Happy Tuesday and don’t forget to register to vote!

Our highlight this week is the downtown Music Walk. The event highlights many local musicians playing everything from indie rock and pop to jazz and acapella. More than 30 businesses and organizations will host music acts.

Also this week, Ames High homecoming begins, how theater shaped politics, learn about the Morrill Act and the Parc calls Ghostbusters.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Music Music Walk 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Downtown Ames Music Walk is a free family-friendly event showcasing businesses in downtown as well as local musicians at more than 30 locations. Read More

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Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🎥 Cyclone Cinema: Toy Story 5
7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Carver 101 — Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime. (Free)

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Live music and other events
📖 Dog-Eared Books Thrills & Chills Book Club (Body Double by Hanna Johnasson) — 5:30 p.m., Ames Public Library
🎶 The Old 13 String Bandit w/ Wally Neal (folk) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($7/$10)

Wednesday, Sept. 16

🎭 The Play's The Thing: The Role of Theatre in Our Democracy From Colonial Times to Today
6 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union — From colonial pamphleteering to modern-day protest performance, political theater has shaped American democracy in ways that standard history books rarely capture. Professor Joel Eis uncovers the hidden role theater has played in shaping public opinion, dissent and civic identity throughout U.S. history. (Free)

Other events
📖 Your Best Self Book Club (Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau) — 6 p.m., Ames Public Library
🎲 Bored? Games! — 6:30 p.m., Ames Public Library
🎥 Doc Talk – Iowa: And The Broken Circle — 7 p.m., KHOI (Free)

Thursday, Sept. 17

🏛️ The “Morrill” of the Story
Noon, Farm House Museum — Join curator Allison Sheridan to explore the lasting impact of the Morrill Act of 1862 and the rise of the land-grant university system that reshaped access to education, innovation and opportunity across the nation. (Free)

👨‍🏫 Learn with the League: 250 Years of Indigenous Nations and the U.S.
7 p.m., Ames Public Library — Join Sebastian Braun, director of American Indian Studies and professor of political science at Iowa State, in looking back at the United States relations with sovereign Native nations, taking stock of where these relations came from and where they stand. (Free)

Live music and other music
📖 Dog-Eared Official Book Club (American Fantasy by Emma Straub) — 10 a.m., Dog-Eared Books
🎶 Rambler Kane / Luke Callen (folk) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($9/$12)

Sports
⚽ Soccer: Iowa State vs. Colorado — 6 p.m., Cyclone Sports Complex

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Friday, Sept. 18

🎥 Flicks and Food Trucks: Ghostbusters
7 p.m., The Parc — Join us at the Parc for a special showing of the original Ghostbusters. Food trucks open at 7 and the movie begins at 7:45. This is the last event at the Parc this season.

Live music and other events

🎨 Reception – Works by Maggie Douglas — 5 p.m., Gallery in the Round
📖 Found in Translation Book Club (On Earth as It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia) — 7 p.m., Raygun
🎶 Crunch Brothers (classic rock) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($7/$10)
🎶 Gizzae (reggae) — 8 p.m., Maintenance Shop ($10/$15)
🎶 Glass Knuckle EP Release Party (indie rock) — 9 p.m., Mary Jane's ($10)

Sports
🏊‍♀️ Swimming and Diving: Cardinal & Gold — 4 p.m., Beyer Pool

Saturday, Sept. 19

🌽 Main Street Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event comes from the return of the Ames Bookmobile, plus music by Boone Fiddler.

📖 Family Farm Festival with Author Jill Esbaum
9:30 a.m., Ames Public Library — Celebrate all things farming with fun activities and a visit from Great Reads from Great Places author Jill Esbaum. Outside the library, families can get up close with big tractors and farm machinery, pet farm animals at a petting zoo and visit with local Co-ops and CSAs.

Live music and other events
🎥 Twenty Years of the Met in Cinemas: An Anniversary Celebration — 1 p.m., Movies 12 ($14)
🎶 Jinnouchi Power (indie rock) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane's ($5)

Sports
🏈 Football: Iowa State vs. Bowling Green — 11 a.m., Jack Trice Stadium ($44+)

Sunday, Sept. 20

🎨 The American Story Chronicled in Glass
2 p.m., Virtual on Zoom — Join Farm House Museum curator Allison Sheridan as she uncovers how American glassmakers captured moments of national identity, political change, everyday life and popular culture in stunning detail.

Live music and other events
🎥 Heaven in Stone and Glass — 7:30 p.m., Movies 12 ($11.50)

Sports
🥎 Softball: Iowa State vs. NIACC — 2 p.m., Cyclone Sports Complex

Monday, Sept. 21

🎉 Ames High Homecoming Parade
6:30 p.m., downtown — Celebrate Homecoming Week with the annual parade in downtown Ames.

Other events
📖 Love & Other Monsters Book Club (Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe) — 5:30 p.m., Ames Public Library

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On our radar

📖 Sept. 22: Ryan T. Pozzi Author Event, Ames Public Library

🎉 Oct. 15: Ames Voice Anniversary Party, Ames Regional Economic Alliance

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

Good luck to the Cyclones 🌪 at the Cy-Hawk game this weekend! I know we are going to bring home a win 🏆.

Our top story this week is about synthetic honey, how to distinguish it from real honey and local beekeepers’ take on the product. 

Also in this newsletter: People at downtown Ames events could walk the sidewalks with a beer or cocktail in hand without breaking the law, McFarland Clinic’s method to providing exemplary care to the community and the city has some new urban renewal plans.

Community Voices features some tips on how to stay active with CrossFit, and the Little Cyclones suffered a loss at home against Urbandale.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com 

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Top Story

Shannon Bardole-Foley pulling frames from hives in preparation for honey extraction. (Photo : Shannon Bardole-Foley)

Don’t get stung — learn about honey

The honey on your morning toast may not be totally from bees, and it’s stirring up central Iowa beekeepers.

Tyler Holton, who has 1,500 hives near Elkhart, is one of them.

“We don’t produce enough honey in the U.S. to meet the demand of Americans, so wholesalers bring in foreign honey,” Holton said.

The problem, Holton explained, is that foreign honey is often not labeled or mislabeled, and it is sometimes altered by adding corn syrup, rice syrup or sweeteners from other grains. Those are all cheaper than honey 100% from bees.

“I’d like to make a good living from beekeeping, so we need to do something,“ Holton said. He went on to say that cheap, foreign products undercut beekeepers who can’t match those prices and have lost ground on market share.

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News

City Council Ames moves to let people ‘sip and stroll’ by Bill Monroe Soon, people at downtown Ames events could walk the sidewalks with a beer or cocktail in hand without breaking the law. Continue Reading

Health care McFarland Clinic’s commitment to quality health care by Michael Kitchell For 80 years, McFarland Clinic has been committed to delivering extraordinary care to its patients and the Ames community. Continue Reading

🏙️ Urban renewal: Ames is moving to create four new or expanded urban renewal areas before the end of the year. The areas would let the city use tax increment financing to help fund infrastructure and housing projects, as a new state law limits how much money cities can collect through property tax growth.

Sports

Football Ames falls to Urbandale, 41-6 by Jared Larson The Little Cyclones fell to the J-Hawks 41-6 Friday night in Ames. Quarterback Jace Hennigar finished the game 10-of-25 for 75 yards and two interception. Continue Reading

 

Mid-Iowa Sports

🏈 Gilbert Football: Sophomore quarterback Nick Stupp turned in a stellar performance in his first start, guiding the Gilbert Tigers to a dominant 44-6 victory over Mason City.

Community Voices

Fitness Cross-training can help you stay active, injury-free by Andy Koester Cross-training simply means adding different types of exercise to complement your primary activity. Instead of only running, cycling or swimming, you challenge your body in other ways. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🚨 Two ISU alumni explore the crime, corruption and violence of historic Des Moines.

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In Other News

🧀 Macubana is closing after nearly a decade of serving comfort food in Ames.(Ames Tribune)

🧸 A limited-edition squishy toy had Ames drivers waiting for hours and backing up Lincoln Way. (KCCI)

🚀 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman addressed an overflowing crowd in the Howe Hall Atrium Tuesday. (Iowa State Daily)

Submissions

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our two newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Live long and prosper!

Our featured event this week is a block party at the Bandshell on Friday. This weekend’s Cy-Hawk game isn’t in Ames, but the marching band and wind ensemble join forces to spread some school spirit. They also bring activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Also this week, MacKay Hall has art, Emily Wilson brings the funny, Christian Petersen is profiled, Lego bricks need assembling, Ames Town & Gown brings the brass and learn what happens when manure meets soil.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Cyclone Marching Band

Music ISU Wind Ensemble and Marching Band Bandshell Block Party 7 p.m. Friday, Bandshell Park Join a Cy-Hawk Eve Pep-Rally with the ISU Wind Ensemble and the ISU Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band sharing the stage. This family-friendly event will include food trucks, bounce houses, face painting and balloon animals. (Free) Read More

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Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🎥 Cyclone Cinema: The Mandalorian and Grogu
7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Carver 101 — Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. (Free)

Tuesday, Sept. 8

👨‍🏫 Flushing Out the Facts: Farm Manure and the Environment
6 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union — Dr. Daniel Andersen, professor and extension specialist, confronts the misconceptions surrounding livestock manure in Iowa, examining what really happens when manure meets soil, water and weather. (Free)

Other events
🐶 Rovers at Reiman — 4:30 p.m., Reiman Gardens (General admission + $5/dog)

Sports
🏐 Volleyball: Iowa State vs. Iowa — 6:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum ($7)

Wednesday, Sept. 9

🎨 Art Walk: MacKay Hall
3:10 p.m., MacKay Hall — Join University Museums for a guided Art Walk through Iowa State’s College of Health and Human Sciences public art collection. Discover how art, design and well-being are woven together to inspire and teach new ways to improve quality of life. (Free)

Other events
🧠 Brains & Brews Trivia — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)
🎥 MST3K: The RiffTrax Experiments Sting of Death — 7 and 7:30 p.m., Movies 12 ($14)

Thursday, Sept. 10

🎨 Iowa History 101: Christian Petersen Before Iowa State: An Artistic Journey to Campus Sculptor
Noon, virtual on Zoom — Join Allison Sheridan, curator with University Museums, as she explores artist Christian Petersen’s mid-life move to the Midwest and his artistic career in Iowa before being employed by Iowa State College in 1935.

