Good morning, Ames.

Ames man Alexander Ernst was one of eight killed in a fiery head-on crash on U.S. Highway 169 in Franklin County, Kansas just before 5:45 p.m. Sunday when a GMC Yukon tried to pass a slower vehicle and hit a Subaru Legacy—both cars caught fire as first responders arrived.

An artifact from Iowa State linked to George Washington Carver’s rediscovery of Egyptian blue was shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, marking the first time the university loaned a Carver piece.

The bottle has returned to Ames after an exhibition that drew thousands—highlighting a local connection to ancient art and international history.

Workers at Reiman Gardens in Ames are on bloom watch for a rare 12-year-old corpse flower called Stink Floyd that will bloom in the next two weeks and release a strong odor for 24 to 48 hours—officials say the plant only blooms every 5 to 10 years to attract pollinators by mimicking decomposing meat.

515 Days Celebration 2025

May 12-16 — Downtown Ames — Varied specials and events — Celebrate local culture with food, music, and community activities.

Ames Oddities: A Pictorial Tour

7-8 p.m. — Ames Public Library — Free entry — Explore the quirky structures of Ames with a pictorial tour revealing their fascinating backstories.

Iowa Senior Amateur Championship

Tournament — Jun 1-3 — Coldwater Golf Links — Registration required — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play event open to active Iowa Golf Association members.

2025 Art Walk

5-8 p.m. — Downtown Ames — Free entry — Explore diverse artworks and support local artists in a festive downtown atmosphere.