The city of Ames is hosting various upcoming events related to yard waste collection, transportation planning, award nominations, recycling and an art contest.
No-Charge Yard Waste Day
Ames residents can dispose of leaves, clippings and brush free of charge at GreenRU, 400 Freel Drive, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday. According to a news release, another No-Charge Yard Waste Day is slated for Nov. 23.
“Those participating in Fall No-Charge Yard Waste Days are asked to enter the site from Dayton Avenue, then west on Southeast Fifth Street and north on Freel Drive. Drivers should exit the site north on Freel Drive to Lincoln Way,” the news release stated.
For more information, visit the city of Ames yard waste website or call GreenRU at 515-450-0450.
Ames Connect 2050 open house
The Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) is updating its Ames Connect 2050 transportation plan. It is seeking “public input on priorities and needs for the future of the Ames area’s transportation system,” according to a city news release.
An open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Ames Public Library, offering residents a chance to discuss with the project team and provide feedback.
An “online open house” survey will also open from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6 on AAMPO’s website and gather input on safety, mobility and transportation needs.
Applications are open for Humanitarian Award
The Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) seeks nominations for its annual Humanitarian Award.
“The award recognizes and honors an individual whose contributions to our community demonstrate extraordinary quality, especially in efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and equity. To be eligible to receive the award, the nominee must be a resident of Ames,” a city news release stated.
The award recipient will be recognized during the city’s celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20. Applications are available on the AHRC’s website, and the deadline is Nov. 29.
“AHRC’s purpose is to work toward minimizing or eliminating discrimination in the community, promote goodwill among the various racial, religious and ethnic groups in the city, and cooperate with other organizations to develop programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural and intergroup tensions,” the release stated.
Pumpkin drop-off and other recycling opportunities
According to a news release, Ames residents are encouraged to drop off old pumpkins, gourds, corn and harvest vegetables at the Resource Recovery Plant’s Great Pumpkin Disposal program instead of tossing them in the trash.
Particular drop-off bins on the north side of the plant will accept decaying pumpkins, etc., until Dec. 1. The 24/7 self-serve recycling center at 420 E. Second St has multiple recycling bins that will accept glass, screw-top plastics, metals, mixed paper, cardboard and food waste.
“For nearly 50 years, the Resource Recovery Plant has converted garbage from Story County into refuse derived fuel (RDF) for the Ames Power Plant,” the release stated. “Dry, combustible trash makes the best RDF. Food waste and garbage with high moisture content create challenges for producing high-quality fuel. Additionally, mushy vegetables like old pumpkins and gourds can contaminate dry garbage by creating a frightening mix that must be landfilled.”
Ames Water and Pollution Control Art Contest is accepting entries
The city of Ames is accepting entries for its 2024-25 Water and Pollution Control Public Art Contest and Exhibition, with the theme “Water in Nature,” according to a press release.
“The goal of this year’s art contest is to showcase how essential water is to nature,” John Dunn, water and pollution control director, said in the release. “Displaying art in the Water and Pollution Control facilities to represent water in nature will highlight the purpose of the facilities.”
Artists can submit up to three two-dimensional works reflecting the theme. Entries are open until 4 p.m. Jan. 10. Selected art will be displayed at the Water Treatment Plant from Feb. 24 to March 14.
“Best in Show” will be awarded $400, “People’s Choice” will be awarded $200 and “Most Likable” will be awarded $100.
Complete contest rules and entry forms are available at www.CityOfAmes.org/ArtContest.