🎺 Philadelphia Brass
7:30 p.m., Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall — From the stage of the Royal Albert Hall to the heights of the Bolivian Andes, the five members of the Philadelphia Brass have delighted audiences with their music. This Ames Town & Gown concert includes music by J.S. Bach, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. ($35, free for students)

Other events
😂 SUB Comedy Night w/ Emily Wilson — 8 p.m., Maintenance Shop (Free)
🏛️ University Museums Community Open House — 4:30 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum
📖 028: Real Reads Book Group — 7 p.m., Ames Public Library

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Friday, Sept. 11

Live music and other events
📖 September Li'l Weirdos Book Club (A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck) — 6 p.m., Raygun (Free)
🎶 Corbett Reeves Music (Americana) — 7 p.m., Mucky Duck
🎶 The Fretliners w/ Iowa No Mountain Boys (bluegrass) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($15 / $20)
🎶 ELOUR w/ WOEM (pop punk) — 8 p.m., Maintenance Shop ($5 / $10)

Saturday, Sept. 12

🌽 Main Street Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event comes from Joyful Colorz Face Painting, plus music by Redzband.

Explore! Artful Paper
10 a.m., Brunnier Art Museum — Artist Mary Merkel-Hess is inspired by the beautiful natural environments of Iowa. Families can explore her works of art in the inaugural installment of University Museums' Midwest Maker Series and participate in educational crafts and activities. Activities are geared for grades K-5. (Free)

Other events
🔨 Ames Repair Cafe — 10 a.m., Ames Public Library (Free)
📖 September Between the Covers Book Club (The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert) — 6:30 p.m., Raygun (Free)

Sunday, Sept. 13

🎨 Mary Merkel-Hess Gallery Walk
2 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum — Mary Merkel-Hess is an Iowa-based artist nationally recognized for her paper vessels and sculptures inspired by the prairie landscapes and natural environments of her home state. Her exhibition is the inaugural installment of University Museums' Midwest Maker Series, celebrating the range of creativity throughout Iowa and the Midwest. (Free)

Other events
🎥 MST3K: The RiffTrax Experiments Sting of Death — 4 p.m., Movies 12 ($14)

Monday, Sept. 14

Losing Hope in Politics? Let's Talk About How Christianity and Faith Traditions Can Help Us Disagree Better
6:30 p.m., Great Hall, Memorial Union — Micheal Wear, a former White House staffer and current president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and Alex Tuckness, chair of the ISU department of political science, talk about hope for politics versus hope in politics and the role of religion in politics and public service. (Free)

🧩 That's Fun: Freeform Lego Build
6:30 p.m., Ames Public Library — There’s no instruction booklet, just a pile of bricks and whatever your imagination decides to build. Join for an evening where imagination does all the planning. (Free)

Other events
📖 Chunky Classics Book Club — 6 p.m., London Underground (Free)

On our radar

🎶 Sept. 18: Music Walk, Downtown Ames

🎶 Oct. 4: The Temptations, Stephens Auditorium

🎉 Oct. 15: Ames Voice Anniversary Party, Ames Regional Economic Alliance

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In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

⚡ Ames is debating whether to approve construction of a data center, with intentions questioned on all sides.

🏛️ ISU First Lady Katie Cook, an Ames native, is prioritizing listening, engaging in campus life and helping students find belonging for her first year.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

You’re invited to our anniversary party 🎉! It’s been almost a year since we officially launched the Ames Voice, and we want to celebrate it with you. The party will be 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Ames Alliance, so please save the date! 

Our top story this week is about Lightedge’s proposal for a data center and all the events leading to the Ames City Council’s latest decision. This is a project that our intern, Lara Jones, worked on throughout the summer. It features perspectives from those who favor and oppose the center as well as input from experts in the field.

Also in this newsletter: the Ames School Board sets its goals for the current school year, and the Alliance says teamwork is essential for economic development. Plus, photos from the Ames Little Cyclones’ victory over the Marshalltown Bobcats.

Community Voices features an Iowa State couple’s newest book, The Nastiest Saloon in Iowa.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Welcome Our Newest Founding Voice: Ames Ford Lincoln!

We’re thrilled to share more exciting news as we celebrate a major milestone — the Ames Voice has officially surpassed 1,200 subscribers! Our community continues to grow, and with that growth comes new partnerships that strengthen the future of independent, nonprofit journalism in Story County.

Today, we’re proud to welcome Ames Ford Lincoln as the newest member of our Founding Voices program.

Ames Ford Lincoln has long been a trusted pillar in Central Iowa, known for its upfront, hassle‑free approach and a commitment to serving customers with integrity. Their relaxed, no‑pressure buying experience — supported by non‑commissioned sales consultants and consumer‑friendly policies like the 7‑day “Like It or Return It” and 30‑day exchange options — reflects a genuine dedication to the people they serve.

We extend our gratitude to Nick Johnson and the entire Ames Ford Lincoln team for believing in our mission. Their support helps ensure that local news remains strong, accessible, and rooted in the community we all care about.

As our subscriber community grows, we’re honored to add another cornerstone business to our Founding Voices — partners who share our commitment to keeping Ames informed, connected, and thriving.

Welcome, Ames Ford Lincoln. We’re so glad you’re here.

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Top Story

The cage contains servers and data of one Lightedge customer. (Photo: Amber Mohmand)

How citizen action, profit shape the Ames data center debate

Like hundreds of communities across the nation, Ames is in the midst of a debate about whether to approve construction of a data center, with intentions questioned on all sides.

On June 7, the Ames City Council heard a proposal that would dominate discussion for the rest of the summer.

Lightedge, an IT infrastructure company located in Des Moines, requested the city council approve its proposal to lease municipal land located at the airport on Aviation Way to build a 25-megawatt (MW), 10.86-acre, closed-loop cooling edge colocation facility.​

The company shopped around the Ames area for property before it submitted its proposal for the airport location to city staff in May. Lightedge Chief Marketing Officer Matt Biegacki said this location allowed for tighter city regulation and a chance for the city to bring in higher rental revenue.​

“I think the … thing that really changed this one is, the city reached out to us saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got 10 acres on the airport. Do you want to go use that? Because typically we would buy 10 acres of private land,” Biegacki said.​

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News

Business Ames Alliance: Economic development is a team sport by Bill Monroe Economic development hinges on the ability to work together. Its success depends on collaboration among the city, local businesses and other community partners. Continue Reading

Education Ames School Board outlines goals, priorities for school year by Lara Jones At its monthly work session, the Ames School Board outlined four goal areas to improve upon during the 2026-2027 school year: attendance, academic achievement, education climates and future readiness. Continue Reading

Sports

Football Photos: Kalivarapu’s timely receptions give Little Cyclones win over Bobcats by Jared Larson Wide receiver Suvan Kalivarapu caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Jace Hennigar with 49 seconds remaining to lift the Ames Little Cyclones to a 23-16 comeback victory over the Marshalltown Bobcats. Continue Reading

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Community Voices

Books ISU alums book reveals ugly, criminal underbelly of a not-so-long-ago Des Moines by Douglas Burns In an inviting and richly reported new book populated with larger-than-life figures cut from the fabric of everyday life in early 1900s central Iowa it is the city of Des Moines itself that emerges as the most riveting character. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🏛️ Ames’ first mayor helped lay the groundwork for the growing city.

In Other News

🚨 ISU alumnus Dimitri English’s death is being investigated as a homicide. (Des Moines Register)

🥗 Ames-based Clayton Farms is expanding to San Francisco. (Business Record)

Submissions

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our two newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy September!

The Voice is closing in on the end of our first official year, and you are invited to our anniversary celebration. It will take place 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. Save the date, and we’ll have more details as the event nears.

Our highlight this week is the Cyclones’ season opener. The Jimmy Rogers era begins as Iowa State faces the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at Jack Trice Stadium.

