Summer may be winding down, but swimming in Ames certainly isn’t.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Parks and Recreation's Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort to talk about the changing of the seasons for Ames aquatics. Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, marks the final day of the season at Furman Aquatic Center, followed immediately by the start of regular seasonal operations at the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Courtney takes us on a tour of the new facility and the many ways it was designed to serve swimmers of different ages, interests, and abilities. From the six-lane lap pool and wellness pool to the current channel, zero-depth entry splash pool, body slide, walking area, and community spaces, there’s much more to Fitch than just a place to swim.

They also discuss what residents should know about admission, passes, schedules and programming, along with the community support that helped make the approximately $28 million facility possible and plans to celebrate with an upcoming ribbon cutting and grand opening.

In this episode:

Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, is the final day of the season at Furman Aquatic Center. The regular indoor season at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, 115 N. Elm Ave., begins Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Find schedules, admission information, aquatics programs, and more at CityofAmes.org/Aquatics

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Aug. 25 Ames City Council meeting.

They begin with a proclamation recognizing Water and Wastewater Workers Week and the important work City employees do every day to provide safe, reliable water and wastewater services to the Ames community.

Susan and Mayor Haila also discuss the next steps for the City's data center study committee, including the committee's purpose and how Ames residents can apply to participate.

The conversation then turns to City finances. They look at how new state legislation is affecting the City's financial planning and discuss potential funding options for new Ames Power infrastructure.

Finally, they provide an update on curbside recycling and discuss an issue that has emerged for a select group of residents since the program began.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

• Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected].

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Crime prevention doesn't always involve flashing lights or an investigation. Sometimes, it can be as simple as locking your car, recognizing the warning signs of a scam, or speaking up when something doesn't seem right.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Police Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera to talk about preventable crimes and the everyday steps residents can take to protect themselves, their property, and those around them.

They start with scams, including impersonation calls, romance and grandparent scams, and fake job offers. Nate shares what to do when you suspect someone is trying to scam you, including staying calm, protecting your personal information, ending the conversation, and reporting the incident.

Finally, Bill and Nate discuss the more complex issue of workplace violence, including potential warning signs, the importance of reporting concerns, and how a workplace culture built around awareness, support, and communication can contribute to prevention.

In this episode:

The goal isn't to live in fear. It's to stay alert, trust your instincts, and take simple steps that can reduce opportunities for crime.

Learn more about the Ames Police Department and crime prevention resources at www.CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Ames Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A presentation from Discover Ames regarding the Ames Event Center

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at [email protected].

Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.

View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Our minds are busy places. We replay yesterday, worry about tomorrow, jump from one task to another, and sometimes struggle to simply pay attention to what's happening right now.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann explores mindfulness: what it actually means, where the practice comes from, what research says about its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into everyday life. And no, you don't have to sit cross-legged on the floor saying "ohhhmmm" for 30 minutes.

Kacie looks at research connecting mindfulness with reduced stress, improved sleep, increased focus, and psychological well-being. She also explains why mindfulness isn't about emptying your mind or being perfectly focused. Instead, it's about noticing the present moment without judgment and gently bringing your attention back when your mind inevitably wanders.

What Is Mindfulness?

Does Mindfulness Actually Work?

Mindfulness Doesn't Have to Mean Meditation

Try the Five Senses Check-In

Make Everyday Transitions More Mindful

Find What Works for You

Clark University: History of Mindfulness

The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Palouse Mindfulness: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course

Sakshi and Dhyana: The Origin of Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to [email protected]

Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean lifting weights or cycling. For others, it could be yoga, dancing, tai chi, or simply finding a way to become a little more active.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Public Wellness Manager Claire Eagan to explore the wide variety of fitness and wellness opportunities available through Ames Parks and Recreation. With more than 50 fitness classes offered each week, there are options for different interests, experience levels, ages, and fitness goals.

They also discuss resources for those who prefer to work out on their own, including the Community Center weight and cardio rooms, personal training, fitness assessments, and InBody scans. Plus, Claire shares advice for anyone who wants to become more active but isn't quite sure where to begin.

And there's no better time to give something new a try. Free Drop-In Fitness Week runs through Saturday, Aug. 22, with classes available on a first-come, first-served basis. The next six-week fitness session begins Monday, Aug. 24.

In this episode:

To explore fitness schedules, programs, registration, and more, visit AmesParkRec.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Aug. 11 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation focuses on three topics from the meeting. First, they discuss plans to move forward with a roundabout at George Washington Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road as part of traffic improvements in northwest Ames.

They also review the City Council's discussion about forming a specialty committee to research the potential environmental impacts of data centers and provide information to help guide future Council discussions.

Finally, Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the plans and specifications for the new Ames Animal Services facility and the next steps toward bringing the project to life.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

• Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected].

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Streets are one of the most visible and heavily used parts of our community, but maintaining them requires far more than filling potholes. Behind every smooth commute is a long-term strategy built on data, planning, and careful investment.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson to explore how the City of Ames manages and maintains its street network. They discuss the City's new RMT pavement data system, how engineers determine whether a street needs maintenance or full reconstruction, and the many factors that influence when and where road projects take place.

From Iowa's challenging weather to long-range capital planning, this conversation provides an inside look at the work that keeps Ames moving safely and efficiently every day.

In this episode:

To learn more about current street projects and other City initiatives, visit CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28, beginning with the Ames Conference Board meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ames City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• A presentation on the Child Care Feasibility Study, including local data and a roadmap for strengthening child care options in Ames

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at [email protected].

Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.

View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Wellness at work is about more than fitness programs or healthy snacks in the break room. It is about creating an environment where employees can thrive, feel supported, and bring their best selves to work every day.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., host Bailey Dingfield sits down with fellow host Kacie Schumann, Health Promotions Coordinator for the City of Ames, to turn the tables and learn more about the person behind the podcast. Kacie shares how she found her passion for health promotion, what her role looks like behind the scenes, and why employee well-being plays such an important role in building healthy organizations and communities.

The conversation explores the many dimensions of workplace wellness, including the unique challenges faced by employees who work directly with the public, common misconceptions about health and wellness, and practical ways organizations can foster a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to succeed.

As Bailey wraps up her internship with the City of Ames, this episode also marks her final appearance as co-host of Live Well. Be Well. Thank you, Bailey, for bringing curiosity, thoughtful conversations, and a passion for wellness to the podcast. We wish you all the best in your next adventure.

Episode Highlights

Getting to Know Kacie

What Does a Health Promotions Coordinator Do?

Practicing What You Promote

The Connection Between Work and Wellness

Supporting Public-Facing Employees

Breaking Wellness Myths

Building a Healthier Workplace

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to [email protected]