Main Streets & Backroads with Carlene Hall

In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall visits the Lakin Library & Envisioning Center in Tabor, Iowa, for a conversation with longtime library director Dawn Miller about how a small-town library became a hub for innovation, education, wellness, and community connection.

From STEM programs and makerspaces to senior fitness classes, seed libraries, gardening projects, and hands-on learning for all ages, Dawn shares how the library has transformed into one of southwest Iowa’s most impactful community spaces. The episode also explores the history behind the new library building, the community effort that made it possible, and the programs bringing thousands of people through its doors each year.

Featured topics include:
• The history of the Lakin Library & Envisioning Center
• STEM education and youth programming
• Community outreach and literacy initiatives
• Makerspaces, 3D printing, and creative learning
• Senior wellness and lifelong learning
• Farmer’s market partnerships and nutrition education
• How small-town libraries are evolving for the future

In this episode of Mills County Routes, we sit down with Jesse, owner of Vine Street Café & Bakery in Glenwood, Iowa, to talk about building more than just a business… but a place for people to connect.

From homemade cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee to community events and meaningful conversations, this café was created with one goal in mind: slowing life down and bringing people together.

You’ll hear:
• Why Jesse chose Glenwood to build her business
• How Vine Street Café is creating a true community gathering space
• The importance of small-town connection in a fast-paced world
• What makes this café different from anything you’ll find in the city
• How local support is helping this business thrive

With seating, events, and a welcoming atmosphere, Vine Street Café is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Glenwood community.

👉 Stop in, support local, and experience what small-town connection really feels like.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Glenwood Fire & EMS Department and see what it actually takes to respond to emergencies in Mills County.

From life-saving equipment and advanced paramedic care to the real challenges of staffing, funding, and long transport times, this episode pulls back the curtain on the people and resources protecting our community every day.

You’ll learn:
• Why response times matter more than ever
• The true cost of emergency equipment and training
• How Glenwood provides 24/7 paramedic coverage
• What happens during fire, medical, and rescue calls
• Why community support is critical for the future of EMS

With no hospital in Mills County and increasing demand, the stakes are high. This is a must-watch for anyone who lives here, cares about local safety, or wants to understand how emergency services really work.

👉 Watch, share, and help support the people who show up when it matters most.

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)