Also this week, a friendly ghost plays outside, jazz closes Tiny Deck’s season, Cyclone Cinema gets obsessed, Mango Soul & Look kick off the M-Shop’s fall season and Kelli Rae Powell records a live album.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Football Iowa State vs. Southeast Missouri Noon Saturday, Jack Trice Stadium The Jimmy Rogers era of Iowa State football begins with the first game of the 2026 season as the Cyclones take on the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. The game will also stream on ESPN+. ($26+) More Information

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Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🎥 Cyclone Cinema: Obsession
7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Carver 101 — After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price. (Free)

Tuesday, Sept. 1

🎨 Curator’s Tour: Luis Jiménez: The Mythic Southwest
5:30 p.m., Christian Petersen Art Museum — Experience a guided tour of the new exhibition “Luis Jiménez: The Mythic Southwest” with Alison Ranniger Van Zante, curator of the Christian Petersen Art Museum. The exhibition explores renowned American sculptor Luis Jiménez’s artistic vision, cultural influences and the creative process behind his iconic public sculptures. (Free)

Other events
📖 September Reality Check Book Club — 6 p.m., Ames Public Library (Free)
🐶 Rovers at Reiman — 5 p.m., Reiman Gardens (General admission + $5/dog)

Wednesday, Sept. 2

Other events
🎤 Open Mic — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)
📖 Mystery Lovers Book Group — Noon, Ames Public Library (Free)

Thursday, Sept. 3

Live music and other events
📖 September OLD Book Club — 6 p.m., London Underground
🎶 M-Shop Kickoff Concert w/ Mango Soul & Look (pop-punk) — 8 p.m., Maintenance Shop (Free)

Sports
⚽ Soccer: Iowa State vs. Missouri State — 6 p.m., Cyclone Soccer Complex

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Casper (via Giphy)

Friday, Sept. 4

🎥 Movie Night at Bandshell Park: Casper
8:15 p.m., Bandshell Park — An afterlife therapist (Bill Pullman) and his daughter (Christina Ricci) meet a friendly young ghost when they move into a crumbling mansion in order to rid the premises of wicked spirits. (Free)

Live music and other events
👠 Nikita's Birthday Bash Drag Show — 7 and 10 p.m., Mary Jane’s ($10 cover)
🎶 Cedar County Cobras w/ Tom Pevear (blues) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($10/$15)
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Central Iowa Jazz Trio (jazz) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)

Saturday, Sept. 5

🌽 Main Street Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event comes from Joyful Colorz Face Painting, plus music by Doomed Pioneers.

🏃‍♂️ Run for Ukraine Ames 5K
8:30 p.m., Ada Hayden Heritage Park — A charity event that brings together the community to raise money and stand with the people of Ukraine. All net proceeds from registration fees and donations go to Nova Ukraine. Registration closes Thursday. ($25)

Live music
🎶 Live at The Railyard with Almer and The Normies (grunge, eclectic rock) — 6 p.m., Cornbred (Free)
🎶 Kelli Rae Powell Live Album Recording (folk) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($5)
🎶 Randy Burk & The Prisoners (Americana) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s ($5)

Sunday, Sept. 6

Live music
🎶 Summer Sundays: Stranger Than Fiction (rock, blues) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)

Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day)

Other events
📖 Books & Bevs — 6 p.m., London Underground (Free)

On our radar

🎭 Sept. 10 to 20: Come from Away, Ames Community Theater

🎵 Sept. 17: Music Walk, Downtown Ames

🎶 Oct. 4: The Temptations, Stephens Auditorium

🎉 Oct. 15: Ames Voice Anniversary Party, Ames Regional Economic Alliance

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🏛️ ISU First Lady Katie Cook, an Ames native, is prioritizing listening, engaging in campus life and helping students find belonging for her first year.

⚡ The Ames City Council is forming a resident data center study committee to research how data centers affect local health, wildlife and temperatures.

🌳 The Story County Conservation Board named Ryan Wiemold as its new conservation director.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

It’s a beautiful week to come back to school 📚.

Our top story this week features Iowa State First Lady Katie Cook coming back home after 30 years. In that time, Cook studied and worked in special education, which taught her the importance of patience and persistence — something she hopes to integrate into her leadership. 

Also in this newsletter: The city council is seeking members for its resident committee on the data center and a statewide coalition recently that advocates for them. Some residents can opt out of Ames’ recycling and Story County Conservation has a new director. 

Community Voices profiles William West, an early settler and Ames’ first mayor.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

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Top Story

Iowa State First Lady Katie Cook talks about coming back to Ames and her approach to leadership. (Photo: Amber Mohmand)

Iowa State’s First Lady Katie Cook is back home

After nearly three decades away, Katie Cook returned to the Ames community as Iowa State’s First Lady.

“We truly came home,” said Cook who, along with her husband, ISU President David Cook, are both natives of Ames.

Growing up in Ames, Cook always had a strong connection to Iowa State University.

She rode her bike around campus. She took her pets to Iowa State’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.

“Ames has always been a safe community,” Cook said. “We could bike all over, we could CyRide all over.”

News

City of Ames Council questions data center safety for people, wildlife by Bill Monroe Ames city leaders want answers about how data centers might affect people’s health, local wildlife and even the temperature of nearby neighborhoods. The city council created a resident data center study committee, and applications to join are now open. Continue Reading

Story County Story County Conservation names Ryan Wiemold as new director by Amber Mohmand The Story County Conservation Board named Ryan Wiemold as the new conservation director, effective Aug. 23. Continue Reading

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Community Voices

History Ames Notables: William West by Ames History Museum William West and his family moved to Ames, where he ran the West House hotel on the corner of Douglas Avenue and 5th Street from 1869 to 1892. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🌿 The Jordan Family Wildlife Area is a quiet escape just outside Ames.

In Other News

📷 Ames residents are speaking out against Flock cameras. (Iowa State Daily)

♻️ Ames High sisters earned an EPA award for tackling plastic waste. (Ames Tribune)

🏃‍♀️ A former ISU track athlete is suing the NCAA over her eligibility. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

⚖️ Ames is inviting the community to celebrate City Attorney Mark Lambert's retirement on Friday. (City of Ames)

Submissions

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy first week of school!

Our highlight this week is Taste of Campustown, a district wide event that let’s patrons tour not only the shops but also taste what the eateries have to offer. Of the 50 businesses in the campus-adjacent business district, 17 will have specials and promotions. However, I could be biased for this event.

Also this week, the Allman Brothers music closes Roosevelt Summer Sundays, the Ames Voice returns to the Main Street Farmers’ Market, Dog-Eared has a girls night out, Harry Potter’s story returns to the big screen, pollinators bring magic, take an art tour of wood and Cyclone Cinema is amaze, amaze, amaze.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Community Taste of Campustown 4 p.m. Thursday, Campustown Taste of Campustown celebrates the diverse cuisine found within the Campustown Business District. Businesses will be selling samples of their most popular offerings or run specials. This is the perfect opportunity to see what Campustown eateries have to offer. Read More

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Project Hail Mary (via Giphy)

Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🎥 Cyclone Cinema: Project Hail Mary
7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Carver 101 — A science teacher (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key. (Free)

✨ Harry Potter: 25 Years of Magic
9:45 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Movies 12 — Celebrating 25 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, all eight films will be presented during the weekend in release order with four on Saturday and four on Sunday. ($7 to 9 per movie)

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Other events
📖 Better Birding Book Club — 5:30 p.m., Ames Public Library
📖 Deep Roots Book Group — 7 p.m., Ames Public Library
💡 Trivia Night — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage

Wednesday, Aug. 26

🎨 Art Walk: The Iowa Landscape
Noon, Advanced Teaching Research Building — From rolling fields to native flora and fauna, Iowa’s scenery inspires artists in countless ways. Explore the Art on Campus Collection to see how different artists capture the beauty and richness of the Iowa landscape. (Free)

🥂 Girls Night Out with Her Social Ames
6 p.m., Dog-Eared Books — Bring your friends and join us for an exciting Girls Night Out in collaboration with Her Social Ames. The evening includes DJ New Sincerest spinning tracks, drinks on the bar, books, tarot, crafts and more. ($5)

Other events
🩺 Living Your Personal Best with Parkinson’s — 1 p.m., Mary Greeley Medical Center Auditorium
💡 Brains & Brews Trivia — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)

Sports
⚽ Soccer: Iowa State vs. Iowa — 6 p.m., Cyclone Sports Complex

Thursday, Aug. 27

☀️ Solar Showdown: Sun, Fun & Sustainability
4 p.m., SunSmart Ames Community Solar Farm, 623 Airport Road — Learn how the solar farm supports sheep, bees and native plants while enjoying games, trivia, guided tours and up-close visits with the sheep. (Free)

Other events
🎤 Ames Chamber Artists Open House — 5:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames
📖 BetterMENt Book Club — 7 p.m., Ames Public Library (Free)

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Friday, Aug. 28

Live music and other events
📖 BOO*-k Club — 6 p.m., Raygun (Free)
🎶 Never Come Down w/ Ella Voloshen (folk, bluegrass) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($12/$15)
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Doomed Pioneers (folk) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)
🎶 Casey Joe & the Foxes, Travis Wayne & the Troubled Sons, Fred Love & the Bakersfield Brawl (rock, blues) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane's Bar & Stage

Sports
🏐 Volleyball: Iowa State vs. Loyola — 6:30 p.m., Hilton Coliseum ($7)

Saturday, Aug. 29

🌽 Main Street Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event comes from Meyer’s Pony Rides, plus music by Shirley by the Sea. The Ames Voice will also be there. Stop by and say hello!

🦋 Monarch Magic
10 a.m., Ada Hayden Heritage Park — A family-friendly event featuring local conservation groups, crafts and an obstacle course. Explore the wonders of pollinators by joining in the bioblitz or buy raffle tickets for prizes. (Free)

Live music and other events
🎶 Live at The Railyard with The Jenny Kohls Band (rock) — 6 p.m., Cornbred
🎶 Indigo Monks (jazz) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($10)
🎶 Orchid Donor (indie rock) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane's (Free)
🎥 Family Movie Night: Disney's A Bug’s Life — 7 p.m., Reiman Gardens ($18 public, $8 youth, discounts for members)

Sports
🏐 Volleyball: Iowa State vs. Georgia Tech — 4 p.m., Hilton Coliseum ($7)
⚽ Soccer: Iowa State vs. UNI — 7 p.m., Cyclone Sports Complex

Sunday, Aug. 29

🪵 Curator’s Tour: Wood for Function & Expression
2 p.m., Brunnier Art Museum — From seating to sculpture and beyond, wood has been utilized for thousands of years for both function and expression. Brunnier Art Museum curator Adrienne Gennett will lead a tour of both the functional and sculptural works of art made of wood from the permanent collection.

