Old Man Strength EP: 7.11 Ross Eveland for Story County Supervisor: Mental Health, Data Centers, Taxes & Rural Representation

In this candid, no-filters episode of Old Man Strength, hosts Tim Johnson and Chris Shipley sit down with Ross Eveland, Democratic candidate for Story County Supervisor, for a real conversation about local government, why he’s running, and the issues that actually affect everyday Iowans.

Ross shares his rural roots growing up on a century farm near Oskaloosa, his time at Iowa State, and the path that led him through substitute teaching, Instacart/Walmart deliveries, and umpiring baseball and football (including college games). He explains what county supervisors actually do — managing budgets, secondary roads, planning & zoning, and property taxes — and why he believes competitive races and representation from outside Ames are essential, especially after recent district changes.

The conversation dives deep into the issues Ross is prioritizing:

• Expanding mental health services and first-responder training in rural Story County
• Improving roads, bridges, and infrastructure
• Tax rate transparency and fiscal responsibility
• Strong opposition to large data centers and their impact on water, electricity rates, farmland, and long-term local jobs
• Cutting through partisan noise to actually listen to constituents

Ross also opens up about the importance of checking in on friends and family for mental health, the critical shortage of sports officials, and why everyday people should consider running for local office to give voters real choices on the ballot.

Recorded live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios and powered by Revelton Distilling Company. Sponsored by Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Jenny Farrell with RE/MAX Concepts, and Styled by JJ Boutique.

If you care about local government, rural Iowa issues, or just want an honest conversation about what county supervisors actually do, this one’s worth your time.

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