KHOI

Originally broadcast 10/21/2016
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Homecoming will kick off for ISU in Ames on October 23 with the revival of a Homecoming parade. Allison Pits and Abby Steurtser, members of the Iowa State Alumni Leadership Council, which proposed and organized the parade, tell us the parade route and how they are planning an inclusive event aimed at connecting diverse groups, and taking care to bring in students who are outside of the Greek system, and the Ames towns people.

Jeff Johnson, President and CEO of the ISU Alumni Association, describes the origins of the Alumni Association and Homecoming.

Dr. Michael Galemo, ISU Chairman of Music & Theater and DiIrector of ISU Bands, describes the culture and activities of the ISU Alumni Band, a hotbed of memories, fun, friendship, and support for the Varsity band.

KHOI's own radio host and reporter B.J. Kearns shares her memories as a female members of the ISU "All Male Band" along with 90-year-old Lorna Wilhelm Livingston. Lorna is the oldest member of the ISU Alumni Band and she tell a vivid story of prejudice and rebellion as a woman in the "All Male Band."

Shara Bradley, from Community Housing Initiative, a statewide non-profit organization that restores housing units and rents them to people on fixed or low incomes, invited all in Ames to the "Trunk or Treat" celebration in their parking lot, at the Eastern dead-end of 7th Street, October 27 at 5:00 PM. Decorate your car and bring healthy but tasty treats or games for the kids.

Storyteller and entertainer Reid Miller shares a Ghost Story for Halloween. He will be holding Halloween Storytelling Campfire at McFarland Park on October 30 at 6:00 PM. Bring a warm blanket and prepare to sit around the fire to hear stories. Hosted by Story County Conservation. (Link includes directions to McFarland Park)

Originally broadcast 10/19/2016
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Today's show dealt with farmers who work together to improve their land, build their communities and make a profit. Sally Worley, executive director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, explained the goals and methods of the organization of 3,000 farmers that she leads. Then we took a road trip to Whiterock Conservancy for a conversation on the porch of Liz Garst's farmhouse learning about the philosophy and farming methods practiced on the farms at Whiterock Conservancy, a 5,500 acre preserve. Liz Garst told us how the legacy of caring for the land that came from her father, Stephen Garst, and her grandfather, Roswell Garst, led her and her sisters to form the Whiterock Conservancy as a non-profit.  Liz and the Conservancy's land manager, Rob Davis, described how they combine growing corn, beans, and cover crops with agricultural experimentation in fields and pastures.  Plus the public can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on 45 miles of trails through old growth oak savanna and rolling hills, or canoeing and fishing along seven miles of the
Middle Racoon River. We closed out the show with Paul Wierson telling us about the history of ragtime music and the origins of Ragtime in Randall, which will be celebrating its thirty-first year this Saturday (October 22) at the Elim Lutheran Church in Randall (ragtime in a church? what would grandmother say? -- if she lives in Randall she's probably helping with the lunch the church ladies are serving there).

Photo courtesy of Whiterock Conservancy; Nat E. Meehan

Originally broadcast 10/17/2016
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Mary Sand, from the League of Women Voters, discusses various races and public forums being held by the League (re-broadcast on KHOI on Politics is Local at 7:00 AM on Thursdays). Ms. Sand specifically explains the race for Story Country Supervisor, who the candidates are, and events that led to 5 candidates running for 2 seats.

Sue McCaskey of the Story County Animal Shelter, describes their work dealing with livestock and exotic pet emergencies in Story County. Story County Animal Shelter is being featured this month in KHOI's Community Service Appreciation.

Renate Dellman, German-born Ames resident, shares vivid memories of Oktoberfest in Munich from her youth.

Cindy Hicks from the Main Street Cultural District gives the history of Oktoberfest as a festival and describes the food, music, and fun on Mainstreet in Ames, when Oktoberfest comes here, October 22. Evan Taylor, volunteer beer coordinator for the festival explains what beers will be at the festival, how it will be judged, and how the Ames Brewers League is involved.

Jonathon Buffalo, historian for the Meskwaki Settlement, talks about the first Germans, the dominant ethnic group who came to Iowa as pioneers, and their peaceful co-existence.