Ankeny Spring Cleanup Days

Good morning Ankeny! McDonald’s New Zealand just rolled out a mullet-inspired cheeseburger where it’s a normal burger on one side and an extra slice of cheese hangs out the back. If Ankeny was a mullet, what side would be party in the back? I’m going to stay out of this one.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Ankeny Hawk sophomore wrestler Layne Hearne sustained a severe neck injury during a match at last weekend's Greco-Roman state tournament in Cedar Rapids. Layne was rushed to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery on his C6 and C7 vertebrae. He has since regained movement in his arms and is focused on recovery, crediting the incredible support around him for keeping his spirits high. (more)

The wrestling community has shown incredible support. University of Iowa wrestlers came to visit, the USA Greco World Team stopped by, Cyclone coach Kevin Dresser sent a personalized video, and the legendary Dan Gable gave him a call. The GoFundMe supporting Layne’s road to recovery has surpassed $38,000 toward a $100,000 goal, and Layne is welcoming visitors, cards, and posters in Iowa City. The wrestling world and the Ankeny community are firmly in his corner. (more)

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Ever wanted to get up close with a military helicopter while eating free food? Or thank the officer that let you off with a warning last week? Here's your chance. The City of Ankeny is hosting its annual Public Safety Community Picnic on Thursday, May 14, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Ankeny Police Department, 411 SW Ordnance Road. Meet your local officers and firefighters, check out cool equipment, educate you & yours on safety, and enjoy a meal courtesy of Chick-fil-A, Fareway, and Drink Milo’s. Spread the word.

This is your opportunity to get rid of the big stuff that's been taking up space in your garage all winter, free of charge. Drop off large unwanted items at Ankeny Sanitation headquarters, 7002 SE Delaware Avenue. Ankeny residents only, proof of residency required, and pickup trucks are the largest vehicles allowed.

A few things they won't take: paint, appliances, televisions, batteries, yard debris, and propane tanks; so check the full list before you load up the truck.

Got old tires? You can bring up to five (off the rim) and they'll be recycled, not landfilled, courtesy of Metro Waste Authority. From 8am - 4pm.

If you've got tree branches piling up, the city's Tree and Branch Recycling event runs at the same time over at the City Maintenance Facility, 211 SE Lorenz Drive (also free). (Also Ankeny residents only).

Branches need to be between 1" and 8" in diameter - anything larger can't go through the chipper. No stumps, roots, or general yard waste. Stack the cut ends toward the back of your vehicle for easy unloading, and make sure your truck or trailer is clear of ropes, chains, or fence posts before you load up. Apparently those have been pulled into the chipper before, which is exactly as bad as it sounds.

The Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team reached the top spot in the latest Class 4A state soccer rankings, per Sports Illustrated. The Jaguars are a spotless 10-0-2 on the season, taking over the top spot after Johnston suffered recent losses to Urbandale and Waukee Northwest, plus a scoreless draw with Dowling Catholic. With substate approaching at the end of the month, the Jaguars have peaked at the right time.

Tyler Willers has been named the new head wrestling coach at Ankeny Centennial, taking over a program with a championship pedigree. His predecessor, Jay Groth, built the Jaguars from the ground up since the school's inception in 2013, compiling 467 dual victories and producing 10 individual state champions before retiring this spring. Willers, a two-time Iowa state champion at Pleasant Valley, former UNI wrestler, and a Groth assistant coach for seven season, says he's ready for the challenge. He’s got big shoes to fill and is fired up to get started. (more)

Hounds & Hops @ Firetrucker Brewery - Meet adoptable greyhounds, chat with experienced owners, and learn about adoption and fostering over a cold pint with the Heartland Greyhound Adoption community! Whether you're ready to adopt or just want to spend an evening with some long-legged loungers, everyone is welcome. 6:30-8:30pm (info)  

Music Bingo @ B&B Theaters - No theme, no rules, no telling what comes next. Bingo spanning genres and decades, free to play, all ages welcome, and prizes for the winners who can keep up with the variety! 7:30pm. (info)  

Bingo Night @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille - Bingo night with drink and food specials. 7-9pm (info)

Music Bingo @ Firetrucker Brewery - A night of FUNdraising where $1 from every drink goes straight to Hope On The Hoof and their mission to make mental health services more accessible in our community! Free to attend, easy to support, and a great excuse to grab a cold one for a good cause. 7pm (info)  

DJ Bingo @ The Other Place - Free, weekly bingo with… A DJ! 7pm (info)  

Trivia Night @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille - Weekly laid back trivia night with fun competition, drinks and prizes. 7-9pm (info)

🎸David Watson @ B&B Theaters - 6:30pm

Board Games, Magic & Crochet @ Uptown Garage Brewing - Pull up a chair and stay as long as you like. RED Witch is bringing a stack of board games and card games to the garage for a totally casual, come-and-go evening of games and good company, with crocheting and knitting welcome if that's your vibe! 6-9pm (info)

Ankeny Art Center Festival @ Ankeny Art Center - Uptown Ankeny is transforming into an outdoor gallery. 60 vendors showcasing fine painting, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, glass, metalwork, and more, alongside live music, artistic demonstrations, food trucks, and activities for kids! A true community celebration bringing together local artists and organizations from across Polk County. 10am - 4pm (info)  

🎸Baberhood Bluegrass Band @ Firetrucker Brewery - 2-4pm & 6-8pm

Pigtails Ride @ Firetrucker Brewery - Lace up your cycling shoes for a 45-mile springtime celebration exclusively for women along the stunning High Trestle Trail, starting and ending in Ankeny with party stops, drink specials, live music at the Flat Tire Lounge, and a professional photo on the iconic High Trestle Bridge! Registration includes breakfast, lunch, custom swag, SAG support, and a Friday night packet pickup party at Firetrucker Brewery.. All while supporting the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's bike advocacy mission. (the details)

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone whose husband was going to get a mullet but then she told you and you told your husband and he called that friend’s husband and explained what a bad idea it was and then he thought about it for a couple days before deciding a normal haircut wasn’t so bad after all.

Feel free to reply with any news or information. We read every email :)

See you next week.