Indy Unplugged

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Latest Episodes:

A Year of Growth: Indianola Main Street's 2025 Achievements, Opportunities & Future Plans Aug 06, 2025

Season 1, Episode 18: In this episode of Indy Unplugged, Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts joins us and discusses a variety of exciting topics, such as:

Previewing Downtown Dough Day on August 7 – an innovative incentive where up to $60,000 will be spent at local businesses in the downtown district.

Looking ahead to Indianola Main Street's annual fundraiser, dinner and celebration on August 21.

Highlighting the community events happening later this year that it organizes including Wine, Witches and Brew as well as Home for the Holidays.

Providing updates and developments from the organization as it completes its first year as a Main Street community.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:47: On Looking Back to Early Beginning
02:43: Downtown Dough Initiative
10:00: On Upcoming Annual Dinner & Celebration
12:23: On Other Upcoming Events
15:00: On Downtown Facade Improvements
17:36: Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

To learn more about Indianola Main Street, its upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, please visit: https://indianolamainstreet.com/

To view an interactive map of the revitalization efforts of the Indianola Downtown Square, please visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1c182100d2b840589078ecd8cde28a14

Pickard Park's Disc Golf Evolution & The Road to the 2025 Discmania Challenge Jun 18, 2025

Season 1, Episode 17: Ty Tannatt of the Disc Golf Pro Tour and the City of Indianola’s Chief of Culture and Recreation, Doug Bylund, join Indy Unplugged to explore the evolution of the Pickard Park Disc Golf Course into one of the premier disc golf destinations in the world. The pair also preview this year’s Discmania Challenge, presented by Trubank, which is slated for June 27-29. Grab a disc, step up to the tee and listen! Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:50: On Early Disc Golf Beginnings
10:52: On Volunteer Impact
13:58: On Evolution of Pickard Park & Disc Golf Course
20:53: On Connection of Event to Community Draw & Collaboration
26:28: On Previewing 2025 Discmania Challenge
35:40: On This Year’s Competitors
38:36: On Ultimate Goals for Discmania Challenge & Pickard Park Course
43:20: On How to Get Involved
49:05: On How to Stay Connected
50:01: Final Thoughts & Closing

To learn more about the Discmania Challenge, please visit: https://www.dgpt.com/event/2025-discmania-challenge/

To learn more about the Pickard Park Disc Golf Course, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/facilities/facility/details/Disc-Golf-28

Leading Forward: A Conversation with Jacob Meshke, Indianola's New City Manager Jun 06, 2025

Season 1, Episode 16: In this special episode of Indy Unplugged, we welcome new city manager Jacob Meshke, who joined the City of Indianola on Wednesday, May 28. In this episode, Jacob shares his professional journey from his early beginnings in city government. He also discusses what drew him to Indianola, what excites him about being part of the team and his approach for guiding Indianola into its next chapter.

Find more information online: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/1195/Indy-Unplugged-Podcast

Experiences That Elevate: How The Indianola Chamber Strengthens Business & Community May 20, 2025

Season 1, Episode 15: Amanda Zwanziger and Haley Swanson with the Indianola Chamber of Commerce join Indy Unplugged for a dynamic conversation about how strategic community experiences fuel local growth and vibrancy. With the Dad’s Rock Festival debuting on Saturday, June 14, a new twist to the Chamber’s Summer Nights Live concert series, Amanda and Haley share how this exciting, action-packed event will support local businesses and showcase Indianola as a go-to destination. The episode also highlights the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote Indianola through the Experience Indianola tourism initiative, regional co-op marketing campaigns and digital passports, among other tactics, designed to attract visitors, elevate local experiences and create increased visibility throughout the city, across Warren County and beyond. Additionally, listeners will gain insight insight into how the Chamber advocates for local businesses, cultivates a strong sense of place and builds lasting connections between commerce, tourism and community pride. Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:40: On Dad’s Rock Festival
11:45: On Experience Indianola & Tourism Initiatives
17:00: On Impact of Tourism for Communities
20:09: On New Digital Passport Program
23:58: On Joys of the Job
29:50: On Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
31:53: On Power of Community Partner Collaboration
33:03: On Flurry of Upcoming Indianola Summer Events
34:07: Final Thoughts & Closing

