Ames in Focus: All Together Now! with Casandra Eames

What makes a community feel connected? Is it the events that bring people together, the conversations that help us understand one another, or the opportunities for everyone to have their voice heard? In Ames, the Human Relations Commission is working to make those connections stronger. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back City of Ames Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames to explore the work of the Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) and its role in bringing people, organizations, and communities together. Casandra explains the Commission's mission, how its members work to build trust and respect throughout Ames, and why connecting with residents is an important part of its work. She also discusses the Commission's three strategic priorities: gathering and analyzing information, connecting in the community, and speaking up on issues that affect Ames residents. A major focus of the conversation is the Commission's effort to build stronger relationships with local organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and community members. Bill and Casandra discuss why AHRC wants more organizations to attend its meetings, share what they're doing, and explore opportunities to support one another. They also explore the Commission's role in understanding discrimination concerns, the importance of making community engagement accessible and welcoming, and how residents can get involved even if they've never attended a City board or commission meeting. In this episode: What the Ames Human Relations Commission is and why it exists The Commission's mission and its role in connecting communities Who serves on AHRC and what commissioners do The Commission's three strategic priorities: gather information, connect, and speak up Community events, activities, and partnerships supported by AHRC Why the Commission wants to hear from more local organizations How community groups can attend meetings and explore opportunities for collaboration The Commission's role in understanding discrimination concerns How AHRC shares community perspectives with City leadership Barriers that sometimes prevent residents from getting involved Ways individuals can share ideas, concerns, and experiences The long-term vision for building a more connected Ames The Ames Human Relations Commission isn't just about meetings, policies, or programs. It's about people, relationships, and creating opportunities for everyone to feel connected to their community. Get connected! The Ames Human Relations Commission meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 235 at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave. Meetings are open to the public. Local organizations, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community members are encouraged to attend, introduce themselves, share information about their work, and explore ways to connect with the Commission. Learn more about the Ames Human Relations Commission, its meetings, events, and opportunities to get involved at www.CityOfAmes.org/AHRC. Whether you're part of a community organization, interested in serving on a City commission, or simply looking for ways to become more involved in Ames, there's a place for you in the conversation.

From moving forward with a new animal services facility to addressing housing concerns and planning for future development, the Ames City Council has several important items on its upcoming agenda. In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to preview several key items scheduled for the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages. Bill and Mayor Haila begin with an update on the new Ames Animal Services Center, as approvals included on the Council's Consent Agenda would allow work to begin on the new facility. They discuss this next step in the project and what it means for the future of animal services in Ames. The conversation then turns to radon testing in rental properties, a topic brought to the attention of City Council through emails from residents. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside buildings and pose health risks with prolonged exposure. Bill and Mayor Haila discuss the concerns raised by residents and how the City Council may address the issue of radon testing in rental homes. Next, the discussion focuses on expanding housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income households through a potential partnership with the Story County Board of Supervisors. Mayor Haila explains how collaboration between local governments could help address housing needs and what Council will be asked to consider as part of this effort. Finally, Bill and Mayor Haila explore the next steps in the Urban Renewal Areas process. They discuss how urban renewal planning can be used as a tool for community development, what the process involves, and the decisions Council will be considering as the City moves forward. From community facilities and housing safety to housing opportunities and long-term development planning, these agenda items highlight the range of issues City Council addresses and how those decisions can affect the future of Ames. This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials. In this episode, we discuss: Consent Agenda approvals allowing work to begin on the new Ames Animal Services Center Resident concerns about radon testing in rental properties A potential partnership with the Story County Board of Supervisors to increase low- to moderate-income housing opportunities The next steps in the City's Urban Renewal Areas process From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames. Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at [email protected]. Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page. View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityOfAmes.org/CCMeetings. City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Skip breakfast? Eat only during certain hours? Could watching when you eat be just as important as watching what you eat? Intermittent fasting has become a popular topic in health and wellness, with people turning to this eating approach for weight management, potential health benefits, and a more structured eating schedule. But does it actually work? And more importantly, is it right for everyone? In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., host Kacie Schumann welcomes Mikaylah Grundtner, the City of Ames' new Health Promotion Intern and podcast co-host! Mikaylah is a kinesiology student at Iowa State University with an interest in physical therapy. After getting to know Mikaylah, the two explore the science behind intermittent fasting, different fasting methods, potential benefits, and important considerations before giving it a try. They also dig into research comparing intermittent fasting with traditional calorie restriction and discuss why sustainable habits may be more effective than extreme dieting. Episode Highlights Meet Our New Co-Host Get to know Mikaylah Grundtner! Mikaylah shares her journey to Iowa State University, her interest in physical therapy, and what wellness means to her. What Is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat rather than simply what you eat. Kacie and Mikaylah explain how fasting works and introduce common approaches, including the 12/12 and 16/8 methods. What Happens to Your Body When You Fast? From changes in insulin levels to the body's use of stored energy, discover some of the biological processes associated with fasting, including cellular repair and metabolism. Potential Health Benefits Could intermittent fasting support weight management, improve blood sugar regulation, or benefit heart health? Kacie and Mikaylah explore potential benefits and what research suggests about their effectiveness. Is Intermittent Fasting Safe for Everyone? Fasting isn't a good fit for everyone. Learn about possible side effects, including headaches, fatigue, irritability, and overeating, as well as groups of people who should avoid intermittent fasting or seek medical guidance. What Can You Have While Fasting? Does your morning coffee break your fast? What about vitamins or supplements? Kacie and Mikaylah discuss beverages, supplements, and other considerations during fasting periods. Can You Exercise While Fasting? Whether you enjoy running, lifting weights, or high-intensity workouts, learn how exercising while fasting may affect your energy and performance. What Does the Research Say? Kacie and Mikaylah independently selected the same research review, but found different takeaways! They discuss findings suggesting intermittent fasting can produce weight-loss results comparable to traditional calorie restriction, and why individual results may vary. Finding What Works for You Healthy habits don't have to involve extreme changes. Kacie and Mikaylah discuss the importance of sustainable approaches to nutrition and wellness and why consulting a healthcare professional before starting a fasting routine is important. Resources Johns Hopkins Medicine: Intermittent Fasting An overview of intermittent fasting, how it works, different eating schedules, and potential health benefits. Learn about intermittent fasting Healthline: Intermittent Fasting for Beginners An introduction to common fasting methods, potential benefits, and safety considerations. Read the beginner's guide Healthline: What Breaks a Fast? Information about foods, beverages, and supplements that may affect fasting. Learn what breaks a fast University of Michigan: A Beginner's Guide to Intermittent Fasting Information about the basics of intermittent fasting and considerations for choosing an eating schedule. Read the University of Michigan guide Harvard Health: 4 Intermittent Fasting Side Effects to Watch Out For A look at potential side effects and considerations before beginning intermittent fasting. Read about potential side effects Prospect Medical: Working Out While Intermittent Fasting Information about exercise, energy levels, and physical performance while following an intermittent fasting schedule. Learn about exercising while fasting National Library of Medicine: Beneficial Effects of Intermittent Fasting: A Narrative Review A review of research examining intermittent fasting, weight management, metabolic health, and potential health benefits. This is the research review Kacie and Mikaylah discuss during the episode. Read the research review Have a Question or Topic Idea? Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast? Send suggestions to [email protected].

What if Ames had more opportunities to play, exercise, and stay active all year long? From basketball and pickleball to indoor playgrounds and fitness areas, the possibilities are exciting. But what would a new indoor recreation facility actually look like, and what would it take to make it happen? In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back City of Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham to discuss the City's exploration of a potential new indoor recreation facility and why community input is an important first step. Keith discusses the recreational needs of the Ames community, how a new facility could complement existing opportunities, and some of the amenities being considered. These could include courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, along with artificial turf, exercise equipment, indoor playgrounds, batting cages, and multipurpose spaces. But before any decisions are made, the City wants to hear from residents. Bill and Keith discuss the online survey, public input sessions, and how community feedback will help determine what happens next. They also explore the planning process, including the role of the Ames Parks and Recreation Commission and Ames City Council, potential costs, and the questions that must be answered before a project could move forward. In this episode: Why Ames is exploring a new indoor recreation facility Recreational needs and opportunities in the community Potential amenities and activities being considered How a new facility could complement existing recreation options Why public input is important at this stage How residents can participate in the online survey What the City is learning from public input sessions The next steps for the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council Planning considerations, potential costs, and future decisions The long-term vision for recreation in Ames A new indoor recreation facility is still just a possibility, and no final decisions have been made. That's why now is the time for residents to share their ideas, priorities, and concerns. Make your voice heard! Complete the online survey at www.CityOfAmes.org/IndoorRecreationCenter. Residents are also invited to attend the final public input session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave. Whether you're interested in sports, fitness, family activities, or simply having more places to stay active throughout the year, your feedback can help shape the future of recreation in Ames.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Director Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Oct. 27 Ames City Council meeting. They begin with the Resident Satisfaction Survey staff report. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the results of the survey, what residents are saying about City services, and how community feedback helps guide City priorities and future decisions. The conversation then turns to the Ames Animal Services Center renovation. With City Council awarding a construction contract for the project, Mayor Haila discusses this important milestone and what the planned improvements will mean for animals, staff, and the Ames community. Next, they tackle three traffic and transportation topics affecting different areas of Ames. First is a new study exploring a potential downtown transit hub and what the City hopes to learn through the process. They also discuss the Duff Avenue Corridor traffic study, including the Council's acceptance of the study report and how its findings could help inform future transportation improvements. Finally, Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the Grand Avenue and 13th Street intersection, sharing information about this busy intersection and the City's ongoing consideration of traffic conditions in the area. From listening to residents and improving animal care facilities to studying traffic and transportation needs, this episode highlights how City Council discussions and decisions help shape the future of Ames. From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames. Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Get involved: Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page. View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CCMeetings. Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected]. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

69,000 volts of electricity. Miles of transmission lines. Massive poles, specialized equipment, and a construction project that takes years to complete. Sounds like a lot of work just to keep the lights on, doesn't it? Well, that's exactly the point! Most of us don't give much thought to the electrical infrastructure that powers our homes, businesses, and community. We flip a switch, plug something in, or charge our phones and expect electricity to be there. But behind that everyday convenience is a complex system requiring careful planning, maintenance, and investment. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back City of Ames Director of Electric Services Donald Kom to explore the City's 69-kilovolt (69 kV) transmission lines and a multi-year project to reconstruct portions of this important infrastructure. Understanding the Power Behind the Power What exactly is a 69 kV transmission line, and why does it carry 69,000 volts? Don explains how these high-voltage lines fit into Ames' electric system, how they differ from the lines running through neighborhoods, and why they're essential to delivering reliable electricity. Rebuilding for the Future Some of Ames' transmission infrastructure has been serving the community for decades. The City's Capital Improvements Plan includes a multi-year effort to reconstruct approximately 11 miles of 69 kV transmission lines, replacing aging equipment and preparing the system for future needs. But how do you rebuild transmission lines that are already carrying electricity? Don takes us behind the scenes of the engineering, planning, and construction involved, including work on the line between the Ames Plant and Top-O-Hollow. What Does This Mean for Residents? These improvements are designed to strengthen reliability, support future growth, and help prevent problems before they happen. Don also discusses