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Articles by Talon Delaney
18 Best Hikes In Iowa: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023
Posted in Iowa Hiking Hey there, outdoor enthusiasts – get ready for a hiking adventure in Iowa! We’ve rounded up 18 of the best hikes in Iowa you absolutely have to check out in 2023. From flowing rivers to lush forests and serene lakes, these top-rated trails have it all. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, there’s something for everyone. So grab your gear, and let’s hit the trails in Iowa. Best Hikes in Iowa On the hunt for some one-of-a-kind hikes in Iowa?
The Iowa Trail With Bridges, Wildflowers, And Wildlife You Just Can't Beat
Posted in Iowa Hiking, Parks & Gardens There’s nothing like finding a great hidden trail that makes you feel like you’re entering another world. Some of Iowa’s top trails can be pretty crowded, but in most cases, you’ll feel like you left the busy world behind you and slipped into a secret natural getaway. One of those cases is the Hickory Hill Loop Trail in Iowa – located in Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City.
The One Pristine Inland Beach In Iowa That Will Make You Swear You're On The Coast
Posted in Iowa On The Water, Summer When the weather gets warm, I know my thoughts travel towards relaxing on the beach. But what about those of us in the landlocked states? Are the only options to head to the pool, or book a much longer trip? Nope! Not in Iowa. The Hawkeye State has some amazing beaches of its own, thanks to its extensive network of lakes. One of the best lakes in the area is definitely Big Spirit Lake, and it lives up to its name.
Hamel: Street preacher conflict blurs line between free speech and hate speech
Vijay Pisini (center) preaching before more than 150 students April 25 at the Agora. Talon Delaney/Iowa State Daily One of the infamous attractions held by public universities is their promise for free speech and expression embedded into their constitutions; private universities do not have this luxury. While living on a public university’s campus, you will see varying accounts of how students exercise these specific rights and privileges.
City council partially approves Ames Pridefest parking meters request
The Ames City Council approved a waiver of parking fees in the downtown area for the third annual Ames Pridefest during its meeting Tuesday night but not as many as Ames Pride requested. Ames Pridefest sees more and more attendees each year. In 2017, there were more than 400 people and 2018 saw more than 1,000 people. Ames Pride hopes to see more than 2,000 people during the festival in September. The council approved a temporary obstruction permit and waived the fee for a blanket vendor license.
City council to discuss Greek Week
City council will meet Tuesday and discuss requests from the Greek Week Committee regarding fraternity and sorority activities during Greek Week in April. The council will also discuss motions to accommodate Ames Pridefest in September and requests from the India Cultural Association to host a Zero Hunger 5K. The 5K is meant to raise awareness of world hunger and malnutrition. Funds raised will go to Food at First.
Nun and atheist professors celebrate friendship
Professor Anne Clifford spent the last 11 years teaching religion and ecology at Iowa State. She has given lectures on a multitude of topics, including racism and immigration. During her tenure, she also found an unlikely friend: The avowed atheist professor Hector Avalos. Clifford occupies the James A. Supple Chair of Catholic Studies at Iowa State. She’s had a life-long love for education and the sciences, and she’s also a Catholic nun, one of the only members of her congregation in Iowa.
City approves budget, local startup seeks funding
Ames City Council meets Jan. 15 in City Hall to discuss the 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Plan. Staff members gave a presentation on their recommendations for the next five years. Kennedy DeRaedt/Iowa State Daily The City Council approved the adjusted budget for fiscal year 2018-19 and the proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20, as well as setting March 5 as the final public hearing for the two budgets. The FY 2019-20 budget plans to allocate more than $250 million in public funds.
City council talks budget over course of three days
The Ames City Council met three times throughout the week to listen to a multitude of city departments detail a proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20. Estimated expenditures total at $250,374,227, but are subject to change in the future. The council will hear public input on the proposed budget at their Feb. 12 meeting and will move to finalize the budget in May. The 2019-20 budget allocates federal, state and local funds to all city utilities, programs and departments.
City council to discuss budget over three days
The Ames City Council is having three special budget meetings this week to discuss how federal, state and local funds will be dispersed in the city's budget. The meetings occur on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the City Council chambers and will begin at 5:15 p.m. each night. The meetings are all open to the public, but public input is reserved for a meeting on Feb. 12 during the budget wrap up. The final budget hearing and adoption of the fiscal year 2019-20 budget will be held on March 5.
City of Ames to unveil comprehensive plan
Kelly Diekmann, director of planning and housing for Ames, speaks to the City Council about demolition of the current Delta Tau Delta chapter facility on Feb. 25. Korrie Bysted/Iowa State Daily The city of Ames is asking for public input regarding the new Comprehensive Plan, which lays out infrastructure goals for Ames into the year 2040.
