Main Streets & Backroads with Carlene Hall

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.

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