In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall tours the beautifully restored Ford Building in Malvern, Iowa with owners Nick and Laura Sorensen.

Originally built in 1917 as a Ford dealership, this historic building once housed Model T and Model A vehicles and even featured an elevator large enough to lift cars to the upper floor showroom. Today, the Sorensens have transformed the space into a vibrant mixed use business and apartment complex while preserving the building’s historic character.

Inside the Ford Building you’ll find:

• Nine modern loft style apartments with tall ceilings and exposed brick
• Two and three bedroom units along with one bedroom apartments
• Office space and local businesses working side by side
• Sorensen Electric, Side Street Styles, The Malvern Leader newspaper, and the new Wabash Bakery
• A restored elevator shaft that once lifted cars to the showroom floor

Nick and Laura designed the space with community in mind, creating a place where businesses, tenants, and local visitors naturally support one another.

The result is a stunning redevelopment project that blends historic preservation with modern living, bringing new life to one of Malvern’s most iconic buildings.

Mills County Routes highlights the people, businesses, and stories shaping communities across Mills County and Southwest Iowa.

Subscribe for more local tours, business spotlights, and stories from across the region.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall visits Horses Help Southwest Iowa, a unique equine-assisted services center that is helping individuals across the region through adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and community programming. Located on a peaceful 20 acre property, Horses Help provides programs designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social challenges. Participants include people with special needs, veterans coping with PTSD, youth groups, and even seniors experiencing dementia. During this visit, we meet Executive Director Corey Nelson and Lead Instructor Andrea Dunn, who share how the program works and why horses are such powerful partners in healing and personal development.Programs at Horses Help include:• Adaptive riding for individuals with special needs• Equine assisted learning and life skills development• Ground based horsemanship programs• Cart driving for participants who cannot mount a horse• Programs for veterans and trauma survivors• Visits with miniature horses for schools, community groups, and care facilitiesThe center was founded by Linda Hightoff Borman, inspired by her experience growing up with siblings who had Down syndrome and seeing firsthand how powerful equine interaction can be for individuals with disabilities. Today, Horses Help continues to expand its programs to meet the needs of the community while providing a peaceful outdoor environment where people can reconnect with nature, build confidence, and develop life skills.If you are interested in volunteering, participating in a program, or supporting their mission, be sure to learn more about Horses Help Southwest Iowa.Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, highlighting the people, organizations, and stories that make Southwest Iowa such a special place to live.Subscribe for more local stories, community spotlights, and conversations from across Mills County and Southwest Iowa.

A rare opportunity for entrepreneurs and restaurant owners in Southwest Iowa. In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall visits Emerson, Iowa to tour a fully equipped, turnkey restaurant space available for lease.

Carlene sits down with Audie Gitzy and Melinda Snipes of Ruby Realty to talk about property management, the importance of community focused businesses, and the exciting opportunity this Emerson café presents for someone ready to start or expand a restaurant.

This 2,700 square foot space seats around 75 people and comes fully equipped with kitchen appliances, coolers, walk in freezer, bar equipment, dining furniture, and even service windows for community events. It is designed to allow someone to step in and open a restaurant with minimal startup investment.

The building is located on Main Street in Emerson near Highway 34, with traffic from surrounding communities and nearby agricultural businesses that could support a strong breakfast and lunch crowd. Community events like Emerson Days and street dances also create opportunities for restaurant traffic and local engagement.

If you have ever wanted to own a restaurant, café, or small town gathering place, this could be the opportunity to bring new life to a space designed to serve the community.

Contact Ruby Realty for more information or to schedule a tour.

Ruby Realty 712-623-2724
Visit: rvreality.com

Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, highlighting the people, businesses, and opportunities shaping communities across Southwest Iowa.

