Good morning Ames! It’s June 18th already and it feels like we’ve had at least 20 days over 80ºF. If you haven’t fired up the grill at least twice already, I’m disappointed.

Lets get started.

— Chance

Taco is a 6-year-old black and white pit bull mix. Spayed, potty trained, and full of personality. At 51 pounds she's the perfect size to take up exactly half the couch and somehow still feel like it was your idea to let her up there. She's a high energy girl who would thrive with an experienced pet owner, someone who's ready to work on leash manners and basic obedience with her.

Taco does well with men, women, and kids, and would love a yard with a standard fence to run around in. Cats are a no, but dogs and humans? She's all in. She came to the shelter through no fault of her own. Her previous owner simply couldn't care for her anymore. Six months is a long time to wait for a family. If you've got room in your home and your heart, go meet Taco.

Fourth of July in Ames

Discover Ames is kicking things off Friday, July 3 with fireworks near Jack Trice Stadium starting after dusk (generally around 10pm). Grab a spot, bring a blanket, and enjoy the show. Then on Saturday, July 4, Downtown Ames hosts the Fourth of July parade on Main Street starting at 11am. Line up early, claim your curb space, and make a morning of it. (info)

Here's How Not to Mess Up Recycling

Here's the quick rundown on what actually belongs in the bin. In the blue cart: paper, cardboard, glass containers, metal food and drink cans, and plastic bottles and containers marked No. 1 or No. 2. No sorting required , it's all single-stream, meaning everything goes in together. Not in the blue cart: plastic bags, Styrofoam, tissue paper, clothing, and electronics. When in doubt, check the label stamped right on your cart lid or visit CityOfAmes.org/recycling.

One thing worth knowing. If non-recyclable items get mixed in, the whole load can end up in a landfill anyway. So the cart is only as useful as what goes into it. Can't move your cart to the curb? The city offers a walk-up service where they'll grab it from a visible spot near your home and return it. Cardboard drop-off locations around town are also staying open. And anything that doesn't go in the blue cart can still be dropped off at the Resource Recovery Plant for free. (more)

Want to Know Why Ames Is Ditching 50 Years of Burning Trash? There's a Talk for That.

If you've been following the recycling coverage in The Scoop and want the full story straight from the source, here's your chance.

On Thursday, June 18 from 10 to 11am at the Sixty Forward Center, 205 S. Walnut Ave., Resource Recovery Plant Superintendent Mark Peebler and Public Works Director Justin Clausen are giving a presentation on the history of waste disposal in Ames and why the city is making the switch to curbside recycling. (more)

After 32 Years, Flowerama Has Closed Its Doors

If you picked up a bouquet for a first date, a graduation, a funeral, or just a random Tuesday in Ames over the last three decades, there's a good chance it came from Flowerama.

The Ames location closed permanently on May 31 after 32 years of serving the community. For a business that quietly showed up for some of the biggest moments in people's lives; weddings, anniversaries, losses, celebrations. In a message to customers, the shop said it simply: they were grateful to have been trusted with all of it.

Thirty-two years is a good run. Thanks, Flowerama. (more)

Classic Car Show @ North Grand Mall - The Wayne Larson Classic Car Roll-In back and this month you can fuel up on Flame N Skewer grub while you ogle 21 years' worth of rolling nostalgia. Food's free-will donation, so eat well and feel good about it; the proceeds keep this Ames institution running for another season. 5pm (info)  

🎸Matt Woods @ London Underground - 7-9pm

Board Game Night @ Morning Bell Coffee Roasters - Bring a game to share or just show up ready to play, with a full menu plus cocktail and mocktail specials, beer, seltzers, cider, and more on hand to keep the good times rolling. It's a low-stakes excuse to finally beat someone at Settlers of Catan. 6-9pm 

Ames Municipal Band Children’s Concert @ Bandshell Park - This week's show is a Children's Concert featuring a Ms. Rachel-style vocalist performing medleys for the little ones. Grab a blanket, drag the kids outside, and let someone else handle the entertainment for once. 8pm

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 (more performances)  

Summer Solstice Celebration @ Reiman Gardens - After-hours Summer Solstice event featuring herbal lemonade tastings, fairy tale storytelling, DIY fairy wands, and a flaming tower launched over Lake Helen at twilight. It's an enchanted forest fever dream that the kids will love. 6-10pm (info)  

Ames on the Half Shell @ Bandshell Park - Recoil on stage and Comfort Food 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)  

🎸Rick Exner @ Chocolaterie Stam - 3-5pm

🎸Craig Swalwell Band @ Mucky Duck - 7pm

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)

🎸Joe & Vickie Price @ Alluvial Brewing - 7pm

🎸Metal Night @ Sam’s Place - 8pm

🎸Sean Sullivan @ Corn Bred BBQ - 6-9pm

Dance Vision Recital @ Stephens Auditorium - Dancing Through the Decades. A free admission show with a children's matinee Saturday at noon and main show at 6 PM. Go watch some kids absolutely nail the robot. (info)  

Pollinator Fest @ Reiman Gardens - Wrapping up National Pollinator Week with a day of live pollinators, educational displays, and interactive activities. No registration required, free for members and ISU students, and happening rain or shine. 10am - 2pm (info)  

🎸Great Caesar’s Goat @ Roosevelt Park - 7-8:30pm 

Summer Sundays @ Prairie Moon Winery - Opus Taylor on stage, brick oven pizzas in hand, and vineyard views doing all the heavy lifting. $5 cover for 21+, free for the youngsters. Lawn chair required, good time guaranteed. 3-6pm

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who misses Spirit Airlines.

See you next week.