☕📰Back to School Means Back to Business

Good morning Ankeny! Yesterday I learned that the guy who created Paw Patrol also created Bob the Builder. His name is Keith Chapman and that puts him on the Mount Rushmore of kids’ entertainment as far as I’m concerned. Right up there with Mr. Rogers, Walt Disney, and Ed Catmull (Pixar).

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Geoffrey Grimes of Ankeny didn't know how to build anything in 2020. Stuck at home during the pandemic, he found some old deck wood, bought tools, and taught himself to measure, saw, sand, and assemble. Four years later, his Adirondack chairs are showing up all over the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Bubbly's has ordered dozens, Josephine's Donuts requested eight more this year, and his signature is above the model trains at the Central Iowa Railroad Club Exhibit. He also donates chairs to nonprofits. Not bad for someone who started with zero woodworking experience and a pile of wood nobody wanted. Check out his work on facebook. (more)

An Ankeny girl just defended her title at the Iowa State Fair. 8 year old Vivien Sullivan took first place in the 5 to 9 age division of the Mom Calling Contest last Friday, warding off other competitors with the timeless classic: "Mom, we're going to be late for the Iowa State Fair, hurry!" It's her second win in a row, so we're officially calling her a pro. Taking the cake earned her a blue ribbon and five bucks. Congrats to Vivien (and to her very patient mom)! Check out the video here.

Ankeny, Ankeny Centennial, and Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball all open their seasons this week, and all three are starting the year ranked in their respective classes. The Hawkettes come in at No. 3 in Class 5A after a 28-9 season and a state semifinal run, returning all-staters Marlee Ellison and Hailey Wiederin along with Quinn Roush, who led all of Class 5A in blocks last year.

The Jaguars sit at No. 10 in Class 5A after going 34-6 and reaching the Class 5A championship match for the first time since 2018, where they fell to Waukee Northwest. They lost several key contributors to graduation, but return Ellie Pollock, Sophia Heither, and South Dakota commit Kaelyn Rinehart to lead a younger roster.

Ankeny Christian Academy checks in at No. 4 in Class 1A after a 28-14 season. Ankeny and Ankeny Christian face off tonight at the Ankeny Quadrangular, while Centennial gets an early test on Thursday against reigning 5A champion & No. 1 Waukee Northwest. Ankeny & Centennial then both compete Saturday at the Centennial Early Bird Invitational, a much larger field with several other teams in the mix. Best of luck to our Ankeny squads this season! Check out Ankeny Fanatic for more information.

Heading to a game at Ankeny Stadium this fall? Parking is tighter than usual. The Ankeny Innovation Hub construction has eaten into available spots around the stadium and Northview Middle School. The district has lined up overflow parking at more than a dozen nearby businesses including 1st National Bank, Northwest Bank, Edward Jones, and several dental and orthodontic offices in the area. Northview's lots are also accessible via 11th Street off Ankeny Boulevard and Briargate off 18th Street. Carpool when you can, use the crosswalks on Ankeny Boulevard, and pull up the parking map before Friday night. (more)

Girls Night Out @ AR Workshop - Wood pieces, door mats, porch boards, growth charts, candles, and more are all on the table for a fun, hands-on crafting experience! 6-8:30pm (tickets)  

🎸Major Blues & The Mugshots @ Polk City Square - 6:30-8:30pm 

Kids Carnival @ Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of carnival games, food, a bounce house, and the Kona Ice truck. Starting at 6:30pm, 10 free tickets at the door with more available to purchase! Cap the night off under the stars with an outdoor screening of Facing the Giants starting at 8pm. Park at Ziggi's Coffee and look for the large blue event tent next door.

Dolly Parton Race for Reading 5k @ DMACC - Dust off your best Dolly look! Every $40 registration sponsors a book per month for a child in need, with a Kids' Race, Kids' Zone activities, and a Story Trail featuring Dolly's Coat of Many Colors to make it a full family morning! 9am (register)  

Farmers Market @ Market & Pavilion - Fresh produce, local meats and eggs, homemade food goods, and handmade crafts! 8am-12pm   

Yoga in the Park @ Wagner Park - Roll out your mat and enjoy a free hour of yoga with certified instructors, all ages and skill levels welcome! 8am

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who still gives you directions to a new place instead of just giving you the address for Google Maps.

Stay classy, Ankeny.