Good morning Ames! There’s nothing quite like seeing “phew” at the top of your screen after getting a Wordle on the last try.

In today’s scoop:

Lets get started.

— Chance

Many patients prepare extensively for the procedure itself — but recovery preparation often gets overlooked.

Healing increases demand for nutrients involved in tissue repair, immune support, collagen production, and recovery. HealFast was designed specifically to support the body before and after surgery with physician-formulated nutritional support created for the recovery process.

Instead of scrambling afterward, many patients now prepare for recovery before surgery even happens.

Because supporting recovery starts long before the procedure is over.

Prepare to Heal

The North Grand Mall Fire

If you are in any of the Ames facebook groups then you probably already know about this… The Ames Fire Department responded to a structure fire at North Grand Mall around 4 p.m. on May 21. Black smoke was reported coming from the roof near the main entrance, traced back to the ventilation hood exhaust system at Flame & Skewer restaurant.

Crews got on the roof quickly, contained the fire, and made sure it hadn't spread into the rest of the building. The mall was evacuated with help from Ames Police with no injuries reported.

The cause is still under investigation. A good reminder to check your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, businesses and homes alike. (source)

Kwik Star Is Taking Over Ames

If you've driven past the construction at South Dakota and Mortensen or South Grand and 16th Street and missed the giant signs - now you know. Kwik Star is coming.

Two new locations are expected to open later this year, joining the existing store out on the Highway 30 corridor. Each new spot will have 20 gas pumps, a convenience store, and an attached car wash. If you've never been to a Kwik Star, you can trust me in saying it’s probably one of the best gas station food spots out there. (source)

Downtown Ames Could Be Getting 39 New Apartments

Luke Jensen, president of RES Development, purchased a parking lot along Burnett Avenue near Sixth Street (just east of Fareway) after the city's 2025 Downtown Guiding Vision plan identified it as a prime redevelopment site. His proposal: CityLight Apartments, a four-story, 39-unit building with a mix of studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms, all market-rate.

More people living downtown means more people walking to Main Street, spending money at local shops and restaurants, and creating the kind of neighborhood energy that makes a downtown actually feel alive.

The Ames City Council voted on May 12 to indicate support for the project, with the intent of approving tax incentives to help it qualify for Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credits. If everything lines up, Jensen is targeting a spring 2027 construction start with a 12-15 month build timeline. (source)

The Duff Avenue Deep Dive

If you’ve ever tried to turn left on Duff near the railroad tracks, you know the struggle is real. The city is currently deep in a traffic analysis for the stretch between Main Street and 16th Street. They’re trying to figure out why things get so sticky and how to actually fix the flow.

Public outreach is starting soon, so get your talking points ready. This is your chance to tell the experts exactly how much you enjoy waiting for that one train that always seems to know when you're running five minutes late for a meeting.

They aren't just looking at cars, either. The study covers everyone from weekend bikers to the brave souls walking to lunch. It’s all about making one of our busiest streets a little less of a daily headache. Hopefully, the "solution" isn't just another red light for us to stare at.

Sample the best margarita recipes downtown has to offer, and cast your vote for the winner by 5PM at Della Viti. Free to join, zero commitment beyond showing up thirsty, and an awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Summer Daze @ The Parc - Hang out at Color Pop Night with five food trucks, free face painting, frisbee spin art, DIY tote bags, chalk, and yard games. 6pm (info)  

🎸Forrest & Margaret Mccurren w/ Chris Patterson @ Alluvial Brewing - 6pm

🎸Strong Like Bear w/ Jason Munday & June Walker @ Mary Jane’s - 9pm

Burnin’ Sensations @ Durham Bandshell Park - $5 gets you in the door, cold drinks are flowing from the beer tent, and Carlos Quesadillas and Smokin' Big Dawgs are handling dinner. Bring a little extra cash to support the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and enjoy! 5pm (tickets)  

🎸Jesse & The Medicine Men @ El Patio - 6pm

🎸Corbett Reeves @ Mucky Duck - 7pm

🎸Local Ukesters 030 @ Mary Jane’s - 7pm

Farmers Market - Enjoy West Homesteads Healing Herd on site and Miles Morgan providing the live music soundtrack. Grab your groceries and say hi to some very good animals. 8am - 12:30pm

Momentum Recital @ Ames City Auditorium - Showcasing a full day of incredible dance performances: catch the first half at 2PM or the second at 6PM. It's free, it's open to everyone, and these dancers have worked all year for this moment. (info)  

Warrior Truck Cruise @ Texas Roadhouse - The Blank Show Cars car show is pulling out all the stops — trophies, themed dress contests where you match your car's era, a saddle truck race, kid activities with Andy Armadillo, and dinner packages for every class of ride. 8am - 4pm (info)  

🎸Bon Voyage Concert @ Alluvial Brewing - 3pm

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who goes to multiple music festivals every Summer.

See you next week.