Good morning Ames! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Mind Over Miles 5k Run Walk and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Pedestrian critically injured after being struck by train in Iowa (northiowatoday.com) — A pedestrian was critically injured early Wednesday when they were struck by a train at the Clark Avenue railroad crossing in Ames, drawing a major response from local police and Mary Greeley paramedics. The victim was stabilized on scene and taken to a Des Moines trauma center, while Ames police continue investigating and are asking anyone with information to contact the department or Crime Stoppers.
2. Ames Airport Project Will Require Runway Rotation, Closures In 2027 (aero-news.net) — Ames residents should expect significant flight disruptions in 2027 as the James Herman Banning Ames Municipal Airport rebuilds its main runway, closing it April through October and shutting all flight operations July through September. Funded largely by FAA grants, the $23 million project will fully reconstruct Runway 1-19 and parts of the taxiways, with work continuing into 2028.
3. ISU Blood Drive: Saving lives in times of shortage (iowastatedaily.com) — Iowa State's massive student-run blood drive is inviting Ames residents and students to donate at the Memorial Union Monday through Thursday, helping ease a national blood shortage. Organizers say donations are especially critical in Iowa, where high cancer rates mean local patients rely heavily on Red Cross supplies supported by this Ames-based effort.
4. ISU President David Cook announces 'moonshot' goals for future of university (kcrg.com) — In Ames, new Iowa State University President David Cook laid out ambitious "moonshot" goals to make ISU a top‑20 public land‑grant university and boost its economic impact to $8 billion by 2032. His plan centers on growing enrollment, expanding research, increasing debt‑free graduates, and strengthening ties to Iowa's workforce, with local students, staff, and officials urged to think bigger about ISU's future.
5. New online resource map helps connect Iowa landowners with conservation, environmental professionals (iowadnr.gov) — Based out of Ames State University Extension has launched a new Iowa Conservation Professionals Map to help landowners quickly find local experts on soil, water, and habitat projects. Ames‑area farmers and property owners can now enter an address to see nearby specialists, get technical guidance, and connect with funding sources to move conservation ideas from interest to action.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Ames! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Ames Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.