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Our top story this week is about how the Ames community has adjusted to recycling after decades of combining everything to be burned for electricity.

Also in this newsletter: The new conservation director shares how his childhood helped create his vision for the department. The school board is planning a public hearing for a calendar change, and nearly 200 residents applied for aid after the July floods. Also, the Little Cyclones couldn’t bring home a homecoming win.

Community Voices profiles movie theater owner Joseph Gerbrach.

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Amber Mohmand, News Editor
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For some Ames residents, recycling has been part of everyday life for years. For others, the city’s new curbside recycling program is their first introduction to separating recyclables from the rest of their trash.

“The only time I remember recycling was when I was a kid,” Ames resident April Erickson said. “My parents always thought it was important.”

Erickson, who moved to the city in 1998, said her family always valued recycling growing up. Erickson said she was excited to learn the city offered curbside recycling services.

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I think it is great that the city is looking after the environment.”

The city launched its curbside recycling program in July, giving its residents recycling bins and a new way to dispose of materials such as cardboard, glass and specific plastics.