Building Together Podcast

10/11/2023

Embarking on a journey through community development and endeavors, we have Jake Burroughs, the School Board President, providing us with exciting updates about the West Liberty school and the new athletic complex. Curiosity piqued about school district communication, the elections, or professional development? We're addressing them all here, complete with a nod to the county auditor for their commendable work.

As we move along, we plunge into city updates, elections, and a touch of festivity with fall events. Our fellow panelist, William, is all hands on deck preparing for a thrilling Halloween trail, while, on another note, we find ourselves knee-deep in strategic planning as the budget season looms. We also bring to light the challenges in nursing recruitment at the Simpson Memorial Home, discussing issues like workforce availability and agency wages. And if you've ever wanted to make a difference, learn how the community, volunteers, and even you can lend a hand.

Wrapping up, we delve into community programs and economic developments, highlighting a recent partnership with St. Joseph's Church for a noble cause - Lucha Antifraude. We then steer the conversation towards the Muscatine County Housing Summit and the crucial Muscatine County Housing Study. And for a fun twist, join us as we share a chuckle or two about German sushi and the amusing concept of a nursing home league. So, buckle up for an episode filled with hearty discussions, insights, and a dash of humor.

Embarking on a journey through community development and endeavors, we have Jake Burroughs, the School Board President, providing us with exciting updates about the West Liberty school and the new athletic complex. Curiosity piqued about school di...

10/11/2023

Join us for an enthralling journey as we bring together a vibrant ensemble of West Liberty's finest. Chief Werling steers the conversation by unveiling the latest police department updates, all the way from sprucing up the police squad cars to managing traffic issues. We also have the McFerrins, Clifford, Cara, and their son William, who walk us through their commendable heritage and community projects. And that's not all; local residents Cara Calvin McFerrin, Charles Brooke, Allie Paarsmith, and Stephanie Vallez share their unique perspectives on all things West Liberty.

This episode takes a fascinating detour as we indulge in the riveting tales of young William McFerron, who's been busy restoring a downtown steam engine. Prepare to be captivated as William recounts his adventures of firing up the engine last Halloween. We also dissect the ongoing changes in West Liberty, focusing on the growth of local businesses and the importance of walking and biking trails for improving our community's quality of life. Don't miss out as we discuss the Meadows and Dumont-Dutton subdivisions and the annexation of Wiele Chevrolet into the city!

Finally, we turn the spotlight to the annual Chamber of Commerce golf tournament and some fantastic changes brewing in our local library. Mark your calendars for the upcoming community events, including puppet shows at Rendezvous Park as part of the Children's Festival and the vibrant Fiesta Latina on Calhoun Street. We end on a high note with a profound conversation with Jack Kraus about the sense of community in West Liberty and the area's booming business growth. So tune in, sit back, and take a thorough tour of our beloved town!

Join us for an enthralling journey as we bring together a vibrant ensemble of West Liberty's finest. Chief Werling steers the conversation by unveiling the latest police department updates, all the way from sprucing up the police squad cars to man...

08/01/2023

Explore the vibrant transformation of West Liberty with us! From new constructions to community events, and school district updates, this episode has it all! Did we mention RAGBRAI?

City of West Liberty
West Liberty Chamber of Commerce
West Liberty Index
Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine
Rotary Club of West Liberty
West Liberty Community School District
Simpson Memorial Home



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Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...

07/01/2023

Happy July! There is SO MUCH happening this month!
Join us on this exciting journey where we uncover the essence of community improvement, the power of collective efforts, and the joy of simple pleasures in West Liberty! Your favorite panelists, Mayor Ethan Anderson, Clifford McFerren, Heather Wisman, Jake Burroughs, Allie Paarsmith, Xiomara Levsen, Charles Brooke and Ken Brooks, come together to share inspiring stories, enlightening experiences, and a glimpse into our upcoming activities. We delve into the significance of beautification projects, the city's role in encouraging improvement initiatives, and the anticipation that surrounds the Ragbrai event.

Imagine the thrill of designing a submarine out of propane tanks, the exhilaration of yachting, or the euphoria of participating in a chainsaw party and grilling event! Our panelists bring these unique experiences to life by sharing their personal stories and insights. We also highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of our school district administrators, the noteworthy progress of the ELC project, and the impact of our library summer reading program.

In our zest to make each day memorable, we don't miss out on the exciting events lined up in West Liberty. From the Muscatine County Fair Parade to the big shindig at Kimberly Park, we have an array of activities waiting to be explored. So, why wait? Immerse yourself in the happenings of West Liberty and be a part of our vibrant community!

https://buildingtogether.buzzsprout.com/

City of West Liberty
West Liberty Chamber of Commerce
West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead
MidWestOne Bank
West Liberty Community School District
West Liberty Public Library
Simpson Memorial Home

Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...

06/09/2023

Happy Friday, and Happy June! Here is your latest edition of the Building Together Podcast!

