City of Ames’ Podcasts

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.
Follow Us:Subscribe and follow Ames in Focus on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation on our social media channels to stay up to date on the people and projects shaping life in Ames.

Up Close: Building Relationships with Casandra Eames

Welcome to Up Close, the podcast where we have meaningful conversations with our neighbors about life in Ames, Iowa.
This is not a normal episode. In a typical month, Casandra will have three individual guests and one group podcast. In May, there is a fifth Thursday! Any time there is a fifth Thursday, you get Casandra (and her producer, Bill Gebhart). In this episode, Casandra and Bill talk about building relationships with the people around you.
If you would like to be a guest on Up Close, contact Casandra at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
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: Understanding the Nuisance Ordinance with Sara VanMeeteren

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we welcome back Sara VanMeeteren, Building Official for the City of Ames, for an important discussion about the City’s Nuisance Ordinance.
Sara breaks down what the ordinance covers, who it applies to, and the types of issues that can be considered violations—everything from overgrown yards to improperly stored items. We also walk through how the City identifies and enforces nuisance violations, including how residents are notified and what steps are taken before any penalties are applied.
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or property manager, this episode is packed with useful information to help you stay in compliance and keep Ames neighborhoods safe and clean.
Key Topics:
What the Nuisance Ordinance is and why it exists
Common types of violations (and how to avoid them)
Who is responsible when a violation occurs
How the City investigates and enforces the ordinance
What to expect if you receive a notice
More Info:To learn more about the City’s nuisance policies or report a concern, visit www.CityofAmes.org
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Up Close: Anneke Mundel, Monica Gordillo, and Nancy Carroll

Welcome to our end of the month group conversation on Up Close! On this podcast, we will have conversations with our neighbors about life in the context of what it means to be in Ames, Iowa. On this episode, previous guests Anneke Mundel, Monica Gordillo, and Nancy Carroll get a chance to know each other through conversation as Casandra makes connections between them based on their previous podcasts.
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
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: What it Takes to Become an Officer with Major Jason Tuttle

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we sit down with Major Jason Tuttle of the Ames Police Department for an insightful conversation about law enforcement in our community.
Major Tuttle shares his journey into policing, offering a look at what inspired him to serve and how his career has evolved. We dive into the philosophy and practice of community policing, and what that looks like day-to-day in Ames.
Thinking about a career in law enforcement? This episode breaks down what it takes to become a police officer, the qualities the Ames Police Department looks for, and how to start the application process with the City of Ames.
Key Topics:
Major Tuttle’s personal path into law enforcement
The role and importance of community policing in Ames
Requirements and expectations for becoming a police officer
How to begin the hiring process with the City of Ames
The evolving nature of public safety and police work
Interested in joining the Ames Police Department?Visit www.CityofAmes.org to learn more or start your application at www.CityofAmes.org/Jobs.

Up Close: Nancy Carroll

Welcome to Up Close, the podcast where we have meaningful conversations with our neighbors about life in Ames, Iowa.
In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Carroll, who has retired, but that hasn't stopped her work with the community. Nancy was born and raised in Ames and, after college, worked with and eventually ran the Ames Parks and Recreation department. Now, you can find her helping to build projects that are close to her heart, such as the 60 Forward Center and, currently, the new Ames Animal Shelter. Nancy definitely calls Ames home, but is continuing to build it! 🏡❤️
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.