"Ankeny: RAD Self-Defense Program Offered by Police Department"

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Exciting News from Ankeny: Creativity shines in schools, Food access grows in community orchard, RAD Women's Self-Defense Program offered by Ankeny Police!

David with the Hello Media team

Nov 11, 2025

Adi's Story "Students Brighten Halls with Creativity" Named Best of School Newspapers Online

Adi's feature story, "Students brighten halls with creativity," has been chosen as Best of School Newspapers Online.

This recognition showcases the student voice and artistry behind the murals at Ankeny High School.

Adi represented The Talon and AHS well with this achievement.

To read Adi's story and see the rest of The Talon staff's work, visit AHSTalonNews.com.

Quote Of The Day

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."

Drake Park Community Orchard: Building Food Access and Community Connection in Des Moines.

Nearly 40 fruit trees have taken root at Drake Park in Des Moines as the start of a community orchard.

Chelsea Krist, chair of the Iowa Food System Coalition, highlighted the importance of community orchards in creating spaces for food access and community connection.

The orchard aims to build up the local food infrastructure and promote interactions with food directly.

The city-led project in Drake Park has already garnered interest from surrounding neighborhoods.

By planting fruit trees and engaging volunteers, the city hopes to create a sense of ownership and connection among residents while enhancing food security and promoting local food procurement.

Des Moines Area Religious Council Helps Feed Thousands After SNAP Delays during Shutdown

Des Moines Area Religious Council broke its single-day record by assisting 2,494 individuals due to delayed SNAP benefits caused by the government shutdown.

Despite a federal judge's order for emergency funding, there were concerns over the compliance of partial payments.

DMARC CEO Kathy Underhill reassured the community of their efforts to provide food assistance.

Other local food pantries also reported increased demand.

Donations from businesses such as Big Grove Brewery, Hy-Vee, Fareway, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are pouring in to support food banks.

Central Iowa organizations, including Veridian Credit Union, are also contributing to fight food insecurity.

Meals from the Heartland pledged to share an additional one million meals with Iowa food banks.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the scarecrow win an award in Ankeny, Iowa?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Collaborative Shopping Experience at Shops on 3rd in Uptown Ankeny

Shops on 3rd in Uptown Ankeny is a collaborative space of three small businesses - The Funky Zebras Boutique, XoXo Gift & Home, and Gladdies.

The businesses cater to various age groups and offer clothing, jewelry, handbags, seasonal items, and cakes.

The owners share their decision to move to the new location and their hopes for the venture's success.

They emphasize the unique experience of shopping at Shops on 3rd, where visitors can find a variety of items, enjoy sweet treats, and a cup of coffee from Porch Light Coffeehouse nearby.

The community collaboration has received positive feedback and aims to create a vibrant shopping experience for customers.

Ankeny Leaf Collection Days at Prairie Ridge Family Aquatic Center, October 25 - November 23, 2025.

Ankeny Leaf Collection Days will take place from October 25 to November 23, 2025 at Prairie Ridge Family Aquatic Center.

Residents can dispose of leaves in yard waste bags at the designated site.

City crews will assist on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.

to 3 p.m.

Plastic bags and other containers must be removed by the residents.

No open burning is allowed in Ankeny.

This free program is for Ankeny residents only.

Proper leaf disposal helps prevent pollution in streams and stormwater basins.

Contact private trash haulers for other yard waste disposal options.

Tip of The Day

Check out the local farmers market in Ankeny for fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious food every Saturday morning during the summer months.

It's a fun way to support local vendors and discover new favorite treats!

Title: Ankeny Police Department Offers Women's Self-Defense Program, RAD

The Ankeny Police Department offers a self-defense training program for women called Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD).

The program teaches awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and basic self-defense techniques.

It consists of four three-hour sessions and costs $35, including a training manual with a lifetime return practice policy.

The course culminates in a realistic simulation to test the students' abilities in a safe environment.

Mothers and daughters are encouraged to attend together, with a minimum participant age of 14.

Written permission is required for those under 18.

Register early as class size is limited to 16 participants and refunds are not issued.

Secret Little Hack

Visit the Ankeny Farmer's Market for fresh local produce and unique artisan goods.