In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall sits down with Joe of Joe Designer to go behind the scenes of a long-standing local business in Glenwood.

From starting with just a computer and printer to serving hundreds of clients, Joe shares the journey of building a business from the ground up. You’ll also get an inside look at the full screen printing process, from design to production, and see how custom apparel is made right here in Mills County.

Whether it’s team gear, business apparel, or custom designs, this episode highlights the craftsmanship, creativity, and community connection that keep local businesses thriving.

📍 Featured Business: Joe Designer – Glenwood, Iowa
🎥 Hosted by: Carlene Hall
🌾 Series: Mills County Routes

Mental Health Awareness Month starts with one simple message: you’re not alone.

In this episode, we sit down with Anna Kilpack and Stephanie Willis from NAMI Southwest Iowa to talk about the real challenges people are facing right now and the support that’s available right here in our communities.

From caregiver burnout to veteran mental health, postpartum struggles to everyday stress, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what mental health really looks like and why connection matters more than ever.

You’ll hear:

• How NAMI is providing free support, classes, and resources
• Why stigma is still the biggest barrier to getting help
• The reality of mental health access gaps in Iowa
• How community, conversation, and connection can change lives

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn, this episode is for you or someone you care about.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we sit down with Army combat veteran Ron Salisbury to talk about something that matters more than ever, gun safety and youth education.

Ron shares his journey from military service to becoming a cardiac nurse, and how that experience led him to help launch a youth marksmanship and firearm safety program in Southwest Iowa.

We cover:
• Why early firearm education matters
• The role of parents in gun safety training
• How this program is structured for kids ages 7–13
• The importance of discipline, respect, and responsibility
• How veterans are giving back to the next generation

This is a real, honest conversation about safety, mentorship, and community.

This Memorial Day, something powerful is coming to Southwest Iowa.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene sits down with Brad Powell, President of the Iowa Veterans Foundation, to talk about The Wall That Heals — a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial coming to Council Bluffs.

This 3/4-scale replica of the Washington, D.C. memorial brings the experience closer to home for veterans, families, and the entire community.

In this episode:
• What The Wall That Heals is and why it matters
• Dates, location, and what to expect during Memorial Day weekend
• Volunteer opportunities and how to get involved
• The emotional impact of visiting the wall
• Additional veteran events happening across the region

Whether you’ve seen the wall before or this will be your first time, this is a unique opportunity to reflect, honor, and remember.

📍 Location: Lewis Central High School (Council Bluffs)
📅 Memorial Day Weekend

A packed crowd gathered in Mills County to hear Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn share his vision for the future of the state.

In this full town hall, Lahn dives into the issues Iowans are feeling right now:
• Rising property taxes and pressure on family farms
• Keeping young people in Iowa
• Housing affordability and rural community growth
• Education, workforce, and local opportunity
• Government accountability and “Iowa First” policies

The conversation includes real questions from the audience and direct responses on some of the toughest challenges facing Iowa today.

This is a raw, unfiltered look at what’s being discussed on the ground across the state.

📍 Filmed in Mills County, Iowa
🎥 Presented by Mills County Routes

#IowaPolitics #ZachLahn #MillsCountyRoutes #IowaGovernor #TownHall #RuralAmerica

Life can get repetitive. Work, home, repeat.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene talks about something simple that can completely change that… volunteering.

From mentoring students to supporting veterans and local organizations, volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s about connection, purpose, and breaking out of the everyday cycle.

In this episode:
• Real volunteer opportunities in Mills County
• Organizations like Teammates, YMCA, and the Mills County Storehouse
• How volunteering helps build relationships and community
• Why it’s especially powerful for seniors and those feeling isolated
• Simple ways to get started right now

If you’ve been looking for something more… this might be it.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we visit the Commemorative Air Force museum and hangar and sit down with curator Jim Friberg to explore thousands of artifacts, restored aircraft, and stories from World War II and beyond.

This isn’t just a museum. It’s a living piece of history.

In this episode:
• A walk-through of a WWII training aircraft and restoration hangar
• Over 5,000 cataloged artifacts including uniforms, manuals, and equipment
• The story behind engines, aircraft restoration, and aviation history
• Weekly gatherings where veterans and aviation enthusiasts connect
• Why preserving these stories matters now more than ever

From radial engines to bomber formations to personal stories from veterans, this is one of the most unique places in Southwest Iowa.

📍 Located at the Council Bluffs Airport
📅 Open Wednesdays and Saturdays (tours available by request)

The library isn’t what you think it is anymore.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we visit the Glenwood Public Library during National Library Week and sit down with Autumn (Director) and Emily (Adult Services) to break down everything available to the community.

And here’s the kicker…
👉 You don’t even need a library card for most of it.

In this episode:
• Free services you can use right now (WiFi, printing, notary, meeting space)
• Adult programs like book clubs, craft groups, and the unique Silent Book Club
• Summer reading programs for kids AND adults
• Community partnerships and events across Mills County
• Why the modern library is more of a hub than ever before

From quiet reading spaces to community events at breweries and coffee shops, this is a look at how the library is evolving right here in Mills County.

📍 Location: Glenwood Public Library
📅 Filmed during National Library Week

What starts as a joke in a high school classroom turns into a 30+ year career in professional rodeo.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, we sit down with Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson, a professional rodeo clown and entertainer from Fremont County, Iowa, who’s performed across the country and is now returning to his roots at the legendary Sydney, Iowa Rodeo.

In this episode:
• How a class clown moment launched a lifelong career
• Inside the life of a professional rodeo entertainer
• The reality of bullfighting, barrels, and arena safety
• Traveling the country and performing in top venues
• Why the Sydney Rodeo is one of the most respected in the nation
• The deep connection between rodeo, patriotism, and community

From getting tossed by a bull on day one… to headlining his hometown rodeo… this is one of those stories that just hits.

📍 Featuring: Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson
📍 Sydney, Iowa Rodeo – one of the top outdoor rodeos in the U.S.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, we visit Enspire Boutique in Malvern, Iowa and sit down with owner Julie Mount to talk about building a business that truly serves everyone.

From everyday basics to standout pieces, Enspire is designed to help people feel confident no matter their size, style, or budget.

In this episode:
• How Julie transitioned from teaching to owning two retail businesses
• The difference between Enspire Boutique and Enspire Couture
• Why affordability and inclusivity are at the core of the brand
• Styling tips for mixing, matching, and building a wardrobe
• Creating a welcoming shopping experience in a small-town community

Whether you’re looking for something casual, something bold, or just a place that feels good to walk into… this is a stop worth making.