Good morning Ames! Why is it that every week when it's time to plan meals and make the grocery list, I suddenly forget everything I like to eat and also how to cook?

Lets do it.

— Chance

The Data Center Debate Gets Another Voice

As the Ames City Council prepares to make a decision on the LightEdge data center proposal, Dan Culhane (president and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance) is urging the community to slow down and think carefully before saying no.

In a press release this week, Culhane acknowledged that residents are asking legitimate questions about water use, electric grid impacts, utility rates, and noise. He's not dismissing those concerns. His point is simpler: big opportunities deserve real scrutiny, not reflexive rejection. "A good proposal should hold up under scrutiny," Culhane said. "If it doesn't, we should move on. If it does, we should have the courage to recognize the opportunity before us."

On the economic side, Culhane pointed to the potential for significant private investment, construction jobs, support for local businesses, and long-term property tax revenue for the city. He also suggested that any company wanting to build in Ames should be expected to contribute to community priorities — things like homeless services, a downtown parking structure, or recreational facilities. (more)

The Heat Hit the Mucky Duck Hard This Week

The Mucky Duck Pub temporarily closed Monday after its air conditioning system couldn't keep up with heat indices pushing triple digits. Owner Marcus Johnson got the news nobody wants to hear from their HVAC tech: it's working as hard as it can. That was enough to shut the doors for the day.

For a bar with an indoor capacity of 49 that can nearly triple when the patio fills up, losing outdoor seating to extreme heat is a real hit. Johnson said the Mucky Duck has one of the nicest patios in central Iowa, but when it's that hot, nobody wants to sit outside.

The closure also came at a tough time. The Mucky Duck benefits from its location near I-35, regularly drawing travelers making long Midwest hauls. Summer is when the business makes up for Iowa's long winters, and this one has been harder than usual. If you haven't been to the Mucky Duck lately, go show them some love. Local bars running on thin summer margins need the support. (more)

New Women's Community Organization

Making friends as an adult is hard. Careers, kids, busy schedules — somewhere between your mid-20s and 30s, it stops happening naturally. Three Ames photographers decided to do something about it.

Madi Jeno, Emily Moore, and Kyndal Goeders founded Her Social earlier this year. A women's community organization built around one simple idea: creating real spaces for real friendships to grow. Their events range from casual social gatherings to collaborations with local businesses, with something for women at every life stage.

The founders are intentional about making newcomers feel welcome. During events, they actively look for women who showed up alone and make sure they get introduced to someone. Their advice for first-timers is simple: show up, be yourself, and introduce yourself to at least one new person. (more)

Rummage RAMPage @ Intermodal Facility - Sales continue, noon-6pm.

Painting in the Park @ McFarland Park - A Naturalist-led gouache session that turns a walk through McFarland Park into a nature-inspired painting you actually take home. 5:30-7pm, ages 8+.

Tiny Deck Concert Featuring Day Ashworth @ Wheatsfield Co-op - A Tennessee-raised, classically trained vocalist who layers vocals, percussion, and guitar loops into a full-band sound solo. Free, 6-7:30pm.

Embroidered Belt Bag Class @ Prairie Rose Needleworks - Learn a few beginner stitches and walk out with a handmade belt bag, no needle experience required. 6:30pm.

Ames Main Street Farmers' Market @ Downtown Ames - The Hovick Family Petting Zoo joins the produce stalls this week. 8am-12:30pm.

Rummage RAMPage @ Intermodal Facility - Sales continue, 8am-6pm.

Hike & Harvest: Floral Design @ Reiman Gardens - An exclusive garden walk to harvest fresh florals, followed by arranging them into thrifted glassware. 9-11am.

Reliable Street Block Party @ 4625 Reliable Street - A talent show, an album release, and a battle of the bands, all on one residential street. Free, all ages, 5-10pm

Roosevelt Summer Sundays: James Tutson @ Roosevelt Park - Powerful blues with a full band closes out the summer concert stretch. Free, 7-8:30pm.

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has a sport court in their backyard.

See you next week.