Iowa Farmers Union Says End Of ACA Tax Credits Will Be A Huge Hit In Rural Iowa (kiwaradio.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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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