City of Ames’ Podcasts

Up Close: Donald Kom

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 Ames was the right fit.
But there’s more to Don than public power. The conversation also turns to his creative side: his passion for theatre, and his unexpected adventures in television commercials and print ads.
It’s an episode about leading with curiosity, serving with purpose, and not being afraid to step into the spotlight.
 
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
 
Want to Be On Up Close?Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.

Ames in Focus: One Last Push for the Ames Animal Shelter with Ron Edwards

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 listeners can get involved, whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.
Learn more or contribute at AmesAnimalShelter.org.
Subscribe to Ames in Focus wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review to help others find the show. Share this episode with your fellow animal lovers and community supporters.

Up Close: Bobby King

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 Bobby’s work helping people find employment and what it’s like to support others through life transitions. But at its heart, this episode is about coming home—again—and seeing a familiar place through new eyes.
 
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
 
Want to Be On Up Close?Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.

Ames in Focus: Rebates, Rain Gardens, and Resilient Yards with Liz Calhoun

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 a homeowner, local business, or part of a neighborhood association, this episode explains how you can contribute to a more sustainable Ames—and get rewarded for it.
What is the Smart Watersheds Rebate Program?A city-funded initiative (launched in 2009) that provides financial incentives for projects that manage stormwater and protect local water quality.
Who’s Eligible?Homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and HOAs within Ames city limits who pay a stormwater utility fee.
Rebate-Eligible Projects Include:
Rain barrels (up to $200)
Composters (up to $100)
Native trees ($100/tree, up to 2/year)
Native landscaping (up to $400)
Soil quality restoration (up to $400)
Rain gardens (amount varies)
Visit CityofAmes.org and click on Smart Watersheds to start your application and explore stormwater-smart options for your property.

Up Close: Bill Gallus, Sally Shaver Dubois, and Jen King

In this special episode of Up Close, Casandra Eames brings together three former guests—Bill Gallus, Sally Shaver Dubois, and Jen King—for a lively roundtable where personal stories and shared experiences reveal unexpected connections.
From growing up near Iowa State to finding purpose in service, the conversation flows through weather, music, healthcare, and community with ease and warmth. As their stories intertwine, themes of place, passion, and people rise to the surface.
It’s an episode full of laughs, discoveries, and the kind of real-life intersections that make Ames feel like home.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
 
Want to Be On Up Close?Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.
 

Ames in Focus: From Lockers to Legislation with Susan Gwiasda

This episode of Ames in Focus takes a heartfelt journey through the history and significance of Ames City Hall, located at 515 Clark Avenue. Host Bill Gebhart is joined by two special guests: Susan Gwiasda, Communications and Outreach Manager for the City of Ames, and Alex Fejfar, Exhibits Manager at the Ames History Museum. Together, they reflect on the building’s transformation from Ames High School to City Hall, share personal connections to the space, and preview the upcoming 35th anniversary celebration.
Highlights:
Susan Gwiasda shares her background in communications and her unique connection to the City Hall building
Alex Fejfar offers a historical deep dive—from the building’s 1937 origins to its adaptive reuse in 1988
Insight into preserved architectural features like vintage lockers and the repurposed school library
Reflections on how history shapes civic identity and public service
A preview of the anniversary celebration on Thursday, August 28, including cake, self-guided tours, and community engagement opportunities
Help others discover the stories behind our city! Like, share, and subscribe wherever you listen—and if you’ve got a minute, leave us a review. Your support helps keep the conversation going and brings more Ames voices into focus.

Up Close: Jen King

In this thoughtful episode of Up Close, Casandra Eames welcomes Jen King to the mic to talk about roots, family, and finding contentment in the quieter moments of life. Originally from Marshalltown, Jen shares how her journey—from college to a career in healthcare—ultimately brought her closer to what matters most: family and community.
They explore what it’s like to work in a field centered on care, how Jen’s sense of purpose evolved over time, and why she embraces the opposite of FOMO (fear of missing out). This conversation is a warm reminder that sometimes the best place to be… is exactly where you are.
Topics Covered:
Growing up in Marshalltown and finding her path
Moving closer to family post-college
A career rooted in healthcare and compassion
Choosing presence over pressure: the joy of missing out
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
 
Want to Be On Up Close?Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.

Ames in Focus: Wayfinding in Ames with Damion Pregitzer

Navigating Ames just got easier. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with City of Ames Traffic Engineer, Damion Pregitzer, to talk about the new wayfinding signs appearing along Ames’ trails and shared-use paths. From pointing you toward parks and neighborhoods to making routes safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and people who roll, these signs are part of a bigger vision for transportation in our community.
Damion shares the thinking behind the Walk Bike Roll master plan, explains how public feedback shaped the design and placement of the signs, and walks us through the phased rollout happening across the city. Whether you’re a daily commuter on two wheels or just someone who enjoys a weekend stroll, you’ll learn how Ames is making it easier—and safer—to get where you’re going.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What wayfinding signs are and how they help people navigate Ames’ trail network
How the Walk Bike Roll master plan guides transportation improvements in the city
The role of community feedback in shaping the signage system
How the signs improve safety and accessibility for all users
Where and when you can expect to see more signs installed
Resources & Links:
Learn more about the Walk Bike Roll master plan: www.CityofAmes.org/WalkBikeRoll