Show Notes
When temperatures climb, electricity use tends to climb right along with them. This summer, Ames Electric Services asked customers to help conserve energy during periods of high demand, and Ames customers responded. In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with City of Ames Energy Services Coordinator Layne Fober to say thank you and to explore why those individual conservation efforts can make a difference for Ames' locally owned electric utility. Layne explains what happens when electricity demand reaches its peak, why reducing that peak can help control costs, and how hundreds or thousands of customers making small changes at the same time can have a much bigger impact. But energy conservation isn't just for the hottest days of summer. Bill and Layne talk about practical ways to use energy more efficiently throughout the year, from adjusting the thermostat and changing when you run appliances to reducing air leaks, checking insulation, replacing filters, and developing simple habits around the house. They also take a closer look at the free home energy audits available to Ames Electric customers. Layne explains what happens during an audit, how tools like a blower door test can help identify problems, and how the results can help homeowners prioritize improvements. And if the thought of making your home more energy efficient immediately has you seeing dollar signs, don't panic. The conversation includes ideas for making a difference whether you have nothing to spend, $100 to work with, or you're ready to tackle a larger project. In this episode:
Why Ames Electric asks customers to conserve during peak demand How individual conservation efforts add up across the community The connection between peak demand and electric costs Simple ways to conserve energy at home Why when you use electricity can matter Reducing air leaks and improving home efficiency Free home energy audits for Ames Electric customers Energy-saving options for different budgets Preparing your home for colder weather Building energy-saving habits that work year-round
Energy conservation doesn't have to mean sitting in the dark or making major changes to your lifestyle. Small decisions can add up, helping you use energy more efficiently while supporting Ames' locally owned electric utility. Ames Electric customers interested in learning more about energy efficiency or signing up for a free home energy audit can contact Energy Services Coordinator Layne Fober at [email protected] or 515-239-5177, or visit CityofAmes.org/Electric.
More from City of Ames’ Podcasts
In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to preview several key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 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. Bill and Mayor Haila begin with a look at the latest Resident Satisfaction Survey report, which provides valuable feedback on how Ames residents view City services, programs, and the community as a whole. They discuss the importance of gathering resident input and how the survey results can help guide City priorities and future decisions. The conversation then turns to the new Ames Animal Services Center, as City Council considers approval of a construction contract for the facility. Bill and Mayor Haila discuss this next step in the project and what it means for the future of animal services in Ames. Finally, the episode is bookended by two traffic studies at different stages of the process. One is just getting started, with Council considering a request for proposals to establish the scope of services for a new study. The other is reaching a milestone, with Council being asked to accept a completed traffic study report. Mayor Haila explains how traffic studies help the City evaluate transportation needs, understand existing conditions, and plan for future improvements. From resident feedback and community facilities to transportation planning, these agenda items highlight how City Council decisions shape both current services and the future of Ames. 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. In this episode, we discuss:
Staying healthy as we age is about more than physical fitness. The relationships we build, the activities we participate in, and the connections we maintain with others can all play an important role in our overall well-being. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann sits down with Jenny Schill, Connection Coordinator at Sixty Forward, to talk about social wellness and the importance of staying connected as we get older. Jenny shares how Sixty Forward helps older adults find opportunities to get active, try something new, build relationships, and stay engaged with the community. They also discuss how making social connections can benefit our personal health and why sometimes the hardest part is simply taking that first step. Episode Highlights What Is Social Wellness?Social wellness is about building and maintaining meaningful connections with others. Kacie and Jenny discuss why those relationships are an important part of our overall health and well-being. Creating Connections at Sixty ForwardLearn how Sixty Forward helps older adults connect with programs, activities, resources, and other people in the community. The Health Benefits of Staying EngagedGetting out, being active, and spending time with other people can support our personal health and well-being. Kacie and Jenny talk about why social connection deserves a place alongside other healthy habits. Finding Your CommunityConnection looks different for everyone. The conversation explores the importance of finding activities, programs, and people that help you feel engaged with your community. Taking the First StepTrying something new or walking into a room full of people you don't know isn't always easy. Sometimes making that first connection is the biggest step toward becoming more involved. Connection at Every AgeOur need for friendship, activity, purpose, and community doesn't disappear as we get older. Staying socially connected is an important part of continuing to live well. Resources Sixty ForwardLearn more about Sixty Forward and opportunities for older adults to get active, meet people, participate in programs, and stay connected with the community. Explore Sixty Forward Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast? Send suggestions to [email protected]
