SOUTHEAST IOWA TODAY With John Bain

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain sits down with Brendan DeLong, the Republican candidate for Washington County Board of Supervisors, District 5. With the November 3, 2026 midterm election on the horizon, DeLong shares a clear-eyed look at what Washington County is doing well, where it can improve, and how he plans to be a constructive, results-focused addition to the Board of Supervisors. If you care about local leadership, fiscal responsibility, and the future of Washington County, this is a conversation worth hearing.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the Meet the Candidates Forum held at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center in Fairfield, Iowa, and presented by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Voters heard directly from the candidates for Jefferson County Board of Supervisors — Republican incumbent Lee Dimmitt and Independent challenger Jerry Leonard — as well as the candidates for Iowa House District 87 — Republican incumbent Jeff Shipley and Democrat Thomas O’Donnell. Fairfield Community School District Superintendent Zach Wigle also shared details and took questions about the $24.8 million Fairfield General Obligation Bond Referendum on the ballot. A must-watch for Jeff...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain talks with Connie Blosser-Emry of Tommy’s Helping Hands in Brighton, Iowa. The organization provides free food to anyone in need on a weekly basis. Connie shares details about their big annual potato giveaway, where 3,000–3,500 pounds of potatoes will be distributed on October 29, 2026, at 501 S. Benton in Brighton to anyone from Southeast Iowa who stops by.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain brings you complete coverage of the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting from October 8, 2026. The agenda is full of important local updates, including:

• County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss with his weekly updates

• Introduction of Southeast Iowa Community Action Executive Director Trevor Kubatzke

• Continued discussion on the RUSS 28E agreement (action deferred to the following week)

• An update on the Mesabi Steel Mill project in Lee County

Watch for the full meeting and the decisions and discussions shaping Henry County and the surr...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain, John sits down with Lee Dimmitt, the Republican incumbent seeking another term on the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors. Dimmitt has served the county for 16 years and says he wants at least four more. He talks about the ups and downs of the job and why he believes Jefferson County voters should send him back. The conversation is candid. Dimmitt says this campaign has felt different from earlier ones—more personal attacks, and less about policy. He responds to complaints about secret meetings and says there are none. The di...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain takes you inside the Mount Pleasant Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee’s General Election Forum, held October 5, 2026. Moderated by Rachel Lindeen, the candidates for two key county offices answer questions on the issues facing Henry County. For Henry County Supervisor, you’ll hear from Democrat Sam Riepe and Republican Heidi Zenk. For Henry County Attorney, Independent Abbie Liechty and Republican incumbent Becky Wilson make their case. Hear where they stand ahead of Election Day.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain takes a private tour of Havencrest Castle in Savanna, Illinois, with artist and owner Alan St. George. Fifty years ago, Alan and his late wife, Adrianne, began turning an old hilltop mansion into a 63-room world of their own — room by room, with no architect, only imagination. As Adrianne put it, “Reality is for those who lack imagination.”

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting held October 1, 2026. It was the first Thursday of the month, so department heads were on hand to report. Other items on the agenda included data centers, approval of a reserve deputy, Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Bell and approval of a funding agreement with ADDS, and duties and powers related to Henry County elections. Public comments also brought an “October surprise.”

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain takes you inside the Sept. 28 candidate forum at Mount Pleasant High School. Hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee and the Mount Pleasant Community School District, and moderated by Rachel Lindeen, the forum featured District 87 incumbent Republican Jeff Shipley and Democrat Tom O’Donnell, along with District 95 Democrat Carrie Trevino. Republican incumbent Taylor Collins was unable to attend. Hear how the candidates answered questions on education, jobs, and the issues facing southeast Iowa.

A routine Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting turns into an October surprise when attorney Steven Ort of Bell Ort & Liechty uses public comment to revisit a campaign address issue. Host John Bain walks through an August screenshot of candidate Abbie Liechty’s site listing Campaign Headquarters at 100 E Washington St, Suite 101, Mount Pleasant—the Henry County Attorney’s Office inside the courthouse—then revisits Steve Detrick’s September 3 remarks calling it a possible scrivener’s error. Coverage includes the October 1 public comment, the auditor’s office complaint path, the DR-1 form mix-up involving Heidi Schilling, Chief Deputy Jesse L. Bell’s case...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain sits down with Henry County Attorney Becky Wilson for a straight talk about what her office has accomplished since she took the job. Wilson came in promising to protect the public by prosecuting criminals, stand with local law enforcement, and restore citizens’ trust in the Henry County Attorney’s Office. She says those are not talking points anymore—they are the work her team is doing every day. She walks through how the office is moving cases, supporting deputies and investigators, and changing the way the public sees county prosecution. Wilson...

This is a must-watch episode of Southeast Iowa Today. John Bain sits down with Jefferson County supervisor candidate Jerry Leonard — a former Democrat now running as an Independent — and gets straight to why he left the two-party lane. Leonard says voters are fed up with both parties and that neither one is doing enough for ordinary people. At the county level, he argues, party label doesn’t matter. “When you vote for Jerry, you’re not voting for a party but an individual who will work for you.” He describes himself as “the most conservative Liberal you’ll ever meet and the mos...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain is at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant for the Board of Supervisors’ weekly meeting. Coming up: County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss gives his weekly roads and project update. Stephanie Lathrop of Carosh Compliance Solutions addresses the board. Supervisors also proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A full week after the September 17, 2026 Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, Kadie Johannson of KILJ used this show’s video to write her story—then spent more energy nitpicking the word “lawsuit” than explaining why the board accused Auditor Robin Detrick of withholding information.

