I didn’t ever imagine myself in journalism, but I found my love for learning and writing during my first year at Simpson, and it’s stuck ever since. I interned with The Indianola Independent Advocate for about a year as they started to ramp things up in 2022 after starting from scratch. I then interned at the Des Moines Register with the Communities team for a year and a half and got to work on all sorts of stories — and now I’m here!

I’ve fallen in love with the ways of Iowa and telling the stories that matter to everyday Iowans. From feel-good stories, to breaking news, to celebrations, and even telling the stories of the past.

But at the Voice, I get to work with new faces and learn more about the community that I’m still learning more about every day. I also get to tell you the stories of Ames’ history, all things Iowa State, and things that are happening in our community’s school system.

I’m excited to meet more people and learn more about Ames through my reporting. If you have a story idea, questions, or concerns, don’t ever hesitate to reach out!

Enjoy this week’s newsletter!

Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter
[email protected]

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Now, time for this week’s news!

Top Story

JAX campus gets new life as hub for area nonprofits

by Kyle Werner | Published on July 24, 2025

As one door closes, another one opens.

For three Ames nonprofits, a door into collaboration and unity will open in West Ames as JAX Outdoor Gear closes its doors.

Friendship Ark, the Arc of Story County and Overflow will gain over 21,000 square feet as they move into the JAX campus, 4723 Lincoln Way, later this year as JAX ends its 70-year occupancy at the location.

When they learned the space was available earlier this year, the three Ames-based nonprofits decided to make the move to expand services and space, which will operate as administrative offices, meeting space, recreational facilities and a new thrift store.

“We both found out that JAX was interested in selling at about the same time, and found out that each other was interested,” said Jennifer Ellis, CEO of Friendship Ark. “And so we just kind of came together and said, ‘Hey, can we do something here collaboratively?’ and the idea of the not-for-profit campus kind of worked with that property.”

Prior to the announcement of the future transformation of the JAX campus, the organizations had not worked together but had an overlap of clients and volunteers.

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