Good morning Ames! Russian rooftoppers Ivan Beerkus and Angela Nikolau got engaged yesterday. Normally that wouldn’t make any headlines but Ivan popped the question after the pair illegally climbed to the top of the Empire State Building (204 feet above the observation deck) and unfurled a pro-peace banner. And yes, they got arrested.

This weeks short and sweet. Lets get started.

— Chance

Fireworks Friday

Ames is lighting up the sky this Friday, July 3. Fireworks go off after dusk (generally around 9-10pm) near Jack Trice Stadium. Find a spot in the adjacent parking lots, bring a blanket, and enjoy.

A Cannon in Lake LaVerne

Workers excavating the lake this week pulled a cannon out of the sediment. An actual cannon. Along with bicycles, bowling balls, golf balls, and enough vintage pop bottles to stock a small museum. But mostly, a cannon.

The leading theory? It may be the touchdown cannon that belonged to Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, which was stolen in 1972 and never recovered. The cannon was historically fired after touchdowns, field goals, and first downs at football games. It disappeared over 50 years ago and apparently decided the bottom of Lake LaVerne was a perfectly good place to wait things out.

The history hasn't been confirmed yet, but facilities construction manager Claire Vorthmann called it a potentially significant piece of Ames history. Given that they've only removed about 300 of the estimated 1,000-plus loads of sediment so far, there's a reasonable chance more surprises are still down there. (more)

Ames Showed Up to Say No to the Data Center

The city held a public listening session on the proposed LightEdge data center Tuesday night. The Ames City Auditorium was packed, with residents standing against the walls and spilling outside the doors. Most wore "No Data Center" pins. The message was pretty clear before anyone even spoke. Of those who attended, over 80% indicated opposition to the proposal. Just 5% were in support.

Concerns ranged from electricity demand and environmental impact to the fact that the facility would employ fewer than ten people on-site regularly. Many residents called for a moratorium on the project until independent third-party studies can evaluate the environmental, medical, and community impacts. Several pushed for a community vote rather than a council decision. (more)

Bloomington Road Update

The Bloomington Road construction situation just escalated. On Monday, Bloomington Road from Stange Road to 500 feet west of Eisenhower Avenue is fully closing for three to four weeks. A couple of things to know: the Stange Road intersection stays open for north-south traffic, but Hyde Avenue at Bloomington Road is closed for the duration. The north sidewalk remains open. The south shared-use path is closed. (more)

Terrarium Workshop @ Reiman Gardens - This hands-on terrarium workshop walks you through building a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem inside a closed gallon jar (all materials included). It’s a complete little garden ready to sit on your desk and make your coworkers jealous. 5:30-7:30pm (tickets)  

Karaoke Night @ Mucky Duck - 7pm

Ames Municipal Band @ Bandshell Park - Patriotic this week, with a special recognition of all active members and veterans of the Armed Forces. Grab a blanket, bring your lawn chair, and let a 53-piece band do the Fourth of July warm-up right. 8pm

Big Bash @ Ames History Museum - Celebrating America's 250th birthday! Free and open to all ages, with live music from three bands, a vintage car show (including a WWII tractor tank), food trucks, a trackless train, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and a one-day-only WWI propaganda poster show. 4-8pm

Roamin’ John @ Wheatsfield Cooperative - 6-7:30pm

Winterland @ Alluvial Brewing - 7pm

Bill Bergan 5k on the 4th @ Ada Hayden - All proceeds benefiting Friendship Ark Homes & Community Services. Burn some calories before the cookout and feel great about it. 8-11am (tickets)  

4th of July Parade @ Downtown Ames - One of the biggest community events of the summer. Deck yourself out in red, white, and blue and show up for a Main Street celebration themed "Happy Birthday, America!" in honor of the country's 250th. Whether you're marching, watching, or volunteering, this one's a classic for a reason. 11am (info)

Karaoke @ Mary Jane’s - Sing your heart out! 9pm

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who looks forward to getting a new Old Navy American flag tee all year just for this weekend.

See you next week.