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Hi Ames, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Beauty and the Beast themed dinner, Dead Men Drink No Rum murder mystery dinner, Joe Fisher retirement, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Thousands earn academic distinction: Iowa State University has announced its Fall 2025 Dean’s List, celebrating Cyclones who earned at least a 3.5 GPA. The honors include many students from Ames and nearby communities — see the full list.
A legacy in the lanes: Earlier this month, Ames High head swimming coach Joe Fisher announced he will retire after 13 seasons, officially stepping down after the IHSAA boys state swimming championships in Iowa City — see his record of success.
Championship pedigree boosts Cyclones: Earlier this month, Lions tight ends coach Tyler Roehl was introduced as Iowa State’s offensive coordinator, returning to Ames after a historic 2024 and vowing a physical and flexible offense — see his vision and record.
Names and majors revealed: Ames area students were named to Iowa State University’s fall 2025 President’s List, with about 1,216 earning the honor by maintaining a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters — see the list of honorees.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Weather data meets grain care: On March 11, a one-day Grain Conditioning School at Iowa State University’s Kent Feed Mill in Ames will offer hands-on training to improve stored grain quality. Expect practical work with sensors, aeration scheduling, and moisture management. Registration is required and capped at 48, with meals and materials included. Get all the details.
Expert-led land stewardship insights: Applications are open for Iowa State University Extension’s 2026 Landowner Program on soil health and conservation. Expect two virtual and five in-person sessions in the Ames area. It is free through 2026 with grant funding. Applications close April 10. The next program is planned for 2028. See how and when to apply.
Fresh, local comfort: The folks at The Cafe keep things seasonal and neighborly, with scratch-made pastries, hearty plates, and rotating menus shaped by whatever local farms are harvesting. It’s the kind of place where comfort feels fresh, and a simple stop easily becomes a weekly habit.
Upgrade your kitchen game: Find a sharper chef’s knife, a saucier that simmers evenly, or a new favorite from the olive-oil-and-vinegar taps at Cooks’ Emporium, where the folks are friendly and the picks are smart…with plenty to spark tonight’s dinner.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍓 Florida Strawberry Truckload Sale @ Stonebrook Community Church | Friday (2/27) at 4:00 PM – Swing by the Stonebrook Church lot for a truckload drop of Florida strawberries, yes, in February. First come, first served, cash or card, $30 for an 8 lb box, plus Elliot pecans and South Dakota honey, because winter fruit needs backup.
🌹 Beauty and the Beast Themed Dinner @ Clouds | Friday (2/27) at 5:30 PM – Clouds is going full fairytale with a Beauty and the Beast themed dinner, so be their guest for a night of storybook ambiance and indulgent courses. Dress for castle dining, not errands, and enjoy romance, whimsy, and no chipped teacups required.
🎭 Echoes of the Eras @ St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church | Saturday (2/28) at 3:00 PM – Echoes of the Eras, the Ames Choral Society’s annual cabaret, is serving up the soundtrack to your glory days, blending full chorus power, intimate ensembles, and spotlight solos. Expect hits you forgot you loved, neighborly talent, and zero autotune. Tickets online, or just stroll up.
🎻 Concert of Soloists @ Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall | Saturday (2/28) at 4:30 PM – Watch the ISU Symphony Orchestra give the spotlight to this year’s Concerto Competition winners, and yes, they can play. Ten bucks gets you in, ISU students and under-18s are free, and you can grab tickets at the door, or embrace couch culture with the livestream.
❄ Coldest Night of the Year 5K @ First Christian Church | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Prove your Midwestern toughness by choosing to be cold together for a cause. Join The Bridge Home’s Coldest Night of the Year 5k, from First Christian Church to United Church of Christ, raising awareness, real support, and neighborly connections. Free registration: https://cnoy.com/location/ames
🕵 Dead Men Drink No Rum @ Dyer Dowell Victorian House | Saturday (2/28) at 5:30 PM – Dead Men Drink No Rum is serving up a whodunit with dinner, so you can sleuth between bites and make room for dessert. Round up usual suspects, RSVP before seats vanish faster than free breadsticks, and message on Facebook or call Kris Corbin at 515-509-7241.
💃 Central Iowa Barn Dance @ Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 PM – Grab your soft-soled shoes, then find the orange fiddling pig at the CASA building in Ames for contras and squares with Barn Owl Band. It’s taught and called, no partner required, and it rolls on 4th Saturdays. Toss in a $10 thank-you at the door.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Ames report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 42°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 28, with temperatures rising to around 30 overnight. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 54°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
This house is wild
This two-story custom home blends comfort and design with three generous bedrooms and four baths. All bedrooms sit upstairs alongside a convenient laundry room, streamlining routines. A bright kitchen shows off new quartz countertops and updated appliances, while new flooring unifies every space. Outside, mature gardens frame private hangouts and a charming she shed adds hobby-ready flexibility.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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