Your Ames Voice

Thursday, September 25, 2025

September 25, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

The campaign season is officially underway!

With filing deadlines closed for the Nov. 4th Ames school and city elections, we have the full rundown of who you can expect to see on your ballot, including school board candidates and city council members.

This week, we're also covering the proposed 1.5% increase in Ames electric rates, a community effort to reduce falls in Story County and a look at the facility issues found at Iowa State's Knoll residence.

Read on for all the details, plus a full schedule of local events happening this weekend!


Editors: Anthony Capps & Amber Mohmand
[email protected]

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Top Story

Ames School Board members, from left to right, Kelly Winfrey, Arthur Baumgartner and Aaron Rodriguez have announced they are seeking another term. Far Right, Ames resident Jennifer Tipton is also seeking a seat on the board.

Who will be on this year’s ballot for school board elections?

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter | Published on Sept. 24, 2025

Filing deadlines have come and gone to be on the ballot for the Nov. 4 Ames school and city elections.

Four school board candidates, some with familiar names, filed to run for election. Others decided against seeking reelection. Three city council members announced their bids for reelection earlier this summer.

 

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City of Ames

Community group partners to reduce falls

by Michael Kitchell | Staff Reporter

EDITOR'S NOTE: Michael Kitchell is one of the 22 members of the Story County Falls Prevention Coalition.

A few years ago, Dr. Sherri Flugrad, an emergency room physician, asked Matt Peterson, director of physical therapy at Mary Greeley Medical Center, if he had any ideas on how they could reduce the number and severity of falls in the community.

Ames electric rates may be going up 1.5% soon

by Bill Monroe | Staff Reporter

The Ames City Council voted on Tuesday to have the city attorney draft language to change the city code to enable Ames Electric Services to raise electricity rates by 1.5% for all customers starting after the summer season this year, then bring the matter to the council for future consideration.

 

More from City of Ames

Iowa State University

Aging Knoll residence shows issues in Regent analysis

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter

The Iowa State University president’s home was found to have several issues — most associated with aging homes — by a facility analysis completed by the Iowa Board of Regents.

More from Iowa State University

 

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Events and Activities

Thursday, Sept. 25

😂 Preacher Lawson
 7 p.m. | Stephens Auditorium 
Comedian Preacher Lawson returns to Ames and is joined by his mother and brother, Justin. Lawson is best known for his appearance on America’s Got Talent where he made it to the final round. He returned in America’s Got Talent: The Champions.
$38+

Friday, Sept. 26

🎸 The Beijing Guitar Duo
7:30 p.m. | First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave. 
Meng Su and Yameng Wang formed their duo in 2009. Acclaimed both as soloists and a duo, they have earned numerous awards and performed at leading venues worldwide, including the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing and Carnegie Hall. This concert kicks off the Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association’s new season.
$35 adults, free for students

Saturday, Sept. 27

🌱 EcoVision
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ames Public Library
Presented by EcoTips, this sustainability event presents interactive booths, demonstrations, food and educational displays to connect the community to environmental organizations and raise awareness of sustainability challenges.
Free
🏈 Iowa State Cyclones vs Arizona Wildcats
6 p.m. | Jack Trice Stadium 
14th-ranked Iowa State takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at home. In this fifth game of the season and second of conference play, the Cyclones are looking to remain undefeated.

Sunday, Sept. 28

🖼️ Octagon Art Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Ames
This year marks the 54th year for this local arts festival that draws thousands of visitors. There will be booths up and down Main Street featuring artists of all types as well as food vendors, children’s activities and live music.
Free

Sunday, Sept. 28

🖼️ Octagon Art Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Ames
This year marks the 54th year for this local arts festival that draws thousands of visitors. There will be booths up and down Main Street featuring artists of all types as well as food vendors, children’s activities and live music.
Free

Upcoming events on our radar

🏈 Oct. 3: Homecoming: Ames High vs. Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, Ames High School
🎭 Oct. 3 & 4: Julius Caesar, Fisher Theater
🦸‍♀️ Oct. 4: AniAmes, Gateway Hotel & Conference Center 
🌈 Oct. 11: Ames Pridefest, 5th Street & Douglas Avenue, Downtown Ames 
🏈 Oct. 25: Homecoming: Iowa State vs. BYU, Jack Trice Stadium