Good morning, Ankeny.

Blue Star Mothers of Iowa seeks volunteers to help assemble 2,700 care package boxes for troops overseas—four-hour shifts run next week at Camp Dodge maintenance garage in Johnston.

Volunteers aged 14 and older can also send service members’ addresses via email to receive a care package.

Jon Kinzenbaw, the founder of Kinze Manufacturing, will auction 125 tractors from his large collection—started in 1979—beginning Nov.

4 at an online event hosted by Sullivan Auctioneers in Williamsburg. The sale will include only duplicates and features classic models such as Farmall, John Deere, and Allis-Chalmers that hold historical value for Iowa farmers.

Back to the Future, marking its 40th anniversary, is now playing in central Iowa theaters.

In Ankeny, B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 is showing it today at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.—other theaters in the region have additional showtimes.

People driving down Cleveland Street in Guernsey can view giant jack-o'-lanterns carved from pumpkins grown by Lindsey Quinn in time for Halloween.

One pumpkin weighed over 1,373 pounds and won second place at the Bloomfield Giant Pumpkin Bash while another, weighing 1,549 pounds, earned third at the Anamosa Pumpkinfest — both are lit with candles nightly.

Schools in Polk County are preparing for the loss of SNAP benefits starting November 1 as the government shutdown continues, raising concerns about increased food insecurity among students.

Des Moines Public Schools and others are expanding free meal programs and food pantries—measures aimed at supporting more than 16% of students who already face hunger.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird urged federal authorities to investigate small refineries for tampering with the Renewable Fuel Standard program because the suspected manipulation harms Iowa farmers—Nebraska and South Dakota officials joined her in signing the letter.

ASHRAE Iowa Chapter - November Meeting

8 AM – 5 PM — FFA Enrichment Center — Registration fee applies — Explore energy efficiency innovations and network at this informative chapter meeting.

Speakeasy Comedy Special Taping: Darius Daye

7-8:30 p.m. — Java Joes Theater — In-person entry for ages 18+ — Enjoy a night of laughs at this local comedian's special taping.

Ankeny Turkey Trot

8:45 AM – 12:00 PM — DMACC Ankeny Campus — Registration required — Run the inaugural Ankeny Turkey Trot and enjoy delicious donuts at the finish line.

Christmas in Olde Town Celebration

2-7 p.m. — Olde Town Altoona — Free entry — Experience a festive transformation into a winter wonderland filled with community spirit for the holiday season.