To learn more about Dad’s Rock Festival, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/dads-rock/. To volunteer for the event, please email haley@indianolachamber.com. To learn more about Experience Indianola, please visit: https://experienceindianola.com/ To learn more about Iowa Getaway, please visit: https://iowagetaway.com/ To learn more about the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, please visit: https://www.indianolachamber.com/

Indianola Council Member Mellisa Sones Reflects on Warren County Leadership Institute May 08, 2025

Season 1, Episode 14: Indianola City Council Member Mellisa Sones joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful discussion on leadership, community engagement and her experience with the Warren County Leadership Institute.

In this episode, Council Member Sones reflects on how WCLI influenced her approach to public service and has helped shape her role on the Council. She highlights key takeaways from the program, including building connections through networking and fostering civic involvement throughout Warren County. The conversation also touches on upcoming community initiatives and ways residents can get involved in shaping local policy. Plus, Council Member Sones shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the Leadership Institute and how those lessons continue to guide her work today.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:24: What is Warren County Leadership Institute?
02:28: This Year's WCLI Class Project
03:08: Why Enroll to WCLI?
04:15: Key Advantages & Challenges from WCLI Experience
07:58: How WCLI Elevates Leadership Skills
10:30: Eye-Opening Bus Tour Throughout Warren County
13:45: Elevator Pitch For WCLI Involvement
14:28: Applying Knowledge From WCLI Today
17:48: Serving on City Boards & Commissions
18:57: Final Thoughts & Closing

To learn more about the Warren County Leadership institute, please visit: https://www.wcedc.com/leadership

To learn more about the City of Indianola's boards and commissions, please visit: https://www.indianolaiowa.gov/164/Boards-Commissions

The Latest On City Manager Search, Budget Progress & Other Key Topics Mar 31, 2025

Season 1, Episode 13: Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an in-depth conversation covering key topics as of late that are shaping the city's future.

In this episode, Mayor Richardson shares updates on the three City Manager finalists, where citizens are invited to a community meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Simpson College’s Hubbell Hall and have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and learn about the next steps in the selection process. The conversation also dives into the city's budget progress and timeline, including recapping the March 24 public hearing and the upcoming April 21 meeting, as well as as the latest regarding the at-large council member vacancy, with interviews scheduled for the Indianola City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, April 7.

Additionally, Mayor Richardson shares some fascinating fun facts about various city departments learned during departmental visits, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of local government.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
01:48: Mayor’s Memo
03:28: City Manager Finalists & Next Steps
13:13: City Budget Progress
23:19: At-Large Council Vacancy & Upcoming Process
27:21: Did You Know? Departmental Fun Facts
32:45: Final Thoughts & Reminders
35:18: Closing

Community Matters: Mayor Steve Richardson Discusses Indianola’s Opportunities & Challenges Mar 04, 2025

Season 1, Episode 11: Newly appointed Indianola Mayor Steve Richardson joins “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation as he shares his journey to civic leadership, his background and his vision for the city’s future.

In this episode, Mayor Richardson dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Indianola, all the while the Indianola City Council goes through its budget process amid House File 718. With his unique perspective and commitment to public service, Mayor Richardson offers valuable insights into the complexities of civic leadership and the importance of community engagement.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:50: On Becoming Mayor of Indianola
2:43: Leadership Style in Elected Role
7:40: Evolution of Civic Engagement by Citizens
11:15: What is House File 718?
16:48: Implications of House File 718
20:38: How to Engage in Discussions & Share Perspectives
25:22: Local and State Leadership & Collaboration
32:30: Vision 2030 Update
34:32: Working Together & Future Horizon
37:04: Final Thoughts & Closing

A Legacy Of Service: Leadership Lessons And A New Chapter For The Indianola Fire Department Dec 30, 2024

Season 1, Episode 10: Retiring Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia and new Indianola Fire Chief Aaron Hurt join “Indy Unplugged” for an informative conversation that highlights the Indianola Fire Department.

