Main Streets & Backroads with Carlene Hall

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.

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🔐 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.

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💬 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

In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall sits down with Travis Waldstein, business owner, tradesman, and instructor at Iowa Western, for a real, no-BS conversation about the future of work.

From teaching electrical fundamentals to running successful HVAC and plumbing businesses, Travis brings decades of hands-on experience and straight-up truth about what it takes to succeed in the trades.

Inside this episode:

• Why trades careers are in massive demand right now
• The reality behind college degrees vs. skilled trades
• What students actually need to learn (hint: it’s not just from a book)
• The importance of work ethic, accountability, and showing up
• Real-world lessons from running and scaling a business
• Why young people should seriously consider HVAC, plumbing, and electrical careers

You’ll also hear stories from the job site, lessons from the classroom, and a few moments that prove… yeah, this isn’t your typical career talk.

“I’ve got a ton of knowledge I can give… but you’ve got to start with the fundamentals.”

If you’re a student, parent, or just someone wondering what career paths actually make sense today, this episode is worth your time.

Air Serve Heating & Air (Council Bluffs)
Waldstein Plumbing
Serving Mills County, Pottawattamie County, and surrounding areas

Not everyone needs a 4-year degree.
But everyone needs a skill.

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In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall sits down with Sandra Dollen and Sarah Dressel to talk about the incredible impact of the Teammates Mentoring Program at Glenwood High School.

Founded by legendary coach Tom Osborne, Teammates is built on a simple but powerful idea:
one caring adult + one student = life-changing impact.

Right here in Mills County, that idea is transforming lives.

Inside this conversation, you’ll hear how:

• Mentors spend just 30 minutes a week with students
• The program serves kids from 3rd grade through high school
• Students gain confidence, trust, and real human connection
• Mentors often say they get just as much out of it as the kids
• Long-term relationships form that last well beyond graduation

From shy students finding their voice… to kids finally feeling seen and supported… the stories coming out of this program are powerful.

And in a world where kids are more connected to screens than ever, this program is filling a gap that matters:

real, face-to-face human connection.

If you’ve ever thought about mentoring, giving back, or making a difference in your community… this is your sign.

📍 Learn more or get involved:
Visit teammates.org or connect with Glenwood Teammates on Facebook

🎉 Upcoming Event:
Join the 70s Music Bingo Fundraiser
📅 April 12 | 📍 Keg Creek Brewery, Glenwood
Support local youth and have a blast doing it

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In this episode of Mills County Routes, Carlene Hall sits down with Katie Lewis, director of SWITCH – Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub, to explore one of the most innovative education and workforce solutions happening in rural America right now.

What started as a former school building has been transformed into a career training hub, community center, and economic driver for Mills County and beyond.

Inside SWITCH, you’ll find:

• Career training programs like CNA, HVAC, construction trades, and more
• Partnerships with Iowa Western, Clarkson College, and local schools
• A therapeutic school (Rising Hope Academy) helping students reconnect with learning
• A community kitchen, food pantry, and workforce development center
• Opportunities for students, adults, and local businesses to collaborate and grow

Katie shares how this entire vision came together through bold leadership, partnerships, and a willingness to try something new, even without a clear roadmap.

This isn’t just about education. It’s about closing workforce gaps, building community, and creating real opportunity right here in rural Iowa.

At its core, SWITCH is built on one powerful idea:
collaboration over competition.

And the results are already speaking for themselves.

If you care about the future of small towns, workforce development, or giving people real paths to success, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall sits down with Mills County Supervisor Jack Sayers to talk about leadership, responsibility, and what’s really happening behind the scenes in local government.

At just 18 years old when elected, Jack became one of the youngest county supervisors in Iowa history. Now at 20, he’s helping make decisions that impact roads, public safety, taxes, and the future of Mills County.

This conversation covers:

• What a county supervisor actually does day to day
• How local tax dollars are used across departments
• The real challenges behind property taxes and affordability
• Why services like roads, emergency management, and law enforcement matter
• The balance between economic growth and small-town values
• How young leadership can shape the future of rural communities

Jack also shares his personal story, growing up in Mills County, his early experience in government, and why he chose to step up and serve his community.

