The Story Everyone In Ankeny Is Talking About

Good morning Ankeny! Another Tuesday, another Digest. The weather is doing whatever it wants, and we've got a newsletter to get through.

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

The Ankeny community has been deeply moved by the story of the Wiederin family, who recently completed a year-long goal that began as a promise from a father to his sons. Cory Wiederin, a beloved Ankeny father and husband, was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer in 2024. In the face of his diagnosis, Cory made a heartfelt promise to his two sons, Kellan and Beckett: they would play a game of catch every single day for a full year.

Despite his courageous battle, Cory passed away on January 14, 2026. However, his mission did not end there. His wife, Brittany Wiederin, and their sons continued the daily tradition, honoring Cory’s memory and his unwavering spirit. The family’s journey, centered around the motto "Handle Hard Better," has become a symbol of resilience and love for the entire Ankeny community.

On March 25, 2026, the Wiederin family reached Day 365, officially completing the year-long goal Cory had set. (more)

On With Life, Parkinson's Awareness Fair

On With Life is hosting a free Parkinson's Awareness Fair on April 22 at their Ankeny outpatient facility. The event is open to anyone living with Parkinson's, their caregivers, or anyone who just wants to learn more. With interactive stations covering brain health, movement, communication, and adaptive equipment, plus a Q&A with a nurse practitioner and local vendors including the Parkinson's Foundation. (more)

This 2 bed, 2 bath ranch-style townhome at 2818 NW 35th Ln offers easy, low-maintenance living in a great north Ankeny location. Featuring a 2-car garage and single-level layout, it’s a perfect fit for anyone looking for comfort and convenience.

View photos & schedule a showing!

Ankeny's e-bike and e-scooter ordinance, which would ditch the complicated device classification system in favor of a simple 20 mph speed limit on city trails, is almost to the finish line. The city council cruised through its second of three required readings at Monday's meeting.

With one final reading to go at the May 4 meeting, the new rules could be official before the summer riding season kicks into full gear (more)

The Ankeny School Board has a new face around the table. Erin Schneider was appointed to fill the open at-large seat, beating out 18 other applicants for the spot, and was sworn in at last week's meeting.

Schneider has called Ankeny home since 2013 and serves as Dean for Student Success and Urban Student Development at DMACC, making her a solid fit for a school board seat. She'll hold the seat through 2027, stepping in to fill the vacancy left by Roxanne Petersen who resigned after winning her own election to the board back in November. (more)

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has released its first official soccer rankings of the 2026 spring season, and both local teams have something to smile about. Centennial checks in at No. 3 and Ankeny at No. 5 in Class 3A… not bad. It’s a tough road ahead in this stout conference, with CIML schools earning 6 of the top 7 spots… Don’t do it. (more)

Bob Fontana has officially joined the ranks of Iowa's basketball greats. The former Ankeny Centennial boys basketball coach was inducted into the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame on March 13 at Casey's Center, recognized for a 34-year career that produced 474 wins across four programs.

Fontana launched the Centennial program in 2013 and led the Jaguars for 12 seasons, finishing with a 173-100 record before retiring after the 2024-25 season. His career honors include IBCA Class 4A Coach Of The Year (COTY), 7x Cedar Rapids Metro COTY, Mississippi Valley COTY, and the 2025 John Wooden Legacy State COTY. Well deserved, Coach! (more)

David Watson @ B&B Theaters | 🕰️6:30PM

Final Mix Show Band @ Good Times | 🕰️9PM

🪏Ankeny Innovation Hub Groundbreaking | 🕰️10-11AM | See the site of the new facility that will bring hands-on programs in culinary arts, health sciences, computer science, agriculture, and more to students across the district! Come celebrate the start of a project that connects students, the workforce, and the community in a big way. (Details)  

🎲Bingo Night @ Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille | 🕰️7-9PM | Bingo night with drink and food specials. (Details) 

🎲Boppin Bingo @ Firetrucker Brewery | 🕰️7PM | This round is all about alt, grunge, and punk. Grab a drink, and put your flannel-era knowledge to the test for a chance to spin the prize wheel or take home a free four-pack! (Details)  

☕Cards & Coffee @ Smokey Row Coffee | 🕰️5:30-8PM | Grab your supplies and join a laid-back card making meetup. Bring your own project, settle in with a drink, and enjoy a creative afternoon with fellow makers, with a die cutting machine for everyone to use! (Details)  

🎲April Game Nights @ 36th Street Tavern | 🕰️7-9PM | Grab your team of 4 and head in for trivia. 2 rounds plus a bonus round with cash off your tab for the winners! Seats are limited, so reserve your table by sending a message on Facebook before they're gone. (Details)  

🧩Puzzle League @ Uptown Garage Brewing | 🕰️6-8PM | Puzzle league is starting and spots are almost gone. Grab a team of up to 4, race to finish the same puzzle in 2 hours, and compete week after week for the top three teams at the end of the league! (Details) 

🧀Charcuterie Workshop @ Slick Designs | 🕰️6-8PM | Learn how to build a beautiful, flavorful board from scratch in this hands-on class where you'll cut, style, and arrange your own stunning charcuterie creation. Class fee is $65. (Details)  

🏃Lace Up For Life 5k & Festival @ Ankeny Christian Academy | 🕰️9AM | A morning for all ages and fitness levels with race prizes, lunch from Chick-fil-A, inflatables, face painting, and family fun after the finish line! Every registration is a charitable contribution, with funds going toward ultrasound services in Ankeny and expanded medical services in Des Moines. (Details)  

🎫Luke Combs Concert Shuttle @ Whiskey River | Skip the parking headache and ride in style to the Luke Combs concert on April 11th. Roundtrip trolley to Ames for $50 per person, BYOB on board, with free parking left behind at Whiskey River! Boarding starts at 2:30PM and the trolley leaves at 2:45 sharp, so don't be late. (Details) 

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See you next week.