April 2020

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Mary Greeley Medical, Ames City Operations

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 04/06/2020
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Dennis Hart gave a review of the past week's news in Iowa. 

As of today, there are 5 known and tested cases of COVID-19 in Story County, Boone 3, Marshall 10, Hamilton, Hardin, and Webster Counties are all reporting 1.  

Steve Sullivan,  Director of Marketing and Community Relations for MaryGreeley Medical Center, provided an update from the hospital serving Central Iowa. Currently two COVID-19 Patients are in the hospital and about 5 others are waiting for test results. Iowa State is helping the hospital with protective gear, made from unused materials. Sullivan described the hospital as feeling confident about its supplies and constantly re-assessing. 

As of Tuesday April 7, visitors will no longer be allowed in Mary Greeley. The hospital asks for your cooperation with this safety measure. There are exceptions to this ban for certain extreme cases and children. To speak to the hospital about this, call 515-239-2129, or if you have any other questions. 

The nurse's hotline (Monday - Friday) to call with health questions or if you suspect having the virus is: 515-500-6711. 

More information  /  Hospital Updates  /  COVID-19 Q&A

Susan Gwiasda, Public Relations Officer for the City of Ames, asked for residents' cooperation with staying away from playground and to refrain from congregating. Vital resources are needed to maintain city infrastructures and Ames hopes to not be required to use city staff for fencing off areas. Hydrant flushing will begin soon in the city. City Hall is closed; call 515-239-6570 to speak with city staff. 

The drop-off mailbox for paying bills is operating. On-line options are available for bill payments.

Information about bike paths

Anna Banana brought Heart to Heart Messages. Send Anna your message to read on the air. Text it to 515-809-0077 or email it to khoiradio@gmail with Heart to heart in the subject line.  

COVID-19 RESPONSE: United Way and Neighborhoods

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 04/03/2020
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Dennis Hart's news from the Ames Tribune was full of stories of the ways people are reaching out to their neighbors during the COVID-19 crisis. Carrying on with theme was Jean Kresse, president of United Way of Story County, who described the ways United Way's partnership agencies address the COVID-19 crisis for those in need of food (Food Bank of Iowa)  and housing (Emergency Residence Project) to pre-school for essential workers (COR&R). Then Susan Gwiasda introduced us to Julie Gould Ames City Planner responsible for the 25 Neighborhood Associations that exist in Ames.  She told us about ways the neighborhood organization support those in their neighborhoods during this crisis, as well as how to find your association and contact information if you need assistance or want to help.  Anna Banana ended the program with a "Heart to Heart" story about how furry friends provide love and comfort during this time of uncertainty. 

COVID-19 RESPONSE: David Deyoe House District 49, ISU's Digital Transition, City Attorney Mark Lambert

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 04/02/2020
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David Deyoe, Iowa House Representative for District 49 in Nevada, expressed his support for Governor Reynold's leadership during the COVID-19. He informed us of her recent proclamations, increasing financial support for smaller county hospitals and extending restrictions on restaurants to curb-side business only. During this time, with the legislature suspended, he reported that he and other republican legisltors are checking in with constiuents and receiving briefings from the Governor and Republican leadership. To contact him, write to dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov .

Jonathan Wickert, who is Senior Vice President and Provost at Iowa State University, overseeing the university's Division  of Academic Affairs, gave an update on how ISU, within 6 days, moved on line with over 6,000 classes and having its staff and faculty work remotely. They have developed a philosophy of support and understanding for circumstances affecting everyone connected to ISU, as well as alternatives for students to find Internet access. He describes ISU's support for foreign students who cannot go home and are living on campus.

Ames City Attorney Mark Lambert explains that the City has been able to stay with usual legal parameters for conducting business and transparency during the COVID-19 crisis. They are broadcasting City Council meetings on line and received responses from the public by taking calls. They are planning to use Zoom meetings in the future. Consultations with other CIt Attorneys around the state is helping to problem solve and dilemas in complying with the law while doing things in a new way. Lambert reminded us that local municipalities cannot declare mandatory stay-at-home orders; this comes from the Governor's office.