Get ready for an action-packed episode as we discuss the latest happenings in West Liberty this summer, from the RAGBRAI race to Melody Henderson and the all-school reunion. We've got the inside scoop on the fair schedule for Muscatine County and Cedar County, and how you can pick up a copy of the Index for all the details.

In this episode, we also take a look at some important updates from the school district, including the progress on the ELC addition to the elementary school, the athletic complex, and the State's voucher program. We'll celebrate the success of the boy's soccer team and discuss the new iJag program that's been allocated a million dollars. Plus, we'll examine House File 206 and how it allows individuals under 21 to be licensed as teachers with the proper credentials.

Join us as we explore the work of Chief Werling and the West Liberty Police Department in supporting the community. Learn about their preparations for RAGBRAI, the Fair and the Fair Parade, as well as the training they're doing. We also discuss the Sequential Intercept Model, a group that focuses on better serving children in the juvenile justice system. And if that's not enough, Chief Werling shares his involvement with the Early Childhood of Iowa Board, how he provides security audits and training for the community, and his secret hobby of baking cookies. Don't miss this informative and entertaining episode! Lots of things happening in and around the City of West Liberty!

Listen at the link below, or on search for West liberty Iowa Building Together on your favorite podcast app.

Thank you to this month's panel!
Eric Werling, Chief, West Liberty Iowa Police Department
Krista Lanier, Assistant Retail Manager, MidWestOne Bank
Melody Henderson, Chair, All-School Reunion
Jake Burroughs, School Board President, West Liberty Community School District
Xiomara Levsen, West Liberty Index
Charles Brooke, COO, West Liberty Chamber of Commerce
Ken Brooks, Executive Director, West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead

Welcome to our May 2023 episode of Building Together, a podcast about how community members, businesses, organizations, governments, and schools are working together to make West Liberty, Iowa, and surrounding areas a better place in which to live...

05/01/2023

Happy May! Here is your brand new edition of the Building Together Podcast!

Thank you to this month's panelists:
Mayor Ethan Anderson,
Heather Wisman with MidWestOne Bank
Jake Burroughs with West Liberty Community School District
Charles Brooke with the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce,
Xiomara Levsen with the West Liberty Index,
and Ken Brooks with West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead

Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...

04/01/2023

Your April episode of Building Together is here!
Check out this month's amazing panel:
Mayor Brad Bark from the The City of Muscatine
Mayor Ethan Anderson from the City of West Liberty
Clifford McFerren from Simpson Memorial Home and Cardinal Sign & Graphics
Heather Wisman from MidWestOne Bank
Kurt Kirchner Muscatine County Supervisor,
Xiomara Levsen from the West Liberty Index
Charles Brooke from the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce
and Ken Brooks from West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead

Listen as this month's panel discusses important community updates, and how the art of collaboration is essential to progress.

Download West Liberty, IA Building Together on your favorite podcast app, or stream at:

Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...

03/31/2023

New podcast drops tomorrow morning!

03/01/2023

Hey! Did you hear? RAGBRAI is coming to town! Listen to this month's podcast to learn more about RAGBRAI, the City of West Liberty, West Liberty Chamber of Commerce, Simpson Memorial Home, West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead, MidWestOne Bank, West Liberty Index, Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, and more!

Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...

02/08/2023

What questions do you have for our panel of local leaders?
Post your questions in the comments below, or email them to: [email protected], and you may be featured in our March episode!

02/04/2023

What did you think about Cliff's update on the LTCRL during this month's podcast?

02/01/2023

Here is your February edition of the Building Together Podcast!
Special thanks to this month's panel:
Mayor Ethan Anderson,
Cliff McFerren, Administrator at Simpson Memorial Home
David Haugland, City Manager at City of West Liberty
Shaun Kruger, Superintendent at West Liberty Community School District
Xiomara Beth, Editor at the West Liberty Index
Charles Brooke, Chief Operations Officer at the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce
and Ken Brooks, Executive Director at West Liberty Economic Area Development - WeLead
Topics of Discussion:
Special update to the WeLead Building
West Liberty Index Updates
Junior Achievement
West Liberty Mayor's Update
City of West Liberty job Openings
West Liberty Fire & Ambulance
West Liberty City Manager's Update
New Housing in West Liberty
Road Construction project by Dutton Park
Heritage Foundation Updates
Simpson Memorial Home Expansion and Updates
School District Updates
ELC and Elementary School Development
Athletic Complex Update
School Vouchers
Chamber of Commerce Updates
Chamber A.M. with Lisa Wertzbaugher
Comet Gala
WeLead Updates
2022 Milestones
West Liberty Business Association Meeting - Friday February 10th
Question of the Month: How can I get involved and "Give Back" in my community?

Join Ken Brooks and a panel of local leaders as they discuss how local people, businesses, organizations, schools, and governments are working together to make the West Liberty, Iowa area a better place in which to live, work, learn, grow, and pl...