5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

6th Annual Mother-Son Dance

Event to feature a video game theme.

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

Batman appears at Mother-Son Dance!

Iowa League of Heroes also makes an appearance!

Ankeny Kids Can Get A Letter From Santa

Ankeny Parks & Recreation is helping deliver letters to Santa from kids ages 3-6 and they will get a personalized reply.

Ankeny 2017 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

There are 28 registered sex offenders living in Ankeny, according to the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.

Nayas use validation therapy to help those with memory diseases

Vintage Hills at Prairie Trail in Ankeny offers a memory care program with special caregivers, called Nayas.

Father Knows Best

Fathers with a lifetime of experience offer their most important advice to new dads.

Moms' Advice to Moms is Based on Hundreds of Years of Experience

These 15 mothers’ advice to new mothers is based on hundreds of years of experience and comes just in time for Mother's Day.

Faith Lutheran Church to host 3rd Annual Mother-Son Dance

A variety of fun activities planned for February 19 event

Faith Lutheran Church children to greet the "Ultimate Superstar" in February

Four performances scheduled for February 6-7 weekend.

2015 Ankeny Summer Art Camp

Looking for an exciting summer program for your child? Try Summer Art Camp at the Ankeny Art Center!

Alley Cat Saves Baby's Life

One cat's instincts saved an abandoned Russian baby.

PHOTO - Wild Owl Perches on it's Saviors Shoulder to get to PD

An owl flew into a man's windshield. He decided to step up to save the bird, who was all for it! (PHOTO)

Handcuffed Teen Helps Save Officer's Life

VIDEO: As he was getting booked in a Florida jail, 17-year-old comes to the rescue.

Top Baby Names and Most Unusual Names of 2014

Top ten most popular names for boys and girls from this past year, along with the most surprising. Do you know newborns with these names?

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

The Week's Best Good News: Man Finds $98K in Desk, Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Soldier

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Listen to 911 Call: Ankeny Mother Gives Birth in Bathroom of Her Home

It was an unexpected Mother's Day present for Rose Ayers, who delivered her fourth child in her bathroom at home with the help of her husband and a Polk County dispatcher.

Best Iowa Blogs: Bruce Braley Remembers 2008 Flood, Edward Snowden, the Salad Days of Summer and More

Share your views, passion and experience. Blog on Patch.

What Does Your Dad (or the Father of Your Kids) Mean to You?

As Father's Day approaches, consider honoring the men most influential in your life by sharing their stories in Local Voices on Ankeny Patch.

Ankeny Council Split in Vote to Approve Raises for Employees

The Ankeny City Council voted 3-2 Monday night to increase salaries of non-union employees by 4.4 percent, which is part of the city's annual contract extension process.