This podcast really hits home with me. This week I almost fell victim to a scam and just about lost $1,000. But thanks to the folks at Advantage Credit Union, I did not. In this podcast I speak with Jeff Holschuh from ACU about how I was almost scammed, some of the more common scams and how you can do your best to keep from getting scammed. You really have to watch out because the scammers are getting more and more clever these days.

On this podcast I speak with Katie Cantu who is a Naturalist with Jasper County Conservation. Jasper County Conservation has a new home out by where the Jasper County Care Facility used to be next to where the Law Enforcement Center is located. Make sure you check out the shortcast video for a tour of the new Nature Center who will be having their ribbon cutting soon. In this podcast Katie talks about the Summer Camp programs they will have going on, the various parks that Jasper County Conservation manages, the cabins that are available for rent, the specific date for the ribbon cutting that coming up soon for the new Nature Center.

In this podcast I speak with Ella White, Newton's new Chamber Of Commerce Director. In this podcast I talk with Ella about her work history, her goals and ideas for the Chamber, the benefits of belong to the Chamber and what she feels are the benefits of living and having a business in Newton, Iowa. If you don't have time to listen to the entire podcast make sure you watch the shortcast video on both outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com or on my YouTube channel.

In this podcast I speak with Melissa Strovers with The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative. Their mission aims to foster strategic economic growth by leveraging partnerships and programs which will create a vibrant economy for the benefit of regional businesses and residents alike. We had a great conversation about the benefits of having a business in Poweshiek County and the progress this organization has made over the years.

One of the badges of honor in Newton is it's golf course. Westwood Golf Course has been around a number of years. In fact when I was a kid I took golf lessons from retired golf pro Larry Stewart. I was at Westwood when they had their ribbon cutting last year for their new clubhouse. Since I was at the ribbon cutting they've added the outside deck for more activities for spring, summer and fall months.I felt it was time to revisit Westwood and find out what was going on for the upcoming season at the golf course with its new addition. In this podcast you'll learn of all the golf tournaments they have coming up in the next few months. You'll also find out how the clubhouse is becoming a new venue for class reunions, birthdays and other celebrations. They also have a great selection of yummy food at Westwood too. You'll hear about all that and more with the pro & manager at manager at Westwood Brad Sponseller.

The Minneapolis Steam Engine has been in Brian Healy's family for many years and also belongs to the Jasper County Museum. Unfortunately, after many years, the steam engine is in a state of disrepair. Because of this, the museum and Brian are heading up a fund drive to repair the steam engine. In this podcast you will learn what repairs need to be made to the steam engine, the history of the steam engine, how the steam engine functioned and the number of parades the steam engine was in. Make sure you watch the video that I do with Brian so you can see the before and after cosmetic repair pictures of the steam engine that have been done over the years.

In this podcast I speak with a couple of ladies involved in The Link Mentoring program in Grinnell. If you didn't know, Link Mentoring is much like The Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Link Mentoring is having their big bowling event this weekend. LINK Mentoring Looking for 'Bigs LINK Mentoring engages volunteers as positive, supportive, and encouraging role models to children in need. The LINK Mentoring program helps instill hope, introduces children to positive and healthy activities, and empowers them to set goals and become responsible committed members of the community. LINK Grinnell. Email [email protected] to sign up or learn more!

When I looked up the name Speed Herrig on Google it described him as an Iowa icon. And why shouldn't he be described that way! He is the man that brought Cookie's BBQ Sauce to fame. If you've lived in Iowa for any length of time you've probably seen his TV commercials or heard his jingles on the radio. Speed has been selling his various flavors of Cookies Sauces since 1977 and the story of how it all got started is very interesting. Speed never planned on being "the sauce man" but that's how life turned out for him and now "Cookies" is sold in over 30 states around the midwest. If you don't see his "Rib Wagon" at county fairs and other events you might see him at The Iowa State Fair once again this year giving out samples of tasty ribs with the various flavors of Cookies BBQ sauce. I hope you enjoy this podcast with the one and only Speed Herrig, "the sauce man."

In this podcast I speak with one of the owners of The Iowa Nite Hawks and the new Coach of The Iowa Nite Hawks about their upcoming season and their goals and what excites them about the upcoming season. I also talk to the new coach about his coaching philosophy. I also ask the coach about what changes he has made since last season? What are the teams biggest strengths and weaknesses? How does he build team chemistry? What role do veterans do veteran players play on the team? And, what message to they have for the Iowa Nite Hawk fans heading into the season?

In this podcast I speak with Chris Nolte who is with The Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs Department. He answers a wide variety of questions dealing benefits veterans can receive. The motto here is "if you served you deserve." If you have served in the military please don't hesitate to contact Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs. They will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the benefits you may have coming to you.