by Lara Jones, Staff Reporter Published June 17, 2026
Democrats could be fighting an uphill battle to gain votes, said the publicity chair for the Story County Republican Party. Iowa Primaries took place on June 2, providing insight into who will be on the ballot for the general election on Nov 3.
by Lara Jones, Staff Reporter Published June 11, 2026
The Ames NAACP aims to create a space for citizens to enjoy one another's company as well as remember the meaning of and embrace opportunities to educate themselves on the importance of Juneteenth at its annual celebration this weekend. The event is at Bandshell Park from 12:30 to 5 p.m Saturday. It includes a slam poetry reading, a story walk of influential African American Ames citizens and local vendors.
by Lara Jones, Staff Reporter Published June 10, 2026
Candidate accessibility will be one of the keys to winning in the general election in November, said the chairperson of the Story County Democrats. Last week’s Iowa primaries gave Iowa and Story County residents the answers to who would be on the 2026 election ballot.
by Fiona Winn, Staff Reporter Published June 10, 2026
The city of Ames is preparing to launch its first community-wide curbside recycling program next month, marking a major shift in how residents handle household waste and recyclable materials. Last week’s delivery of blue recycling carts marked the city’s transition from a waste-to-energy model of waste management toward a transfer-station model that takes in loads for processing and transport.
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 Lara Jones, Staff Reporter Published June 3, 2026
Ballots cast in the Iowa 2026 primary on Tuesday produced a picture of which candidates will represent their party for state and federal offices in the upcoming general election on Nov. 3. Listed are results for Story County and full election results for races that extended beyond the county.
by Lara Jones, Staff Reporter Published June 3, 2026
The Ames Community School District is rolling out a new program to prepare students for life after high school by curating job experiences and elevating academic success. Ames Superintendent Scott Grimes introduced the new education framework to the Ames NAACP at the Ames Public Library on May 28.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published June 2, 2026
Ames residents see the massive structure at the end of Main Street and most recognize it as the Ames Municipal Power Plant, part of Ames Electric Services. It’s been there in some form since 1896, reliably...
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published June 2, 2026
Ames residents got their first look inside the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center during an open house May 30, giving the public a chance to explore the facility before its full opening. The event allowed visitors to tour the walking track, multipurpose and party rooms, training areas and locker rooms. Guests also viewed the natatorium from the lobby and party rooms.
Iowa Democrats and Republicans will vote on Tuesday to determine who is on the November ballot representing their party. An assortment of offices will be up for election at the federal, state and county levels. Some of them are highly contested, such as most of the federal offices as well as the Republican race for governor.
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.
