🌱 Patch AM: Which big Ames openings and projects are really coming in 2026?

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

In today's newsletter:

• Which big Ames openings and projects are really coming in 2026?
• How an Ames family survived a 24-hour blizzard detour to safety
• Why a therapist with Ames ties faces state discipline now

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Partial sunshine, with a high of 29 and low of 20 degrees.
• Saturday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 36, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
• Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 37 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. From a KFC to CyTown, here are Ames developments to watch in 2026 (amestrib.com) — Major projects around Ames are set to reshape daily life in 2026, from the nearly finished Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center to the long-awaited Olive Garden and returning KFC. Residents can also expect visible progress on CyTown, the Linc and Schainker Plaza, plus nearby Boone facilities that will affect jobs, recreation and regional amenities.
   

2. Iowa family finds refuge and kindness after blizzard traps drivers (kcci.com) — An Ames family’s routine drive home turned into a 24-hour blizzard ordeal before kind strangers in Latimer opened a community center as an emergency shelter. Around 60 stranded travelers, including their kids, were fed, warmed and cared for until roads cleared and they could safely return to Ames.
   

3. Central Iowa respiratory therapist faces multiple disciplinary charges (kcci.com) — State regulators have filed disciplinary charges against respiratory therapist Philip Kester, citing alleged intoxication issues and failure to cooperate with their investigation. Records also note a 2021 drunken driving case in which Ames police reportedly found his car in a ditch with a high blood alcohol level. A hearing on his professional license is set for February 3, 2026.
   

4. 2025 Year In Review: Top collegiate stories (wcfcourier.com) — A statewide 2025 college sports roundup highlights major moments for Iowa’s big programs, including an Iowa State football game played in Ames. While much of the piece focuses on teams across Iowa, local fans will spot Cyclone storylines and coaching changes that shaped last season. It’s a broad look back rather than news you need to act on today.
   

📸 Around Ames

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🗓 Events Nearby

Friday January 2

• Gilbert Library is Open
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 207 Main Street , Gilbert
  8:00 am
• Girls Basketball: Roland-Story vs West Marshall (Junior Varsity)
  West Marshall High School Gym
  4:30 pm
• Boys Basketball: Roland-Story vs West Marshall (Junior Varsity)
  West Marshall Middle School Gym
  4:30 pm
• Boys Basketball: Roland-Story vs West Marshall (Junior Varsity 2)
  West Marshall Middle School Gym
  5:45 pm
• Girls Basketball: Roland-Story vs West Marshall (Varsity)
  West Marshall High School Gym
  6:00 pm
• Boys Basketball: Roland-Story vs West Marshall (Varsity)
  West Marshall High School Gym
  7:30 pm

Monday January 5

• Boys Basketball: Iowa Falls-Alden vs Roland-Story (Junior Varsity)
  Roland-Story High School
  4:30 pm
• Girls Basketball: Iowa Falls-Alden vs Roland-Story (Junior Varsity)
  Roland-Story High School North Gym
  4:30 pm
• Boys Basketball: Iowa Falls-Alden vs Roland-Story (Junior Varsity 2)
  Roland-Story High School South Gym
  6:00 pm
• Girls Basketball: Iowa Falls-Alden vs Roland-Story (Varsity)
  Roland-Story High School North Gym
  6:00 pm
• City Council Meeting
  Gilbert, IA Calendar , 105 SE 2ND STREET , Gilbert
  6:30 pm
• Boys Basketball: Iowa Falls-Alden vs Roland-Story (Varsity)
  Roland-Story High School North Gym
  7:30 pm

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Ames PatchAM possible:

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

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• This cat was found in the breezeway of my building at Hickory Ridge Apartments.
  If anyone knows this cat please let me know!!! I also contacted property management but in hopes of finding this sweet kitty’s family sooner I’m also… (Nextdoor Edwards)
• The City of Ames provides free disposal of Christmas trees, and this year there is a new location!
  Trees can be deposited in the designated area in the North River Valley Park softball fields parking lot, 1015 E. 13th St. Participants should look… (Nextdoor )

• Iowa Staffing posted a job opening for Custodian II - Memorial Union in Ames. Apply here.
• PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate 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 just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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