KHOI

Originally 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: 

Originally 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.

Originally 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.