If you enjoy stories about small town entrepreneurship, local business, and community development, be sure to subscribe and follow Mills County Routes.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall sits down with Jeff Veit of Iowa Workforce Development to talk about the resources available to job seekers and employers across Southwest Iowa.Jeff explains how Iowa Workforce Development serves as a connection point between businesses looking for employees and individuals searching for work or career advancement. His role as a Business Engagement Consultant covers 13 counties, helping employers solve workforce challenges and helping people find meaningful employment opportunities. In this conversation, you’ll learn about:• How Iowa Workforce Development helps businesses recruit employees• Free services for job seekers including resume help and interview preparation• Paid training opportunities such as CDL and CNA programs• On-the-job training programs that help employers hire and train new workers• Weekly hiring events that connect employers with candidates• Workforce solutions for small businesses and rural communities• The importance of hiring and developing talent within local communitiesJeff also discusses the challenges employers and workers face in rural Iowa and how workforce programs can help strengthen local economies while keeping young people working and building careers in their hometowns. If you are a business owner looking for employees, or a job seeker exploring new opportunities, Iowa Workforce Development offers services that can help and many of them are completely free.Mills County Routes is dedicated to sharing the people, programs, and opportunities that strengthen communities across Mills County and Southwest Iowa.Subscribe for more conversations highlighting local businesses, community leaders, and resources that make a difference in our region.

In this special episode of Mills County Roots, host Carlene Hall pauses to celebrate an exciting milestone as the show reaches 36 episodes in just six weeks.

Carlene takes a moment to thank the businesses, families, and community members across Mills County and Southwest Iowa who have opened their homes, businesses, and hearts to share their stories. The response from viewers has been overwhelming, with nearly 100,000 viewers engaging with the show during its first few weeks.

This episode also highlights:

• The transformation of historic buildings in Malvern and across Mills County
• Local revitalization projects bringing new life to downtown communities
• Appreciation for the businesses and sponsors helping make Mills County Roots possible
• The growing network of shows on Local Stream Media
• The mission behind Still Serving Iowa Veterans, hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin
• Upcoming interviews and the special Ag Week series featuring farmers, cattle producers, and agricultural leaders

Mills County Roots is dedicated to telling the stories of the people who make this region special, from multi-generation families whose roots run deep to newcomers bringing fresh energy and ideas into the community.

If you enjoy learning about the people, businesses, and history of Mills County, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue sharing stories from across Southwest Iowa.

But the storytelling doesn’t stop.

Instead, we’re sharing an episode of Still Serving Iowa Veterans, the show hosted by Carlene Hall and Darlene McMartin. Yes… we know it rhymes, and we’re not mad about it. Check out the newest episode!

This program focuses on resources, stories, and important information for veterans across the state of Iowa. Many of the issues discussed affect veterans right here in Mills County, and the goal of the show is simple: make sure veterans and their families know what help and opportunities are available.

If you enjoy Mills County Roots, we encourage you to take a few minutes today and check out this episode. You might learn something new, discover a resource for someone you know, or gain a deeper appreciation for the people who continue serving those who served.

Veterans are part of the backbone of our communities, and this show is one more way to keep supporting them.

Take a watch and help spread the word.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we share a Mills County town hall featuring Adam Steen speaking with local residents about policy issues affecting Iowa.

During this open forum, Steen discusses several topics currently being debated at the state level, including property taxes, government spending, education policy, and support for rural communities. The discussion also includes questions from local attendees about agriculture, school mandates, and veterans services.

Topics discussed include:

• Property tax reform and the idea of zero-based budgeting
• Government transparency and reducing spending
• School choice and Iowa’s ESA program
• Common Core vs classical education approaches
• Unfunded mandates affecting local schools
• Agriculture and farmland ownership in Iowa
• Rural representation in state government
• Veteran care and the conversation around veterans homes in Iowa

The event includes questions and comments from community members, creating a candid exchange about issues facing Mills County and rural Iowa.

Local Stream Media and Mills County Routes do not endorse political candidates. Our goal is to provide a platform for open discussion and give voters access to hear directly from individuals seeking public office.

