March 2017

Pride Network and the Unity Chain at Edwards School

Listen Here Now Originally broadcast 03/31/2017
Listen here now

 

This show focuses on issues of inclusiveness and understanding in our local schools. First, Sandra Zapata, Program Coordinator of the Iowa Pride Network talks about the work being done among faculty and students to foster understanding and counteract bullying on LGBTQ issues, and to train students in advocacy.

Then Kathy Hanson of the Ames Community District introduces parents and students involved in visioning and then creating the Unity Chain, (each link bearing a special message) that now decorates the cafeteria at Edwards School.

Musical interludes provided by local artists, performed at previous live concerts at KHOI, chosen and introduced by Evan Taylor fills out the progam.

Birdapalooza, Collins, Sherlock Holmes

Originally broadcast 03/29/2017
Listen here now

Today we looked at "good news" stories in Central Iowa starting with Jennifer Knox telling us about Iowa Bird of Mouth, a crowd-sourced poetry project, and Birdapalooza, a child-centered event taking place on April 1 at the Story County Conservation Center.

Then we checked in on how Collins, a town of less than 500, has been revitalized in the past few years. Collins-Maxwell Elementary School Principal, Chad Grandon, told us how this small school is adopting some big ideas, including a Therapy Dog, into its recently renovated building. Kathy Davis gave us a rundown on the Collins Wellness Center. Collins Mayor Brett Comegys told us of the building and infrastructure projects just completed, as well as those in the planning stages, thanks to support from local businesses as well as talented grant writers - an encouraging story.

Then we checked in with Deanna Faubus, who moved the family business, B Fabulous Barbecue from Huxley to Slater, a bold move that has already quadrupled her business. We ended with Alan Yungclas, director of Sherlock Holmes and the Wolf Family Caper, giving us a preview of Webster City Community Theatre’s children's production opening this weekend.

Bread for the World, Indian Music Masters

Listen Here Now Originally broadcast 03/27/2017
Listen here now

Glenda Eggerling, Jan Beran, and Roy Hougen from Bread for the World, a national organization that seeks to eradicate world hunger, speak about the need to lobby Congressional leaders to ensure continuation of programs in the Farm Bill that support food-insecure people, such as the food stamp program and services to hungry children.

Madhu Gadia, president of the India Cultural Association of Central Iowa, announces they will present a concert by the Indian maestro of percussion Zakir Hussain, accompanied by Rahusl Sharma, premier Santoor master, also from India. Mr. Zakir speaks with us from his home in Los Angeles, explaining the two instruments, the nature of these concerts, and the development of world music. He even discloses that he loves music from The Music Man!

Allyson Walter from Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau announces conferences, public events, performances, and exhibits, coming up in the Central Iowa Events Calendar.

BLM March, Dawaat, APA Solar Initiative

Originally broadcast 03/24/2017
Listen here now

Host Gale Seiler spoke with Sean Appleton-Carlton, of Black Lives Matter in Iowa, who gave details about the BLM march and rally taking place in Ames on Saturday.

Kay Puttock provided an interview with Yash Solanki and Viraj Muthye from Sankalp, an ISU student group. They told about an event on Sunday called Dawaat, which is an Indian feast and fundraiser.

Ames Progressive Alliance was in the studio for their monthly segment. Ann Kinzel and Victoria Szopinski spoke with Don Kom, from the City of Ames Electric Deptartment and Steve Bernard, who is the Cedar Falls Utility Director, joined the conversation by phone. They shared updates on the Ames Community Solar Initiative and let us know that it is moving closer to being a reality in Ames!

Workers' Compensation, Future of Farmland

Originally broadcast 03/22/2017
Listen here now

Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland blog discusses the Workers' Compensation bills being considered by the Iowa House and Senate. We hear what Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, who represents much of Story County, says about the measures.

Susan Franzen discusses the repeal of the inheritance tax with Professor Emeritus of Economics Neil Harl, who has written a book on farm estate planning, and Professor Emeritus of Rural Sociology Cornelia Flora. Former director of Practical Farmers of Iowa Theresa Opheim also discusses the issue of farmland transfer planning and presents some valuable resources.

Reggie's Sleep-out, Composting Toilets

Listen Here Now Originally broadcast 03/20/2017
Listen here now

Von Ketelson and Elwynn Taylor report on weather for the week to come.

Audrey Weidemeyer reports on Reggies Sleepout, when residents will sleep in cardboard boxes at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday March 25th. This event raises awareness about youth homelessness and raises funds for local services to homeless youth, including Youth and Shelter Services (YSS), AssaultCare Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) and the Emergency ResidenceProject (ERP). Nahla Atroon, a senior at Ames High School helping t organize the event, explains and tells the story about Reggie Kelsey, the namesake of the event.

Audrey Weidemeier then describes the compost toilet she just built. She and Joe Lynch, another owner of a compost toilet explain this alternative to the conventional toilet, its benefits, and give advice on how to succeed at having one.

Storms Past, Present and Future, Artist Nesting Habits

Originally broadcast 03/13/2017
Listen here now

We start with a phenology about squirrel nesting habitats and a weather report from Elwynn Taylor, then explore what severe weather can do with Story County EMA coordinator, Keith Morgan.

Reporter Ursula Ruedenburg investigates the "nest-making" habits of multimedia artists Rachel Deutmeyer and Anna Segner, two ISU students whose show Transcendence through Observation, is up at the Octagon Art Center, and features lots of settings for birds.

Audio from Saturday's legislative forum in Huxley features an angry crowd of 50 while Representative Dave Deyoe (R-49) and Senator Bill Dix (Senate Majority Leader, R-25) seek to defend their support of bills promoted by Republicans. Prediction: more storms ahead.

Pages