Trade, interventions and the economy among issues defining the United States
The government shutdown, though temporarily ended, postponed President Trump’s State of the Union address from Tuesday to Feb. 5. Trump agreed to move the address after he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi exchanged a series of letters, in which Pelosi cited security concerns and unpaid security workers as reasons for postponement.
City council approves lowering parking rates in downtown area, increases new fee for game-day parking violations
The Ames City Council approved multiple changes to the city’s parking policies, including lowering the rates on downtown parking meters and a new fee for game-day parking violations in certain neighborhoods. The game-day parking ordinance will increase the illegal parking fee from $20 to $40 in neighborhoods near Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum. Prior to the ordinance, legal parking cost as much or more than tickets for illegal parking.
City Council to continue searching for parking solutions
The Ames City Council will meet Tuesday to continue discussing parking litigation for the downtown area, including parking meter rates and a hang-tag system for employees and business owners. (left to right) Mayor John Haila and Chris Nelson, representative of the 4th Ward, listens to staff presentations at the Ames City Council meeting. Ames City Council held a meeting on Jan. 15 in City Hall to discuss the 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Plan.
Iowa State's Reginald Stewart wins Ames Humanitarian Award
+2 Iowa State Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Reginald Stewart (right) holds his award beside Mayor John Haila and Renee Harman. Talon Delaney More than 400 parents, teachers and school children gathered Monday night in the Ames Middle School auditorium where students performed in honor of the late Martin Luther King Jr. The renowned civil rights leader would have turned 90 this month.
Ames leaders lay out challenges for the new year
Community leaders focused on diversity and growth in Ames, talked about the challenges their institutions face and fielded questions about the partial Federal Government shutdown Friday at the Ames School District Board Room.
City leaders to discuss state of the community
Mayor John Haila attends the Aug. 28 Ames city council meeting. Gillian Holte/Iowa State Daily Community leaders will meet Friday morning to discuss the state of the community and the Ames government’s goals for 2019.
Campus and Community Commission to focus on inclusivity
Residents of Ames gather at City Hall on Sept. 25. Sarah Henry/Iowa State Daily The Ames City Council commissioned a group of specialized personnel to improve the discussions of common interest between the council and different Ames communities in 2017, and their current task is to make Ames a more inclusive community.
City council to discuss union issues in closed session
The Ames City Council will convene privately after their meeting Tuesday to discuss collective bargaining strategies. City staff will report to city council about their interactions with local labor unions. Susan Gwiasda, the city’s public relations officer, said the council does have closed sessions occasionally throughout the year, and it’s unlikely any policy changes will come about during the session. Residents of Ames gather at City Hall on Sept. 25.
Government remains deadlocked over border security
President Trump is seeking to make good on one of his greatest campaign promises: Erecting a border wall between the United States and Mexico. However, opposition from his Democratic counterparts resulted in the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and has Trump considering a national state of emergency.
Ames Middle School appoints new principal
The Ames School Board approved former Director of Student Services Yonas Michael as the new principal of Ames Middle School on Monday. Michael will assume the role starting June 30. The board also accepted the resignation of former Principal Dan Fox, who was pulled from his leadership position in November 2018 amid accusations of bullying at the school. The Des Moines Register reported parental concerns about a pattern of demeaning behavior, particularly directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ames residents bring climate concerns to city council during open forum
Residents from three different local climate action groups spoke to the Ames City Council during Tuesday night’s meeting and urged them to give greater focus to the threat of climate change. Students from Iowa State, Ames High School and other Ames residents made a collective effort to ask the council to keep climate change in mind when forming new policies and when moving forward with the upcoming comprehensive city plan.
City council: Housing for low-income and homeless populations viewed as priority by community
+2 Ames Mayor John Haila works with residents to discuss housing concerns. Talon Delaney/Iowa State Daily Ames is set to receive another round of federal funding for community housing developments, and residents came to the Ames City Council chambers Tuesday night to discuss how they believe that funding should be spent. Nearly 30 residents participated in the meeting, which was made up of different group workshops overseen by a council member.
City to host workshop for community housing funds
The City of Ames receives around $500,000 in federal funding each year for its City Development Block Program (CDBG). The program funds housing developments mainly for low-income residents. At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Ames residents can attend an educational workshop about the ins and outs of how CDBG funds will be spent. Residents can also offer their opinions for how the funds should be allocated.
City council looks at internet service issues, discusses public internet option
The Ames City Council is taking initiatives to increase the efficiency and quality of the city’s internet. Motions were passed at their meeting Tuesday night to gather information for a possible feasibility study, and also for the city to explore further initiatives with local internet providers. Future solutions to this issue could include partnering with private internet providers to improve performance, or even introducing a public option into the marketplace.
