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Ankeny's Evolution: From Farming Community to Thriving City - Boos & Brews, Football Dominance, and Cancer Advocacy!

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Ankeny's Evolution: From Farming Community to Thriving City - Boos & Brews, Football Dominance, and Cancer Advocacy!

Ankeny's Evolution: From Farming Community to Thriving City - Boos & Brews, Football Dominance, and Cancer Advocacy!
Exciting updates in Ankeny: Katie Thurston's cancer battle, winter prep, candidate plans, football wins, spooky events, and city growth!

David with the Hello Media team

Oct 21, 2025

Quote Of The Day

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

Sometimes we all need to cheer for others around our amazing country when they share GOOD NEWS!

Katie Thurston shared a positive health update during an appearance on Good Morning America on Oct.

16.

The Bachelorette alum, 34, revealed that her stage 4 cancer treatment is going well and her tumor is still shrinking.

She emphasized the importance of early detection for breast cancer, especially in younger women.

Thurston also highlighted her work with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and her husband's contributions to raising funds.

Despite the challenges, Thurston remains optimistic about the advancements in medicine and the support she receives from an online community.

She urged women to be proactive about their breast health.
The City of Ankeny is preparing its parks and outdoor recreation areas for winter, with a schedule in place for winterizing them.

All parks are open year-round from sunrise to sunset, but winter preparations are underway.

City splash pads are now closed.

Restrooms at Sunrise and Sunset Park will close on October 13th, drinking fountains will be shut off the week of October 20th, and permanent restrooms at various parks will close on October 20th.

Portable restrooms will be removed from city parks during the week of October 27th.

More information is available on the City of Ankeny's website.
Candidates for Ankeny City Council and school board discussed the city's direction at a public forum hosted by the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce.

City council candidates emphasized affordability, proposing mixed-use zoning, and considering a Local Option Sales Tax for revenue.

Ankeny school board candidates support a $130 million bond measure for career programming and school improvements.

The focus was on ensuring Ankeny remains affordable and well-funded as the population grows.

The upcoming Nov.

4 election will see new leaders shaping the future of Ankeny City and School District.
Site work is nearing completion for the expansion of Mrs.

Clark’s Foods Inc., an Ankeny-based maker of salad dressings and barbeque sauces.

The company plans to build a 90,000-square-foot facility to accommodate a new food line with an estimated capital investment of over $25.7 million.

Ankeny has a strong manufacturing base, with companies like Mrs.

Clark’s Foods, Kreg Tool Co., and AccuMold operating in the area.

Ankeny's economic development director, Derek Lord, emphasizes the city's deep manufacturing roots and skilled workforce, highlighting the deliberate growth of the sector.

Ankeny's population is growing, attracting new residents and businesses to the community.
The Ankeny Varsity Boys Football team won against Valley High School with a score of 34-26.

In Week 8, they beat Ames High School with a score of 55-3.

They also defeated Sioux City East High School with a score of 26-20.

Ankeny Centennial High School was taken down by Ankeny with a score of 29-15.

The team also faced a loss against Johnston High School with a score of 21-30 in a game.

The Week 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 IHSAA scores were provided along with schedules, broadcasts, rankings, and statistical leaders for each week.
Ankeny, Iowa, is gearing up for a spook-tacular Halloween season with multiple trick-or-treat events planned for residents of all ages to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the city's Halloween celebrations is the official "Trick or Treat Night" on Friday, October 31st, from 6-8 p.m.

This is the designated time for families to put on their costumes and go door-to-door for candy in the Ankeny community. In addition to the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, Ankeny offers other exciting events for families to participate in.

One such event is the Trunk-or-Treat in Uptown Ankeny, where local businesses and community members decorate the trunks of their cars and line the streets for children to visit.

The event, which features a costume contest, a DJ spinning spooky tunes, and thrilling rides, promises to be a fun-filled evening for the whole family.

The costume contest offers categories for the best single, group, and homemade costumes, adding an extra element of excitement to the festivities. Another Halloween event that Ankeny residents can look forward to is the "Trick or Treat in The District" on Friday, October 25th, from 4-7 p.m.

This family-friendly event allows children to dress up in their favorite costumes and visit participating businesses in The District at Prairie Trail for candy and treats.

The businesses in The District go all out with their decorations and treats, creating a festive atmosphere that is sure to delight children and adults alike. Overall, Ankeny has a variety of Halloween events planned to bring the community together and celebrate this spooky holiday in a safe and enjoyable way.

Whether residents choose to participate in the official Trick or Treat Night, the Trunk-or-Treat event in Uptown Ankeny, or the Trick or Treat in The District event, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the Halloween season in Ankeny.
Secret Little Hack

Visit the High Trestle Trail Bridge at night for a stunning view of the lighted arches reflecting on the Des Moines River.

Join us for Boos & Brews, a 21+ immersive Halloween event at the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden on Oct 24, 2025 from 7pm-10pm.

Enjoy strolling magic, live DJ, and samples from top breweries in the spooky conservatory.

Limited tickets available, so get yours before they sell out.

Sponsored by [sponsor].
Ankeny Centennial Varsity Boys Football team lost to Dowling Catholic High School with a score of 10-27 on October 17, 2025.

They had previously won against Indianola with a score of 33-15 on October 10, 2025.

Another loss was against Valley High School with a score of 7-24 on October 3, 2025.

The team defeated Urbandale High School with a score of 42-0 on September 26, 2025.

Ankeny Centennial also lost to Ankeny High School with a score of 15-29 on September 19, 2025.

Other games and updates can be found on the Iowa high school football website.

A Blast from the Past! 

Ankeny, originally a farming community founded in 1875 by John Fletcher Ankeny, grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the completion of a narrow gauge railroad connecting it to Des Moines and Ames.

By the early 1900s, Ankeny had established telephone service, electricity, and a volunteer fire department.

The town experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century when John Deere established a plant, leading to an increase in population.

Ankeny's population continued to rise in the 21st century, reaching 76,207 residents by 2024.

To learn more about Ankeny's history, visit the Ankeny Historical Society website.
Secret Little Hack

There are many beautiful hidden trails and parks in Ankeny, Iowa that are perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic.

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Hello Ankeny is your weekly hello to food, fun, and local finds across Ankeny. Every edition highlights what’s new and exciting in town — from restaurant openings and community events to hidden gems and a featured local business each week. Our mission is simple: keep you connected to your city and make it easy to plan your week. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, weekend date ideas, or ways to support local businesses, Hello Ankeny delivers it all in one quick, easy-to-read email. Join the Hello Ankeny community and be the first to know what’s happening around town.

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