What used to be a nursing home is now one of the most important community investments in Mills County.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, we visit the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of East Mills in Malvern and sit down with Jasmine Zeitner and Brittney Rimel, Director of the center, to explore how this project came to life.

This conversation covers:
• How the community transformed an unused building into a modern childcare center
• Why Mills County faces a major childcare shortage
• Programs serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years
• The importance of early childhood education and intentional learning
• How families and the community can get involved

This isn’t just childcare. It’s infrastructure for the future of the community.

📍 Located in Malvern, Iowa
⏰ Open Monday–Friday, 6 AM – 6 PM

When you call 911, the first voice you hear isn’t police, fire, or EMS… it’s a dispatcher.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, we sit down with Travis Hitchcock, Director of Emergency Management & Telecommunications, and Dawn Christensen, Lead Dispatcher, to give you a real look inside emergency communications.

This is what most people never see.

You’ll learn:
• What actually happens during a 911 call
• Why dispatchers are the true first responders
• The challenges of rural emergency response
• How multiple high-pressure situations are handled at once
• What you should know to help responders reach you faster

Recorded during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, this episode shines a light on the people working behind the scenes to keep Mills County safe.

Take a minute to watch… and you’ll never think about 911 the same way again.

Drake Roller’s story isn’t just about business… it’s about resilience.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, Drake shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to hitting a personal low… and ultimately rebuilding his life, his mindset, and his future.

Now the owner of Full Metal Junket, Drake is turning hard lessons into purpose, helping people clean out homes, properties, and even life transitions with compassion and grit.

In this episode:
• Life in the Marine Corps and leadership at a young age
• A personal setback that changed everything
• Rebuilding through family, discipline, and purpose
• How Full Metal Junket was built from the ground up
• Wild finds, hoarder cleanouts, and unexpected treasures

This is a real conversation about failure, growth, and getting back up.

What started as a handmade quilt for a granddaughter turned into something much deeper… a song, a legacy, and a story of faith, love, and purpose.

In this episode of Mills County Roots, Carlene sits down with Billy Cooper at Falcon Wood Park to share the powerful story behind a handcrafted quilt that took years to complete and the unexpected song it inspired.

From hand-stitched Bible verses to a songwriting journey through a veterans program, this episode is about more than creativity. It’s about legacy, family, and the impact we leave behind.

You’ll hear:
• The story behind a one-of-a-kind quilt
• How songwriting came unexpectedly through Guitars for Vets
• A live performance of “The Words Round the Border”
• The connection between faith, family, and creativity

Some stories just stick with you. This is one of them.

County Supervisor candidates step up and answer questions directly from concerned citizens — no filters, no spin, completely UNCENSORED.

This is your chance to hear straight from the source where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to our community.

Couldn’t make it in person? No problem — we’re bringing it straight to you.

Stay tuned, watch closely, and decide for yourself.

Because informed communities make better decisions.

We’re sharing something a little different today on Mills County Routes, but it matters just as much to our community.

Still Serving Iowa Veterans, presented by the Iowa Veterans Foundation, Inc., is a statewide show focused on the issues, updates, and resources that impact veterans and their families right here in Iowa, including Mills County.

Hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin, this show delivers real conversations, practical information, and support for those who have served and the people who stand behind them.

This isn’t just a “veteran show.”
If you live in Mills County, you are connected to this whether you realize it or not.

Inside you’ll find:
• Resources for veterans and families
• Updates on benefits and support systems
• Conversations that matter at the community level

We’re proud to share this with you because strong communities take care of the people who served them.

Because service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

Less than 0.1% of the water sent to your home is actually used for drinking.

So… what’s the rest of it doing to your home, your body, and your health?

In this episode of Mills County Roots, Carleen Hall sits down with Randy Hayden of Futuramics Clean Water Center to break down what’s really in your water and what you can do about it.

• The difference between hard water vs purified water
• Why bottled water is a multi-billion dollar habit
• What reverse osmosis actually removes
• How water affects your skin, hair, appliances, and health
• Why most systems only solve part of the problem

From well water issues in rural Mills County to what’s coming out of your tap in town, this conversation will change how you think about water.

💧 What You’ll Learn

What if your security system didn’t just watch… but actually worked for you?

In this episode of Mills County Roots, we sit down with Ryan Haag, Navy veteran and owner of Snowy Owl Security, to talk about modern security, privacy, and how smart technology should actually serve people… not the other way around.

