Good morning, Ankeny.

Deb Bettin retired from her 28-year role as kitchen manager at Cattlemen's Beef Quarters after spending her final day at the fair reflecting on cherished memories.

She served countless orders of burgers, fries and the iconic beef sundae—her farewell marked a beloved chapter for fairgoers.

A multi-vehicle crash on I-35 near Ankeny caused significant delays when three southbound lanes were blocked & drivers experienced a 24-minute delay southbound and a 2-minute delay northbound, according to the Iowa DOT at 5:30 p.m. on August 18.

Jamie Anderson has been promoted to executive director at the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce and will work with interim CEO Trent Murphy during a transition period—her appointment ended a review that showed the best leader was already working inside the chamber.

She began as the director of membership in 2019 and now aims to strengthen ties with local businesses.

Iowa public schools must now ban personal electronic devices during class time after Gov. Reynolds signed House File 782 on April 30; students in West Des Moines must store their phones in caddies from bell to bell—officials say the new rule will reduce distractions—and parents may petition for exceptions when needed.

Light The Night Fundraising Walk

6:30-9 p.m. — DMACC Ankeny Campus — Free registration, fundraising encouraged — Celebrate and honor those touched by blood cancers while supporting vital research.