Talk Ottumwa!

In the final episode of the series Arts in Ottumwa, we sit down with Scott Hallgren, Executive Director of Bridge View Center.  He talks about the facility, the activities, and the value of the center for Ottumwa.Listen at: https://www.gopip.org/news/podcasts or wherever to get your podcasts!#gopip #talkottumwa #podcast #ottumwa #ottumwaiowa #iowa #midwest #economicdevelopment #chamberofcommerce #communitydevelopment

In this episode, we continue the discussion on the arts in Ottumwa by sitting down with Insane Mike Saunders and Jason Bolinger. These two guys have been independent filmmakers for 24 years with their company, Prescribed Films. They've also been running a film festival called Halloweenapalooza right here in Ottumwa for 14 years. They share how filmmaking is one of the most creative art forms while announcing Ottumwa's second film fest, the Ottumwa International Film Festival.https://www.halloweenapalooza.com/https://www.gopip.org/events/ottumwa-international-film-festival

In this episode, we sit down with Holly Berg, Board Chair of Ottumwa Area Arts Council. We discuss all things physical art in Ottumwa, from the Main Street District to Church Street to reasons why beautification is important to community identity.

In this episode, we talk with the Chief of Police for the City of Ottumwa, Chad Farrington.  He gives us an inside look at the Ottumwa Police Department, its initiatives, and the challenges they face in ensuring a safe community.

In this episode we speak with Greg Hanshaw, CEO of Community 1st Credit Union, headquartered in Ottumwa, IA.  Greg gives the history of the institution, plans for the future, and even tells us about the differences between credit unions and traditional banks.

To explore the current state and plans for economic development in the Ottumwa region, we talk with Zach Simonson, Community Development Director for the City of Ottumwa.  This is an all-inclusive conversation, touching on virtually every aspect of development in Ottumwa.

In this episode of Talk Ottumwa!, we sit down with William Kiefer, CEO of Ottumwa Regional Health Center.  William gives an in-depth update on the hospital, future plans and their involvement in the Greater Ottumwa region.

In this episode, we have a great conversation Iowa House District 25 Representative Hans Wilz.  Rep. Wilz discusses a wide array of topics that are at the top of the minds of the people of Wapello County and offers insight into the general health and direction of the State of Iowa.Listen at: https://www.gopip.org/news/podcasts or wherever to get your podcasts!#gopip #talkottumwa #ottumwa #iowa #wapellocounty #district25 #HansWilz 

In this episode of Talk Ottumwa, we sit down with Ottumwa Community School District Superintendent Mike McGrory.  Mike discusses expansion of the buildings, security, staffing and much more!

In this final episode in the Mental Health series, we have a conversation with Christina Schark, CEO of Southern Iowa Mental Health and member of the Board of Education for Ottumwa Community Schools.  Christina lends her expertise in the area of mental health to discuss the current trends, how the community is working with mental health, and advocacy around the topic.

In this episode of Talk Ottumwa!, we sit down with Ottumwa High School Junior Zoe Kloppenberg.  She tells us about “Stomp Out Stigma”, a program designed to destigmatize the topic of mental health among today's youth.Listen at: https://www.gopip.org/news/podcasts or wherever to get your podcasts!#gopip #talkottumwa #abbyjager #ebfhighschool #mentalhealthawareness

In this episode, we sit with Amy Nossaman of the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation.  Amy discusses the Legacy Youth Alliance, mental health, and how the community can become involved.  Information regarding the Legacy Youth Alliance can be found at www.ottumwalegacy.org

In this episode, we sit with Kolby Streeby, with American Home Finding.  She talks about the counseling side of youth mental health from the inside. 

In the second installment of this series about Mental Health in Ottumwa and Southeast Iowa, we sit down with Abby Jager, a Senior at EBF High School.  She talks about mental health from a student perspective, and also sheds light upon the Legacy Youth Alliance.  As an addition, it should be noted that Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Schools has increased their number of school counsellors for the 2023-2024 school year.

To kick off this mini series on Mental Health Awareness, we sit down with Susan Woodford, the CEO of First Resources Corp.  She discusses mental health and substance abuse in Ottumwa and Southeast Iowa.  She also talks about possible solutions to the problems that we are battling today.

Get ready for a new 6-part series focusing on mental health and our youth in the Ottumwa region. Not only are we excited because of the diversity of the guests, but we believe that the more we bring awareness, the more we can unite and help end the stigma attached to it. Let's talk Ottumwa!Be sure to subscribe where you're listening and visit our website at https://www.gopip.org/news/podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Ross, CEO and Executive Director of the Ottumwa YMCA to discuss the improvements to programming and facilities for the organization.

In this episode, we sit down with Sandra McReynolds, who tells us everything Food Bank of Iowa.

In this episode, we sit down with Shiloh Seim from the Ottumwa Job Corps Center.  We talk about the programming, community involvement of the students, and much more!

In this episode, we sit with Laura Carrell, Executive Director of Meet Ottumwa.  She tells us about the organization, its impact to Wapello County, and what the future holds.

In this episode, we speak with Bob Kramer, owner of Financial Partners, and Board President for Friends of Ottumwa's Parks.  He discussed future plans for Ottumwa's park system, and highlights the improvements that have been made over the last year and a half.

In this episode, we sit down with Fred Zesiger, Executive Director for Main St. Ottumwa.  He fills us in on the history of downtown Ottumwa, the initiatives that have created the current success of the district, and where he sees the area in the future.

In this episode, we speak with Realtor AJ Gevock.  He discusses the current real estate market in the Ottumwa region, and general economic conditions that are affecting real estate sales. 

In this week's episode, we sit down with Indian Hills Community College President Matt Thompson.  Matt discusses programs IHCC offers, the economic impact of the college in Ottumwa, and the athletics program.

In this episdode, we speak with Krista Tedrow of South Central Iowa Workforce Development Board.   We have a great conversation about all things workforce, both locally and nationally.

In this episode, we dig into 10-15 Transit, and how they are handling public transportation in Ottumwa and regionally.  We also discuss the high growth that they have seen over the last 6 years.

In this episode, we speak with Curt Hopkins of Hopkins Properties LLC and Pizza Ranch to learn about his success in property development and his plans for the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Ottumwa native and entrepreneur Dusty Ware, owner of Warehouse BBQ, Iowa BBQ Store, and Floor to Ceiling.  We also discuss the charity works of the company.

In this episode, we speak with Andy Maw, Newcomer Relations Coordinator for the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation.  He talks to us about the Mission 500 project that is being undertaken in Ottumwa to address the housing shortage that the community currently faces.

In this episode, GOPIP speaks with Brian Morgan, current Wapello County Supervisor, and Vice Chair of the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission.  He goes into detail to give us information about the sports complex that is in the works for Ottumwa. 

Talk Ottumwa is a production of Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress.  On this podcast, we'll talk about the local businesses in Ottumwa to give you the backstory to their success.  We'll talk about the economic initiatives that are driving the progress of the community.  We'll talk about the issues that the community faces, and more.  So stick around, and let's talk Ottumwa!