Your Ames Voice

Thursday, June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Happy Thursday!

For some in-house news, we have an executive director — Brynn Sweere. Brynn has volunteered her time with us before, having helped launch the Voice back in October.

We’re so excited to have her in this role, so please join me in welcoming Brynn to our team! ☺️

Our top story includes a photo gallery of Cyclone football players leading drills and building relationships at the Boys & Girls Club in Des Moines on Monday.

In other news, the Story County Republicans offered its reactions to the Iowa Primaries and the Ames School Board reviewed the district and state test scores. And in case you missed Art Walk last week, we have photos.

In Community Voices, we explore Carroll Prairie near Nevada.

We also have obituaries on our website. They are free to submit and read. If you have one to post, please use this submission form.

Thank you for your continued support,


Amber Mohmand, News Editor
[email protected]

Top Story

Jaylen Raynor, left, and Aiden Flora, right, break down a huddle with, "Cyclones!" | Photo by Jared Larson

Cyclones in the Community: Iowa State gridders spend afternoon with Boys & Girls Club

by Jared Larson | Staff Reporter | Published on June 17, 2026

DES MOINES – Carver Elementary School’s gymnasium was transformed into a field of mentorship and athletic development as Iowa State football players spent Monday afternoon leading drills and building relationships at the Boys & Girls Club.

The clinic offered kids the chance to practice drills and skills while interacting with the athletes.

Zaimir Hawk, a redshirt junior defensive lineman, said the club shaped his childhood, so he felt compelled to return as a mentor.

“Honestly it means a lot because I’m a former Boys & Girls Club member so just to be able to be a part of this just means a lot to me because I always wanted to be a part of something like this when I was younger,” Hawk said.

“So just to be able to give back to the community and everybody else that supports us is a wonderful thing. Honestly, that was the first time I ever went outdoors and camping — it put me outside of my comfort zone. I think that that’s what a lot of kids need nowadays is to be put out of their comfort zone to be able to know what they’re capable of because that’s what every human needs especially at a young age.”

 

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City of Ames

Ames Voice

Brynn Sweere named executive director of Ames Voice

by Ames Voice Staff

A new leader will help guide local news’ future in Ames.

The Ames Voice Board of Directors selected Brynn Sweere as the organization’s first executive director on Monday.

Ames School Board

State, district assessments show conflicting results

by Lara Jones | Staff Reporter

The Ames School Board saw a discrepancy in student testing scores between state and district assessments during its Monday meeting.

More from City of Ames

Civic Calendar

Tue: Board of Supervisors, 10 a.m., Administration Building (Nevada)
Tue: Mary Greeley Medical Center Board of Trustees, noon, Atrium A, 1111 Duff Ave.
Tue: Ames City Council, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Wed: Zoning Board of Adjustment, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall

Election

Iowa Primaries

Story County Republicans hopeful after primary wins

by Lara Jones | Staff Reporter

Democrats could be fighting an uphill battle to gain votes, said the publicity chair for the Story County Republican Party.

More from the Election

Arts & Entertainment

Events

Photos: Artists showcase works, entertain at Art Walk

by Brittany Huston | Staff Reporter

Roughly 60 artists displayed their work for the community to enjoy during the 32nd annual Art Walk on Thursday.

More from A&E

Community Voices

Story County Conservation

The Outside Story: Carroll Prairie

by Jim Colbert | Contributor

Carroll Prairie is an excellent example of what can happen when people choose to do the “right thing.” This nearly 50-acre area was purchased by Ames resident Lorna Carroll in 1999.

More from Community Voices

 

Submissions & Get Involved

Have a news tip? Something on your mind that you saw or want to know more about it? Let us know.
Become a volunteer! There are opportunities in the newsroom, marketing, admin and more at the Voice.
Submit an obituary to the Voice. It’s free to both submit and read them.

 

In Other News