February 2021

LOCAL TALK 23 February 2021 Meetz

Originally broadcast 02/23/2021 

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Karen Kedrowski, Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics (a political science professor at Iowa State University. Her research agenda focuses on women and politics and civic engagement.)   U.S. Rep. Katie Porter – an Iowa native who represents California’s 45th Congressional District and has earned a reputation for her tough questioning and use of visual aids during congressional hearings – will give a virtual presentation on Feb. 26 as the Spring 2021 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics.

Dan Culhane, Director of the Ames Chamber of Commerce 
A) South Duff businesses what impact  if any on the area businesses, discussed the work on the banks along the Ioway river begins in the near future?
B) New Businesses in the former Kmart complex.
C)  What effect will the latest version of the Paycheck Protection Plan have on our local small businesses?  
D) Chamber opposes legislative bill to eliminate tenure requirements for the 3 major universities.

Susan Qwiasda,  City of Ames Public Relations Officer  visited about City Council meeting this evening

Ron Edwards (Animal Control Supervisor)

Anna, KHOI’s Top Good News Banana offers Poems, Music, and a review of Tuesday programs Donna-Lana Kitchen, Science Bytes, and Heart2Heart
 

City of Ames: cityofames.org

The Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. lecture will be shared via WebEx at iastate.webex.com/iastate/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8a253ba519be3363ba6da790be03a55b

Dan Culhan; Director, Ames Chamber of Commerce, ameschamber.com

Anna Magnusson; anna@iowaable.org.

Electric Power, Redistricting, Voting

Originally broadcast 02/24/2021 

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Our first guest, James McCalley, head of ISU's Electric Power and Energy Systems, introduced us to what we need to know about Iowa's relationship to both generation and distribution of electric power in the long term.  Facing more immediate challenges was Steve Guyer, Climate Policy Specialist for the Iowa Environmental Council, which is holding a Advocacy Day at the Iowa Capitol and described the importance of renewing solar tax credits in House File 221. Redistricting, and the problems this mandatory action is having because of the delay in the census, was the subject of Evan Burger who recently wrote an article in Laura Belin's "Broken Heartland" Blog.  And finally Carolyn Klaus of the Ames League of Women Voters.

CAPITOL WEEK 22 February 2021

Originally broadcast 02/22/2021 

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In-depth information about local politics and Iowa government hosted by Laura Belin and Dennis Hart. Laura and Dennis take an in-depth look at the week’s legislative actions, government agencies, the governor, and other events that affect the Iowa government. This show  takes you behind the scenes, as lawmakers and elected officials act on matters that affect you and your family.

Masks, NAACP Freedom Fund, Anne Feeney

Originally broadcast 02/17/2021 

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Today we had lots of news from our Story County Report, delivered by Linda Murken, member of the Story County Board of Supervisors   First, she told us why the Supervisors decided to maintain the Mask Mandate they put in place last October as advised by the Story County Board of Health.  We then heard fromVanessa Baker-Lattimer, chair of committee for the Ames NAACP Freedom Fund Event to be held February 18 at 6:30 P.M with Kemba Smith-Pradia as keynote speaker (for tickets go to htps://www.naacpamesiowa.com). Ursula Ruedenberg then gave a tribute to Anne Feeney, songwriter, union organizer, and supporter of community radio, who died of COVID on February 3.

Additional materials available from the Story County Report:

Housing Study and presentation available here:

https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/1524/Housing-Needs-Assessment

Public comment form here:

https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/FormCenter/County-Outreach-9/Public-Comment-Sheet-84.

LOCAL TALK 16 February 2021 Meetz

Originally broadcast 02/16/2021 

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Doug Harr, President of Iowa Audubon,  discusses the Great Backyard Bird Count that was held 12th-15th February.
Informed listeners about what the GBBC is, Who the sponsoring organization is, How long it has been conducted and reviewed some trends observed over the years.
 
