by Artemis Tack, Staff Reporter Published February 11, 2026
The Ames Warming Place opened its doors last month and remained in service for 17 consecutive days as extreme cold settled over the city. Located in the basement of First United Methodist Church on Kellogg Avenue, the site opened on Jan. 16, just as temperatures began to drop and the overnight lows were consistently below zero.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published February 4, 2026
Ames residents could pay more in utilities in the upcoming fiscal year, including a proposed 1.5% increase in electricity and 5.5% increase in sanitary sewer rates. The council is reviewing a proposed budget that includes investments in public safety, a new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus, the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, utility rate increases and major infrastructure projects.
by Amber Mohmand, News Editor Published January 21, 2026
A new indoor playground is set to open next month, giving families a much-needed space for kids to play. Ames Play Yard, opening Feb. 13 at 2175 232nd Lane, is owned by Jenna Miller, a nurse and mother of five who saw a gap in local indoor activities for children.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published January 14, 2026
The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is gearing up to open its doors this year, with city staffers shifting their focus from construction to hiring employees, buying equipment and preparing the facility for swimmers.
Iowa has a critical shortage of all health care workers, and it’s straining the state’s entire care system, from hospitals to nursing homes. It could also be impacting your health, especially if you’re in a rural area. For Ames residents, the shortage makes it more challenging to find a primary care provider or see a specialist — leading to a negative impact on their health and longevity.
For 25 years, the Ames community leaned on the Israel Family Hospice House (IFHH) to guide families through the process of dying. The last day IFHH accepted new hospice patients was Dec. 15 and the remaining patients left on Dec. 17. The final two weeks at the house have been for cleaning up and moving out. It officially closes Dec. 31.
by Amber Mohmand, News Editor Published December 23, 2025
Throughout the month of December, Reiman Gardens is decked with over 200,000 lights that transform the gardens into a winter wonderland with light tunnels, disco balls, Candy Land, s’mores and more.
by Amber Mohmand, News Editor Published December 17, 2025
Food at First, a free meal program and perishable food pantry, received just under $18,000 in donations from Penn State fans as a parting gift to the Cyclone community following head coach Matt Campbell's exit from Iowa State for Penn State.
by Kyle Werner, Reporter Published December 9, 2025
She is the university’s first female president and second ISU graduate to hold the position, but Wendy Wintersteen didn’t plan to be a university president. After eight years as president and a few years shy of half a century since she started at Iowa State, she will step back as she begins her journey of retirement.
by Kyle Werner, Reporter Published December 3, 2025
It’s officially the holiday season — the temperature has dropped, there’s snow on the ground and decorations are up. There are markets, celebrations, festive gatherings, holiday music and more in and around Ames that are sure to get you in good spirits ahead of Christmas Day.
by Bill Monroe, Reporter Published November 29, 2025
Construction for a new facility to handle Ames’ community trash and recycling could begin this spring. Ames is building the new facility to handle the community’s trash and recycling, and work on the project is progressing well, the city council learned in a report reviewed at Tuesday’s meeting.