City council to plan flood water management improvements
Ames City Council may authorize the use of eminent domain to procure land from two Ames property owners in order to comply with the city’s plans to improve flood water distribution during their meeting Tuesday evening. The East Industrial Utility Extension Program (EIUEP) requires land from 12 different Ames property owners for the creation of a water main, force sewer and eventually a water tower. A and R Land Services, Inc. reached out to the landowners earlier this month concerning the project.
'There was nothing I could do to fix this:' Ames community discusses the opioid crisis
The opioid crisis is reaching epic proportions across the nation, and Iowa is no exception. Data from the Iowa Department of Human Services shows opioid related-deaths doubled between 2005 and 2016, and the problem isn’t going to fix itself.
Green organizations table at the Memorial Union for America Recycles Day
Recycling coordinator Oluwalana at his office in the university's General Services Building. Talon Delaney Organizations on campus tabled in the Memorial Union Thursday to spread awareness to students on the importance of recycling on campus while celebrating America Recycles Day. Ayodeji Oluwalana, recycling coordinator for Facilities Planning and Management, was one of the hosts of the event and said he has been wanting to inform students about recycling on campus.
2018 sees Medicaid costs nearly triple, report shows
The graph shows how the cost of Medicaid increased over the last few years. Medicaid recipients saw the highest premium costs ever since 2015, when former-Gov. Terry Branstad relinquished control of the program to private companies. Data released by the Iowa Department of Human Services showed rates increased in 2018 at nearly triple the rate of past years. However, the effect of this wasn’t universal. While recipients saw elevated costs, not everyone paid triple their former premiums.
Students weigh in on election issues, explain what drives them to the polls
+2 Taylor Blair, Iowa State University College Democrats president yelled through a megaphone, “Who wants to meet the next member of congress?” J.D. Scholten talks with students at Parks Library on Nov. 5. Kennedy DeRaedt/Iowa State Daily It’s Election Day. In the coming hours the final votes will be cast, and every local, state and gubernatorial seat will be decided. Iowa State is a diverse place, and students cast votes all over the spectrum.
Hubbell and Hart host rainy day rally in Ames days before election
+2 Fred Hubbell holds his granddaughter, Evalynn, as they meet supporters at Inis Park. Talon Delaney/Iowa State Daily Rain-filled skies and blustering winds didn’t stop more than 100 Democrats of Story County from gathering at Inis Park Saturday morning.Activists huddled beneath shelter and held campaign signs high until their candidates for governor and lieutenant governor arrived: Fred Hubbell and Rita Hart.
Campus protest against Steve King incites counter protest
+2 Members of the National School Walkout Day at ISU, Iowa State University Pan-Caribbean Community, Iowa State University SAGE and Iowa State University College Democrats speak out at the "Stand Up & Vote Out: Rally against Steve King," in the free speech zone on Nov. 1.
Meet the candidate: J.D. Scholten runs for congress
Congressional candidate J.D. Scholten speaks to members of ISU College Democrats at their first meeting of the year on Tuesday. Scholten asked the group for their help in building name recognition for the campaign. Scholten is challenging Steve King for his spot in congress. J.D. Scholten was born in Ames, Iowa, in 1980.
Meet the candidate: Steve King runs for another term
Iowa U.S. Representative Steve King speaks to a crowd of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's supporters on Oct. 11 at the Des Moines Area Community College in Newton, Iowa. King spoke about Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan's fallout and Trump's leaked audio tape with him objectifying women. Tyler Coffey/Iowa State Daily Congressman Steve King has represented different Iowa congressional districts since 2002.
Democratic candidates meet with volunteers
Tim Gannon and Rick Stewart shake hands after the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Debate held in the Memorial Union Oct. 3.
Candidates Rob Sand, Tim Gannon are coming to Ames
In the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture debate, Democratic candidate, Tim Gannon speaks his beliefs on agriculture. Gannon believes in defending farm income, strengthening the RFS, creating new value-added products and protecting Iowa's soil and water. The debate took place in the Memorial Union on Oct. 3.
Meet the candidates: Fred Hubbell, Democrat for governor
Fred Hubbell, 2018 Democratic candidate for Governor of Iowa, speaks with a supporter in the free speech zone on Oct. 23. Hubbell supports labor unions and hardworking men and women in the labor union, lowering tuition, weeding out tax credits, exemption, and deductions where costs to the state outweigh benefits and much more. Taylor Hagie/Iowa State Daily Democratic challenger for governor, Fred Hubbell, is in a tight race with Republican Governor Kim Reynolds.
