City of Ames’ Podcasts

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 eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.

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 Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

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 Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org.

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.