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Good morning Ankeny! Did you know horsepower was a marketing unit created in the late 18th century to sell steam engines? It measured how many horses one steam engine could replace. Funny enough, James Watt (for whom the standard unit of power is named) is the one who invented it.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Finally Getting Some Attention

If you've ever sat through three light cycles at S. Ankeny Boulevard and Oralabor Road, you already know what this is about. The city council is in talks of approving a $799,200 engineering agreement to begin functional and preliminary design on improvements to that intersection.

To be clear, this is the design phase, not construction. Shovels may be a couple years out. But the dollar amount alone tells you this won't be a minor tweak. The city has already been studying this corridor for a while, so it sounds like they've moved past "should we fix it" and into "here's how." Worth keeping an eye on as the plans take shape.

Ana Bennett has been doing hair for 23 years, and if anything, she's more passionate about it now than when she started. This August, she took the leap she'd been building toward; opening her own studio inside Salon 12 Suites on NE 14th Street.

The name says it all. Be-You is built around one-on-one, private appointments where clients can relax and be themselves. No waiting room chaos, no revolving door.

She does it all: cuts for men, women, and kids, color work ranging from all-over to balayage, keratin treatments, perms, waxing, and a signature scalp massage that regulars will be telling you about.

Appointments only. Check out her instagram, facebook or book here!    

New clients: mention the Ankeny Digest and get 20% off your first visit. Current clients: mention the Ankeny Digest and get 15% off your product purchase.

Yes this should probably be in the civil section… but its not - move on. Ankeny voted yes. Tuesday's special election on the 1% local option sales tax passed with 64% approval, making Ankeny the last city in Polk County to adopt the tax. The city estimates it will generate $12 million annually, with the money going toward new equipment for emergency services, parks and trails improvements, and paying down city debt. The bigger headline for property owners: without it, Ankeny leaders said they may have needed to raise property taxes for the first time in 14 years. (more)

🎁 Golden Ridge Lighting is giving one lucky homeowner $1,000 toward a professional Christmas light installation! They specialize in creating custom, professionally installed Christmas displays. You can skip the ladders, tangled lights, and hours of work and just enjoy the finished product.

Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive $150 OFF their Christmas light installation if they don’t win. That means there’s something in it for everyone. Good luck! 🎄✨

Dutch Bros Coffee has officially opened its doors in Ankeny, located next to Culver's at the 36th Street and Ankeny Boulevard intersection. It's the second location in Iowa, and by early reports it’s moving smoothly. If you've been waiting on this one, your moment has arrived.

Inflammation Talk @ The Wellness Way - A free, easy-to-understand talk on inflammation. Learn how it affects your body, how to spot the early warning signs, and practical steps you can take to support natural healing and restore balance! Giveaways, snacks, and drinks included, so bring a friend and come ready to learn. 6pm

DJ Trivia @ Yankee Clipper - Put your knowledge to the test at DJ Trivia. Great music, fun questions, and prizes up for grabs for the team that brings their A game! 8-9:30pm 

Outdoor Yoga @ Town Square Park - Roll out your mat and join us for a free 45-minute Slow Flow yoga class. It’s beginner-friendly, all levels welcome, just bring a mat! 5:30pm

DJ Bingo @ The Other Place - Ditch the numbers and vibe to the music. Song clips replace the calls, prizes are on the line, and a good time is guaranteed! 7pm

Social Run @ Fitness Sports - Lace up and meet the crew at Fitness Sports for a free social run with routes of 2, 4, or 6 miles (all paces, all ages, all abilities welcome)! 6:15-7pm

King Trivia @ Uptown Garage - Test your knowledge with general trivia  and happy hour running all night long! 6-8pm

Karaoke Thursday @ The Cabaret - Come sing your heart out. Whether you're a shower singer or a stage hog, all are welcome. 8pm

Music Bingo @ Uptown Garage - Grab a drink and get ready to play. Song clips replacing numbers and prizes up for grabs! 6pm

Truckin Trivia @ Firetrucker Brewery - Put your knowledge to the test over a cold one! 7pm

Patricia Holly @ Polk City Farmers Market - 4pm

Woodburning Workshop @ Slick Designs - Join Mallory for a beginner-friendly wood burning workshop where you'll learn the basics and create your very own custom charcuterie board to take home! 6-8pm (tickets)  

Outdoor Cinema: Pirates of the Caribbean @ Porch Light Coffeehouse - Grab a blanket and settle into the Porch Light Coffeehouse & Uptown Garage Brewing Co. Backyard for a Friday night outdoor movie series featuring spooky favorites from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Chairs and blankets welcome, no outside alcohol please. 7:30pm

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

Hot Rods for Heroes @ DMACC - Bring the family to the 6th Annual Hot Rods for Heroes Car Show at DMACC. Afull day of amazing cars, great people, and an even greater cause, with all proceeds benefiting Blue Star Mothers of Iowa and their mission supporting troops and veterans! 9am-3pm (info)  

Music on the Trail - Enjoy music along the High Trestle Trail at the Northwestern Trailhead, 2125 NW Irvinedale Drive. Levi Smith will be set up on the patio at the yellow house, so stop by for a few songs while walking, biking or spending time on the trail. 1-3pm

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who comes home from every vintage market with another denim jacket.

Stay classy, Ankeny.