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🌱 Patch AM: Which Cyclone athletes just graduated right here in Ames?

Coming up: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 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:

  • Which Cyclone athletes just graduated right here in Ames?
  • How a new reporting system could change Ames firefighters’ daily work
  • How much did Iowa farmland values really change this year?

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

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Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 39 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 40, low: 30.
  • Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 47 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Iowa State Honors Fall Graduates (cyclones.com) — Iowa State University recognized 29 Cyclone student-athletes graduating this fall at a ceremony held Friday at the Sukup End Zone Club in Ames. Another 25 spring and summer graduates from softball and track and field were also honored, since their seasons may keep them from attending next semester’s event. It’s a proud moment for local fans watching athletes succeed on and off the field.
   

• Iowa fire departments to adopt new nationwide reporting system by Jan. 1 (kcci.com) — Ames Fire Department leaders are preparing to switch to a new national reporting system, NERIS, by Jan. 1, 2026, a change required for all Iowa fire departments. The cloud-based platform should speed up incident reports, give departments better data on frequent call locations, and especially help smaller or volunteer crews manage information more efficiently, even if residents never notice the change directly.
   

• Iowa Farmland Values Inch Up in Market Readjustment (nwestiowa.com) — A new Iowa State University survey from Ames shows average Iowa farmland values nudged up just 0.7% this year, signaling a market “readjustment” rather than a boom. The report details how inflation, interest rates, commodity prices, and yields are affecting land prices differently across counties and crop districts, offering important context for local landowners, farmers, and ag lenders.
   

📸 Around Ames

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ISO: Gently used, Free, children's books for a Little Free Library at my work for children who visit.
    We'd love any picture books, story books, or even early reader chapter books for up to 5th graders. If you have books for Adults thats great too we… (Nextdoor Roosevelt)
  • 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)
  • Trelleborg Group posted a job opening for ServicePLUS Material Handler in Ames. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Ames. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ames here.

🗞 Nearby News

Boone

  • Department of Corrections Recognizes Boone County Jail for Improvement in Daily Jail Operations and Professionalism (kwbg.com)
  • Nancy Engleen (kwbg.com)
  • Boone boys lose at Carroll (kwbg.com)

Polk City

  • Paramedic fired over online comments about Charlie Kirk sues Polk City (kcrg.com)
  • See Register photojournalist Lily Smith's favorite photos of 2025 (desmoinesregister.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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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