Anna Banana's Heart to Heart Messages of love and support were aired - send your message over the air, for  people you love or to the whole community. Text your message for Anna to read at  515-809-0077 or email it to khoiradio@gmail with Heart to heart in the subject line.  

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Library and Mental Health

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 04/01/2020
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As part of the KHOI Local Talk series on Clovid19, we heard from Carolyn Raffensperger, executive director of the Science & Environmental Health Network, reflecting on how we are adapting our lives to the Pandemic.  On the local level, Susan Gwiasda, Public Relations Officer for the City of Ames, brought in Shiela Schofer, director of the Ames Public Library, to tell us about the many online resources available through the library.  Turning to our mental health, Counseling Psychologist Suzanne Zilber gave us lots of insights into how to deal with the emotions we naturally feel at this time.  She also left a collection of contacts we can draw on. Here they are: 

  • 211 - select mental health support -- CICS crisis line 844-258-8858  Call for anxiety and grief related to the virus or other issues. Live chat at the website Text to 855-895-8398
  • Warm Line – trained peer listeners  844-775-9276 usual hours are 5 -10 PM but they may have expanded their hours.
Pat Schlarbaum reflected personally on John Prine, iconic musician for half a century, who is hospitalized with Clovid19. 
   

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Food from Ames Schools, Ames Police, Scams, Safety

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/31/2020
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Eric Smidt, Director of Communications for Ames Community School District returned to Local Talk to describe the School District's Grab and Go School breakfast and lunchservices. These food containers of food can be received safely at Meeker. Mitchell, and Sawyer Schools in Ames. Information about these are here; call to arrange your pick-up. Smidt also explained how the teachers' car caravans to visit students home from the street are being organized by the teachers, themselves.

Susan Gwiasda, City of Ames Public Relations Officer, introduced JasonTuttle, from the Ames Police. Tuttle discussed Safety in the Home during Covid19 and described current scams. Tuttle reminds you that many types of valuable information is avialble at the City of Ames website. The phone number to call for reaching the CIty Manager for help is 515-239-5101. 

Anna Banana's Heart to Heart Messages of love and support were aired - send your message over the air, for  people you love or to the whole community. Text your message for Anna to read at 515-808-1742.  

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Ames Schools, Ames CIty Manager's Office

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/30/2020
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Dennis Hart provides a summary of Iowa news during the past week.

Eric Smidt, Director of Ames Schools Community and Media Relations gives an update on the schools during the COVID-19 crisis, with all schools in Iowa have been closed since Mid-March. School District staff have continued to be remotely operational, with guidance from the Department of Education. The Department of Education has waived the required 1080 instructional hours with students, and students will still be able to graduate this Spring. There is a food pick-up service out of Meeker, Mitchell, and Sawyer Schools.

There is a digital learning resource website. Lessons from these are printed out for those without Internet access, and can be received at the food pick-up sites.

Ames Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda introduces Deb Schildroth. Assistant Ames City Manager.Schildroth described how city staff is continuing to work during the crisis. City workers are being allowed 80 hours COVID-19 leave, including part-time and contractors to help ensure safety. The City Manager's Office seeks communictaion and welcomes yur calls if there is something you need. The best number to call them is 239-510-1239 5101.

Anna Banana brig more Heart to Heart Messages. Send a message, over the air, for the community or people you love. Text your message to 515-808-1742.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Representative Ross Wilburn, Fire Chief Rich Higgins, & Senate Candidate Cal Woods

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/26/2020
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Iowa House Representative Ross Wilburn for District 46 discussed the President’s emergency declaration, explained the chain of command during emergency with the Governor's declarations serving as law. He also notified us of the SBA grants coming down as a result of federal "CARES Act"  Grants and loans are for small businesses and no-profit organizations. If you are one of these, contact the SBA web site immediately. to For a forgivable Payroll Protection Program to fund 2 months payroll, utilities, rent, and/or mortgage, contact your bank immediately to  apply for this forgivable loan. 


