by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published June 10, 2026
After months of delays and construction challenges, Steven L. Schainker Plaza is expected to open to the public on Monday. Most construction work is finished, but a few repairs and state approval remain before the public can use the new downtown attraction just east of Ames City Hall. However, city staff are still optimistic that the north and east portions of the project, including the building and splash pad area, will be ready for visitors.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published June 10, 2026
Ames took a big step toward building a new facility to handle the city’s trash, recycling and yard waste. It comes with a price tag of more than $22 million. The city council approved a borrowing plan at its Tuesday meeting to pay for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus. City staff estimate construction will require about $22 million in loans.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published May 27, 2026
The city won't be building solar panels at the municipal airport anytime soon. The Ames City Council decided on Tuesday to walk away from a large solar energy project proposed for the Ames James Herman Banning Municipal Airport. The council was told that the project would have collapsed within days unless it agreed to put a piece of land leased to John Deere into the project.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published May 27, 2026
More than half a billion dollars in new capital investments were brought into the region in 2025 by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, according to a new report. The total was reported to be $581 million in new capital investments and $33 million in outside funding. Ames City Council is expected to vote on renewing its contract with the Alliance in June. Council members asked for a closer look at the contract before renewing it for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published May 20, 2026
Ames residents will have to wait a little longer to splash around the new downtown plaza. Schainker Plaza will not open until the splash pad passes a state inspection and all construction problems are fixed.
The city is racing against a federal deadline that could make or break plans to build a solar farm at the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport. If the city does not act in time, a project that could cut electricity costs may cost 30% more — or not happen at all.
After raising millions of dollars, city officials are now moving ahead with plans for a new Ames Animal Services center. The Ames City Council learned Tuesday the project has enough funding to continue design work and prepare for construction, thanks in part to millions of dollars in private donations.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published April 29, 2026
A July 4 deadline was standing between Ames and millions of dollars in federal savings on a proposed airport solar farm, but city leaders acted to meet that deadline. The Ames City Council voted Tuesday to set a public hearing for May 12 on a revocable lease that would allow the developer to use portions of James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport for the solar project.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published April 29, 2026
Ames’ Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is almost done, but city officials are still working through a handful of problems. These include a standoff over a stain warranty, state inspection waivers and a system that could allow moisture to creep into parts of the building.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published April 22, 2026
Ames city officials are racing against a July 4 federal deadline to secure a solar energy project at the James Hermann Banning Ames Municipal Airport. If they miss that deadline, the cost of the electricity could jump 30%, potentially killing the deal. The Ames City Council met for a special workshop meeting Tuesday because it was asked to approve a lease option as soon as May 12.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published April 22, 2026
Updating Ames’ aging power plant could cost $190 million, more than double early estimates and every electric customer in the city would help pay for the project through annual rate increases stretching to 2057.
by Amber Mohmand, News Editor Published April 15, 2026
Starting in July, Ames residents will see a slight increase in their water and sewer rates. The Ames City Council on Tuesday approved a 3.5% increase in water rates while sewage service will increase by 5.5%. The increases will take place on July 1.
