City of Ames’ Podcasts

Up Close: Dylan Kline

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Dylan Kline, a builder in more ways than one. After arriving in Ames for a construction job, Dylan found himself laying deeper foundations as a leader, a volunteer, and a father.
Dylan shares how his role with the Ames Alliance allows him to help shape the city’s future, while his evenings are filled with family life, youth sports, and the everyday rhythm of home. He and Casandra talk about what makes Ames feel alive, from community partnerships to promising developments on the horizon.
With a foot in both the practical and the visionary, Dylan offers a grounded yet hopeful view of what it means to belong to a growing, dynamic city.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Powering Forward with Curtis Spence

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 infrastructure, and why RICE (Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine) technology is key to the city’s next generation of power. He also discusses how Ames is thoughtfully integrating renewable energy, including wind and solar, and what steps are being taken to manage cost, reduce environmental impact, and engage the community throughout the process.
Episode Highlights:
Curtis’s background and role within Ames Electric Services
Why the Ames Energy Center is a necessary and timely investment
The planned retirement of Units 7 and 8 and what will replace them
Benefits of RICE units: flexibility, efficiency, and readiness for renewable integration
Project timeline from engineering in 2025 to operation in 2029
Long-term energy goals including 63 MW of wind and 26 MW of solar
Balancing cost, reliability, and environmental responsibility
How the City is addressing sound and infrastructure considerations
To learn more about the Ames Energy Center and stay informed about upcoming projects, visit CityofAmes.org/Electric.

Up Close: Building Relationships with Casandra Eames

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 covering a podcast episode to offering support during a tough season, this conversation is all about showing up. Casandra and Bill share how acts of service, big or small, can deepen trust and build stronger connections within our community.
Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and occasionally humorous look at how relationships grow through shared responsibility and simple acts of kindness.
🎤 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: Rerouting for Safety with Tom Hackett

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 project could mean for emergency response, long-term city planning, and the Ames community as a whole.
Whether you have already made up your mind or are still considering your options, this episode offers important information about what the proposal involves and how it could shape the future of public safety in Ames.
Episode Highlights:
Reasons behind the proposed relocation of Fire Station #2
How the State Avenue site could improve emergency response times and coverage
What the bond referendum means for taxpayers and how the funding would work
The impact on firefighters, infrastructure, and city growth
Resources for residents who want to learn more before voting
Important Reminder:Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.Make sure your voice is heard by voting.To find your polling place, visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website:sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx
Learn More:To see project details and FAQs, visit: CityOfAmes.org/FireStation

Up Close: Zhengyuan Zhu, Jen Tipton, and Craig Kaufman

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 theater, each of them brings a unique perspective on what it means to belong.
They also reflect on their hopes for deeper, more meaningful connections between long-time residents and Iowa State University students, offering thoughtful insights on how to build bridges across generations and communities.
It is a warm, engaging, and often surprising conversation about how we are all more connected than we think.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Don't Let Winter Shut You Down with John Odenweller

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 is needed to apply. He also shares what residents should do if they’ve already received a disconnection notice and highlights other forms of support available through the City.
🔑 Highlights
What LIHEAP is and how it provides one-time payments toward heating costs
Eligibility guidelines and application windows (starting October 1 for elderly or disabled households, November 1 for all others)
The application process, including which documents to prepare
How LIHEAP funds are distributed and how long approval can take
What to do in case of a utility crisis or disconnection notice
Common pitfalls in the application process and how to avoid them
Additional assistance from the City of Ames
💡 Key Takeaway
If you're struggling to keep up with your heating bills this winter, do not wait to ask for help. Programs like LIHEAP are here to assist, and local support is available through both MICA and the City of Ames.
🔗 Resources
LIHEAP Information & Application: micaonline.org – Energy Assistance

Up Close: Craig Kaufman

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 in Ames, and the pulse of the local music scene.
From hunting to hosting concerts, Craig reflects on what it means to stay engaged, stay creative, and stay rooted in a place you care about.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: The Softest Badge in Town with Sergeant Amber Christian

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 as she balances duties as both a crisis support dog and a family pet.
Episode Highlights:
Amber’s journey in law enforcement and community engagement
Why the Ames Police Department introduced a crisis response dog
Penny’s unique role supporting officers, victims, and public outreach
Behind-the-scenes stories from Penny’s early days at home and at work
An inside look at Penny’s training process and timeline
The emotional impact dogs like Penny can have in moments of crisis
How the Ames community can support Penny and follow her progress
Learn More:Visit CityOfAmes.org/CrisisCanine for updates on Penny’s training, upcoming public appearances, and ways to support the program.