Live music
🎶 Summer Sundays: Opus Taylor (rock, blues) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: Southbound (Allman Brothers tribute band) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)
🎶 Harlem Hayfield (soul) — 3 p.m., Mary Jane’s ($5)

Sports
🏐 Volleyball: Iowa State vs. UNI — 2 p.m., Hilton Coliseum ($7)

On our radar

🏈 Sept. 5: Iowa State vs. Southeast Missouri, Jack Trice Stadium

🎭 Sept. 10 to 20: Come from Away, Ames Community Theater

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🇯🇵 A summer trip for some Ames Middle School Students to Japan showed the lasting impact travel abroad can have on young students

🏫 The new Gilbert Elementary School is ready just in time for the 2026 school year.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

Welcome back to our Iowa State readers 😊. I hope move-in week is as stress-free as possible.

Thank you all for taking the time to complete our survey last week; we’re reviewing your input and developing a plan to integrate it into our content going forward.

Our top story this week features Ames Middle School students’ trip to Koshu, Japan, and how they navigated unfamiliar terrain and built meaningful connections.

Also in this newsletter: The city is hosting a Solar Showdown event that includes a tour of the solar farm, trivia and games. The new Gilbert Elementary school is ready for the school year and Ames is protecting its water from cyberattacks.

In sports, the Cyclone Soccer team opened its season with a victory, and Community Voices profiles the Jordan Family Wildlife Area.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

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Top Story

The view an Ames student had outside of their host-home during their trip to Koshu, Japan, Ames’ sister city. (Photo: Lillian Hansen)

Ames students experience Japanese culture

Katrina Williams watched Ames Middle School students step outside their comfort zones during their trip to Koshu, Japan, as they navigated unfamiliar terrain and built meaningful connections. For Williams, a mathematics teacher and group leader on the trip, those experiences showed the lasting impact travel abroad can have on young students.

This isn’t Williams’ first trip to Japan. Over the years traveling with Ames Middle School, the itineraries have evolved. In 2024, Tokyo was a central part of the trip, and Williams advocated that this year be a balance so students can see both big cities and less urban areas of Japan. In doing so, students were able to form close connections with their host families in Koshu.

“I can tell you about the formidable relationships that were happening in the valley of Koshu City, because that’s where the community was,” Williams said.

News

City of Ames Solar Showdown features guide, education about solar energy by Artemis Tack Ames families can learn about solar energy production and see how it works first-hand during a guided tour of the city’s 10-acre solar farm. Continue Reading

 

More from News

📚 The new Gilbert Elementary is ready just in time for the 2026 school year. There will be an open house on Friday.

🔐 Ames’ water system has safety measures in place in case of cyberattacks.

 

Civic Calendar

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Tue: Ames City Council — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Tue: Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees — noon, Atrium A, 1111 Duff Ave.

Wed: Zoning Board of Adjustment — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu: Civil Service Commission — 8:15 a.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu: Ames Human Relations Commission — 5:30 p.m., Room 235, Ames City Hall

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Arts & Entertainment

Lecture Iowa historian speaks on history of Gilbert by Anthony Capps In 1878, the railroad breathed life into Gilbert, the city located just north of Ames. Local historian Dave Baker will speak on the people, places and stories that comprise the community’s history this weekend. Continue Reading

Sports

Soccer 4 Cyclones score in home opener by Jared Larson It was an active Sunday evening at the Cyclone Soccer Complex as Iowa State (2-0-0, 0-0 Big 12) dominated Kansas City (0-1-0, 0-0 Summit) by a score of 4-0. Continue Reading

 

More from Sports

🏁 From football to NASCAR, JaQuan Bailey is embracing a new kind of pressure.

Community Voices

Story County Conservation The Outside Story: Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area by Jim Colbert The Ronald “Dick” Jordan Family Wildlife Area is just a short distance south of Ames. Drive past the Mucky Duck Pub and continue south out of Ames on Highway 69. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🌟 Ames teacher Kate Mitchell left a lasting mark on generations of students.

In Other News

🚔 An Ames officer was injured after a vehicle crashed into a patrol car on I-35. (WHO 13)

🌪️ The Cyclones are back as Iowa State students move in for the fall. (Ames Tribune)

🛍️ Two vintage pop-ups are coming to Ames as students return to campus. (Iowa State Daily)

⛪ Cornerstone Church is working to revive rural churches across Iowa. (Des Moines Register)

Submissions

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy move-in week!

Our highlight this week is Wheatsfield’s Tiny Deck Concert. As summer comes to a close, the summer music events are winding down. There are still a couple Tiny Decks left, but this week’s concert features Coffee Shop Romance, a husband and wife duo who are also teachers. School begins next week!

Also this week, dive into Gilbert’s history, Society of Broken Souls closes the Goldfinch Room’s season, June Bugs sing at Roosevelt, emo makes a comeback at Mary Jane’s, city staff visit Tahira & Labh Hira Park and Point Break turns 35.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Music Tiny Deck Concert: Coffee Shop Romance 7 p.m. Friday, Wheatsfield Co-op Coffee Shop Romance features husband and wife duo James and Lisa Webb, both members of “Stranger than Fiction,” the wildly popular cover band made up of local English teachers. Coffee Shop Romance is a scaled-down collaboration featuring melodic songs, guitar, and clean vocals for your cozy listening pleasure. Read More

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Calendar of Events

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Live music
🎶 The Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase: Society of Broken Souls (roots) — 6 p.m., Reiman Gardens ($12+)

Wednesday, Aug. 19

🏘️ Neighborhood Connections Road Trip Stops: Tahira & Labh Hira Park
4 p.m., Tahira & Labh Hira Park — Residents of all ages are invited to stop by, meet neighbors, connect with city staff and elected officials, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere filled with activities, equipment displays, snacks and more. Each event is designed to help residents learn more about city services while having fun close to home. (Free)

🎥 Addiction Documentary & Discussion
7 p.m., Ames Public Library — Learn about how addiction impacts the brain and recovery as this Nova documentary explores why addiction is not a moral failing, but a chronic, treatable medical condition. A brief, engaging conversation will follow. (Free)

🎥 Point Break 35th Anniversary
7:15 p.m., Movies 12 — An FBI agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers. Starring Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey and Lori Petty. ($11.50)

Other events
Ames Low Vision Support Group — 2 p.m., Bethesda Lutheran Church

Thursday, Aug. 20

Live music and other events
🎶 Third Thursday Poetry Slam — 5:30 p.m., Octagon Center for the Arts (Free)
🎶 Creekbed Carter Hogan w/ Lyndsay Audra (folk) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($15/$20)
🎶 Third Thursday with Matt Woods (blues) — 7 p.m., London Underground

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Friday, Aug. 21

Live music
🎶 Craig Swalwell (rock) — 7 p.m., The Mucky Duck Pub
🎶 Emo’s Back! — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage ($17.85)

Saturday, Aug. 22

🌽 Main Street Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event comes from Nathan & Clay, with music by Heartland Sky.

Sunday, Aug. 23

📜 An Afternoon with Joseph T. Shepard: The Story of Gilbert
2 p.m., Gilbert High School Auditorium — What prompted one local farmer to donate land for a railroad? Join Iowa historian and storyteller Dave Baker for an engaging look at Gilbert's past through the eyes of Joseph T. Shepard and the generations who followed. (Free)

Live music
🎶 Summer Sundays: Jesse & The Medicine Men (jazz) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: June Bugs (covers) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)

On our radar

🍽️ Aug. 27: Taste of Campustown, Campustown businesses

🏈 Sept. 5: Iowa State vs. Southeast Missouri, Jack Trice Stadium

🎭 Sept. 10 to 20: Come from Away, Ames Community Theater

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🔎 Iowa State University is working more closely with industry partners in research as federal funding dropped this past fiscal year.

🌊 The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is almost finished but Ames will use unused park trail money and donations to cover a shortfall.

🦆 Photos: About 12,800 rubber ducks raced to the finish at the Duck Derby last week at Furman Aquatic Center.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we’re asking for your support because the need is real and immediate. Independent local news in Ames is growing, but so are the demands on our newsroom. Every week, more readers rely on us. More stories need to be told. More community moments deserve coverage. And we want to rise to meet that need.

But we can’t do it without you.

Every story we publish represents five hours of combined work from reporters and editors before it ever hits social media or your inbox. As a nonprofit newsroom, we don’t have corporate funding or advertising giants behind us. We have you — our readers, our neighbors, our community.

If you’ve ever opened one of our newsletters and felt more informed, more connected or more proud to live in Ames, we’re asking you to act today.

Your gift right now will:

• Keep our reporters in the field

• Expand our coverage into underserved corners of the community

• Support the editors who ensure accuracy and trust

• Help us transition from volunteer‑only reporting to paid stipends

• Strengthen the future of independent news in Story County

We’ve built something meaningful together over the last 18 months — nearly 400 stories, 1,200+ subscribers, partnerships with Iowa State University, internships and a growing network of community contributors.

How you can support this work today

• Make a one‑time gift of $17 in honor of National Nonprofit Day

• Or better yet, commit $17 per month to sustain our work year‑round

Your support today will shape what we’re able to do tomorrow.

