For nearly a decade, one question has lingered in Jefferson: What will happen to the former middle school? In Episode 4 of Behind What Matters, Matt Wetrich sits down with Chris Deal to discuss The Jeffersonian, the ambitious project transforming Jefferson's historic former middle school into modern apartments while preserving one of the community's most recognizable landmarks. Built in the 1920s and located just steps from downtown, the building has been part of countless memories for genera...

Episode #3 of "Behind What Matters" takes listeners to the top of one of Jefferson’s most recognizable landmarks: the Mahanay Bell Tower. Matt is joined by Molly Cunningham, the Bell Tower’s Tour Coordinator, and Peg Raney, President of the Bell Tower Community Foundation, to talk about what makes the Bell Tower such an important part of Jefferson’s identity, why people continue visiting year after year, and what guests can expect during the busy summer season. The conversation dives topics, ...

This episode features Philip Heisterkamp, Chair of the Bell Tower Festival, as he shares why Jefferson became home and what keeps him invested in the community. From what’s new at this year’s festival to the work behind the scenes, Philip gives a look into how the event comes together. He also reflects on the past six years and what makes being part of the festival so meaningful.

"Behind what Matters" is a new way to share the stories, people, and efforts that continue to shape Jefferson. In our first episode, Executive Director Matt Wetrich, Office Coordinator Kevin Paulsen, and Community Engagement Coordinator Emily Rohner introduce what listeners can expect, from conversations about the Main Street approach and volunteer-led teams to the role of storytelling and social media in connecting the community. The episode also highlights the strong group of emerging leade...