Ryan shares how a simple church livestream project during the pandemic turned into a full-scale business helping homes, churches, and businesses take control of their tech.

• Why most security systems don’t actually belong to you
• The difference between owned systems vs subscription-based tech
• How to protect your home, business, or church network
• The hidden risks behind data tracking, cameras, and AI
• Real-world uses for security systems including:

• Home protection

• Business security

• Church livestreaming & safety

• Smart alerts and automation

“The systems I put in… they’re yours. That footage belongs to you.”

Through Snowy Owl Security, Ryan provides:

• Whole-home and commercial WiFi systems
• Security cameras with full ownership and privacy
• Smart automation and alerts
• Door access systems and keycard entry
• Business phone systems (VoIP)
• Digital display systems
• Network security audits and upgrades

Ryan is also helping lead the Loess Hills Makerspace in Glenwood, where locals can:

• Build projects with professional tools
• Learn new skills from experienced makers
• Access CNC machines, 3D printers, and more
• Collaborate, create, and connect

Technology is everywhere…
But most people don’t control it.

This conversation breaks down how to take that control back, protect your data, and actually use tech in a way that makes life easier.

If you care about privacy, security, or just want your WiFi to actually work the way it should… this one’s worth your time.

👉 Subscribe for more local stories, business insights, and conversations happening right here in Mills County.

🔐 What You’ll Learn in This Episode🛠️ What Ryan Actually Does🧠 Bonus: Loess Hills Makerspace💬 Why This Matters

What does it actually take to serve a community well?

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we sit down with Sandi Winton to talk about leadership, service, and what she’s hearing directly from the people of Mills County.

From organizing community events to hosting listening sessions across the county, Sandi shares how her approach is simple but powerful: listen first, then lead.

Inside this conversation:

• Why community involvement is her “hobby” and purpose
• What she’s learned from roundtables, surveys, and local conversations
• The top concerns residents are raising, including:

• Taxes
• Roads & infrastructure
• Government transparency
  • Why public safety and essential services must come first
  • Her perspective on local leadership beyond party lines
  • How community-driven ideas, not government spending, can bring projects to life

You’ll also hear about the many ways Sandi has already been involved across Mills County, including:

• Glenwood Betterment & Beautification
• Chamber initiatives and small business support
• Community events like Pancakes with Patty and upcoming celebrations
• Volunteer boards and local leadership roles

Leadership isn’t about talking more.
It’s about listening better.

And building something that actually reflects the people you serve.

Sandi emphasizes the importance of engagement and accessibility, encouraging residents to:

• Attend local listening sessions
• Share feedback through surveys
• Get involved in community initiatives
• Support local events and volunteer efforts

This conversation is a real look at what local leadership can look like when it’s rooted in service, accountability, and community connection.

If you care about the future of Mills County, local leadership, or how decisions are made at the county level… this is one to watch.

Subscribe for more stories that highlight the people shaping Mills County and beyond.

💬 Key Takeaway📍 Community Involvement

What if the way we’ve been doing education… just isn’t working anymore?

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we take you inside SWITCH – Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub, where educators, industry leaders, and community partners are rethinking how students prepare for real careers.

From hands-on HVAC training to industry-sponsored education paths, SWITCH is flipping the script on traditional learning and putting students directly on a path to meaningful, high-demand careers.

Inside this episode:

• The shocking stat: only 7% of students use their college degree in their career
• Why traditional education models are failing the workforce
• How SWITCH is connecting students directly with employers
• The rise of hands-on, skills-based training over lecture-based learning
• Why trades careers are becoming one of the smartest paths today
• How partnerships between schools and industry are solving the workforce shortage

You’ll also hear from leaders in education and trades who are actively rebuilding the pipeline and creating opportunities for the next generation.

“We’ve got to stop training students without asking industry what they actually need.”

SWITCH (Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub) is a growing training center offering:

• Career & Technical Education (CTE)
• High school + college-level trade programs
• Adult workforce training
• Industry partnerships that lead directly to jobs

From a nearly empty building to a fast-growing hub with multiple partners, SWITCH is becoming a model for workforce development in rural America.

The opportunity isn’t disappearing.
It’s shifting.

And the trades are leading the way.

Nathan Barry, Ph.D.
Vice President for Strategic Operations and Initiatives
Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, NE 68103
(531) 622-4035

🛠️ What is SWITCH?💡 Big Takeaway🎤 Featured Speaker