If you believe Ames deserves strong, independent local journalism, please make a gift today. And if you know friends, family or colleagues — even those outside of Ames — who care about staying connected to this community, we’d be grateful if you shared the Ames Voice with them. Word‑of‑mouth support is one of the most powerful tools we have. Thank you for helping keep local journalism alive!

Looking ahead

We have an exciting stretch ahead for the Ames Voice. In the coming months, we’re expanding our youth sports coverage, giving families, athletes and coaches a dedicated space to celebrate the stories that shape childhood and community pride. We’re also preparing to launch our Power the Voice campaign — a new effort focused on strengthening and sustaining independent local journalism for years to come.

In October, we’ll celebrate our one‑year anniversary. It’s a milestone that reflects the trust this community has placed in us, and we’re eager to mark it with deeper reporting and more ways for readers to feel connected to the place they call home.

Your support today helps make all of this possible.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in nonprofit news and for helping build a stronger, better‑informed Ames.

 
Kevin Stow, Board President on behalf of the Ames Voice Board of Directors

Mission: The Ames Voice is dedicated to being the primary source of news and information for the Ames area, focusing on complete coverage that values local insights, diverse voices, and ethical reporting, while prioritizing community engagement and empowerment.

Happy Thursday!

We’re looking to hear your voice! If you haven’t seen already, we sent a quick readership survey for subscribers that covers items such as subjects you’d like to see more of in the Voice and news that you’re most interested in. Your feedback and input helps us improve your local news. And it’ll take you less than five minutes to complete.

As an independent nonprofit news organization, we rely on your help and generosity. We want to know what you find important and missing.

We will also have a drawing for a $25 gift card to Clayton Farms for everyone who completes the survey before Monday.

Our top story this week is about Iowa State University working more closely with industry partners in research since federal funding dropped by 30.4% ($73 million) this past fiscal year.

Also in this newsletter: There’s photos of rubber ducks racing at Furman Aquatic Center for the annual Duck Derby. The Ames School Board is adapting to new state legislation regarding student discipline, the Ames City Council is close to approving a new animal shelter, and the Fitch Aquatic project shifted funds to pay bills.

In sports, JaQuan Bailey reflects on his Cyclone career and NASCAR life. Community Voices profiles Kate Mitchell, an Ames schoolteacher whose career spanned more than 40 years.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

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Top Story

After many cuts to federal agency-sponsored research programs, researchers are adapting their studies to align more closely with the Trump Administration’s new priorities to receive grants. | Photo: Kyle Werner

ISU research funding shifts as federal dollars decline

Iowa State University is leaning into working more closely with industry partners in research as federal funding dropped by approximately $73 million this past fiscal year.

A key reason for the total of 30.4% in federal funding — from $240 million to $167 million — was the federal government shutdown that started on the first day of the current federal fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2025.

Agencies lost personnel, and by the time the government reopened in November, the holidays had begun. As a result, budgets weren’t organized until after the beginning of the new year. For Iowa State, that meant two quarters of external funding transpired without any federal funding.

“We want to be a trusted partner, to provide innovative and proactive solutions, and that means not just to the federal government, but to the state, and the resources that are provided to us,” said Peter Dorhout, vice president of research at Iowa State.

News

Ames City Council City council delays animal shelter vote by a week by Bill Monroe The Ames City Council is close to approving a brand-new animal shelter, but members want one more week to check the price before voting. Continue Reading

 

More from News

💧 Ames is shifting funds to cover a growing bill for the Fitch Aquatic Center, and the city council formed a special committee to study data centers.

📚 Ames schools are changing how student discipline is handled.

 

Civic Calendar

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Tue: Ames City Council workshop — 5:15 p.m., Ames Water Plant, 1800 East 13th St.

Wed: Planning & Zoning Commission — 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu: Ames Library Board of Trustees — 7 p.m., Dale H. Ross Board Room, Ames Public Library

Thu: Ames International Partner Cities Association — 5:30 p.m., virtual

Sat: CyRide 50th Anniversary Open House — 1 to 3 p.m., CyRide facility, 601 North University Blvd.

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Arts & Entertainment

Events Duck, duck, win: Photos of 12,800 racing for the finish at duck derby by Lara Jones Furman Aquatic Center was host of the fourth Duck Derby on Wednesday evening. About 12,800 ducks were released down a water slide to race around the lazy river. Continue Reading

Sports

NASCAR JaQuan Bailey reflects on Cyclone career, NASCAR life by Jared Larson The roar of engines at the Iowa Speedway is a different kind of thunder than the one JaQuan Bailey grew accustomed to at Jack Trice Stadium, but for the former Iowa State defensive standout, the high-stakes pressure of a race day feels exactly like home. Continue Reading

 

More from Sports

🏎️ The Big 12 is taking its brand to NASCAR in a new partnership that premiered last weekend.

Community Voices

People of Ames Ames Notables: Kate Mitchell by Ames History Museum Kate Mitchell came to Ames in 1911 to teach in the Ames public school system. Her focus was primary school, and the bulk of her 40+ year career was spent with Ames’ youngest scholars. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🎣 A longtime fishing trip to Canada became a story of courage and resilience.

In Other News

📖 Pub Fiction is bringing books, costumes and a good cause together. (Ames Tribune)

🔐 A new Iowa State initiative is preparing communities for cyber threats. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

🐾 Story County Animal Shelter maintains its no-kill status for a fourth year. (Story County)

🦋 Reiman Gardens had visitors help release butterflies into its butterfly wing. (Iowa State Daily)

🌪️ Tyrese Haliburton is coming home to Hilton Coliseum. (Des Moines Register)

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Tuesday!

And a kind reminder to fill out our readership survey if you haven’t already. It will take you less than five minutes, and the results will help us make your local news better.

This weekend’s highlight is the annual Senior Variety Show. This year, the show is celebrating its 30th year.

Also this week, pub crawls get literary, State Gym has art, Point Break turns 35 and ducks go to the derby.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Performing a scene from The Mikado. (Photo: Senior Variety Show)

Performance 30th Annual Senior Variety Show 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, Ames City Auditorium The Senior Variety Show, which began in 1995 as a one-time celebration of aging, is a beloved annual community tradition. Featuring humor, song and dance, 90 Story County seniors ages 60+ will take the stage this year to showcase their many talents. ($10/$12) Read More

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Calendar of Events

Tuesday, Aug. 11

🎥 Only Yesterday 35th Anniversary
7:30 p.m., Movies 12 — When 27-year-old Taeko escapes Tokyo for a trip to the countryside, the journey sends her drifting back to memories of childhood, first crushes and the awkwardness of growing up. ($11.50)

Live music and other events
🤔 Brains & Brews Trivia — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)
🤔 Trivia — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage
🎶 Anna p.s. & Jason Munday at Mary Jane's — 9 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage (Free)

Wednesday, Aug. 12

🎨 Art Walk: State Gym
3:10 p.m., State Gym — Iowa State athletics and recreation have long been central to the university’s culture of wellness and community. Dive into stories of artwork that fuels Cyclone spirit and discover how generations have kept campus energy swirling through competition, recreation and shared passion for the game.

🐤 Fourth Annual Scholarship Duck Derby
6:45 p.m., Furman Aquatic Center — Adopt a duck and watch as hundreds are sent down the water slide before racing around the lazy river. Prizes will be awarded to the winning ducks. ($5+)

Thursday, Aug. 13

🍻 Pub Fiction
5:30 p.m., Ames Public Library — Join the most literary pub crawl in Ames! Dress like your favorite book character (optional) and visit participating downtown Ames businesses, all with different themes and exclusive drink specials for participants. ($20)

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Friday, Aug. 14

Live music
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Perfect Strangers (alternative, rock) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)
🎶 The Bone People (jazz, R&B) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($7/$10)
🎶 Fred Love (cowpunk) — 7 p.m., The Mucky Duck Pub
🎶 Live at the Railyard: Matt Woods Roots Band (blues) — 6 p.m., Cornbred

Saturday, Aug. 15

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week there will be music from Redzband.

🥾 Veterans Hike with Ruck Iowa
10 a.m., Southeast Recreation Complex — Lace up for an easy-going hike through the heart of Ames, open to veterans of all ages and abilities. Set your own pace as we step together with relaxing stops at local parks and establishments along the way. Registration is required.

Live music
🎶 Morgana Moon & The Damned Saints (soul, blues) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($12/$15)

Sunday, Aug. 16

🎥 Point Break 35th Anniversary
7:15 p.m., Movies 12 — An F.B.I. Agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers. Starring Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey and Lori Petty.

Live music
🎶 Summer Sundays: Indigo Monks (jazz) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: The Get Down (Motown, soul) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)

On our radar

🍽️ Aug. 27: Taste of Campustown, Campustown businesses

☀️ Aug. 28: August Planetarium Show: The Sun, ISU Planetarium

🏈 Sept. 5: Iowa State vs. Southeast Missouri, Jack Trice Stadium

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🍽️ Gilbert teenager Atesh McKilligan wants to stamp out food insecurity.

🏙️ The CyTown project will have its groundbreaking this fall, but its completion has been pushed back into 2028.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Hello Ames Voice subscribers!

During our first year, we've gotten some feedback on our news coverage and had a steady stream of story ideas and press releases come our way. For that, we are grateful.

But now we want to hear your voice. Therefore, below you will find a link to a quick readership survey that'll take you 3 to 5 minutes to complete. It includes topics such as news you are most interested in and subjects you’d like to see more of in the Voice.

Completing this survey helps us better understand who our subscribers are and what you all value. As an independent nonprofit news organization, we rely on your help and generosity. We want to know what you find important and missing.

