Voice of Jones Co. podcast delivers online

     “We’ll bring you the people from Jones County, Iowa, speaking in their own words. They’ll tell you ​about themselves, their work, their hopes and dreams for citizens in Jones County.”

     This is the basis of the “Voice of Jones County Podcast Radio.” Organized and managed by Richard Tapia of Monticello and Scott Werling of Anamosa, the radio podcast is free and accessible to anyone with Internet access.

     The program started just under a year ago after discussion about lack of a radio station serving Jones County.

     “The plan is to discuss the issues that are happening around us,” said Tapia, “such as cutting mental health funding, education funding, etc.”

     He said creating a podcast allows everyone to tune in, whether on a smart phone, a tablet, or a computer.

     “This way it’s inexpensive for everyone,” said Tapia. “And as long as people are willing to talk to us, we have an avenue.”

     He said there has been lots of initial interest. Already, several local voices have been featured on Voice of Jones County: Lynette Richards of Stone City; Karmen Jamison, a pastor in Wyoming; Clyde Meyer, a retired Army colonel from Monticello; Sabrina Rogers, a mental health counselor; Dennis Mulford, a financial services advisor; Susan Yario, Jones County VA; Jennifer Husmann, Jones County Coalition; Steve Hanken, Historic Preservation Commission; Charlie Becker, Camp Courageous director; and Deb Bowman, former Monticello educator.

     Tapia said they are now working on securing their 501(c)(3) non-profit status that would open them up to funding.

     “There has been community interest, and we’re here to serve the interests of everyone,” said Tapia. “We’re the voice of people who have an opinion to share.”

     Voice of Jones County has its own website (www.voiceofjonescounty.com) and Facebook page (“Voice of Jones County Iowa Podcast Radio”).

     “It’s mostly about people’s stories,” added Tapia.

     He said hearing from these people opens up the dialogue and brings about awareness. Tapia said where the Coalition is concerned, Husmann shared why there is a need for the work the Coalition does for Jones County.

     Tapia said think of Voice of Jones County as a local NPR (National Public Radio).

     “It’s unbiased and accurate information as we’re reporting it,” he said. “We just want to create an awareness of what’s happening as it affects the community (as a whole).”

     For instance, Tapia said during the 2016 Presidential Election, people all over the country were receiving inaccurate information, which led to people not knowing which way to vote.

     “Some people didn’t even vote,” he said due to an overflow of false information about both candidates. “People were running on opinion versus an educated and informed decision.

     “How do you know what’s accurate? We need to get beyond gossip and sensationalism.”

     Tapia said he and Werling don’t necessarily need to be the ones behind the scenes offering the information.

     “We want the public to see this as theirs and contribute,” he said. “It’s a place where people can hear the voices of Jones County.”

     Tapia said sometimes hearing the stories offers a different reaction rather than seeing it online or on the TV.

     “You can hear people’s verbal statements and hear their stories,” he said. “There’s a nuance to how something is said or asked.”

     In terms of stories and coverage, Tapia said nothing is off the table.

     “Young people like comedy,” he said as a suggestion. “Or people could share what’s happening in their neighborhoods.”

     Voice of Jones County is not updated on a regular basis, just when there is a new story or voice to share with masses.