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With all that most people have going on, and so few hours in the day to do it, cooking takes a sizable chunk of already limited time. Time planning what to make, time shopping, prep time, time spent cleaning up... Lora Miller, owner of Naomi's Kitchen , producers of readymade take-and-bake meals, says what she's really selling her customers is "time". North Liberty is the headquarters of local med...

Whether arranging flags several times a year along the avenues, churning out innumerable pancakes for their annual fundraiser, or slinging hot dogs and burgers at events around town, everything the North Liberty Optimists do is for the kids. New president elect, Kristy Ballard, says that the club is a wonderful family to belong to that works hard and enjoys what they do. North Liberty is the headq...

We are bound together by humanity, a shared need for compassion and support, and we are best able to succeed when doing so together. Ryan Bobst, Executive Director of the North Liberty Community Pantry says, "We could not do the service that we do without volunteers." Already doing so much, and with a new location in the works, the Community Pantry will be able to do even more. North Liberty is th...

It's always a good time to talk about mental health. Here's one from the archive where we do just that. The science says it's important to be good to oneself, but that's not always easy. Doctor Todd Verhoef, founder of  Psychiatric Associates , says there is no one-size-fits-all plan for coping with life's challenges. That's where mental health professionals can help in developing a personalized w...

Benjamin Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." So then, turning to a team of knowledgeable financial advisors seems the smart choice for securing and growing one's investment. Chris Harris, Vice President of Wealth Enhancement Group's Hawkins Team , says that with a nationwide network of experts, they've got you covered. North Liberty is the headquarters of local...

From serendipitous beginnings, an unexpected job offer has become nearly thirty years of helping others to feel whole again. Cheryl Schlote, owner of Scarlet's Unmentionables , says she is exactly where she needs to be: restoring the confidence of her clients who have undergone mastectomies by fitting them with personal prosthetics. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financ...

As we cross over into Autumn it's a nice time to sit outside around a fire pit and check out this episode from the archive. Of the many uses for fire, whether cooking, heating, illumination, even as ambient decoration,  Spotix has you covered. Company president, Aaron Verhorevoort, refers to the business model as being like a wheel; Spotix is the hub connecting a multitude of various niche markets...

In Old Town, there is a new shop inside an old building full of new - and some vintage – clothing and accessories. Julie Fontanini, owner of The Cherry Street Boutique , and her dedicated team, welcome shoppers to come find something comfortably fashionable while exploring the core of North Liberty. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation co...

There are so many details needing attention when getting married it can easily become overwhelming. It's important to find people who are not only professional, but with a true passion for the event. At Heart to Heart Bridal and Formal , owner and manager Rochelle Jeffers and her conscientious crew of stylists all feel a personal connection with every bride to be. North Liberty is the headquarters...

As concerns with Iowa's water quality continue to grow, here is a relevant episode from the archive. Too often one doesn't know the value of something until it's gone. When it's a large body of water undergoing a long, slow disappearing act it's easy to understand how something so devastating might go overlooked. But Jon Kounkel, from Friends of Coralville Lake , says if left untreated one day we...

Computers have been integrated into nearly everything. Most of us who know enough to get by don't ever really get into the deeper nuts and bolts, or 1's and 0's, of our tech systems. That's where Nate Folker, of EZ Solutions , comes in. Helping to build, secure and maintain various systems, business and personal, Nate keeps operations running smoothly, and sensitive data protected. North Liberty i...

Childcare is increasingly difficult to come by. Not only is it in high demand with limited availability, but finding the right fit can be a challenge. Heather Cummings, owner of North Liberty's BEST Academy , describes their before and after school, and summer camp programs, as being focused on keeping kids active and engaged with plenty of physical exercise, field trips, and the teaching of life...

Being a comedian is no joke. It's a lot of hard work putting in the hours on stage, traveling, marketing oneself, and constant networking. Professional funnyman and author, Nathan Timmel , describes it both as a business and a learned defense mechanism verging on personal therapy. He's really hoping that you will like him and have some laughs at the same time. North Liberty is the headquarters of...

Nothing bridges cultures and brings people together like fun, fresh, delicious food. Emilio Estrada, self-proclaimed "good eater", as well as the co-owner of Ándale Cantina Bar & Grill – or Andale 2 for short – selects popular recipes from his hometown in Mexico, La Piedad de Cabadas, and nearby regions to create an authentic experience. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional f...

With so many different types and styles as well as delivery methods and fun little processes for augmenting the flavor of beer, where does one even start to find what works for their palette? Alec Travis, co-owner and head brewer at Field Day Brewing Co. , says stop on in and the knowledgeable staff at Field Day will point you in the right direction. Oh, and the food's good too. North Liberty is t...

In the time of phone books, clever business names using letter/number combinations would ensure a top spot for better visibility. Co-owner, service manager and lead service technician, Scott Jones, explains that's how A2Z Heating and Plumbing got its name more than 20 years ago, and over the years they have filled in each letter with something they do, except maybe X and Z. North Liberty is the he...

Teamwork makes the dream work and individual instruction is helpful as well. Whether as a group, or one-on-one, the coaches at Diamond Dreams can show you how to improve your game. With a twenty thousand square foot facility, general manager Kyle Sherman says that along with baseball and softball there are many other opportunities as well. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional...

It's easy to become overwhelmed by options for giving. With so many charities and so much need, it can be difficult to know where funds might serve best. The Community Foundation of Johnson County helps ease the process by offering a catalog for giving, as well as making sure those gifts get to where they need to go. As president and CEO, Shelly Maharry says, "There's a place for everyone at the ...

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! For this special Christmas episode, we're chatting with Santa Claus. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the g...

It can be difficult to know whether a challenging behavior is an indicator of some deeper lying condition or just a phase that might eventually be grown out of. Speech therapist and therapy manager, Caitlin Thornburg, says that at Sensory Kids parents are encouraged to trust their instincts as it is better to address potential problems early on before they lead to greater struggles ahead. North Li...

Getting into higher education has its own learning curve and is especially challenging when going it alone. For young people who would be the first in their families to attend college, or generally just benefit from some extra guidance toward future career goals, Julie Robinson, and the team of volunteers at Iowa LEAP , work tirelessly to demystify the steps toward success. North Liberty is the he...

There's a lot that goes into moving, whether it's cross-country or just to the other side of a care facility, especially when one has been in place for many years. Gina Ballestrasse-Ernster considers all the details, small and large, and has helped seniors move both to and around North Liberty through her relocation service, Smooth Moves by Gina . North Liberty is the headquarters of local media,...

Another episode from the vault. As we enter into fall, and the weather continues to cool down, what better way to spend time indoors than by discovering new board games to share with friends and family. For Josh Karau and Jason Clark of Geek City Games and Comics exploring fantasy worlds is just another day at work. In contrast to its digital counterpart, board gaming culture is built on imaginati...

Want to cook authentic Latin cuisine but not sure where to get all the unique ingredients? Maybe you're just looking for real, cane sugar soda, or craving hot, fresh tamales. After a lengthy visit to see family in Mexico, Edgar Reynoso Ayala and Sara Puffer decided to open their own mercado , El Azul , here in town. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national...

Trendsetting experiential patio dining, a new wave of craft beers, and a multitude more taps than most places would have dared, mother and son restauranteurs, Matt, and Faye Swift, discuss how Reds Alehouse was a pivotal project for them both. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and e...