🎁: There will also be a drawing for a $25 gift card to Clayton Farms for everyone who completes the survey within the next week.

 
We look forward to your responses!
Ames Voice Staff

Happy Thursday!

It’s that time of year when everyone, including me, questions how the heck it’s already August. I’m still convinced summer just started 🙂‍↕️. But hey, there’s still plenty of summer to enjoy ☀️!

In today’s newsletter, our top story is about a 13-year-old student’s goal to solve food insecurity. For the 2026 National Civics Spelling Bee competition, Atesh McKilligan drafted an essay detailing an initiative he hopes will bring food back to families.

We also have a story from the Iowa State Daily profiling the group pushing back against the Ames’ proposed data center. CyTown’s opening is delayed to 2028 and the Rolling Hills Music Festival brings a full weekend of music rooted in Iowa's history to Ames.

In Community Voices, one of our founding leaders reflects on his sobering experience with the Ontario wildfires and a family's remarkable courage.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Welcome to Our Newest Founding Voice: Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care!

We are thrilled to introduce Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care as the newest member of our Founding Voices program. For years, Grandon has been defined by trust, integrity, and a deep dedication to serving families during life's most significant moments right here in Story County.

Our Founding Voice partners are those cornerstone businesses in Ames and Story County who step up to make a transformative financial commitment to help us launch — along with an ongoing advertising commitment to help sustain independent local reporting.

Grandon’s generous commitment helps ensure that independent, nonprofit community journalism continues to thrive in Ames and Story County, while also helping us officially launch the Ames Voice Obituary Page to honor and celebrate the lives of our neighbors.

We want to extend a special note of recognition and gratitude to Mike Ewing and the entire team at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care. Beyond running a compassionate local business, their work reflects a deeply rooted commitment to serving our residents and strengthening the ties that make our community feel like home — values that sit at the very heart of our newsroom.

Thank you to the team at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care for believing in our mission and investing in the future of local news!

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Top Story

Atesh McKilligan presents his speech for helping solve food insecurity | Photo courtesy: Seda McKilligan

Young Gilbert resident fights for a food-secure future

Families go hungry. Stores throw out food that has never been bought and will never be touched. Stomachs remain painfully grumbling as food insecurity lives to damage another day.

For 13-year-old Gilbert resident Atesh McKilligan, now is the time to change this.

For the 2026 National Civics Spelling Bee competition, McKilligan drafted an essay detailing an initiative he hopes will bring food back to families.

“I came up with it when researching different issues relating to Iowa in general, and I realized that one in eight people in Iowa suffer from food insecurity,” McKilligan said. “I thought it would be a huge problem to tackle, but I thought it would be doable by starting small in a community and scaling it here.”

News

City of Ames The activist organization against the Ames data center by Dean Pope, Iowa State Daily The community efforts against the possible data center have brought together much of Ames and the surrounding communities, spearheaded by the Heart of Iowa Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Continue Reading

Iowa State University Iowa State University CyTown project delayed to 2028 with groundbreaking this fall by Brooklyn Draisey, Iowa Capital Dispatch Members of the Iowa Board of Regents have been invited to CyTown’s groundbreaking at Iowa State University this fall, though the timeline for the development’s completion has been pushed back into 2028. Continue Reading

 

More from Story County

🚀 CYstarters is helping the next generation of entrepreneurs take off.

⚡️ Ames hit pause on new data centers for the next nine months.

 

Civic Calendar

Mon: Ames School Board Regular Meeting — 5:30 p.m., District Office, Board Room

Mon: Story County Conservation Board — 5:30 p.m., Story County Conservation Center, McFarland Park

Mon: Historic Preservation Commission Meeting — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Tue: Ames City Council — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Wed: Zoning Board of Adjustment — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

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Arts & Entertainment

Music Rolling Hills festival celebrates Iowa’s music history, community by Kate Laffey Ari Dubin grew up in Ames before leaving for college and living a few years on both the east and west coasts in her career as a violinist. Continue Reading

More from A&E

🎶 Art and community take center stage at an Ames open mic.

📚 Reading and exercise come together in this specialty Ames book club.

Community Voices

Perspectives When the fish aren't what you remember by Al Weber As my friend and I headed home from this year’s adventure, the fish weren't what stayed with us. Instead, we found ourselves thinking about the Sawyer family, fourth-generation owners of the camps, and the courage they displayed as raging forest fires forced the evacuation of guests, threatened their livelihood and came within a quarter of a mile from everything generations of their family built. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🌪️ Meet the man behind the Cyclones' iconic nickname.

 

In Other News

⚖️ A former ISU graduate student with disabilities is accusing the university of harassing and retaliating against her. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

🚦 Construction for turn lanes at the 13th Street and Grand Ave. intersection is set to start in 2028, but the city must first acquire 12 nearby properties. (Ames Tribune)

🖌️ Ames is seeking a new member for its Public Art Commission. (City of Ames)

🖼️ Visitors to the Iowa State University exhibit at the 2026 Iowa State Fair will take a trip down memory lane from the 1960s through today. (ISU News Service)

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Tuesday!

The Rolling Hills Music Festival is a new classical musical event that spotlights local musicians and Iowa’s music history. The weekend event is helmed by Ames native and violinist Ari Dubin and spans five concerts over four days.

Also this week, the symphony plays tunes outdoors, Danny Grause provides Sunday music, salsa will be judged at the farmers’ market and families escape, Renaissance style.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Top Story

Ames native and violinist Ari Dubin is helming the Rolling Hills Music Festival, a weekend celebration of music at a variety of local places. (Photo: Ari Dubin)

Rolling Hills festival celebrates Iowa’s music history, community

Ari Dubin grew up in Ames before leaving for college and living a few years on both the east and west coasts in her career as a violinist. But after recently having a baby, Dubin found herself back in Ames — and rediscovering its charms.

“I was living life, going to the park, Reiman Gardens, and I found myself feeling really inspired. It’s so nice here, and what if there was a concert?” Dubin said.

The result is the Rolling Hills Music Festival, Ames’ first classical music festival. Featuring Iowa musicians and composers, the festival begins Thursday with a concert at McFarland Park and concludes Sunday with a children’s concert.

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Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🗝️ Renaissance Festival Escape Room
3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Ames Public Library — Prithee gather your friends and work together to collect clues and solve puzzles with a renaissance theme! Huzzah! This escape room experience is for families or teens in groups of 2 to 5 individuals. (Free)

🎶 Rolling Hills Music Festival
Thursday through Sunday, various locations — Experience homegrown classical music in the heart of Iowa with five events across four days. Music in the park, an ensemble music performance, a family concert and even joining musicians with your own instrument are on the schedule.

• A Walk in the Park — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, McFarland Park

• Homeward Bound — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Reliable Street Art Gallery

• Community Play-Along — 1 p.m. Saturday, Ames History Museum

• Iowan Sounds — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames

• Children’s Concert — 3 p.m. Sunday, Ames Public Library

Tuesday, Aug. 4

Live music
🎶 Larry & Joe – An Evening of Latingrass (Venezuelan, Appalachian) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($15/$20)

Wednesday, Aug. 5

🎥 Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
10 a.m., Movies 12 — Gabby and Grandma Gigi’s road trip takes an unexpected turn when Gabby’s prized dollhouse ends up with eccentric cat lady Vera. Gabby embarks on an adventure to reunite the Gabby Cats and retrieve her beloved dollhouse before it’s too late. ($1.75)

🎥 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 55th Anniversary
4 p.m., Movies 12 — A poor but hopeful boy seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) mysterious chocolate factory. ($11.50)

More events
🎤 Open Mic — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)

Thursday, Aug. 6

🎻 Summer Symphony Concert
8 p.m., Bandshell Park — It’s time for some summer symphony in the park! Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and relax and enjoy some music from The King and I, Hamilton, The Music Man and Raiders of the Lost Ark as well as music by Boccherini, Puccini and Mozart. (Free)

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Friday, Aug. 7

Live music
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Todd Partridge (blues, folk) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)
🎶 Right Hand Red / Kyanite (prog, punk) — 9 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage ($5)

Saturday, Aug. 8

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special events are Joyful Colorz Face Painting and the Bookmobile as well as a salsa contest. There will also be music from Asphalt & Stained Glass.

Live music
🎶 Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (bluegrass) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($20/$25)
🎶 Dang Felton (soul, folk) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage ($5)

Sunday, Aug. 9

Live music
🎶 Sunday Music at Prairie Moon: Danny Grause (country, soul) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: Matt Terronez Band (funk jazz, rock) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)

On our radar

🎭 Aug. 14 and 15: 30th Annual Senior Variety Show, Ames City Auditorium

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🎤 Alluvial Brewing’s open mic nights feature locals sharing their music and poetry.

🔊 The book club WALK lets people get to walking while listening to audio books.

⚡ The Ames City Council voted for a nine-month pause on new data center projects while the city studies them.

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the cool weather when we had it and are managing this week’s heat so far. My advice still stands: treat yourself to a cold drink or ice cream 🍨.

This Saturday, the Voice will have a booth at the Main Street Farmers’ Market. Please stop by! We’d love to meet more of our subscribers☺️. Also, if you haven’t visited Rummage RAMPage yet, there’s still a couple days left! Check out our photo gallery in the newsletter for more information.

In today’s newsletter, our top story follows entrepreneurs as they share what it took to start their businesses and how CYstarters helped lay the foundation for their success. This year’s CYstarter entrepreneurs work showcase their work later today at ISU Research Park.