There’s a lot more going on at the county level than most people realize, and this episode is a chance to better understand how decisions are made and how they affect everyday life.

As Jack puts it, there’s always a balance to strike between progress and tradition, and that balance shapes the future of communities like Mills County.

Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, telling the stories of the people, businesses, and leaders shaping Southwest Iowa.

Subscribe for more conversations that connect you to your community and give you a clearer picture of what’s happening right where you live.

If you want, I can push this more toward a clickbait angle or a more neutral civic tone depending on how you want this one to perform.

Welcome back to Mills County Roots.

In this episode, we take you inside the Mills County YMCA in Glenwood, Iowa for a full tour of everything this incredible community space has to offer.

This isn’t just a gym… it’s a place built around healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

We sit down with YMCA leaders to talk about:

• Fitness programs and classes for all ages
• Youth sports, swim lessons, and childcare options
• Community events and outreach programs
• Scholarship opportunities so no one is turned away
• How the YMCA creates a welcoming, judgment-free environment

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at:

• The indoor pool and aquatics programs
• Youth and family spaces, including summer camps
• Group fitness classes and cycling room
• Gymnasium, pickleball, and sports programs
• Child watch services for parents

From infants learning water safety to seniors staying active, the YMCA truly serves every stage of life.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated to start working out or wondered if there’s a place for you… this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

📍 Mills County YMCA
Glenwood, Iowa

👉 Stop in, take a tour, and see what it’s all about.

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In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall visits Hillsdale Lily Farm just outside of Malvern, Iowa, to wrap up Ag Week with a look at agritourism in action.

Owned by Todd and Lu Peverill, this family farm has been in operation for generations and now features over 280 varieties of lilies across more than an acre of vibrant gardens. While this visit takes place during the winter season, the story behind the farm and what it becomes in full bloom is nothing short of incredible.

This episode dives into:

• What agritourism really means and why it matters in Mills County
• The story behind Hillsdale Lily Farm and its multi generational roots
• How lilies are grown, divided, and expanded year after year
• The role of family, including the next generation learning the trade
• Events like Lily Fest, live music nights, and seasonal experiences
• How this farm attracts visitors from across Iowa and the entire country

Lu also shares her perspective as part of Mills County Tourism, highlighting opportunities for more agritourism growth across the region.

Beyond the flowers, this is about experience. From walking the fields in full bloom to learning directly from the growers, Hillsdale Lily Farm is a place where agriculture meets community, education, and connection.

Whether you’re a gardener, a supporter of local agriculture, or just looking for something unique to do in Southwest Iowa, this is a place worth visiting.

Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, telling the stories of the people, places, and businesses shaping our communities.

Subscribe for more local stories, business features, and conversations from across Mills County and Southwest Iowa.

In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall sits down with Mills County Sheriff Greg Schultz for a candid conversation about law enforcement, community service, and what it really takes to keep a rural county safe.

Sheriff Schultz shares his journey from the South Dakota Highway Patrol to the Council Bluffs Police Department, where he served for over 25 years, and ultimately returning to Mills County to serve as sheriff. His background also includes time as Mayor of Glenwood and service on the Glenwood School Board, showing a deep commitment to the community he calls home.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What a sheriff’s role looks like beyond just law enforcement
• How deputies serve and connect with communities across Mills County
• The realities of covering hundreds of miles of rural roads with a small team
• Important road safety tips during planting and harvest seasons
• Firearm responsibility and what it really means to protect yourself
• Why Mills County continues to be a safe place to live and raise a family

Sheriff Schultz also shares insight into the daily operations of the department, the importance of visibility and community relationships, and how his team works to serve both incorporated towns and rural areas across the county.

This episode is a reminder that public safety is not just about enforcement. It is about presence, relationships, and community trust.

Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, highlighting the people, organizations, and stories that shape life across Southwest Iowa.

Subscribe for more local stories, community interviews, and conversations that matter right here in Mills County.