☕📰We've Got Some Good News

Good morning Ankeny! Labor Day weekend is over, which means the end of Summer is near. We're choosing to focus on the positives: hoodies, football, and the fact that you no longer have to feel guilty about not going to the pool.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

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It's decision day, Ankeny. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the sales tax vote, so squeeze it in between errands. Future you will be glad you did. Check here for more information (and here to find your polling location).

Never Forget

The Ankeny Fire Department is holding a remembrance ceremony this Friday, September 11th, at 9 a.m. at Fire Station 1, 120 NW Ash Drive. The ceremony will include a presentation of colors by the Ankeny Police Department Honor Guard, remarks, the traditional ringing of the bells, and bagpipe music. It's open to the public, and parking is available on the east side of the station. Twenty-five years later, still worth pausing for. (more)

Northeast Elementary's Andrew Reiter has a knack for math that just earned him a well deserved spot in the National Math Stars Pathfinder Program. It started with a top 2% math score on the Iowa Statewide Assessment, followed by an online math assessment in June & a three hour CogAT exam in July to seal it. Whatever studying that probably required is impressive in itself.

National Math Stars is a national program built around one idea: real math talent deserves real investment, not just a certificate on the wall. Getting into Pathfinder means clearing a bar set at the top 2 percent statewide, then years of course planning, mentorship, and financial backing that follows a student all the way to graduation. That is a serious honor, and Andrew earned every bit of it. Congrats kid, keep it up! (more)

Both Ankeny football teams left Friday night with a win. The Hawks knocked off a ranked Waukee squad 14-10 to move to 2-0, its second ranked in two weeks. Centennial needed a walk off to get there, and senior kicker Noah Manning delivered with a 20-yard field goal as time expired to beat Linn-Mar 23-20 for the first Jaguar win of the season. A third down sack from junior Asher Megonnell forced the punt that set up the winning drive, and quarterback Brekken Miller did the rest. Oh, and former Jaguar Easton Miller scored his first collegiate TD for the Cyclones! (more on Ankeny) (more on Centennial)

It kept going Saturday on the volleyball court. The Hawkettes, ranked No. 3 in Class 5A, swept every team they saw at the Shirley Ryan Invitational in Mount Vernon. The total was six sweeps over ranked opponents in all, capped by a win over No. 10 Iowa City Liberty in the championship. Coach Liz Baethke picked up her 100th win at Ankeny in the process, marking an impressive milestone in her coaching career. Centennial, up to No. 7, did the same at the Little Hawk Invite in Iowa City, sweeping four ranked teams to win the tournament for the sixth year running. They wrapped it up against No. 13 Bettendorf in the final. These teams made Labor Day Weekend even better. (more on Ankeny) (more on Centennial)

Credit to Ankeny Fanatic for the incredible coverage on Ankeny sports (per usual) !!

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

Smoothie Night @ Tropical Smoothie - Grab your favorite blend for a good cause! A portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the Ankeny Jaguars Shooting Sports program, so bring your friends and sip up! 4-7pm 

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

Winery Spotlight @ WineStyles - An educational tasting exploring the history, vineyards, and Willamette Valley terroir that helped put Pacific Northwest winemaking on the global map! Space is limited, RSVP required, 21+. 6-8pm (info)

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

Bike & Jeep Night @ American Legion Post - Walking tacos, burgers, cold drinks, live music, fun games, and a bike raffle! Whether you roll in on two wheels, four wheels, or just show up for the good time, everyone is welcome. 6-9pm

Cover That @ Nite Hawk - 6-9pm

Under The Lights @ The District - Bring the family out for a screening of Toy Story 5 on a massive 37-foot screen in the park, gates open at 6pm and the movie starts at dusk. Grab takeout from your favorite District restaurants or bring unopened movie snacks popcorn and bar refreshments provided, no outside drinks please.

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

Kids Makers Market @ Market & Pavilion - Shop small and shop young at the Kids Makers Market — original crafts, jewelry, baked goods, homegrown vegetables, dog treats, and more, all made by kids. 8am-12pm

Under The Lights @ The District - A full day of tailgating with college football on the big screen starting at 11am, cheer on the Cyclones and Hawkeyes at 6:30pm, then cap the night with Silent Disco in Town Square Park from 9–11pm.

Rooftop Pilates @ Whiskey River -  An all-levels hour of core work, movement, and sunshine from 10–11am! Bring your mat, your water bottle, and a friend, and come for the Pilates and stay for the views.

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with the worst air traveler you know. We’re trying to start some beef today.

Stay classy, Ankeny.