City of Ames’ Podcasts

• Ames in Focus: Squad Goals with Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera

  Curious what it’s like to ride shotgun in a patrol car or dust for fingerprints at a mock crime scene? In this episode, Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera returns to Ames in Focus to pull back the curtain on the Citizen Police Academy. This hands-on program gives Ames residents a rare peek inside the day-to-day world of local policing. Since launching in 1999, the Academy has served as a bridge between the Ames Police Department and the community. Participants don’t just sit and listen. They step into the action with crime scene simulations, controlled scenarios, and real-time ride-alongs with patrol officers. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement or simply want a new way to connect with your city, this eight-week Thursday night program is a standout experience. 🔍 Episode Highlights What the Citizen Police Academy offers and who it’s for Hands-on activities like mock investigations and patrol shifts The goals of transparency, education, and relationship building The program’s 25-year legacy in Ames Details on how and when to sign up for the next session   Who’s eligible: Anyone age 19 or older who lives or works in Ames When: Thursday evenings starting January 8, 2026 Where to sign up: Visit the Ames Police Department at 515 Clark Avenue Call the non-emergency number at 515.239.5133 Email Officer Nate Rivera at [email protected] Cost: Free   Want to see your city from a whole new angle? Apply for the Citizen Police Academy and subscribe to Ames in Focus for more stories from around town.

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• Up Close: Angie DeWaard

  In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Angie DeWaard, who first came to Ames to study literature at Iowa State. Though her career path has taken her into the world of IT, Angie’s love for stories and observation shines through in a different way, behind the lens of her camera. Angie shares some of her favorite spots around Ames to take photos and enjoy time with her family. She and Casandra reflect on the experience of raising kids in Ames, the little things that make the city special, and how a place can grow with you over time. If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

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• Ames in Focus: Carrying the Legacy Forward with Vanessa Baker Latimer

  In this episode, we welcome back Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator and longtime organizer of the City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Vanessa shares what’s in store for the 2026 event, happening January 19 at the Ames City Auditorium. From powerful speakers and moving tributes to student voices and community connection, this celebration continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy in meaningful ways. What You’ll Hear: A preview of the MLK Day Celebration: what to expect (COOKIES) and how to attend Details on the Humanitarian Award and its importance to our community Information about the MLK Essay Contest for high school students, including deadlines and prizes How the event invites all Ames residents to reflect, connect, and act Event Details: 🗓️ Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 📍 Ames City Auditorium 🍪 Cookies at 6 p.m. | 🎤 Program at 6:30 p.m. 📺 Livestream available on Facebook and YouTube Essay Contest Info: Open to students in grades 9–12 in Ames and Story County. Prompt: “How has Dr. King, Jr.'s advocacy impacted your life, and how does it motivate or inspire you to continue his legacy?” Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. Prizes: $500 (1st), $300 (2nd), $200 (3rd) Winning essay will be read during the celebration. 🔗 Learn more and enter at: CityofAmes.org/MLKDay

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• Up Close: Sarah Huffman

  In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Sarah Huffman, whose path to Ames included a lot of movement, from travel across the U.S. to couch surfing and time spent living abroad. Now rooted in Ames, Sarah shares how the city became more than just a stop along the way. As a volunteer and active community member, she finds Ames to be a place where connections happen naturally and often, a firm net of people who genuinely want to stay connected. She and Casandra talk about what it means to choose community over prestige, including the surprising moment Sarah turned down a job offer from Columbia University to stay in Ames. If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

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• Ames in Focus: Serving Beyond the Uniform with Jason Ziph and Brad Campbell

  In this Veterans Day edition of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart talks with two City of Ames employees who have dedicated their lives to service in more ways than one. Jason Ziph, a Fire Inspector and Navy veteran, and Brad Campbell, a Police Officer and member of the Army National Guard, share how their time in the military has shaped their careers and continues to influence their work in public safety. They reflect on the values instilled through military service and how those same principles guide them in their roles today. It's a conversation about purpose, resilience, and what it means to serve both country and community. Highlights: Jason and Brad’s journeys into fire service and law enforcement Insights into their military experiences and what they learned How service in the armed forces influences their current roles Reflections on the meaning of Veterans Day Personal messages to fellow veterans   Visit CityofAmes.org and follow us on social media for more stories and updates from around Ames.

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