Episode 102:

Counties Merging Human Services, Silica Sand Mining, Bike & Walking Trails
On this episode of On Q we examine a proposal by Mower, Waseca, Steele and Dodge counties to merge their human services. Craig Oscarson and Julie Stevermer of Mower County join Eric in the studio. Then Jason Gilman of Winona county discusses the proposed silica sand mining operation in southeastern Minnesota. And in our Vision 2020 update Eric visits with Steve Kime about the area's bike and walking trails.

Episode 103:

Blue Zones, Author Janet Groth & Vision 2020-Austin Gateway Project
On this episode of On Q, we find out if you can live longer if you live in Albert Lea or Mason City with Angela Determan and Ellen Kehr.  We will also learn what happens to a young girl (Janet Groth) who grew up in Austin when she makes her way to New York City and ends up getting quite and education at The New Yorker magazine.  Cheryl Corey also joins us to explain the Gateway goal for the Vision 2020 team.

Episode 104:

Albert Lea Streetscape Project, Shellrock River Watershed District & Vision 2020 Recreation Center
Eric talks with Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams about their proposed streetscape project. Brett Behnke drops by to introduce the new dredge for the Shellrock River Watershed District. And Matt Cano talks about the Vision 2020 Recreation Center committee.

Episode 105:

Bullying, Libraries & Vision 2020 Waterways
Stephanie tackles the subject of school bullying by talking with Kevin Strauss, an influential speaker and storyteller. Then she sits down with of Ann Hokanson, Director of the Austin Public Library, to talk about new literary publications. And Eric's Vision 2020 guest is Heath Garey, who discusses Austin's valuable waterways.

Episode 106:

Community Development Projects in Austin, Albert Lea and Owatonna
On this episode of On Q, Eric takes a close look at significant changes in communities within our region. First, he meets with Dr. Mark Ciota of the Mayo Clinic Health System to learn more about a merger and expansion in Austin and Albert Lea. Then he's joined by Mayor Tom Kuntz of Owatonna, who discusses present and future city projects. And in the Vision 2020 segment, Eric talks with Stephnee Leathers of Austin's Downtown-A Destination Committee.

Episode 107:

The Hormel Institute/Violence Against Women/Austin Utilities Building
On this episode of On Q, we learn more about the proposed expansion of the Hormel Institute in Austin. We'll also be talking with members of the Zonta organization to find out what they're doing to eliminate violence against women. And we meet with Belita Schindler, who shares the Vision 2020 plans for the Austin Utilities Building.

Holiday Special:

On Q Holiday Special
Over the holiday season, On Q featured performances by area artists -- the Austinaires singing group of Austin High School (directed by Brian Johnson), the guitar duo of Dave Rohde and Jorge Evasku, harpist Rachel Christensen, and a string quartet from the Austin Symphony Orchestra (Sue Radloff, Millie Masse, Emily Blain, & Darrin Sellers).

Episode 108:

Austin Harvard Graduate/Flu Vaccines/Community Pride
On this episode of On Q Eric visits with Anthony Hernandez, a graduate of Austin High School and more recently Harvard University. Anthony shares his experiences getting an education at an Ivy League school and talks about his future plans in education. Next, Eric meets with Lisa Kocer, a Community Health Services Administrator, who explains the ins and outs of flu vaccines. In the Vision 2020 segment, we get a visit from Erin McClimon of Austin's Community Pride & Spirit Committee.

Episode 109:

STEM Education/Community Engagment/Business Friendly Environment
On this episode of On Q, Eric looks into the value of STEM education (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) by visiting with a teacher and students from Kingsland Public Schools, which received national accreditation for its STEM programs. Then Eric meets with Craig Johnson to discuss the virtues of community engagement. And during our Vision 2020 segment, he's joined by Eric Connett of the Business Friendly Environment Committee.

Episode 110:

Haiti Relief/Hurricane Sandy Recovery/Vision 2020 Education
In Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, we're known for being friendly, helpful people.  Our guests on this episode of On Q are wonderful examples of how much we care for not only our neighbors, but also for our fellow human beings across the country, even the world.Dr. Dick Schindler, a long-time physician in Austin, describes his work in Haiti. Then Russ Nelson and Bill Bumgarner, linemen from Austin Public Utilities, talk about their trip to help recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy. Also, Randy Kramer from the Education Committee for Vision 2020 shares their latest efforts.

Episode 111:

Breast Cancer Research/Southern Minn. Initiative Foundation/Vision 2020 Technology
On this episode of On Q, Eric talks about painting the town pink with Cheryl Corey and Gail Dennison.  This annual tradition raises awareness about breast cancer and we learn what The Hormel Institute is doing to prevent it.  Tim Penny from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation brings us up to date on its efforts.  And Eric chats with Mark Nibaur about the Community Wide Technology Committee for Vision 2020

Episode 112:

Hormel Foods Shareholder Meeting/Robotics Team/Vision 2020 Recreation
On this edition of On Q, Eric gets an inside look at the Hormel Foods Corporation Annual Shareholder's Meeting when he visits with Austin Daily Herald editor Adam Haringa. Then he's joined by Austin High School Robotics Team Coach/Advisor Ryan Stanley and his students, who demonstrate their latest projects.  And Mark Bjorlie from the Recreation Committee for Vision 2020 provides an update on the tours we heard about earlier in the season.

Episode 113:

Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council/Apple Lane Childcare Center/Vision 2020
On this episode of On Q, Shannon Hart, Director of the Apple Lane Childcare Center joins Eric to give a rundown -- and a sneak peek -- of their new facility under construction.  But first, Eric welcomes Susan Olson from Austin who was recently appointed to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  Then Laura Helle will recap some of the latest accomplishments of Vision 2020.