Mills County Routes shares conversations that matter to our communities and highlights the people and ideas shaping the future of Southwest Iowa.

Subscribe for more local conversations, interviews, and community discussions from across Mills County.

What if the key to living longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives is simple involvement?

In this episode of Mills County Roots, Carlene Hall sits down with Sheri Bowen, Mills County native and longtime public health leader, to talk about Volunteer Iowa and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

After retiring as Administrator of Mills County Public Health, Sheri didn’t slow down. Now she connects adults 55 or better with meaningful volunteer opportunities across Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, and Page counties.

In this conversation, you’ll learn about:

• Volunteer opportunities at local libraries, museums, schools, and food pantries
• The Lake in Child Development Center and youth reading programs
• The Glenwood Area Historical Museum
• Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub
• How nonprofits can partner with Volunteer Iowa
• Why community involvement improves physical and mental health

Whether you want to rock babies, organize artifacts, listen to children read, greet visitors, or help behind the scenes, there is a place for you.

If you are 55 or better and looking for purpose, connection, and impact, this episode is for you.

Mills County Roots highlights the people who make our communities stronger. Subscribe and follow for more local stories from across Mills County.

Prom season is more than a dress. It’s confidence. It’s identity. It’s the moment she walks in and everyone remembers.In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall sits down with Julie Mount, owner of Enspire Couture and Enspire Boutique in Glenwood, Iowa.Julie shares her journey from high school business teacher to boutique owner, why she chose Glenwood, and how she built a formalwear experience centered around service, inclusivity, and confidence.Inside Enspire Couture, it’s not just about selling a dress. It’s about helping young women feel unforgettable. With sizes ranging from triple zero to 24 and price points from $300 to couture-level glam, Julie has created a personalized, appointment-based experience that keeps customers driving in from across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and beyond.In this episode, you’ll hear:• How Enspire Couture started• Why inclusivity in size and budget matters• What prom trends are hot right now• The power of small-town businesses• Why confidence is the ultimate accessoryIf you’re in Glenwood, Mills County, Southwest Iowa, or the Omaha metro area, this is a must-watch before prom season.📍 Enspire Couture13 North Vine StreetGlenwood, Iowa🌐 Website: https://www.enspireboutique.com📱 Follow on Instagram & Facebook to book appointments🎙 Mills County Routes is hosted by Carlene Hall and highlights the people, businesses, and stories that make our community thrive.For guest inquiries, sponsorships, or show information:📧 [email protected]

What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee?

In this special episode of Mills County Routes, Sandi Winton steps into the host chair and interviews Carlene Hall about the story behind the show and the path that led her to launching hyper local media in Mills County.

Carlene shares:

• Her career in radio, sales, marketing, and media
• Serving as a Veteran Service Officer and EMT
• Touring as a singer songwriter across the country
• The heart behind Still Serving Iowa Veterans
• How Mills County Routes was born
• Why highlighting local people matters

This conversation dives into civic responsibility, volunteering, small town growth, and why the heartbeat of Mills County is its people.

If you have ever wondered how this platform got started or why it exists, this episode tells the full story.

Mills County Routes highlights the people, businesses, and stories that shape our communities.

To be featured or to become a sponsor, contact Carlene Hall:
Phone: 712-314-0029
Email: [email protected]

Subscribe and follow for more conversations from across Mills County.

FACEBOOK TITLE

The Story Behind Mills County Routes | Sandi Winton Interviews Carlene Hall

FACEBOOK DESCRIPTION

In this special role reversal episode, Sandi Winton interviews Carlene Hall about how Mills County Routes began.

From radio sales and veteran advocacy to touring with her guitar and launching hyper local media, Carlene shares the journey that led her to telling the stories of Mills County.

This conversation is about service, music, community, civic involvement, and why volunteering and local engagement matter more than ever.

Watch and learn how this platform was built and where it is headed next.