In this episode, Chief Chia and Chief Hurt talk about their respective careers and transition of leadership, department accomplishments and priorities, an outlook of the future, the importance of community engagement, mentorship and professional development, plus so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:11: Retirement Announcement & Background
2:43: When Chief Chia Became Indianola Fire Chief
4:24: Changes That Chief Chia Implemented
7:17: Training Priorities & Opportunities
12:25: Responding With Integrity, Serving With Compassion
20:41: Importance of Community Engagement Initiatives
25:05: Budgeting & Grant Funding Impact
28:22: Collaboration With Community Partners
31:13: Retirement Celebrations & Plans
33:15: Describing Chief Chia As A Leader
34:11: Final Thoughts & Closing

From Reviving To Thriving: What To Know About Indianola Main Street Oct 09, 2024

Season 1, Episode 9: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Erica Roberts and Indianola Main Street Board Vice President Leslie Held join "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that dives deeper into the ins and outs of Indianola Main Street. In August 2024, Indianola was named a Main Street Iowa community following a rigorous application process. Through the Main Street Approach™, communities like Indianola can capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial districts and develop a framework that guides community-based downtown revitalization efforts.

During this episode of "Indy Unplugged," Erica and Leslie discuss how the timing to be a Main Street Iowa community is perfect, early goals and visions for the Indianola Downtown Square, strategic planning and survey data, community support and involvement, upcoming events on the Square, plus so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00: Intro
00:42: Welcome
1:13: What Is Main Street Iowa & Indianola Main Street?
3:02: Main Street Iowa Application Process
5:18: Benefits As A Main Street Iowa Community
7:29: How Do You Stay Informed & Educate Others About Main Street?
9:01: Indianola Main Street Executive Director Announcement
12:30: Community Meeting & Survey Findings
16:13: Dynamics With Main Street Iowa & Community Partners
22:26: What Will The Rest Of 2024 Look Like?
27:03: Importance Of Events At Indianola Downtown Square
30:09: Including Simpson College In Future Endeavors
32:19: Final Thoughts & Closing

Flowing Into A Sustainable Future: Indianola Water Resource Recovery Department Sep 24, 2024

Season 1, Episode 8: Water Resource Recovery Department Superintendent Jared Keenan joins "Indy Unplugged" for an informative conversation that sheds light into the City's new state-of-the-art facility, previews the Open House event on Thursday, October 3, 2024, experiences and processes that staff follow through for operations at the plant and out in the field, as well as other insightful viewpoints and details.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:00: Welcome
1:01-2:39: Open House Details
2:40-8:12: Technologies, Strategies & Plant Workflows
8:13-14:00: Plant's Performance with Historic Rainfall
14:01-16:43: Mix Between Facility & Community Operations
16:44-18:11: Interactions with Public
18:12-20:18: Closing

The Path To Carbon Neutrality: Indianola Municipal Utilities' Solar Energy Strategy Sep 17, 2024

Season 1, Episode 7: Indianola Municipal Utilities General Manager Chris DesPlanques joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights the upcoming solar project IMU is undertaking and what it will mean to Indianola, the groundbreaking event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and other important updates and details from the organization.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-1:10: Welcome
1:11-3:44: Background About IMU Solar Project
3:45-7:56: Previewing Solar Project Groundbreaking Event
7:57-8:21: How To Learn More About Project & Progress
8:22-10:59: What Community's Support Means To IMU
11:00-13:31: Indianola In Comparison To Other Central Iowa Cities
13:32-14:10: Closing

Understanding Your Property Taxes: What Indianola Property Owners Should Know Aug 16, 2024

Season 1, Episode 6: In this episode of "Indy Unplugged," we're switching things up a bit!

