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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

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

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

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

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