Good morning Ames! I think its safe to say that Spring is here? The city is spending money, and ISU is about to drain a lake. Buckle up, there's a lot going on this week and we've got it all - well, most of it covered.

In today’s scoop:

Lets get started.

— Chance

Lake LaVerne Is Getting a Glow-Up

The university is about to embark on the largest overhaul of the nearly three-acre campus lake in almost thirty years.

Once empty, crews will haul out over a thousand dump truck loads of sediment, algae, and debris. I’m sure this will include: bicycles, textbooks and probably a few things people would rather not claim.

The new design includes improved seating, a pedestrian bridge, and an outdoor amphitheater. Keeping the peaceful, hang-out and watch the ducks energy.

The price tag is over $5 million, with about 64% coming from private donations. Construction kicks off later this spring, with completion expected by 2028. It’s going to be an interesting couple of years. (source)

More Events At Jack Trice?

The university announced a partnership with Oak View Group (one of the biggest names in venue management) to book and manage events at Jack Trice Stadium and Stephens Auditorium.

For those of you that may not know what that means: more concerts, more high-profile events, and a whole lot more reasons to stick around Ames on a weekend. This is part of a larger $200 million entertainment district development near Jack Trice that's expected to wrap up by 2028. The goal seems to be to turn the area around the stadium into a destination for more then just in the Fall.

Oak View Group isn't a small player. They work with major professional sports teams and have brought big-name entertainment acts to venues across the country. Having them focused on Ames is an exciting development for the community.

The first slate of events hasn't been announced yet, but the university says that's coming later this year. Start making your wishlists. (source)

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Recycling Campus Big Moment

So I know we’ve been talking about the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus for weeks now. You’ll probably get a break from it for a while. April 9th, the City of Ames is hosting a public groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. at the project site (220 Freel Drive) and everyone is welcome.

The current Arnold O. Chantland Resource Recovery Plant has been processing Ames garbage into fuel since the 1970s. The new R3C, sitting on 9.5 acres along Freel Drive, replaces all of that with a modern facility handling municipal solid waste, recyclables, and yard waste under one roof.

The new curbside recycling program kicks off July 1, and this groundbreaking is the starting gun. (source)

Your Opportunity to Weigh In

If you live near or drive on Wilder Boulevard, the city wants to hear from you. Ames Public Works is hosting an open house on Thursday, April 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Edwards Elementary School Gymnasium, 820 Miller Ave. Use the main entrance on the south side of the building.

As of now the plan is mini roundabouts at three intersections along Wilder Boulevard; at Clemens Boulevard, Thackery Drive, and Frost Drive. The project would also include new curb and gutter, relocated crosswalks, updated signage, fresh pavement markings, and possible lighting adjustments. (source)

The Back Alley & Easy Honey @ The Maintenance Shop | 8PM

Fifth and Clark Fridays @ Ames City Auditorium | 7:15PM 

DJ Keith Rich @ London Underground | 9PM 

The Fab Four @ Stephens Auditorium | 7:30PM

Chris Patterson @ Cornbred BBQ | 7PM 

Jesse & The Medicine Men @ El Patio | 6PM

Trumpet Studio Recital @ Tye Recital Hall | 7:30PM | Members of the Iowa State University Trumpet Studio recital will be presenting a program of solo and ensemble works by Arban, Hudson, McKee, Kompanek, Piazzolla and more. (Details)

Rovers At Reiman @ Reiman Gardens | 4:30-8PM | Bring your dog and roam around the gardens. (Details) 

Watercolor Workshops @ Reiman Gardens | 9:30AM-12PM | Botanical illustrator Kelsey Wilson will guide you through capturing seasonal plants in watercolor. Using expert-like technique you can take home a finished piece. Way more satisfying than another night on the couch, and your walls will thank you. (Details) 

Butterfly Blizzard @ Reiman Gardens | 7:30-9AM | Pick your butterflies, learn a little about each one, and let them go. (Details)

Spring Cyclone Appreciation Event @ ISU Book Store | 3-6PM | Local businesses, ISU groups, free samples, adoptable dogs, prizes, and one-day deals on clothing, gifts, and tech. If you leave without something new, did you even try? (Details) 

Museum Meetup @ Brunnier Art Museum | 6-8PM | A free, drop-in evening of fairytale-inspired art, bookbinding, illuminated manuscript crafts, and a take-home snack. (Details)  

Embroidered Hat Class @ Prairie Rose Needleworks | 6:30-8PM | Show up, pick your hat color and design, and walk out with a hand-embroidered baseball hat you made yourself in one night. It's the kind of craft class that sounds intimidating until you realize they mean it when they say anyone can do it. (Details) 

Roman Vendetta Murder Mystery @ Clouds | 5:30PM | An immersive murder mystery dinner set in the back alleys of Rome where every favor has a price and no one at the table is innocent. (Details) 

Meeker Carnival @ Meeker Elementary | 11AM-2PM | Let the kids enjoy 25 game rooms, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and free popcorn. $10 a kid or $30 for the whole family. It's a guaranteed good time, and yes, you have to stay with your kids, so go ahead and plan accordingly. (Details)  

Free Second Saturdays @ Ames Pantorium | 10AM-4PM | Celebrate the 100th birthday party for the Pantorium building with free admission, free cupcakes, and a look back at a century of local history. At least show up for the free cupcakes. (Details)  

ISU Percussion Ensemble Concert @ Tye Recital Hall | 7:30PM | The ISU Percussion Ensemble is putting on a free concert featuring seven impressive contemporary works.Everything from atmospheric soundscapes to high-energy rhythmic pieces that will rattle your chest in the best way possible. Free, open to everyone, and a cool night of music to enjoy. (Details)  

Sound Bath Meditation @ Life Distilled | 4:30-5:30PM | Grab your yoga mat, find a spot on the floor, and let crystal quartz bowls, ocean drums, and chimes wash over you in what might be the most relaxing hour Ames has to offer. (Details)  

ISU Symphony Orchestra @ Tye Recital Hall | 4:30PM | $10 admission for the general public, while ISU students and youth under 18 are free. Get your tickets at the door for a performance of Symphony Fantastic. (Details) 

Thanks for reading this weeks scoop. If you found something useful, please share it with someone named Kyle.

See you next week,

Chance