One year on the job. Countless tail wags. Plenty of community appearances. And apparently, sleeping on duty is perfectly acceptable when you're one of the most popular officers at the Ames Police Department. Penny, the Ames Police Department's Crisis Canine, is celebrating her first anniversary as a badged member of the department! But what does a year of police work look like when your primary responsibilities include providing comfort, building connections, and helping people through difficult situations? In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Ames Police Sergeant Amber Christian and her four-legged partner, Penny, for a look at their first year working together. From responding to stressful situations to making new friends at community events, Penny has a unique role in serving the Ames community. When Penny first appeared on Ames in Focus, she was still learning the ropes. Now, with a full year of experience, Amber reflects on how Penny has grown, what they've learned together, and how the Crisis Canine Program is making a difference. Unlike traditional police K9s trained for tracking, searching, or apprehension, Penny has a very different assignment. As a Crisis Canine, she's trained to provide comfort, help de-escalate stressful situations, and create connections with people who may be experiencing some of their most difficult moments. Sometimes, having a friendly dog nearby can make it easier for someone to relax, communicate, or simply feel supported. But Penny's work doesn't stop when a crisis ends. Community Connections are another important part of Penny's job. Whether she's attending public events, meeting residents, or helping introduce people to the Ames Police Department, Penny offers a different way for officers to connect with the community. After all, approaching a police officer might feel intimidating to some people, but approaching an officer with an adorable dog is another story! Supporting Public Safety Employees is also part of Penny's mission. Police officers, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals regularly encounter difficult situations. Having Penny around can provide opportunities to decompress, connect, and find a little comfort during a challenging day. Training and Partnership remain essential to the program's success. Amber and Penny continue working together to maintain their skills and strengthen their relationship. Amber also shares what it's like to have a partner who goes home with her at the end of the shift and whether Penny knows when it's time to stop being Officer Penny and just be a dog. Supporting the Crisis Canine Program takes more than treats and belly rubs. Ongoing training, equipment, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses are part of keeping Penny healthy and ready to serve. Community donations help support these needs and ensure the program can continue providing an important resource for the Ames Police Department and the community. In this episode:
In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Director Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Oct. 13 Ames City Council meeting. They begin with proactive code enforcement in Campustown. Mayor Haila explains the City's approach to conducting regular code enforcement inspections in the Campustown area, why these efforts are important, and how they can help maintain safe and well-maintained properties in this busy part of Ames. The conversation then turns to Curbside Recycling Opt Out criteria, specifically for residents whose garbage is collected in an alley. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the criteria for opting out of the City's curbside recycling program and what residents with alley garbage collection should know about their options. Next, they discuss the approval of revenue bonds for the new Ames Municipal Energy Center. Mayor Haila explains how this financing supports the City's plans for the new facility and what the project means for the future of Ames' municipal electric utility. Finally, they look at the Ames Animal Services Facility remodel and the bidding process for the project. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the next steps in moving the project forward and how improvements to the facility will support animal care and services for the Ames community. From maintaining properties in Campustown and addressing recycling options to investing in the City's electric infrastructure and improving Animal Services facilities, this episode highlights several City Council decisions and what they mean for Ames residents. 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:
Have an idea that could make Ames a little more sustainable? Maybe it involves saving energy, reducing waste, planting native vegetation, improving recycling, or getting young people involved in climate action. A great idea is a good start, but sometimes turning that idea into reality takes a little financial help. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with City of Ames Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan and Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Ava Brunner to explore the City's sustainability grant programs and how they can help residents, organizations, businesses, property owners, and young people bring their ideas to life. The City's Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals for creating a more sustainable Ames, but reaching those goals takes participation from the entire community. Nolan and Ava explain how the City's grant programs encourage community involvement, support creative solutions, and help turn local ideas into meaningful projects. With several different funding opportunities available, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Bill, Nolan, and Ava break down four sustainability grant programs and explain who they're designed to help. Community Climate Grants provide up to $10,000 for eligible organizations with projects focused on reducing energy consumption, reducing waste, conserving water, encouraging lower-emission transportation, or implementing nature-based solutions. Residential Owner-Occupied Sustainability Grants help eligible Ames homeowners make significant energy improvements, including installing solar panels or whole-home heat pumps. The program can cover 30 percent of eligible project costs, up to $4,000, with income eligibility and other requirements. The Multifamily Recycling Pilot helps owners of apartment buildings with five or more units establish recycling services for tenants. Funding can support expenses such as recycling containers, hauling services, educational materials, and other costs associated with getting a recycling program started. There might even be a pizza party involved! The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund puts sustainability ideas into the hands of young people ages 15 to 24. Through microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, young people can develop and lead projects that support local climate action. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 16. But having an idea is only part of the process. Nolan and Ava also discuss what makes a strong grant proposal, why education and community engagement are important components of sustainability projects, and how applicants can get help determining whether their ideas qualify. In this episode: