City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we're joined by Curtis Spence, Assistant Director of Ames Electric Services, to explore the future of energy in Ames. At the heart of our conversation is the Ames Energy Center, a major initiative designed to modernize the city’s electric infrastructure, improve reliability, and support sustainability goals.

Curtis shares insights into the planning process, the reasons behind retiring aging infrast...

It’s a five-Thursday month, which means it’s time for a special Up Close conversation with your host Casandra and Producer Bill!

This is the first time Casandra and Bill have been on the pod together since Casandra was out recovering from knee surgery, and there’s a lot to catch up on. They talk about what it was like for Bill to guest host in her absence and reflect on what it means to step in when someone else needs a hand.

From ...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart talks with Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hackett about the proposed relocation of Fire Station #2. The conversation comes just ahead of the public bond referendum on Tuesday, November 4.

Tom shares how he got into public safety, explains the challenges at the current Campustown location, and outlines the benefits of moving to a new site on State Avenue. The episode breaks down what this p...

In this special episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames reunites her last three guests: Zhengyuan Zhu, Jen Tipton, and Craig Kaufman, for a roundtable conversation about community, connection, and the threads that tie their stories together.

Though they come from different backgrounds and walks of life, Zhengyuan, Jen, and Craig quickly find common ground in their shared experiences. From raising kids in Ames to supporting local t...

As colder weather rolls in, utility bills often rise, and that can pose real challenges for many Ames residents. In this episode, we're joined once again by John Odenweller, Utility Accounts Supervisor for the City of Ames, to break down the resources available to help households stay warm without breaking the bank.

John explains how the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) works, who qualifies, and what documentation...

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Craig Kaufman, a familiar face in Ames known for bringing people together through events, in parks, and around music.

Craig shares what it was like to return to Ames after years on the East Coast and how his perspective on the city has deepened since coming back. He and Casandra talk about the joy and challenge of organizing community events, the richness of outdoor life i...

In this heartwarming episode, Bill Gebhart welcomes Sergeant Amber Christian of the Ames Police Department along with a very special four-legged guest, Penny, the department’s new crisis response dog. While still in training, Penny is already bringing comfort, calm, and connection to officers and community members alike. Amber shares what inspired the program, how Penny is being trained, and what her day-to-day role will look like ...

Host Casandra Eames sits down with Jen Tipton, a longtime Ames resident, for a heartfelt conversation about finding home in a place that is always changing.

Jen shares what it is like to build a life and raise a family in a college town, and why she feels so connected to the Ames community. She and Casandra talk about the energy that Iowa State brings to the city, how to stay grounded amid change, and the quiet joy of appreciating ...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we’re turning up the heat in the best way possible. Deputy Chief Karen Tapper and Commander Brad Jerkins from the Ames Fire Department join Bill Gebhart for an inside look at Fire Prevention Week, the department’s annual Open House, and important updates about the future of Fire Station 2.

Whether you're a longtime Ames resident or new to the area, this conversation is full of practical fire safety...

After a short break for knee surgery, host Casandra Eames returns to Up Close with a special guest: Dr. Zhengyuan Zhu, professor in the nation’s oldest statistics department at Iowa State University.

In this intimate and engaging conversation, Dr. Zhu shares his journey from China to Ames, and what drew him to a career in statistics and life in a small Midwestern city. With his children growing up, Dr. Zhu now spends his weekends o...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer for the City of Ames, to talk about a quiet revolution in local transportation: the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

From adaptive traffic signals to fiber-connected intersections, Ames is stepping into the future with technology designed to make your daily commute smoother, safer, and more sustainable.

For his final week filling in for Casandra Eames, guest host Bill Gebhart brings back all three recent guests—Bobby King, Donald Kom, and Annabella “Bella” Marquez—for a roundtable conversation that’s all about connection.

Though they come from different backgrounds and walks of life, Bobby, Don, and Bella discover surprising overlaps in their stories—whether it’s a shared sense of purpose, love for community, or the different ways...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins to talk about the future of Fire Station 2. The discussion covers why relocation is needed, the benefits of the proposed State Avenue site, and the partnership with Iowa State University that helps make the project possible.

Chief Higgins explains how the relocation will improve emergency response times, expand service coverage, and crea...

Guest host Bill Gebhart continues his run on Up Close with a heartfelt and hopeful conversation with Annabella Marquez.

Bella shares her family’s journey to Ames and what it’s been like to grow up in the place her parents chose to call home. Born and raised here, Bella reflects on how that deep connection has shaped her—especially through her work with the Ames Human Relations Commission.

The episode also gives us a glimpse into Be...

In this episode, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Justin Clausen, now Director of Public Works, to talk trash and the exciting changes coming to Ames’ waste and recycling systems. From the end of waste-to-energy to the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C), get the inside scoop on how Ames is rethinking sustainability, curbside recycling, and what it means for your bin at the curb.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Ames is ph...

With Casandra Eames still on the mend, guest host Bill Gebhart returns—this time sitting down with Donald Kom for a lively conversation that spans electricity and entertainment.

Donald shares how his love of a challenge led him to Ames and into a leadership role with the Ames Electric Department. From keeping the lights on to navigating the complexities of a growing community, Don reflects on what makes the work rewarding—and why A...

This week on Ames in Focus, we welcome back Ron Edwards, Animal Control Supervisor for the City of Ames, for an exciting update on the Ames Animal Shelter Capital Campaign. The project is nearing the finish line, with just $500,000 left to raise toward its $7.5 million goal.

Ron shares how this expanded and modernized facility will improve medical care, animal housing, adoption spaces, and community engagement. He also explains how...

With Casandra Eames out recovering from knee surgery, Bill Gebhart steps in to guest host a conversation that’s all about the pull of place—and what it means to return.

Bobby King joins Bill to talk about his journey to Ames, what took him away, and why he ultimately came back. It’s a story about change—personal and communal—and how the "vibe" of a place can shift over time, sometimes in ways that surprise you.

They also touch on B...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Liz Calhoun returns to share updates on the Smart Watersheds Rebate Program—a City of Ames initiative helping residents reduce stormwater flooding and improve water quality through practical, eco-friendly solutions. From rain barrels and composters to native landscaping and rain gardens, Liz and Bill break down the program's offerings, eligibility, and new online application process.

Whether you're...