☕📰Your Neighbors Are Reading This Right Now

Good morning Ankeny!

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

With warmer weather and more than 100 miles of trails connecting Ankeny's parks and neighborhoods, it is no surprise the paths are busier than ever, packed with walkers, joggers, cyclists, and an ever-growing squad of kids on scooters who have fully claimed the trails as their own this summer. The city posted a quick refresher this week on the basics, and honestly, they are just good manners on wheels: stay right, pass left, and give people a little warning before you zoom past. (more)

Good timing too, since the weather is finally cooling off after today's 95 degree scorcher, dropping into the upper 70s and low 80s by the weekend, which means even more people are about to hit the trails. Back in April, Ankeny updated its city code alongside a metrowide "Ride Safe 'n Smart" campaign with eight other central Iowa cities and the Ankeny school district, setting a 20 mph limit for e-bikes and scooters on trails and sidewalks and confirming that pedestrians always have the right of way. So whether you are on foot, on two wheels, or on whatever your kid rolled out of the garage this week, a little courtesy goes a long way. (more)

For investors with $1M+ in retirement accounts, the tax code allows specific strategies that can reduce your tax exposure once RMDs begin—but only if used before then. 

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Get Matched Today

Somewhere around 1881, Ankeny was seven houses and a blacksmith shop. The whole town fit on one square mile. If you wanted the news, you waited for the Friday train.

A lot has changed. John Deere showed up in 1947, Prairie Trail broke ground in 2005, and somewhere along the way Ankeny quietly became one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa. The town John Fletcher Ankeny plotted out in 1875 now has two high schools, 76,000 residents, and a District full of restaurants he couldn't have imagined.

Not a bad run for a blacksmith town.

Ankeny Centennial's remarkable softball season came to a close Friday night in Fort Dodge, and while the ending was not the one they wanted, nobody in that dugout has anything to hang their head about. Top-ranked Waukee Northwest edged the Jaguars 3-1 in the Class 5A championship, with Hazel Leinen's sixth-inning homer proving to be the difference. Centennial finishes the year 41-4, and this team obliterated the state's all-time single-season home run record along the way, finishing with 83 as a team, 22 more than the previous mark. (more)

That kind of season does not go unnoticed. Seniors Jordyn Kennedy, Kori Lincicum, and Mady Ott, joined by sophomore pitcher Peyten Spiegel, earned CIML Conference first team honors, and all four also picked up Class 5A West all-district recognition, with head coach Brett Delaney named the district's Coach of the Year. Coming up one win short stings, but a record-breaking season like this one belongs to these girls for good. (more)

Art Camp Week 7 @ AR Workshop - Perfect for makers ages 12 and up. A social crafting experience with on-trend projects including a chunky knit blanket, custom t-shirt, hand-poured candle, and watercolor templates. 9:30am-12pm (info) 

Lattes & Leads @ New York Life Iowa - A casual networking event hosted by New York Life & Eagle Strategies. Bring your business cards, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow Chamber members. No registration required, just drop in. 7:30-9am (info)

Paint & Pints @ Magee’s Irish Pub - A paint-and-pints event where you'll create your own "Highland Calf" on canvas. Registration includes two hours of instruction, all supplies, and an 11x14 canvas to take home! Seating is limited, so register early before spots are gone. 6:30pm (register)  

Uncorked Wine Ed @ WineStyles - A pairing-focused tasting class exploring the timeless wine-and-food combinations that actually work, why they work, and how to pull them off at home without overcomplicating it! Tickets are $35/person ($30 for club members). 6pm (register)  

Women Lifting Competition @ Valkyrie Society - 8 teams of 2 go head-to-head across bench press, back squat, deadlift, a cardio relay, and sled pulls, with entry at $50 per team! 5pm (info)

Nash Nights @ The District - Lanie Gardner with special guests Elizabeth Mary Band takes the stage. Gates open at 5:30pm and general admission is completely free! Sip cold drinks, dance under the stars, and if you want the full experience, grab a Carbliss VIP Tent spot for a private bar, two drink tickets, and the best views in the house; only 100 available. (info)  

🎸Joshua Sinclair @ Trailside Tap - 6-8pm 

Karaoke @ The Cabaret - Hosted by The Voice Karaoke & Entertainment. Sing your heart out with food and drink specials running all night long! 8-11pm

Movies Under the Stars @ Wagner Park - Grab a blanket and head outside for a free showing of Elio. Bring your lawn chair, pack your snacks, and settle in as the movie starts at dusk! 8:45-11pm (info)   

Sips & Songs @ The District - Close out the season in style at the final Sips & Songs featuring Luke Fox and Standing Hampton. Gates open at 5:30pm, free to attend, all ages welcome. Stick around for the last Silent Disco of the summer from 10-12pm and make it a night to remember. 

Summer Clearance Events @ The District - Shop Mainstream Boutique, Maria Vincent, and Purple Poppy Boutique for three days of boutique fashion at garage sale prices, from clothing and shoes to accessories and hidden gems! Shop local, save big, and support small business through Sunday. 10am-4pm 

🎸Joshua Sinclair @ Polk City Square - 6:30pm

Paint & Sip @ Firetrucker Brewery - Join local artist Kirsten Warrick for a fun, step-by-step painting party where you'll bring a charming summer camping scene to life on canvas. All supplies included, perfect for total beginners, and always a great time! $30 per painter, due at time of class. 1pm (register)  

Fitness in the Park @ The District - Start your Saturday strong with a free outdoor Pilates class in the park. Designed for all fitness levels whether you're a seasoned pro or trying it for the first time! Bring your mat, water bottle, and a friend and get ready to feel good. 9am 

Ridge 5k @ Prairie Ridge Church - A morning of connection, movement, and community with walkers and runners of all kinds welcome, strollers included! Check-in starts at 8am, a devotion kicks things off at 8:45am, and the race begins at 9am, with food trucks on-site and all proceeds going to Foster Squad. (register)  

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

🎸Driving Blind @ The Soggy Frog - 2pm

🎸Feedback Band @ The Soggy Frog - 7pm

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who watches every minute of Shark Week and won’t put a toe in the ocean on vacation because of it.

See you next week.