Originally broadcast 02/25/2022  Listen to the entire episode now!

Local Talk for Friday, February 25, 2022 started with recap of the news for this week from the Ames Tribune by Dennis Hart.  

Mario Cothen provided a memorial to his friend Matt Diaber DeClement that featured an invitation to attend a “bar crawl” Saturday, February 26 from noon to 5PM starting at Cy’s Roost.

Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer for the City of Ames provided updates on the city.  Justin Clausen, Maintenance Supervisor for City of Ames,  provided a behind the scenes look at snow removal after last night’s four inch to our February landscape.  Justin also referenced a lot of their snow removal efforts this year centered around the January 14 snowfall that totaled 12 and ½ inches.  That snowfall was the third most severe storm since 1988  68which encompassed 685 snowfall events. 

Carolyn Raffensberger, Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, provided a report about caring for a dear friend needing hospice care.  Yet, when no assistance could be found, Carolyn and a group of community minded individuals provided for their friend’s needs.  Carolyn provided a wonderful link to our environmental stewardship that includes taking care of the earth also. 

Music featured Bill Withers, Ain’t No Sunshine and a second performance by Buddy Guy of this time honored memorial tune.  And Celebration by Kool and the Gang were included in honor and respect for the passing of Matthew Diaber DeClement.

Originally broadcast 02/22/2022  Listen to the entire episode now!

We listen to portions of a presentation about Owls at Wild Birds Unlimited.  We learn how to identify the various owls, learn about some of their habits, needs, and specilized characteristics.  Presenters included WBU’s Matthew Card, Iowa Wildlife Center’s Director, Marlene Ehresman, and Center Volunteer Rehabilitator; Jen Dyche.  

Then Ames Animal Control and Animal Shelter Supervisor Ron Edwards updates on happenings at the Ames Animal Shelter shares some timely information about some of the calls they get this time of the year about outdoor wildlife and companion animal needs.

Originally broadcast 02/18/2022  Listen to the entire episode now!

Local Talk for Friday, February 18, 2022 started with recap of the news for this week from the Ames Tribune by Dennis Hart.  

Mario Cothen provided a succinct and interesting back story to a gross disparity of black coaches in the NFL.  Mario provides a genuine voice to issues of racial injustice being an athlete and coach.

Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer for the City of Ames provided updates on the city.  Monday is a holiday, President’s Day and city offices will be closed. Virtual concert series tonight with featured guest, Alegra Hernandez.  Series will continue through the rest of the month. Susan invited CyRide Director, Barbara Neal to talk about the new electric buses CyRide expects this summer.  And Barbara addressed the changes that needed to happen at the bus facility to accommodate the new buses, and the additional buses expected.

Amber Wengert with ISU Extension in Story County provided information concerning their Youth Programs for Spring Break March 11 – 18.  Also Spring Break Camp Boxes for Families and Save the Date for Adult Floral Arranging Beginning June 1, August 2 and November 16.  Additional information can be located at their website Extension.iastate.edu\Story or call 515-337-1601 or visit 1421 S. Belle Ave., Ames..

Originally broadcast 02/11/2022  Listen to the entire episode now!

Local Talk for Friday, February 11, 2022 started with recap of the news for this week from the Ames Tribune by Dennis Hart.  

River Otters have discovered Lake LaVerne on the ISU Campus.  Dawn Snyder, Naturalist for Woodbury County Conservation Board talked about “They Otter Be in Iowa” program with the ISU Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Club.  Jamie Beyer represented the Iowa Trappers Association that worked with the Fisheries and Wildlife Club in bringing otters to Iowa. It is an amazing development to have otters in an urban environment at Lake LaVerne.

Merry Rankin, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Ames included Don Kom, City of Ames utilities Director highlighted the new milestone phase the Climate Action Plan is now in and new education, engagement and feedback opportunities, including a new public survey coming out next week, new informational pieces added to the Climate Action Plan website, the Eco-chat public presentation coming up on February 24 at the Ames Public Library and the opportunity for community organizations to request a presentation by the project team at a monthly meeting or one of their events.

There is an upcoming Symposium on Sustainability at Iowa State University, February 21-22 – kicked-off by a virtual keynote speaker on February 21 at 6pm. Chris Jordan – photographic artist, filmmaker, cultural activist and art educator, will speak on “Facing the Realities of our World and Surviving to Tell About It”. Some of Chris’ most memorable images include a dead albatross whose stomach contents are misc plastic. Chris Jordan photographic arts (beautyemerging.com).

Doug Harr, President of Iowa Audubon, discussed the Iowa Water and Lands Legacy (IWLL)legislation.  Doug was on the committee to determine the best means of funding conservation in Iowa.  He encouraged everyone to contact their Senator to weigh in on this important legislation concerning a 3/8% sales tax devoted to funding IWLL.