Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: When can Ames families actually dive into the new indoor pools?

Also check out Red Buchman Community Room Reserved on the Ames Patch calendar

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Good morning Ames! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • When can Ames families actually dive into the new indoor pools?
  • How much did Iowa farmland values really change this year?
  • Why a Jack Trice sculpture in Ames just won national acclaim

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Misty; fog in the morning, with a high of 42 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 46, low: 34.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 51 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ames' new indoor aquatic center is nearly complete. When will it open? (amestrib.com) — Ames’ new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is nearly finished, with construction on support areas wrapping up in January and pool spaces expected by late February, though opening may wait until April. City staff are finalizing hours, and detailed admission, punch pass, and season pass prices for residents and non-residents are already set to guide family budgeting.
   

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

2. Iowa farmland values inch up in market readjustment (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — From Ames State University reports that average farmland values inched up just 0.7% this year, signaling a mild market readjustment rather than a boom or bust. Local landowners and ag professionals can see how county, district, and land-quality trends—plus interest rates and commodity prices—are shaping land prices across Iowa and influencing decisions about buying, selling, and retirement.
   

3. ISU sculpture of Jack Trice receives prestigious national design award (amestrib.com) — A massive Jack Trice sculpture on the Iowa State campus in Ames has earned a prestigious national CODAaward, bringing fresh recognition to the university’s public art. The piece, which visitors can walk through, anchors ISU’s ongoing efforts to honor Trice’s legacy, including a past proclamation from Ames’ mayor marking a centennial commemoration.
   

4. Pork Industry Center to offer quality assurance certification (southeastiowaunion.com) — Pork professionals in and around Ames can renew or obtain Pork Quality Assurance Plus Advisor certification through Iowa Pork Industry Center–run Zoom sessions in 2026. Three six-hour trainings, led by Ames-based veterinarian Chris Rademacher, include an exam, cost $100, and require advance application by listed deadlines.
   

5. Arizona State football's best photos from 2025 season (azcentral.com) — One of Arizona State’s standout 2025 games took place right here in Ames, when the Sun Devils faced Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium on Nov. 1. This photo gallery mostly highlights ASU’s season, but includes action shots from that Big 12 showdown in town, offering a fun visual look back for Cyclone fans who were in the stands.
   

📸 Around Ames

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🗓 Events Nearby

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  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Iowa Staffing posted a job opening for Produce Clerk in Ames. Apply here.
  • Five Guys posted a job opening for Crew Member - 4031 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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