☕📰Good People & Good Times

Good morning Ankeny! Apparently someone in the USA gets robbed every 2.5 minutes. Poor guy. Hard to believe he’s got anything left at this point… Sounds kind of like the taxpayer. Make sure you go vote for your favorite candidate in the governor primary tomorrow!

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Every Memorial Day, 16 year old Jacob Hohanshelt opens his second story window, American flag flying, and plays Taps for the men and women who gave their lives for this country. Five years running, no years off.

Most of us can't even keep a New Year's resolution for five weeks. Respect, Jacob. Check out the video here!

Back in March, a driver jumped the curb in the pickup line at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, injuring 16 students ages 7 to 11. It was an afternoon that shook the entire Ankeny community. (more)

After a full investigation, Ankeny PD released their findings concluding the driver had accidentally pressed the gas instead of the brake and was not impaired, and no charges will be filed. This followed 32 interviews, a mechanical inspection, blood sample, and multiple search warrants. Thankfully, all 16 kids have been treated and released from the hospital. (more)

Lily Larson was named the 2026 Youth Volunteer of the Year by Special Olympics Iowa. Over 11 years, she's competed as a Unified partner in multiple sports, helped lead Circle of Friends and Respect Week programming, and raised more than $18,000 through the local Polar Plunge. She has had a steady presence in programs built around belonging and inclusion in Ankeny schools. This is the kind of story worth passing along. (more)

For nine years, Keith Westbrook has been waving to kids on their way to school on NW Abbie Drive. On Thursday, he and his wife Rachel hosted treat day, where kids could stop by, grab a snack, and just talk. That all came to an end last week, as Keith and Rachel are heading to the Sunshine State.

The kids sent them off with cards, kind words, and an award for "best neighbors.” By a mile, in my opinion.

Nine years of showing up without being asked. That's the whole thing. Ankeny thanks you, Keith and Rachel! Florida is lucky to have y’all. (more)

Friends Trivia @ B&B Theaters - Could this BE any more fun? Free to play, all ages welcome, and prizes for the team that knows every episode, quote, and "how you doin'" by heart! First come, first served, so grab your squad and arrive early. 7:30pm (info)  

Summer Kids Club @ Buff City Soap - Starting today! Keep the kids busy this summer with Buff Kids Club  (every Tuesday and Thursday from June 2nd through August 6th). Kids 16 and under can hand-make 2–3 mini bath bombs and take home a free kids soap bar for just $25 per seat! No reservation needed, walk-ins welcome, and parents must be present throughout. 11am - 1pm (info)  

Art Camp Week 1 @ AR Workshop - Perfect for kids ages 7–12, this hands-on camp runs Tuesday–Friday. With projects covering clay bead jewelry, decorated sunglasses, a glam tote bag, a jewelry hanger, and a custom accessory tray all handmade and ready to show off! Registration is required, so grab your spot early. 9:30am - noon. (info)  

Global Running Day @ Fitness Sports - Celebrate in Uptown Ankeny with a social run starting at Fitness Sports. All paces, all ages, all abilities welcome, with giveaways on coupons from local businesses, and $2 off drinks at Mullets after! 6:15pm (info)  

Ankeny Food Truck Fest @ Prairie Ridge Church - A free, family-friendly evening with 15+ food trucks, yard games, inflatables, face painting, and live performances for all ages! Admission is free, rain or shine, so come hungry and bring the whole crew. 5-8pm (info)  

🎸Ankeny Community Band Performance @ Ankeny Bandshell - 7:30pm

Beats & Eats @ Ankeny Market & Pavilion - A fun-filled evening of food trucks, live music from Andrew Hoyt, a petting zoo from Hovick Farms, balloon twisting, spin art, parkour with Paul Hubbard, and more. Plus the Iowa Beer Bus on site for drinks! 5-7:30pm (info)  

🎸New Horizons Band @ Ankeny Bandshell - 6:30 - 7:30pm

Nash Nights Live @ District Stage - Neal McCoy with special guest Jason Brown - gates open at 5:30PM and general admission is FREE! Grab your crew and come ready for cold beer, dancing, and a night of country music you know by heart. (info)

Sips & Songs @ District Stage - Mike Walsh and Blake Jack. Free to attend, all ages welcome, and takeout from District restaurants is encouraged! 5:30 - 10pm (info)  

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

Backroads & Byways @ Charters on Vine - Hop on the trolley at Whiskey River Ankeny for a full-day Warren County shopping adventure hitting eight stops. Tickets are $55, 18+, BYOB welcome, departs at 10:15AM sharp, and your credit card has already been warned. 10am - 5pm (info)  

Fitness in the Park @ The District - Break a sweat under the open sky. Running all summer long on Saturday mornings for free! Local instructors lead a variety of classes for all fitness levels, so grab your water bottle, your mat, and a friend. 9am (info)  

Ankeny Fishing Derby @ Summerfest Shelter - Prairie Ridge Sports Complex - Kids can learn to fillet, practice their casting, race minnows, and fish to their heart's content at this free derby. Bait is provided, loaner equipment is available, and the best part is that fish caught on-site get cooked up fresh for everyone to taste! A parent or guardian must be present, and registration is required online. 9am - 12pm (register)  

🎸Harrison Ingham Band @ The Cabaret - 8pm

Uptown Farmers Market @ Ankeny Market & Pavilion - Fresh produce, local meats and eggs, homemade food goods, and handmade crafts. Bonus of a Kids Zone with Yellow Brick Road and a nonprofit spotlight on On With Life! 8am - 12pm

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who isn’t afraid to pickup snakes with their bare hands.

See you next week.