what residents might see during construction, potential impacts on traffic and electric service, and how the City plans and budgets for major infrastructure investments. In this episode: What 69 kV transmission lines are and why they're important How electricity moves through Ames' electric system Why aging transmission infrastructure needs replacement The multi-year project to reconstruct approximately 11 miles of transmission lines How crews rebuild infrastructure while keeping electricity flowing Improvements to reliability, capacity, and future electric needs What residents can expect during construction How Electric Services plans and budgets for major projects Electric infrastructure may not be something most of us think about every day, but maintaining it is essential to keeping Ames powered. By investing in these improvements now, Ames Electric Services is working to ensure a reliable electric system for generations to come. And when it comes to electricity, the best kind of shocking development is one that helps keep the lights on! Want to learn more about Ames Electric Services? Visit www.CityofAmes.org/Electric for information about the City's electric utility, infrastructure projects, and services. Subscribe to Ames in Focus wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people and programs that make Ames a great place to live, work, and play.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to preview several key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages. Bill and Mayor Haila begin with a look at the latest Resident Satisfaction Survey report, which provides valuable feedback on how Ames residents view City services, programs, and the community as a whole. They discuss the importance of gathering resident input and how the survey results can help guide City priorities and future decisions. The conversation then turns to the new Ames Animal Services Center, as City Council considers approval of a construction contract for the facility. Bill and Mayor Haila discuss this next step in the project and what it means for the future of animal services in Ames. Finally, the episode is bookended by two traffic studies at different stages of the process. One is just getting started, with Council considering a request for proposals to establish the scope of services for a new study. The other is reaching a milestone, with Council being asked to accept a completed traffic study report. Mayor Haila explains how traffic studies help the City evaluate transportation needs, understand existing conditions, and plan for future improvements. From resident feedback and community facilities to transportation planning, these agenda items highlight how City Council decisions shape both current services and the future of Ames. This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials. In this episode, we discuss: Results from the latest Resident Satisfaction Survey Approval of a construction contract for the new Ames Animal Services Center A request for proposals for the scope of services for a new traffic study Acceptance of a completed traffic study report From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames. Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at [email protected]. Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page. View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CCMeetings. City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Staying healthy as we age is about more than physical fitness. The relationships we build, the activities we participate in, and the connections we maintain with others can all play an important role in our overall well-being. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann sits down with Jenny Schill, Connection Coordinator at Sixty Forward, to talk about social wellness and the importance of staying connected as we get older. Jenny shares how Sixty Forward helps older adults find opportunities to get active, try something new, build relationships, and stay engaged with the community. They also discuss how making social connections can benefit our personal health and why sometimes the hardest part is simply taking that first step. Episode Highlights What Is Social Wellness? Social wellness is about building and maintaining meaningful connections with others. Kacie and Jenny discuss why those relationships are an important part of our overall health and well-being. Creating Connections at Sixty Forward Learn how Sixty Forward helps older adults connect with programs, activities, resources, and other people in the community. The Health Benefits of Staying Engaged Getting out, being active, and spending time with other people can support our personal health and well-being. Kacie and Jenny talk about why social connection deserves a place alongside other healthy habits. Finding Your Community Connection looks different for everyone. The conversation explores the importance of finding activities, programs, and people that help you feel engaged with your community. Taking the First Step Trying something new or walking into a room full of people you don't know isn't always easy. Sometimes making that first connection is the biggest step toward becoming more involved. Connection at Every Age Our need for friendship, activity, purpose, and community doesn't disappear as we get older. Staying socially connected is an important part of continuing to live well. Resources Sixty Forward Learn more about Sixty Forward and opportunities for older adults to get active, meet people, participate in programs, and stay connected with the community. Explore Sixty Forward Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast? Send suggestions to [email protected]

