Good morning Ames! The summer solstice slipped past us this weekend, which means – cruel as it sounds – the days are already getting shorter. Don't spiral. We've still got the whole summer ahead, plenty of boat days, and zero good reasons to think about a sweater.

Lets get started.

— Chance

Beer at Jack Trice Is Officially Happening

Cyclone fans, the news you've been waiting for. Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard announced that alcohol will be sold at Jack Trice Stadium starting this football season and at Hilton Coliseum during basketball season.

Here's what gameday looks like under the new rules: guests 21 and older can purchase beer, wine, and pre-made cocktails from dedicated stands on the north and south sides of the stadium. Two drinks at a time, maximum. Sales cut off at the end of the third quarter for football. One notable change for Jack Trice: no re-entry once you leave during the game. Plan accordingly.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward alcohol education, student wellness programming, and public safety. Your pregame beer will technically be a charitable contribution. (more)

Update on Construction at Lake LaVerne

Crews drained the lake in May and are currently hauling out years worth of built-up sediment to restore its depth. It's a necessary but slightly surreal sight for anyone who's spent time on campus. The nearly $5.1 million revitalization project will bring some exciting additions to the surrounding area: an amphitheater for outdoor performances, a pedestrian bridge, and possibly a small outdoor classroom. Designs are expected to be finalized this fall. (more)

A Data Center Wants to Come to Ames & Not Everyone Is Happy About It

LightEdge, a Des Moines-based data center operator, wants to build a facility on city-owned land at the Ames Regional Airport. The city council agreed to begin a public review process. The project would be built in phases over 10 years, eventually requiring up to 25 megawatts of electricity (about one-fifth of Ames' entire normal load). City staff is studying what infrastructure upgrades that would require and making sure those costs don't get passed to residents' utility bills.

Opposition has already organized. A petition called "Don't Build Data Centers in Ames" has over 1,000 signatures, with critics arguing the facility uses too much electricity, creates fewer than ten local jobs, and sets a bad precedent.

Here's how to get involved:

June 30 — Public listening session.
July 14 — Council revisits after hearing public input.

The Organizations Quietly Holding Story County Together

Youth & Shelter Services reported to the Story County Board of Supervisors this week that more than 13,000 individuals have been served in the past year. That's 13,000 people who needed help with youth care, homelessness, or substance abuse. CEO Andrew Allen shared that they're seeing more Story County residents than ever before, and noted that many of the homeless youth they encounter describe their situation simply as "camping." That detail alone says a lot about why this work matters.

Home Allies Is Making Sure Families Don't Fall Through the Cracks

The Ames-based nonprofit has served 15 families (with five currently living in their units) specifically focusing on family housing and the transition support that comes with it. President Lauris Olson put it plainly: families need more than just a roof. They need stability, time, and the space to look for work and build security. (more)

Summer Daze - Sports Night @ The Parc - Five food trucks, a bounce house, an inflatable football field goal, and free sports swag up for grabs. Sounds like a great time even if you don't care about sports. 6-8pm (info)  

Comedy Showcase @ Mary Jane’s - Six comedians and $5 for a night of laughs. Hot pizza slices and cold drinks to keep you fueled all night long. 8pm (info)

Ames Municipal Band Children’s Concert @ Bandshell Park - Grab a blanket, drag the kids outside, and let someone else handle the entertainment for once. 8pm 

🎸Seize the Sun @ 313 Bar & Lounge - 7:30-9pm

🎸Great Caesar’s Goat & Alleygrass @ Mary Jane’s - 9pm 

Ames on the Half Shell @ Bandshell Park - Cover That on stage with Comfort Food and Carlos Quesadillas handling dinner duties, plus a beer tent stocked with six brews, hard seltzer, cider, and more. Cheap drinks, live music, and a bandshell. 5-8pm (tickets)  

🎸Fred Love & The Bakersfield Brawl @ Wheatsfield Cooperative - 6-7:30pm

🎸Abby Webster @ Alluvial Brewing - 7pm

Newsies Jr. @ Ames City Auditorium - Bringing the Tony Award-winning story of scrappy turn-of-the-century newsboys who go on strike and accidentally start a movement. Great seats, great songs, and a cast of kids who will absolutely out-energy everyone in the room. 7-9pm (info)   

Footloose @ ACTORS - The classic story of small town rebellion, rock-n-roll, and a big-city kid who just wants to dance. Expect big energy, great music, and at least one moment where you're fighting the urge to get up and join them. Kick off your shoes and get your tickets before they're gone. 7:30pm (info)

🎸Story County Line @ Mary Jane’s - 7pm

🎸Perfect Strangers TRIO @ Cornbred - 6-9pm

Flower Show @ Reiman Gardens - The Ames Garden Club is taking over Reiman Gardens for a Flower Show. Come show off your arranging skills, enter your best blooms and produce, or just wander through and feel humbled by everyone else's garden. 9am - 4pm (info)  

Karaoke Party @ Mary Jane’s - Grab the mic, sing your heart out, and commit to it like nobody's watching (they are). No talent required. 9pm

Car Show @ Harvest Vineyard Church - A show 'n shine, a tour of a private car collection, and a scenic country drive on the agenda. If you've got a Buick with a turbo 6 or any car ending in a 6, you've got a special invite. Everyone else just gets to show up and be impressed for free. 9am - 3pm

Music & Ice Cream @ Mary Jane’s - Ames native Reverend Doctor plays covers, Wally Neal & Spirit Rattle take the middle set, then Reverend Doctor closes with originals, all with Sweet Minnie's ice cream and Nisha's Soul Food in the mix. Free will donation, so pay what you can and eat well while you're at it. 2pm (info)  

Mariachi Los Aguilares @ Roosevelt Park - Part of Roosevelt Summer Sunday’s Series. 7-9pm 

Sunday Music Series @ Prairie Moon Winery - Silversonic on stage, vineyard views on deck, and brick oven pizzas doing what brick oven pizzas do. $5 cover for 21+, free for the kids. Lawn chair, good company, repeat. 3-6pm 

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who refuses to use GPS because they know a shortcut.

See you next week.