Jeff White: Skunk River Paddlers, Ada Hayden Heritage Park near term goal is to install a small craft dock launch for folks with disabilities.
Jeff described the Skunk River Paddlers,  current project they are involved with, where it will be located, other organizations involve,  provided an estimate of the cost of such a project, what has been secured and what is yet to be raised, potential completion date, directed where interested folks can go to find out more about helping out?

Susan Qwiasda, City of Ames Public Relations Officer reviewed upcoming meetings and noted that testate tax rebate program workshop is postponed until 23rd Feb during the regularly scheduled city council meeting

Cory Mellies, Facility Services Director reviewed City Hall renovation, with a quick review of other ongoing projects including the Homewood golf course clubhouse construction, city animal shelter, and potential aquatic center 

Anna, KHOI’s Top Good News Banana offers Poems, Music, and a review of Tuesday programs Donna-Lana Kitchen, Science Bytes, and Heart2Heart City of Ames: cityofames.org

Doug Harr: iowaaudubon.org

(Jeff White) Skunk River Paddlers

Outdoor Alliance Of Story County: oasco.org.

CAPITOL WEEK 15 February 2021

Originally broadcast 02/15/2021 

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In-depth information about local politics and Iowa government hosted by Laura Belin and Dennis Hart. Laura and Dennis take an in-depth look at the week’s legislative actions, government agencies, the governor, and other events that affect the Iowa government. This show  takes you behind the scenes, as lawmakers and elected officials act on matters that affect you and your family.

LOCAL TALK 15 February 2021

Originally broadcast 02/15/2021 

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Dennis Hart gives a roundup of news from Iowa.This February is the 45th anniversary of the founding of ACCESS, the Assault Care Center Extending Shelterand Support, the regional nonprofit organization that helps survivors of sexualassault, domestic violence, and other times of violence. ACCESS is commemorating this with an oral history project called Accessing Our History, in partnership with KHOI.

In the third installment of a three-part series featuring this history project, Courtney Palmersheim, Development Coordinator and Producer for the Accessing Our History project, introduces more aspects of the organization’s meaning and role in the community.  In this episode, she focused on services advocates provide and the importance of the anti-violence movement. Sue Tufte, who is currently a Domestic Abuse Advocate at ACCESS, joined Courtney to discuss this. Audio clips from the oral history project were played:

Mary Howell Sirna, volunteer and board member describes why an advocate is needed during the deposition process. 

Volunteers Haroldand Marilyn Anderson, (Harold is ACCESS’s longest running volunteer) speak about the importance of advocacy and the importance of an advocacy organization.  

JudyConlin, former board member, speaks about the potential for self-empowerment.

To call ACCESS for help:

Sexual Abuse Crisis Line:  515-292-5378 or Toll Free 800-203-3488

Domestic Violence Crisis Line:  515-292-0519 or Toll Free 855-983-4641

Housing/Sheltering Services Crisis Line:  515-292-0543 or Toll Free 855-696-2980

ACCESS Business Line: 515-292-0500.

The 2021 NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Event, will be held virtually on Thursday, February 18, with entertainment by talented highschool students during the social hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by the keynote speaker Kemba Smith Pradia telling her inspiring story.  For reservations go here. Listen in to Local Talk on Wednesday to learn more.

BLM follow up, Policing Bill, Buxton

Originally broadcast 02/10/2021 

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We started our Black History Month Wednesday program with a follow up with Dr. Anthony Jones,  Director of Equity in the Ames Community School District, telling us about the positive outcomes from the Black Lives Matter Week of Action in the Ames Community School District.  We had an unexpected announcement from Al Womble, chair of the Black Iowa Democratic Caucus, telling about the disruption in their scheduled speakers resulting by ZOOM meeting.  Betty Andrews, president of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP spoke in opposition to the anti-policing Legislative Study Bill 1140. And finally we spoke with Rachelle Chase author of "Creating the Black Utopia of Buxton Iowa,"  about the racially integrated coal mining town in southern Iowa.

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