City Council pushes back decision on short-term rental
Residents of Ames gather at City Hall on Sept. 25. Sarah Henry/Iowa State Daily The Ames City Council failed to pass reform on the city’s short-term rental (STR) policies. Instead, the Council deferred voting on reform until more data about STRs could be gathered.STRs like Airbnb allow home occupants to rent out whole or partial residences to travelers for a short period of time.
Unintended consequence of rental cap limiting short-term rentals to be addressed by city council
Short-term rentals such as Airbnb may be illegal under the city’s rental regulations.
Early voting available in the MU this week
Students can cast their votes for the midterm elections nearly two weeks ahead of time at the Memorial Union. Typically, early votes can only be cast at a courthouse or local auditor’s office, but county auditors can designate certain locations valid voting sites for a limited amount of time. In this case, the doors of the Colonel Pride Veterans' Lounge will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this week for all Ames residents to cast their vote.
Ames City Council discusses parking changes in the Downtown area
Main Street business owners brought their grievances to the Ames City Council on Tuesday night concerning parking policies they say are deterring customers.The Ames City Council voted to raise prices on parking meters in the downtown district in July 2018. This is the first time the city has raised these prices since 1994.“Our first goal is to make the customer happy,” said Gary Youngberg, owner of Ames Silversmithing.
A $250,000 city contract is on the table for Tuesday's City Council meeting
Residents of Ames gather at City Hall during the public forum to discuss the issue of the city's homeless population on Sept. 25. Sarah Henry/Iowa State Daily Big changes could be coming to Ames.Tuesday's City Council meeting will discuss preparations for funding and assigning a comprehensive plan to guide the city through projected growth and expansion into the year 2040.
Gov. Reynolds honors Ames business for economic growth
Gov. Kim Reynolds toured Story County on Friday, stopping at three major manufacturing facilities to celebrate their economic growth.She visited Burke Marketing Corp. in Nevada, M.H. Eby Inc. in Story City and 3M in Ames.
Lt. Governor candidate Sen. Rita Hart makes pre-election visit to Iowa State
+3 Sen. Rita Hart asking students what policies concern them the most. Talon Delaney Nearly 20 students, faculty and community members walked the puddled campus streets to meet Sen. Rita Hart, the Democratic candidate for Iowa lieutenant governor.Iowa State College Democrats hosted Hart, who shared her ideas on political issues Monday evening in 211 East Hall, and listened as the audience did the same.
Democratic candidates visit Iowa State before primaries
The primary elections are only weeks away, and the Iowa State College Democrats invited candidates from a variety of elections to speak about the issues facing student and Iowa voters.Nearly 30 students and community members gathered Wednesday in the Memorial Union’s South Ballroom to hear Democratic candidates’ ideas and ask them questions of their own.Tim Gannon, a Democrat running for Secretary of Agriculture; Deidre DeJear, a Democrat running for Iowa Secretary of State; and Rob Sand, a...
Wintersteen installed as Iowa State's 16th president
President Wendy Wintersteen traded her signature red jacket for a cardinal red and gold robe during her installation ceremony Friday morning.Nearly 2,000 students, faculty and alumni filled Stephens Auditorium to witness Wintersteen’s installation as Iowa State’s 16th president. Wendy Wintersteen is officially installed as the first woman president of Iowa State University by president emeritus Gregory L.
Memorial service not university responsibility, university relations director says
In the wake of Iowa State student Celia Barquin Arozamena’s death, the university does not have a memorial service planned, said University Relations Director John McCarroll.Instead, the responsibility of hosting memorial services lies with members of the student body. “In the past there have been trees planted or benches with inscriptions set up [in the student’s memory],” McCarroll said.
Iowa State Democrats host J.D. Scholten and local candidates
The midterm elections are less than two months away, and Iowa State University Democrats (ISUD) are organizing with students and political candidates to get democrats elected in November. More than 70 students, ISUD members and political candidates met Tuesday at 6 p.m. in 211 East Hall to hear from group leaders and local political candidates. Each candidate spoke in the crowded classroom and focused on the important role of voting in a democracy.
College Dems host local candidates, talk election strategy
+3 Blair and ISUD Vice President Madeline Sinovic talking with students in East Hall. With the midterm elections less than two months away, fourth congressional candidate J.D. Scholten, Democrat, discussed key campaign issues with students on Tuesday night. Scholten, along with other local Democrats candidates, met with members of the Iowa State College Democrats in an effort to encourage political advocacy and get more Democrats elected.
Student Government seats new members to civic engagement committee
Rob Bingham speaking before the Iowa State Student Senate in the Memorial Union Camponile Room. Photo by Talon Delaney Three of the four vacant at-large seats on Student Government’s civic engagement committee were filled Wednesday night. The bill to approve the candidates took more than an hour of motions, objections and debate before approved by the Senate. Disagreement surrounded two of the candidates appointed by Senator Caroline Warmuth.
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