History of Black Iowa Communities

Originally broadcast 02/23/2022 

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Dave Gradwohl, ISU Archeologist, gives a history of the Black coal mining town of Buxton and  how the Des Moines Buxton club kept its former residents connected through the generations after the mine closed in 1920. 

Jumping a century ahead, Al Womble tells about how Iowa organizations and individuals provided for the tenants of low-income Crestwood apartments in Davenport when they were evicted in August 2021 so the owner could demolish the building for high-end lofts.

Ursula Ruedenberg and Ron Latson talked in 2014 with people in the Ames Black Community and KHOI about their experiences in Ames.

LOCAL TALK 22 February 2022

Originally broadcast 02/22/2022 

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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.  

Liz Zuercher; Executive Director of the Story County Community Foundation, introduces us to Kelly Berquist with the Mary Greeley Medical Foundation and EMT, Nicholas Toornstra who discuss the major grant they received from the SCCF for their Third Way Project; a colaboration among several agencies in Ames where the goal is to provide alternative service for individuals who request assistance via the  911 System as a primary means of contact for help during times of mental health crisis, homelessness, welfare “checks” and other similar types of need. An initial priority of the project is the purchase of a suitable response vehicle stocked with basic equipment and modified to meet these specialized needs.
 
Susan Gwiasda Public Information Officer for the City of Ames Shares updates and reminds listeners of the upcoming City Council meeting and the Eco Chat that will be held at the Ames Public Library.

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.

LOCAL TALK 21 February 2022

Originally broadcast 02/21/2022 

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Local Talk for Monday, February 21, 2022 started with recap of the news for this week across the state by Dennis Hart.

Ron Andrews retired Department of Natural Resources Biologist shared his extensive 40 year career in wildlife and particularly River Otters. Otters have been sighted repeatedly at Lake LaVerne on the Iowa State University campus.

Liz Zuecker Executive Director with the Story County Community Foundation invited Kelly Bergquist with Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation. Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation – Third Way Project – was offerd a Major Grant of $25,000. The Third Way Project is a collaboration among several agencies in Ames where the goal is to provide an alternative service for individuals who utilize the 911 system as a primary means for initiating help during times of mental health crisis, homelessness and other non-emergent times of need. An initial priority for the project is the purchase of a suitable response vehicle, with modifications for basic equipment. Additional information can be located at their website, storycountyfoundation.org.

John Howe, Director of the Raptor Resource project provided some background on Bald Eagle nesting activities. There are a peak number of Bald Eagles in Iowa this winter according to a recent MidWinter Bald Eagle Survey.

Music featured Muddy Waters in honor of Black History Month. We heard “Catfish Blues,” “Mannish Boy”, and “Long Distance Calls.”.

LOCAL TALK 18 February 2022

Originally broadcast 02/18/2022 

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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..

LOCAL TALK 15 February 2022

Originally broadcast 02/15/2022 

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Founding Members of Save Hallet’s Quarry that was to evolve to become Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Erv Klaas, Kay Berger, and Jim Pease reflection on the history, current use, future needs while we observe the 20th anniversary of the park’s start. KHOI’s Sam Wormley reminds listeners that the spring ISU’s Olli (Oshier Lifelong Learning Institute) classes will begin in March.  An orientation zoom session will be held Thursday, 17th of February. Susan Gwiasda, Public Information Officer for the City of Ames and Civil Engineer Dean Sayre are today’s guests.  Susan: Provides meeting updates and reminders.  Dean previews of some of the larger street construction projects planned this spring and answers questions about reconstructing streets..

LOCAL TALK 11 February 2022

Originally broadcast 02/11/2022 

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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.

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