☕📰Hello September!

Good morning Ankeny! It's September 1st, which means it is now acceptable to start thinking about fall (and football). It is not yet acceptable to put up Halloween decorations, however. Please.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

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Ankeny is the only city in Polk County without a local option sales tax. That could change September 8th. Residents will vote in a special election on whether to adopt a 1% local option sales tax, which would generate revenue for city projects and services. The city is hosting a public information meeting this Wednesday at noon in City Council Chambers if you want to understand what the money would be used for before you vote. Polls are open 7am to 8pm on September 8th, and early voting is already underway. Check here for much more information.

All Wrapped Up

Good news for anyone who's been watching SE Creekview Drive take shape: the extension project wrapped up on schedule last week. The road now runs about 1,200 feet further north of SE Oralabor Road, adding two lanes, storm sewer, sidewalks, and street lights. The $1.2 million project was funded largely through private contributions and an Iowa DOT RISE grant, with the goal of opening up developable land along the corridor for future business growth. If for some reason you find yourself on this dead end road, just know it got an upgrade. (more)

A roundabout may be coming to U.S. 69 at NE 126th Avenue/72nd Street, AKA way-north Ankeny Blvd. Construction is planned to start spring 2027 and wrap up by fall of the same year. When it does, U.S. 69 will close at that intersection during construction, with detour options running either west through NE 134th Avenue and County Road R56, or east through NE 134th Avenue and NE 54th Street. If you live or drive up that far north, it's worth knowing so it's not a surprise in the near future. (more)

Ankeny opened its season Friday night with a trip to Waukee Northwest and got revenge on the same team that beat them by one point in last year's opener. The thriller ended 28-20 with Ankeny pulling off the upset as a significant underdog against an opponent voted No. 1 in the preseason polls. Ankeny built a big lead early and held off a Northwest rally late to close it out. Senior RB and linebacker Dawson Whitinger, a South Dakota commit, set the tone right away with an interception and 5.5 tackles. He then continued the work offense, rushing for 72 yards on just five carries. Massive start to the season for the Hawks, and I bet it was a fun one to see live. (more)

Centennial opened its season at home against Southeast Polk and came out strong, scoring on the game's first possession. The Jaguars trailed just 21-18 at the half thanks to Junior QB Brekken Miller catching fire and a 42-yard field goal from Noah Manning with four seconds left in the second quarter. But Southeast Polk's run game took over from there, and Centennial's passing attack couldn't keep pace down the stretch. The Rams pulled away for a dominant win, led by an incredible rushing effort and relentless defense. Centennial is back home Friday against Linn-Mar looking to bounce back. (more)

Check out Ankeny Fanatic for more information on both games!

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

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

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

Trivia Night @ Garage Brewing - Gather your crew and put your knowledge to the test! 6pm

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

Midnight Margaritas @ B&B Theaters - Sip through three unique margarita cocktails, learn how each one is crafted straight from the bartenders, and take home the recipes to recreate the magic yourself! Tickets include three cocktails, guided mixology education, and a commemorative Practical Magic 2 blender cup. 21+ only. 7:30pm

DogTopia Trivia Night @ Firetrucker Brewery - Grab your leash and head to the brewery for a tail-waggin' evening of dog trivia, craft beer, and prizes, with the grand prize being one free month of Dogtopia daycare! 7pm

Millennial Pop Culture Trivia @ Garage Brewing - Test your knowledge on the iconic shows, music, and moments that defined the era over great brews and good vibes! 6-8pm

Prairie Trail Labor Day Fest - A full day of food and drinks, live entertainment, a kids' zone with inflatables, and exciting sporting events including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 4-on-4 volleyball, and the three-day Labor Day Dink-Off Pickleball Tournament running Friday through Sunday! Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, this one is shaping up to be a new Ankeny tradition. (info)  

Back to Drool @ Brown Dog Bakery - A back-to-school celebration for the furry family members with special promotions, tasty samples, fun photo opportunities, and back-to-school themed goodies! Every good dog deserves an A+ in treats. 10am-6pm

Farmers Market @ Market & Pavilion - Fresh produce, local meats and eggs, homeade 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! This will be the last on of the year! 8am

🎸Chad Elliot @ Firetrucker Brewery - 7-9pm

🎸Lamp Lighters @ The Soggy Frog - 7pm

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with your neighbor who has every tool imaginable and is always willing to let you borrow one. Thanks, Rick!

Stay classy, Ankeny.