I have no idea what they're going to do, but to sit and wait around at the airport for probably 1.5 hours, and then another 45 minute flight, you're looking at 2.5 hours. If you have a bus you can leave whenever you want and not have to worry about the airport schedules, etc....
they don't fly commercial. charter plane from Ames. Much quicker than busing to Lawrenece.