The Ames City Council put a pause on data center decisions for nine months and Ames took a major step toward building its new Municipal Energy Center. Dog-Eared Books has a monthly audiobook walking club while the community shares its interests with open mic night at Alluvial Brewing.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

The Ames Voice thanks its advertisers. | Become one

Top Story

CYstarters is an 11-week summer program for ISU students or recent graduates. | Photo: CYstarters

CYstarters: Fostering a foundation for new entrepreneurs

Startups are hard, no matter what age a new business owner is. For students who want to launch their own business, CYstarters provides the resources and some funding.

Clayton Mooney and Megan Sweere, Iowa State University alumni and members of the first CYstarters cohort in 2016, can look back at their early startup days and use what they learned to teach entrepreneurship to current students.

Clayton Mooney, founder of Clayton Farms, was with his previous company KinoSola during the first CYstarters program. Now Mooney gives back to the organization through his guidance and donations.

“Startups are hard — nine out of every 10 fail,” Mooney said. “So finding your calling in an accelerator program, to me, that’s why I think CYstarters is the best accelerator in the state because they give you money to live off of to test your ideas, and they don’t take equity. It’s a heck of a deal.”

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News

Ames City Council Ames Council sets pause on data centers for 9 months by Bill Monroe In a 4-2 decision, the Ames City Council voted for a nine-month pause on new data center projects while the city studies how the fast‑growing industry affects neighborhoods, utilities and future development. Continue Reading

 

More from Story County

🔌 Ames approved millions in contracts for its future energy center.

⚡️ The conversation around a proposed Ames data center keeps evolving.

 

Civic Calendar

Mon: Building Board of Appeals — 4 p.m., Room 235, Ames City Hall

Mon: Commission on the Arts — 5 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Tue: Public Art Commission — 5:30 p.m., Room 235, Ames City Hall

Wed: Planning & Zoning Commission — 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu: Property Maintenance Appeals Board — 4 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu: Public Nuisance Appeals Board — 5 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Sustainability Photos: Community hunts for Rummage RAMPage treasures by Brittany Huston Rummage RAMPage kicked off last weekend, offering the community a second-hand sale that keeps reusable items out of the waste stream. Continue Reading

Arts and Entertainment

Books Exercising while reading by Lara Jones Book lovers combine the art of exercise with the joy of listening in an all-genre audiobook-walking club. Continue Reading

Performance Open mic and sharing community through art by Kate Laffey While local musician Adam Kindred recently opened Alluvial’s open mic night with his original song “The Suckiest Open Mic in All of Iowa,” his point is actually that no one actually sucks. Continue Reading

In Other News

⚖️ An Iowa State professor is suing the university over pay equity. (Des Moines Register)

🌪️ Take a look back at Jamie Pollard's biggest moments at Iowa State. (Iowa State Daily)

🌟 Supporting children with autism is driving innovation at an Ames startup.(Ames Tribune)

🐾 A kitten is safe after getting stuck behind a car's grille at an Ames Scooter's. (We Are Iowa)

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy moving week! And stay hydrated.

This week’s highlight is the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market. We are at the halfway point of its 2026 season, and this Saturday, the Ames Voice will have a tent. If you are out and about, stop by and say hello. We’ll also have some family-friendly giveaways. The Voice will be at the farmers’ market again on Aug. 15 and 29.

Also this week, Rummage RAMPage continues, Ames Municipal Band’s summer season comes to a close, walk with some Grant Wood art, paint at McFarland Park and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 55.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Community Main Street Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street This week’s special event is the return of the Hovick Family Petting Zoo and music from Dixie Slicks. The Ames Voice will also have a tent set up, so stop by and say hi! We’ll have some kid-friendly giveaways, too. Read More

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Calendar of Events

Ongoing

🪑 Rummage RAMPage
Through Saturday, Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward — This community-wide, second-hand sale keeps reusable items out of the waste stream. People donate unwanted, usable items to Rummage RAMPage. Nonprofit agencies send volunteers to run the sale. Anyone can purchase items, which are priced to sell.

Tuesday, July 28

🎥 Echoes of Resilience: LGBTQ+ Experiences in the U.S. — The Believers: The First Transgender Gospel Choir
6 p.m., Ames Public Library — Set against the story of the Transcendence Gospel Choir’s founding, the documentary reveals the lives of its members, including Tom, once a radical lesbian feminist. (Free)

Live music
🎶 The Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase: Beggars’ Bargain (indie folk) — 6 p.m., Reiman Gardens ($12+)

Wednesday, July 29

🎥 Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids: The Bad Guys 2
10 a.m., Movies 12 — The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do "one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals. ($1.75)

🎨 Art Walk: Art for ISU with Grant Wood
Noon, Parks Library — Join University Museums in Iowa State University’s Parks Library, home of the largest works of art designed by renowned American Regionalist artist Grant Wood. This free guided tour explores his 1930s murals, created through the Public Works of Art Project and brought to life with the help of Iowa artists who had exhibited at the Iowa State Fair. (Free)

Thursday, July 30

Live music
🎶 Kelli Rae Powell / Ben Schrag & The Cautionaries (folk, indie) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($5)
🎶 Ames Municipal Band — 8 p.m., Bandshell Park (Free)

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Friday, July 31

🎨 Painting in the Park
5:30 p.m., McFarland Park — Nature, art and conservation create a beautiful synergy in this fun painting series. Join naturalist Amber for step-by-step gouache painting (a method of painting using opaque pigments ground in water and thickened with a gluelike substance) instruction while discovering some of the park’s unique features. This family-friendly program is designed for ages 8 and up. All materials are provided. ($20)

Live music
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Day Ashworth (classic rock, pop) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)
🎶 Astro Brat / Bat Problem / Branton Dean (rock, punk rock) — 9 p.m., Mary Jane’s ($10)

Saturday, Aug. 1

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event is the return of the Hovick Family Petting Zoo. There will also be music from Dixie Slicks.

🎉 Reliable Street Block Party
5 p.m., 4625 Reliable St. — All ages are invited for a talent show, battle of the bands and a concert from the Reliable Street Band. Lots of other fun activities including demonstrations from Sidetrack Skateshop, The Guardians of the Black Forest, Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, DJ Mouthbrooder and more. (Free)

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (via Giphy)

Sunday, Aug. 2

🎥 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 55th Anniversary
4 p.m., Movies 12 — A poor but hopeful boy seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) mysterious chocolate factory. The movie will also play on Aug. 5. ($11.50)

Live music
🎶 Sunday Music at Prairie Moon: Fred Love (Americana, punk rock) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: James Tutson (blues) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)
🎶 Cameron McCallister (rock, punk) — 7 p.m., Mary Jane’s (Free)

On our radar

🎶 Aug 6 to 9: Rolling Hills Music Festival, various Ames locations

🎭 Aug. 14 and 15: 30th Annual Senior Variety Show, Ames City Auditorium

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🐔 Red Granite Farms, a Main Street Farmers’ Market vendor, uses its local produce to educate and help the community go beyond the convenience of commercial grocery shopping.

🏈 Former Cyclone Andrew Mevis has found success as a part of the Green Bay Blizzard, an Indoor Football League team.

🌪️ Dr. Thomas Rice was the Iowa State football team manager in 1895 when the team got their name “Cyclones.”

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Become a volunteer! There are opportunities the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

Happy Thursday!

I hope everyone had a chance to see the RAGBRAI riders pass through Story County yesterday. 🚴

My garden finally has some cherry tomatoes growing, and I got to pick some yesterday. It’s fun seeing something you plant grow throughout the summer.

In today’s newsletter, our top story features how Red Granite Farms educates the community with its local produce.

Also, the city hired an outside expert to watch over the new fire station construction and former Cyclone Andrew Mevis is finding success in Green Bay. Community Voices profiles Thomas Rice, who was the football team manager when Iowa State was first called the Cyclones.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for your continued support,

 
Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

The Ames Voice thanks its advertisers. | Become one

Top Story

People browse and purchase items from Red Granite Farms’ booth. | Photo: Lara Jones

Red Granite Farms: Educating the community with local produce

For the owners of Red Granite Farms, the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is a platform to showcase local produce and help the community go beyond the convenience of commercial grocery shopping.

“My kids always say something just tastes better when you grow it yourself, so we want to share that with people. We want to share the bounty of what we grow,” said Nicole Jonas. She has owned and operated Red Granite Farms alongside her husband, Steve, for the past 20 years.

Located at 2013 130th St. near Boone and spanning five-plus acres, Red Granite Farms offers a multitude of fruit and vegetable produce, a perennial plant center and a coop with hundreds of chickens.​

Both Nicole and Steve were raised on traditional row crop farms. After earning horticulture degrees from Iowa State, the couple turned their eyes to owning a farm themselves.​

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News

City of Ames Ames to hire outside expert to watch over new fire station by Bill Monroe The Ames City Council approved a $95,000 agreement with a construction adviser to monitor the new fire station project, ensuring the work stays on budget and on schedule. Continue Reading

 

More from Story County

🐾 A mobile euthanasia service service gives families the chance to say goodbye to their pets at home.

⚡️ Ames City Council delayed its decision about a proposed data center until it gathers more information about its impact.

Civic Calendar

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Tue: Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees — noon, Atrium A, 1111 Duff Ave.

Tue: Ames City Council — 6 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Sports

Indoor Football League Former Cyclone finds success in Green Bay by Jared Larson In the Indoor Football League (IFL), a touchdown and subsequent kick typically equal seven points, but Andrew Mevis has mastered a method to create a nine-point swing. Continue Reading

Community Voices

People of Ames Ames Notables: Thomas Rice by Ames History Museum Dr. Thomas Rice came to Ames when he transferred to Iowa State College where he would graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🌿 Dakins Lake, Story County's first conservation park, features several campsites with electricity and water and is great for stargazing at night.