Cal Woods, contender for the democratic candidate's seat for US Senator introduced himself and this positions, which he claims reassert Iowa values. He also spokeon the importance of health care.

Susan Gwiasda Ames Public Relations Officer brought Fire Chief Rich Higgins to discuss transport care for possible Covid19 patients, procedures for Covid19 adaptations at the fire stations, and plans to develop an on-line virtual tour of the fire station for people staying at home to enjoy. 

COVID hotline number is 211.

 

And Anna Banana included another Heart to Heart Messages segment with a special shout out to Friendship Ark.  To send Anna your message for the air, text 515-809-0077.  

2020-03-25

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/25/2020
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David Deyoe, Iowa House Representative for District 49 in Nevada, expressed his support for Governor Reynold's leadership during the COVID-19. He informed us of her recent proclamations, increasing financial support for smaller county hospitals and extending restrictions on restaurants to curb-side business only. During this time, with the legislature suspended, he reported that he and other republican legisltors are checking in with constiuents and receiving briefings from the Governor and Republican leadership. To contact him, write to dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov .

Jonathan Wickert, who is Senior Vice President and Provost at Iowa State University, overseeing the university's Division  of Academic Affairs, gave an update on how ISU, within 6 days, moved on line with over 6,000 classes and having its staff and faculty work remotely. They have developed a philosophy of support and understanding for circumstances affecting everyone connected to ISU, as well as alternatives for students to find Internet access. He describes ISU's support for foreign students who cannot go home and are living on campus.

Ames City Attorney Mark Lambert explains that the City has been able to stay with usual legal parameters for conducting business and transparency during the COVID-19 crisis. They are broadcasting City Council meetings on line and received responses from the public by taking calls. They are planning to use Zoom meetings in the future. Consultations with other CIt Attorneys around the state is helping to problem solve and dilemas in complying with the law while doing things in a new way. Lambert reminded us that local municipalities cannot declare mandatory stay-at-home orders; this comes from the Governor's office.

Anna Banana's Heart to Heart Messages of love and support were aired - send your message over the air, for  people you love or to the whole community. Text your message for Anna to read at  515-809-0077 ot email it to khoiradio@gmail with Heart to heart in the subject line.  

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Fears and Reassurance

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/24/2020
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As the Local Talk guests, sheltering in place at home, gather in the KHOI studio via ZOOM technology, we explore a family story from Trevor Soderstrom that takes us back to the Pandemic of 1918. Bringing us up to the present we  heard from Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Representative from District 45, with issues she is hearing from her constituents -- concerns about the need to "shelter in place," the fate of small businesses, and people without adequate health insurance.  And finally Susan Gwiasda brought us Don Kom, director of Electric Services in Ames, who reassured us that there is no danger of an energy shortage.  "Anna Banana" (Anna Magnusson) brought us the first of "Heart to Heart" Messages. You can text her at 515-809-0077 or email khoiradio@gmail.com with "Heart to Heart" in the subject line. 

2020-03-23

Listen Here NowOriginally broadcast 03/23/2020
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Eric Smidt, Director of Communications for Ames Community School District returned to Local Talk to describe the School District's Grab and Go School breakfast and lunchservices. These food containers of food can be received safely at Meeker. Mitchell, and Sawyer Schools in Ames. Information about these are here; call to arrange your pick-up. Smidt also explained how the teachers' car caravans to visit students home from the street are being organized by the teachers, themselves.

Susan Gwiasda, City of Ames Public Relations Officer, introduced JasonTuttle, from the Ames Police. Tuttle discussed Safety in the Home during Covid19 and described current scams. Tuttle reminds you that many types of valuable information is avialble at the City of Ames website. The phone number to call for reaching the CIty Manager for help is 515-239-5101. 

Anna Banana's Heart to Heart Messages of love and support were aired - send your message over the air, for  people you love or to the whole community. Text your message for Anna to read at 515-808-1742.  

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