Today on Ames Patch: New Boards and a New Look

Hi! I’m Jessica Miller, your Ames Patch Local Editor, and I want to welcome you to the new Patch.

First of all, the site looks different, livelier, and more like Ames. See that big photo on the top? That’s a view of Ames Main Street taken from the benches near Tom Evans Plaza.

But that big photo isn’t the only thing that’s better about Patch. Articles are easier to comment on, and easier to share. And right below the news on the homepage you’ll see blogs, where we can showcase even more town voices. Plus, we’ve made it easier to yourself -- any time, about anything.

And speaking of reader voices, the freshest thing you’ll find on the new Patch are our Boards. The Boards are a totally open place on Patch where you can post Announcements about anything you want -- lost cats and dogs, school plays, wedding announcements, or that strange thing you saw. There’s an Opinion Board -- because everyone in town has one, so why not put it all in one place? The Buy Sell and Trade is where you can post your garage sale and get rid of the stuff that’s taken over your basement. And there’s a Board for Business Updates -- a dedicated spot for business owners to post news about sales, specials, openings and closings.

Patch is all about our community -- living our best lives in town, and making our town better for ourselves and our families. So please, tell us what you think of the new Patch in the Opinion Board, or through the feedback form. We can’t wait to hear from you!