In Other News

🚴 See RAGBRAI riders roll through Gilbert from above. (Des Moines Register)

🕺 Iowa City's LGBTQ nightclub Studio 13 is planning to open an Ames establishment in August. (Ames Tribune)

📸 Rapper Post Malone stopped by an Ames Walmart ahead of his Friday concert at Jack Trice Stadium. Some fans got a chance to take photos with him. (KCCI)

🚀 Iowa State University will help lead cutting-edge energy research. (ISU News Service)

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

Sign up for the Voice and receive our 2 newsletters for free every week to your inbox.

Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

It’s been hotter than hot. “Hot, hot, hot!” as DJ Ruby Rhod would say.

While this cooling might not last into next weekend, it is time for the city’s annual Rummage RAMPage where second-hand items get another chance instead of going in the garbage. We are just over a week from move in/move out days, so this is a time to unload before you move or furnish your new residence. The sale also benefits local nonprofits.

Also this week, DJ Ruby and The Fifth Element return to the big screen, Monkey Syndicate goes to the Railyard, documentarian Brittany Prater talks about filmmaking and Ben Schrag goes to the Tiny Deck.

 
Anthony Capps, Editor
news@amesvoice.com

Have an event to share? Email the event information (what, where, when, summary, cost) to news@amesvoice.com. Including a link — even a Facebook event — and/or related photos we could use are a big plus. Deadline: 3 p.m. Friday is the cutoff to submit for the following Tuesday’s Ames, Set, Go!

Event Spotlight

Charity Rummage RAMPage Friday, July 24, through Saturday, Aug. 1, Ames Intermodal Facility This community-wide, second-hand sale keeps reusable items out of the waste stream. People donate unwanted, usable items to Rummage RAMPage. Nonprofit agencies send volunteers to run the sale. Anyone can purchase items, which are priced to sell. Item dropoff begins Friday and the sale begins Saturday. Read More

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Calendar of Events

Tuesday, July 21

🎥 Echoes of Resilience: LGBTQ+ Experiences in the U.S. — We Were Here
6 p.m., Ames Public Library — A deep and reflective look at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco and how individuals rose to the occasion during the first years of this unimaginable crisis. (Free)

Wednesday, July 22

🎥 Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids: How to Train Your Dragon
10 a.m., Movies 12 — As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together. This is the recent live-action adaptation. ($1.75)

🎥 Doc Talk: Brittany Prater
7 p.m., KHOI — Ames-based filmmaker Brittany Prater, director of Uranium Derby and founder of Cornfield Productions LLC, will talk about the craft of documentary filmmaking and share clips of her work. (Free)

Live music
🎶 When We Met / Ben Schrag (indie rock) — 8 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage

Thursday, July 23

💰 Back Alley Bingo
7 p.m., Daisy's Dog House — Hosted by Vanessa Taylor, this bingo night has your bingo cards and daubers ready, all you need is a moral compass that’s already slightly bent. (Free)

Live music
🎶 Ames Municipal Band with Dean Landhuis — 8 p.m., Bandshell Park (Free)

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Friday, July 24

Live music
🎶 Chicken Wire Empire (bluegrass) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing ($15/$20)
🎶 Craig Swalwell (classic rock) — 7 p.m., Mucky Duck
🎶 Tiny Deck Concert: Ben Schrag & the Cautionaries (funk, jazz, R&B) — 7 p.m., Wheatsfield Co-op (Free)
🎶 Morgana Moon & The Damned Saints / Jeff Schipull (blues, soul) — 9 p.m., Mary Jane’s Bar & Stage

Saturday, July 25

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Main Street — This week’s special event is Meyer’s Pony Rides. There will also be music from Miles Morgan.

Live music
🎶 The Keen (alt-country, rock) — 7 p.m., Alluvial Brewing (Free)
🎶 Live at The Railyard: Monkey Syndicate — 6 p.m., Cornbred Barbecue

The Fifth Element (via Giphy)

Sunday, July 26

🎥 The Fifth Element
4 p.m., Movies 12 — In the colorful future, cabdriver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep the evil Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) at bay. ($11.50)

Live music
🎶 Roosevelt Summer Sundays: Jason Danielson & Friends (jazz) — 7 p.m., Roosevelt Park (Free)
🎶 Sunday Music at Prairie Moon: Stranger Than Fiction (rock, blues) — 3 p.m., Prairie Moon Winery ($5)

Monday, July 27

Other events
🎥 The Fifth Element — 7 p.m., Movies 12 ($11.50)

On our radar

🎨 July 29: Art Walk: Art for ISU with Grant Wood, Parks Library

🎶 Aug 6 to 9: Rolling Hills Music Festival, various Ames locations

🎭 Aug. 14 and 15: 30th Annual Senior Variety Show, Ames City Auditorium

In Case You Missed It

Recent headlines from the Ames Voice

🍄 A baby gnome sculpture was recently unveiled at Reiman Gardens. The public is invited to help name it.

⚡ The Ames City Council delayed a decision about a proposed data center until representatives get more answers to residents’ concerns.

🚧 Two summer road construction projects on Bloomington Road and South 16th Street are reshaping Ames traffic this summer.

🏃‍♀️ The annual race Midnight Madness returned for its 55th year of 5K fun.

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Happy Thursday!

I hope everyone is staying cool and hydrated during this July heatwave. My favorite method to beat the heat is a tasty iced drink or treating myself to some ice cream. 🍦

In today’s newsletter, our top story is about Reiman Gardens’ new baby gnome, who needs a “gname.”

Also, the city council delayed its decision on whether to approve or reject a data center and decided to stain the indoor aquatic center, even though the contractor says it may sue the city over the fix.

A vet is offering mobile euthanasia services so families can say goodbye to their pets at home, and the Ames girls softball season ended Saturday with a loss to Des Moines Roosevelt. Community Voices profiles Dakins Lake, a great place for camping and stargazing.

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Thank you for your continued support,

Amber Mohmand, News Editor
news@amesvoice.com

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Top Story

Reiman Gardens recently unveiled its new permanent baby gnome (who still needs a name). (Photo: Rick Bartosh/Reiman Gardens)

Reiman Gardens unveils a baby gnome and you can help ‘gname the gnome’

Reiman Gardens recently welcomed a new baby.

The public gardens unveiled a new permanent baby gnome sculpture last week as part of its 2026 “Big and Small” exhibit.

Unveiled during an “ungnoming” ceremony, the baby sculpture sits right next to Elwood, the world’s largest concrete gnome, and gives visitors a new garden attraction to see.

Garden officials said the addition was an excellent fit for this year’s exhibit.

“We thought that a baby gnome would be the perfect complement to Elwood,” said Andrew Gogerty, the marketing and communications director for Reiman Gardens. “We already have a big piece in Elwood, so it just made sense to add a small piece to go along with him.”

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News

City Council Ames Council delays decision on proposed data center by Bill Monroe The Ames City Council delayed a decision about a proposed data center until representatives get more answers to residents’ concerns that range from noise to rising utility costs. Continue Reading

 

City of Ames At-home pet euthanasia comes to Ames through CodaPet by Lara Jones Families can give their pets a final goodbye in the comfort of their home after a mobile euthanasia service expands throughout central Iowa. Continue Reading

 

More from Story County

🏛️ Ames is moving forward with the aquatic center fix despite a legal threat from the contractor.

🚧 Summer road construction is reshaping traffic on Bloomington Road and South 16th Street.

 

Civic Calendar

Tue: Board of Supervisors — 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)

Thu (July 23) : Civil Service Commission — 8:15 a.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu (July 23): Ames Human Relations Commission — 5:30 p.m., Room 235, Ames City Hall

Arts & Entertainment

Ames Events When the clock strikes: Midnight Madness by Lara Jones The Ames annual road race Midnight Madness returned for its 55th year of 5K fun last Friday, bringing folks back to its summer Ames tradition. Continue Reading

 

More from A&E

🖼️ David Schmitz was names as the new director and chief curator of University Museums.

Sports

Girls Softball Ames finishes season at No. 10 Des Moines Roosevelt by Jared Larson The Ames girls softball season came to an end Saturday as the Little Cyclones were shut out 8-0 by No. 10 Des Moines Roosevelt in Class 5A – Region 3 postseason action. Continue Reading

 

More from Sports

🏈 Former Cyclone Andrew Mevis added 17 points for Green Bay in its victory over the Iowa Barnstormers.

Community Voices

Story County Conservation The Outside Story: Dakins Lake by Jim Colbert In 1960, Dakins Lake was the first park acquired by Story County Conservation. Currently, the park consists of 103 acres, including two lakes totaling 20 acres. Continue Reading

 

More from Community Voices

🏛️ Maria Pearson helped transform protections for Native American burial sites.

In Other News

🏈 ISU athletics director Jamie Pollard plans to retire in June 2027 after more than 20 years at the helm. (ESPN)

🐔 The Coop Chicken Fingers is now expanding into Kansas and across Iowa (Ames Tribune)

🎁 An Ames couple keeps their son’s spirit alive through Warrior Wagons, which provides newly diagnosed childhood cancer families with practical items, toys and comfort goods. (Des Moines Register)

⚕️ Those with a brick or plaque at the Israel Family Hospice House are asked to fill out a form to retrieve them. (MGMC)

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Have a news tip or idea? Something on your mind, you saw or want to know more about it — let us know.

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