Moderator Lucinda Sperry from Warren County Economic Development is joined by city and county leadership to bring insight to the recent property tax notice and its impact on Warren County residents. Join us in this informative discussion as we explore the details of the recent property tax notice together.

Panelists include:

Luke Nelson - City Manager, City of Norwalk
Deven Markley - City Administrator, City of Carlisle
Benjamin Reeves - City Manager, City of Indianola
Megan Battani - Budget Director, Warren County

Many thanks to the City of Indianola for hosting the conversation and Communications Manager and "Indy Unplugged" host Aaron Young for the production of the content.

For more information and resources, please check out https://www.wcedc.com/understanding-property-taxes

Reading, Learning & Growing Together: The Indianola Public Library Story Jul 18, 2024

Season 1, Episode 5: Director Michele Patrick, Teen Services & Marketing Librarian Alison Brown, Children’s Librarian Janis Comer and Adult Services Librarian Jacy West join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging and entertaining conversation that highlights the Indianola Public Library, its services and programs for the community, future initiatives and opportunities, and upcoming events, among other topics.

Tune in to listen to Michele, Alison, Janis and Jacy as they explain their roles with the Indianola Public Library, learn more about the library's programming, services and opportunities available, how the library supports the community through as Indianola continues to grow and evolve, upcoming events, exciting plans for the future and so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-04:49: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
04:50-09:07: Breaking Records & Elevating Programming/Events
09:08-13:59: Cycle of Programming & Opportunities for Individuals/Groups
14:00-21:03: Mission of Indianola Public Library & Strategic Plan for Library's Growth
21:04-24:17: New Operating Hours at Library & Purpose for Change
24:18-31:49: Storytime with Janis
31:50-32:51: Idea Generation & Collaboration to Serve Community
32:52-34:17: Soup-er Bowl
34:18-38:50: Evolution of Library, Branding & Communication Efforts
38:51-45:04: How Indianola Stays Engaged with the Library
45:05-51:03: Exciting Future Ahead for Indianola Public Library
51:04-56:08: Final Thoughts & Remarks
56:09-57:28: Closing

Enhancing Quality of Life: How Indianola Parks & Recreation Celebrates Community Jun 05, 2024

Season 1, Episode 4: Chief of Culture & Recreation Doug Bylund and Horticulturalist Supervisor Angie Buchanan join "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that highlights the quality of life initiatives the City of Indianola has as it relates to the City’s parks, trails, cultural and leisure activities, and beautification efforts throughout the community, among other topics.

Tune in to listen to Doug and Angie as they explain their roles with the City and Indianola Parks & Recreation Department, learn more about the master plans that are guiding the community through next steps, upcoming events and opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, and so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-05:38: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
05:39-09:48: Open Space Master Plan
09:49-16:15: Current State of Parks & Wonder on Buxton Project
16:16-25:17: Beautification Efforts in Indianola, Buxton Park & Favorite Spots
25:18-31:16: Disc Golf Pro Tour Event & Exploring Pickard Park
31:17-38:12: Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center & Pool Reminders
38:13-39:50: Future Amenities & Next Steps for the Pool
39:51-42:31: Upcoming Opportunities at Activity Center, Library, Wellness Campus & More
42:32-45:27: Final Thoughts & Remarks
45:28-46:52: Closing

Serving & Protecting Indianola: Insights From Police Chief Brian Sher Apr 17, 2024

