Maria Pearson was an Ames resident and Native American activist whose efforts moved legislation to ensure that remains of Native Americans would be properly reburied.
by Andy Koester, Contributor Published July 1, 2026
As we are in the summer season and outdoor activity increases around Ames, many people take part in recreational sports and fitness activities. Whether it’s golf, tennis, pickleball, jogging, cycling or simply spending more time outdoors, summer can bring an increase in physical activity levels. While returning to activity is beneficial for overall health and wellness, it can also place unexpected stress on the body if individuals are not physically prepared.
by Nolan Sagan, Contributor Published June 24, 2026
The City of Ames is launching a new curbside recycling program July 1, along with a pilot program for larger apartment buildings. You probably have already received the 96-gallon blue recycling container for this program. Here is it important to recycle.
by Jim Colbert, Contributor Published June 17, 2026
Carroll Prairie is an excellent example of what can happen when people choose to do the “right thing.” This nearly 50-acre area was purchased by Ames resident Lorna Carroll in 1999. Over time, after management of invasive species became difficult, she worked with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Story County Conservation to transfer the land to public ownership, for less than the appraised value. In 2018 the land was opened to the public.
Margaret Sloss grew up on the Iowa State University campus and gained an interest in veterinary medicine, but she was initially denied admission to the male-only College of Veterinary Medicine. Researching her rights that she couldn't be refused admission on the basis of sex, she was admitted and became the first woman to graduate from Iowa State with a degree in veterinary medicine.
Daniel McCarthy, born in Ontario, Canada, moved to Story City in 1856 and installed the first steam plant in the county. He married and later moved to Ames. When the city was selected as the location for a college, he helped to survey the location for its first building, the Farm House.
by Nolan Sagan, Contributor Published May 27, 2026
When it comes to responsible waste management, we often think of recycling as the go-to option. However, the classic phrase "reduce, reuse, recycle" holds true for a reason. Reduce comes first because the best way to manage waste is to avoid creating it in the first place through source reduction.
by Jim Colbert, Contributor Published May 20, 2026
Just northeast of Ames at the intersection of North Dayton Avenue and County Highway E29 — 2480 East 190th Street — is a small, 7.4-acre piece of Story County Conservation property that has more to offer than you might expect. In the past this piece was part of a larger property that was used to graze cattle.
Mary Salawuh-Warren moved to Ames in 1972 and owned Mary’s Infant Daycare, caring for infants. A Ghana native, she also worked to educate the Ames community and advocate for the people of her home country.
Navy veteran Arnold E. Siedelmann started as a patrolman for the Ames Police department in the early 1950s and was chief of police by 1966, a position he held for 18 years.
John "Jack" Shelley came to Ames in 1966 when he was recruited by Iowa State University President Robert Parks to head the broadcast journalist program. He had built a strong reputation for broadcast journalism during World War II while reporting for WHO Radio.
by Jim Colbert, Contributor Published April 22, 2026
Perched on a low ridge a little north of Ames and just west of the South Skunk River sits a little “postage stamp-sized” natural area called Leopold Woods. Managed by Story County Conservation, this 22-acre property was acquired from Don Norton in 2007 and named in honor of Aldo Leopold.
