Your Ames Voice

Thursday, April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Happy Thursday!

We have a variety of stories today. First, we feature two Ames runners who conquered the Boston Marathon last week. Heartland of Story County announced recently that Nancy Carroll, longtime Ames resident and former director of the parks and recreation department, will return as its executive director in July.

The city council continues to support a $190 million upgrade to the power plant and is taking steps to use portions of the city airport for solar energy. The indoor aquatic center is almost done, but there are still issues to be worked out.

Participants from Ames High did a great job at the Drake Relays, including second, third and fourth place finishes. Several Cyclone football players now have an NFL home.

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Co-Editors: Anthony Capps & Amber Mohmand
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Top Story

Ames community leaders Ethan Mesenbrink, store manager at Fitness Sports, and Amber Deardorff, CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, participated in the Boston Marathon.

Ames runners aim for iconic marathon goal

by Allen Weber | Interim Executive Director | Published on April 29, 2026

A high-performance athlete and a determined “bucket-list runner” shared an exemplary goal last week: to conquer the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon.

Ethan Mesenbrink, store manager at Fitness Sports in downtown Ames, is a high-performance athlete competing at the top tier of the sport.

Amber Deardorff, president and CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, is a community leader chasing down a lifelong dream. Both are from Ames and leaders in their fields.

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City of Ames

City Council

Aquatic center has hurdles to clear before opening

by Bill Monroe | Staff Reporter

Ames’ Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is almost done, but city officials are still working through a handful of problems. These include a standoff over a stain warranty, state inspection waivers and a system that could allow moisture to creep into parts of the building.

Story County

Nancy Carroll to serve as next Heartland of Story County executive director

by Amber Mohmand | News Editor

Nancy Carroll is coming back to Heartland of Story County this summer to be its next executive director, drawn by the chance to help older adults reconnect and find purpose.

Civic Calendar

Thu (April 30): Civil Service Commission, 8:15 a.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Sat: Paddle And Cleanup Rivers Around Town, 9 a.m., Stuart Smith Park

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

Mon: Ames School Board, 5:30 p.m., Ames CSD Office

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 and Zoning Commission, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu (May 7): Property Maintenance Appeals Board, 4 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Thu (May 7): Public Nuisance Appeals Board, 5 p.m., Council Chambers, Ames City Hall

Sports

ISU Football

Cyclones earn NFL looks, opportunities

by Jared Larson | Staff Reporter

The 2026 NFL entry process highlighted the depth of Iowa State’s talent, with several key players moving on to professional opportunities.

High School Track

Ames athletes post strong finishes at Drake Relays

by Davin Bakerink and Zachary Quinn | Staff Reporter

Against elite statewide competition, the Little Cyclones had second, third and fourth place finishes at competitions at this weekend’s Drake Relays.

Community Voices

People of Ames

Ames Notables: John “Jack” Shelley

by Ames History Museum | Contributor

John D. “Jack” Shelley came to Ames in 1966 when he was recruited by Iowa State University President Robert Parks to head the broadcast journalist program.