City of Ames’ Podcasts

Up Close: Jen Hibben, Leah Locke, and Chris Aukes

Welcome to our end-of-the-month group conversation on Up Close! In this episode, Casandra brings together three previous guests—Jen Hibben, Leah Locke, and Chris Aukes—for a thoughtful and lively discussion about life, community, and what it means to call Ames home.
Each guest brings a unique perspective, and as their individual stories intertwine, new connections emerge. Join us as we reflect on shared values, surprising parallels, and the ways our neighbors help shape the fabric of this city.
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Orange Cones & Game Plans: Inside Ames Construction Season with Mindy Bryngelson

It’s summer in Ames—which means sunshine, detours, and a symphony of beeping construction equipment. In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart chats with Mindy Bryngelson, Municipal Engineer for the City of Ames, to break down what’s under construction and why it matters.
From street resurfacing to underground utility upgrades, Mindy offers an insider look at how projects are planned, prioritized, and communicated to the public. If you've ever wondered, “Why are they tearing up this road now?”—this episode is for you.
🚧 Topics Covered:
Why summer is construction season
How projects are chosen and scheduled
Major road and infrastructure updates
Communication tools and resident resources
Why temporary inconvenience equals long-term improvement
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Up Close: Chris Aukes

In this heartfelt conversation, Casandra talks with Chris Aukes about her journey to Ames and what makes the town feel like home. They touch on her work with Humans of Iowa State and how it sparked a deeper connection to the community. Chris also opens up about her passion for cosmetology, the joy of creative expression, and the relationships that have shaped her along the way.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Watt's the Deal? with Donald Kom

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we connect with Donald Kom, Director of Electric Services for the City of Ames, for a timely conversation about summer electricity usage, upcoming rate changes, and how residents can stay efficient and informed. Don shares practical advice on managing energy use during peak hours, explains the goals of the Summer Shift program, and invites listeners to a special event at the SunSmart Solar Farm.
Episode Highlights:
Don Kom’s background and role with Ames Electric Services
How the city prepares for increased summer electricity demand
What the “Summer Shift” program is and how you can take part
Easy tips to reduce energy consumption at home
Details on the upcoming SunSmart Solar Farm Open House (June 18, 4–6 p.m.)
How local solar fits into Ames’ broader sustainability goals
Learn more at CityofAmes.org
Subscribe to Ames in Focus for more conversations that help you stay connected to your community.

Up Close: Leah Locke

This week on Up Close, we sit down with Leah Locke, a lifelong Ames resident and business advisor at the Small Business Development Center. Leah shares how growing up in Ames shaped her community-minded approach to business and what it’s like supporting entrepreneurs across Iowa. From small-town roots to big-picture impact, Leah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and egg allergies.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Heart Behind the Kennels with Jennifer Hubbs

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we sit down with Jennifer Hubbs, the most dedicated volunteer in the history of the Ames Animal Shelter. With more hours logged than anyone else, Jennifer shares her journey into animal welfare, the moments that have touched her heart, and the vital role volunteers play in the shelter’s day-to-day success. We also discuss the challenges of the current facility and why a new shelter is so urgently needed.
Episode Highlights:
How Jennifer first got involved with the Ames Animal Shelter
The learning curve and rewards of animal shelter volunteering
Memorable animal stories and adoption moments
The behind-the-scenes dedication of shelter staff
Current facility limitations and the push for a new shelter
How the community can support the Capital Campaign
Learn more and donate to the Ames Animal Shelter Capital Campaign at AmesAnimalShelter.org
Subscribe to Ames in Focus for more stories that highlight the people and programs making a difference in our city.

Up Close: Jen Hibben

In this episode of Up Close, we sit down with Jen Hibben—a community builder, spiritual leader, and self-professed 90s music enthusiast. Jen opens up about what it means to live a life that’s busy, how she navigates a jam-packed schedule with intention, and why Ames holds such a special place in her heart.
From the rhythms of her daily life, Jen shares stories that are both grounded and galvanizing. We talk about the beauty of collaboration in small towns, the power of showing up for one another, and being a welcoming community.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Ioway Creek is...Moving? with Liz Calhoun

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Liz Calhoun, Stormwater Resource Analyst for the City of Ames, to explore the vital work underway at Ioway Creek in Brookside Park. Liz shares insights into the ambitious restoration project that addresses erosion, improves water quality, and enhances public access to one of Ames’ most beloved natural spaces.
Highlights Include:
What led to the Ioway Creek restoration and why it's needed
Key project goals: slope stabilization, streambank protection, native planting, and habitat improvement
How construction is phased and what features are being added
Impacts to park access during construction
Ways the Ames community can stay informed and get involved
Project Timeline:Construction begins June 2025 and runs through December 2025, with continued plant establishment into the following year.
Stay Connected:Visit CityofAmes.org and search “Ioway Creek at Brookside” for project updates and engagement opportunities.
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