![Sophomore Lily Bell posing as a player in the senior assassin game. Seniors participating in the game eliminate others by squirting them with a water gun, and can wear goggles for immunity against others. “People did have to go out and buy [water] guns, but most people have the googles at home, but you don’t even have to use a gun, you can use water of any sort,” senior Gwyn Christensen said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-1-1-900x1200.jpg)
![The shadows against a captivating blue are a nod to the “Catch Me If You Can” musical poster, both for this performance and the blue from the Broadway show. The detectives in this scene are at shooting practice, in preparation for when they finally encounter Frank Abagnale Jr. “We always say our motto is ‘theater is a team sport,’ and really just emphasizing to our students that everyone is welcome in the drama department. There's always a role for you, whether or not, on stage or behind the scenes, in the costume shop, in the scene shop. [There are] all sorts of different things that go into bringing a show to life. So we love our drama hawks and welcome everyone to drama,” Drama Director Mollie Jo Blahunka said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cmiyc-1200x800.jpg)
![Henry, Emily (2021). People we meet on vacation [Book cover]. Berkley Books. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Haley, Brett (2026). People we meet on vacation [Movie poster]. Movie poster courtesy of 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. Made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacay1.png)
![Lockhart, E. (2025). We fell apart [Book cover]. Delacorte Press. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. The newest book in the “We were liars” collection was released Nov. 4.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wefell1.png)
![A Group of PEOPEL PE students and helpers set up an obstacle course during class. The “Amazing Race” unit had started in PEOPEL PE where the students and helpers got to compete in a variety of different activities and games. “We try our best to make [inclusion] a school-wide event, but it's just so much more different when you actually engage with the students hands-on and actually get to know them as people.” Sophomore Bree Christensen said. Photo Taken by Ada McNulty.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-12-1200x900.jpg)
Fall treats at Brown Dog Bakery
Get yourself and your dog ready for fall with some pumpkin-flavored goods! Brown Dog Bakery has new treats like the Apple Crisp a la Mode and the Tiny Wicked Apple Bones. Fill a bag with your favorite treats for only $12.99 a pound.
Brown Dog Bakery also hosts a Yappy hour every season for dogs to get together, play, and take photos with a new seasonal backdrop. The next Yappy hour is Oct. 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
“We do different seasonal yappy hours, it is a social event where people can see other people and dogs,” Brown Dog Bakery worker Abigail said. “We provide snacks and drinks for people and dogs!”
Fun events at the Kirkendall Public Library
Interested in some Halloween fun, but don’t know where to go? Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library is having a Treats and Tiaras night. Dress up and participate in their scavenger hunt to get some candy!
(Caden McGlin)
There is also an all ages bingo night on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the library! The bingo supports Friends of the Ankeny library, which is an independent organization that helps to advocate and support the library.
Cold Stone’s new fall flavors and treats
Even when the air gets crisp the craving for sweets never stops. Take a walk around the district and try some of Cold Stone’s new fall ice cream flavors or their savory caramel apples.
Cold stone is a key spot in the District providing inside seating to enjoy all the treats they have to offer. On top of having great seasonal ice cream flavors they also present customers the opportunity to create their own ice cream, allowing them to choose the flavors that get combined to make their own special creation.
Rustic Swan your best luck for finding unique fall goods
Support a variety of small businesses and visit Rustic Swan for new fall decoration! Rustic Swan has tons of handmade items from art to clothing and jewelry. They specialize in providing goods for antique and vintage enthusiasts supplying them with all their cherished treasures.
“I love the atmosphere,” Ankeny High School (AHS) English teacher Alissa Hansen said. “I always go in there especially when I need to get a gift.”
Fright Lights a time to walk around and explore
Who says holiday lights are only for Christmas? Stop by Uptown to visit Fright Lights 2024, taking place every evening through October 31st. Sponsored by Latitude 41 Lawn and Landscapes.
Bingo! Get together with friends and family for Bingo at Uptown Garage
Uptown Garage has Bingo night every Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It is open to all ages and a great way to spend your time with your friends and family. Then, on Wednesday’s they have King Trivia, a great way to test your general knowledge, plus there is a Happy Hour!
“[Uptown Garage] has board games and a big wide open space with a lot of grass so you can play games,” AHS senior Julius Wiegand said.
![Abby Jimenez’s newest novel was released on March 24, a forbidden romance between a man and his best friend's girlfriend. [Graphic by Adilyn Hoop using Canva] Jimenez, Abby (2026) The Night We Met [Book Cover] Forever, Hachette Book Group. Image used under fair use for commentary and review.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/unnamed-5.png)