Season 1, Episode 3: Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher joins "Indy Unplugged" for an insightful conversation that highlights his 30-year journey with the Indianola Police Department and how the City of Indianola has evolved over the years, his passion for Indianola, community policing and how IPD prioritizes community outreach just as much as law enforcement, key moments in 2023 that IPD experienced, new technology initiatives, programs and so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:04: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
02:05-03:29: City Evolvement During 30-Year Career
03:30-04:20: What Made You Choose & Stay In Indianola?
04:21-08:12: Being Named Police Chief, Leading Department & Creating Opportunities
08:13-10:51: IPD’s Approach to Community Policing
10:52-12:35: Public Safety Chili Cookoff & Norwalk Office Jayson Spurr
12:36-13:47: Structure of Indianola Police Department
13:48-14:56: Top Qualities of a Successful IPD Employee
14:57-17:53: Working Events in Indianola & Their Impact
17:54-20:10: How Has Technology Shifted The Department?
20:11-23:42: New Cameras Appearing Along City Roads
23:43-27:20: IPD’s School Resource Officer
27:21-28:46: IPD’s DARE program
28:47-30:05: IPD’s K9 program and Kilo
30:06-31:20: Employee Recruitment & Staff Openings
31:21-33:58: New Community Services Officer Position
33:59-35:30: Closing

Reimagining Our Community: Navigating Indianola's Development With Charlie Dissell & Emily Rizvić Mar 06, 2024

Season 1, Episode 2: Deputy City Manager - Chief of Development & Operations Charlie Dissell and Associate Planner Emily Rizvić joins "Indy Unplugged" for a meaningful conversation that highlights the department’s successes from its 2023 annual report and the community vision its following, updates on the Downtown Façade Grant Program and CDBG Grant Program for improvements in the Indianola Downtown Square, discussions on the various planned unit developments and how that process works, the Housing Study & Needs Assessment currently underway and how the community can get involved, plus so much more.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:52: Welcome & Guest Backgrounds
02:53-22:22: 2023 Community Development Annual Report Highlights, Updates & Plan/Vision
22:23-34:55: Downtown Façade Grant Program/CDBG Grant Program & Downtown Indianola Square
34:56-40:33: Planned Unit Developments: What They Are & Process
40:34-42:39: Staying in the Loop with Project Updates
42:40-46:35: Housing Study & Needs Assessment: Community Involvement
46:36-50:30: Selling Points for Indianola
50:31-55:10: How Do You Navigate All These Moving Parts?
55:11-56:58: Closing

Moving Forward Together: Exploring Indianola's Future With Mayor Stephanie Erickson Feb 09, 2024

Season 1, Episode 1: Indianola Mayor Stephanie Erickson joins "Indy Unplugged" for an engaging conversation that explores the City's evolving landscape – from the updated 2024-27 strategic plan to economic development initiatives, community partnerships driving progress and so much more. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Indianola's vision and the collaborative efforts shaping our promising future.

Fast-forward to a specific topic covered:

00:00-00:41: Intro
00:42-02:30: Welcome & Podcast Background
02:31-03:40: Why Become Mayor
03:41-04:45: Rewarding Moments So Far
04:46-10:38: Simpson Town & Gown Committee
10:39-13:14: Community Experiences & Collaborations
13:15-16:38: Preserving Community Identity Amid Growth
16:39-22:12: Updated Strategic Plan & Vision
22:13-24:40: City Staff Praise
24:41-28:33: Community of Conversations
28:34-32:37: City Council Transitions
32:38-35:16: Civic Engagement
35:17-37:36: 2024 & Beyond For Indianola
37:37-42:37: Indianola Mayor’s Youth Council
42:38-45:02: Closing

Welcome to Indy Unplugged! Feb 05, 2024

Hosted by City of Indianola Communications Manager Aaron Young, "Indy Unplugged" is the official City of Indianola podcast that dives deeper into the stories, projects and initiatives throughout the city. Whether it's discussions with elected officials, insights from City staff or perspectives from valued community partners, at least one episode each month will be released packed with in-depth conversations and real-time information.

We want "Indy Unplugged" to be a two-way street. We value your input and questions. That's why we encourage you to reach out to the City of Indianola via social media, email or our website with your thoughts, ideas and feedback.

If you're passionate about staying informed, and if you want to be part of the conversation, then make sure you subscribe to "Indy Unplugged" and follow us on all of the appropriate channels. Let's explore the developments shaping our community and work toward a brighter future.

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