One year on the job. Countless tail wags. Plenty of community appearances. And apparently, sleeping on duty is perfectly acceptable when you're one of the most popular officers at the Ames Police Department. Penny, the Ames Police Department's Crisis Canine, is celebrating her first anniversary as a badged member of the department! But what does a year of police work look like when your primary responsibilities include providing comfort, building connections, and helping people through difficult situations? In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Ames Police Sergeant Amber Christian and her four-legged partner, Penny, for a look at their first year working together. From responding to stressful situations to making new friends at community events, Penny has a unique role in serving the Ames community. When Penny first appeared on Ames in Focus, she was still learning the ropes. Now, with a full year of experience, Amber reflects on how Penny has grown, what they've learned together, and how the Crisis Canine Program is making a difference. Unlike traditional police K9s trained for tracking, searching, or apprehension, Penny has a very different assignment. As a Crisis Canine, she's trained to provide comfort, help de-escalate stressful situations, and create connections with people who may be experiencing some of their most difficult moments. Sometimes, having a friendly dog nearby can make it easier for someone to relax, communicate, or simply feel supported. But Penny's work doesn't stop when a crisis ends. Community Connections are another important part of Penny's job. Whether she's attending public events, meeting residents, or helping introduce people to the Ames Police Department, Penny offers a different way for officers to connect with the community. After all, approaching a police officer might feel intimidating to some people, but approaching an officer with an adorable dog is another story! Supporting Public Safety Employees is also part of Penny's mission. Police officers, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals regularly encounter difficult situations. Having Penny around can provide opportunities to decompress, connect, and find a little comfort during a challenging day. Training and Partnership remain essential to the program's success. Amber and Penny continue working together to maintain their skills and strengthen their relationship. Amber also shares what it's like to have a partner who goes home with her at the end of the shift and whether Penny knows when it's time to stop being Officer Penny and just be a dog. Supporting the Crisis Canine Program takes more than treats and belly rubs. Ongoing training, equipment, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses are part of keeping Penny healthy and ready to serve. Community donations help support these needs and ensure the program can continue providing an important resource for the Ames Police Department and the community. In this episode: Celebrating Penny's first year as a badged member of the Ames Police Department How the Crisis Canine Program has developed during its first year What makes a Crisis Canine different from a traditional police K9 How Penny helps provide comfort and connection during stressful situations The types of calls and situations where Penny can assist How dogs can help people communicate and feel more comfortable Penny's role in community events and public outreach Building positive relationships between police officers and residents Supporting the mental wellness of police officers, dispatchers, and other public safety employees How Amber and Penny have grown as a team The ongoing training required for a Crisis Canine and handler What Penny is like when she's off duty The costs of maintaining the Crisis Canine Program How community donations support Penny's training, equipment, and care Looking ahead to Penny's second year with the department Penny may not write reports, make arrests, or answer questions during a podcast interview, but her role at the Ames Police Department is an important one. Whether she's helping someone through a difficult experience, supporting a fellow officer, or making a new friend at a community event, Penny demonstrates how a little compassion and connection can make a meaningful difference. Want to support Penny and the Ames Police Department Crisis Canine Program? Donations help cover ongoing expenses, including training, equipment, veterinary care, grooming, and other needs. To contribute, visit www.AmesAnimalShelter.org and follow the directions to make a donation to the Crisis Canine Program. You can also follow the Ames Police Department and the City of Ames on social media to keep up with Penny and her adventures. And don't forget to subscribe to Ames in Focus for more conversations with the people and programs that make Ames a great place to live, work, and play.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Director Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Oct. 13 Ames City Council meeting. They begin with proactive code enforcement in Campustown. Mayor Haila explains the City's approach to conducting regular code enforcement inspections in the Campustown area, why these efforts are important, and how they can help maintain safe and well-maintained properties in this busy part of Ames. The conversation then turns to Curbside Recycling Opt Out criteria, specifically for residents whose garbage is collected in an alley. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the criteria for opting out of the City's curbside recycling program and what residents with alley garbage collection should know about their options. Next, they discuss the approval of revenue bonds for the new Ames Municipal Energy Center. Mayor Haila explains how this financing supports the City's plans for the new facility and what the project means for the future of Ames' municipal electric utility. Finally, they look at the Ames Animal Services Facility remodel and the bidding process for the project. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the next steps in moving the project forward and how improvements to the facility will support animal care and services for the Ames community. From maintaining properties in Campustown and addressing recycling options to investing in the City's electric infrastructure and improving Animal Services facilities, this episode highlights several City Council decisions and what they mean for Ames residents. From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames. Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public. Get involved: Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CCMeetings Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected]. From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.