This episode plays the meeting footage, compares same-week coverage from Tracy Lamm of the Burlington Hawkeye (who also described a civil liberties lawsuit tied to a former employee), and asks why terminology became the story while taxpayers still face the bill. Joe Buffington’s delayed retirement date is already costing th...

John Bain reviews the August 31, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting in which supervisors authorized ICAP to pay a lawsuit settlement that one supervisor described as $3,000. Public records and reporting indicate the actual payout was $250,000 in Osborn et al. v. Moulding et al., a civil-rights case over an alleged November 2024 warrantless search tied to a child-welfare complaint. Bain walks through Iowa Code Chapters 21 and 22 on open meetings and records, the sparse meeting minutes, the settlement terms (including restrictions on County Attorney Chauncey Moulding’s contact with one plaintiff), and why he argues taxpayers across participating ICAP counties have a st...

John Bain reports from the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, where Planning & Zoning Director Joseph Buffington has left the county in a bind: he still has not provided a retirement date. That delay has already cost taxpayers an extra $25,400—a 29% increase in payments to RUSS. In other business, supervisors learned of a federal lawsuit filed against the county by former auditor’s office employee Blair Rosenbeck. The board is only now finding out. Why the delay? It all happened September 17, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain wraps the 2026 cruise-in season at Your Choice Family Restaurant in Wayland. Fun crowd, cool cars, and a very orange 1969 Chevy Suburban. September 8, 2026.

Coming up on Southeast Iowa Today: September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to speak up, share resources, and break the silence around mental health. Host John Bain highlights warning signs such as hopelessness, withdrawal, and talk of ending one’s life, and reminds viewers that help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 988 or 988lifeline.org.Then J.J. Feehan and John Feehan join the conversation to talk about turning loss into action. They and their partners are bringing the 3rd Annual Pete’s Legacy Main Street Mile to downtown Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 26, 2026—a community run that...

The Southeast Iowa Today America 250 Tour continues with a stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial. John Bain guides viewers through the 2,200-acre national park that honors the 40 passengers and crew who fought back against the terrorists on September 11, 2001, preventing a planned attack on the U.S. Capitol. What was once a working coal mine has been transformed into a serene landscape of healing and remembrance.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain reviews Amplify-MP’s August 24, 2026 work-session pitch to the Mount Pleasant Community School District: a partnership to live-stream sports and other events. The plan calls for about $575,000 in district-owned infrastructure in three phases (cameras and streaming gear, a football video board, and gym/auditorium upgrades), paid from SAVE or PPEL funds—not the general fund. Amplify-MP would cover its own production costs through ads and offer $15,000 a year (or equivalent marketing) plus claimed attendance and enrollment benefits. The company is an initiative of Mount Pleasant-based Hedgepost LLC. No vote has been take...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain brings you more fun from the first-ever Bootleggers and Bandits Car, Bike and Big Rig Show in Colfax. Guests include Caye Barnett from Smokey and the Bandit, Bill Byford — Burt Reynolds’ friend and stand-in — Iowa State Patrol Trooper Paul Gardner, and Rob Whiteman as Buford T. Plus a look at the rides from the show… and a certain Bandit in a Trans Am getting chased by a certain Texas Smokey. Buckle up. The chase is on.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the first-Thursday Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting, when department heads deliver their monthly reports. Several officials appeared in person, including HR Director Paul Greufe. Greufe and Supervisor Steve Detrick will ask Planning & Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington for a written confirmation of his intended last day. The board also voted unanimously to enter a 28E agreement with Russ to handle Planning & Zoning once Buffington’s end date is set. It all happened September 3, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain shares that Mount Pleasant just got a brand-new home online — and you’ll want this one bookmarked. Iowa Technology Systems’ Mason Fraker joins John to introduce mtpleasantia.com, one site for everything happening in Mount Pleasant: events, local spots, news, and more. The website debuts September 5, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain attends the Henry County Board of Supervisors work session on departmental moves. Big changes could be coming inside the Henry County Courthouse, with possible new homes for several county offices. Strong opinions. Hard questions. And no easy answers about what happens next. It all happened September 1, 2026.

Henry County supervisors just finished a work session on the future of Planning and Zoning — and the biggest question is still unanswered. How do you replace a one-man office that has handled zoning, GIS mapping, and E911 addressing for more than two decades?

Joe Buffington has not given the board a retirement date. The options are on the table, the clock is ticking, and the next decision could shape growth, land use, and county mapping for years.

Now the board has put a choice on the calendar. On Thursday, Se...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain rolls into Colfax for the first-ever Bootleggers and Bandits Car, Bike and Big Rig Show at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. He catches up with Byron Cherry — Coy Duke himself from the classic Dukes of Hazzard — as the two take a ride in the General Lee. Byron also autographs John’s own General Lee. All the action from August 28, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain reports from the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting held August 27, 2026.

The Board received County Engineer updates, conducted a Planning and Zoning public hearing, and acted on several items, including Resolution #29-2026 for the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, a Cummins generators maintenance contract, and a contract with PJ Greufe Associates / Paul Greufe. Supervisors also considered Resolution #24-2026 on Precinct Election Officials compensation and an MOU/28E from Russ related to Planning and Zoning.

Supervisor Marc Lindeen moved to schedule a public meeting on the P...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain attends the 27th Annual Paws & More Car Show in Washington, Iowa. Beautiful weather brought out more than 100 classic cars and hot rods that filled the town square at Central Park. Paws & More, the local animal shelter serving Washington, the county, and surrounding communities, relies on this event as its largest fundraiser of the year.

The Southeast Iowa Today America 250 Tour with John Bain rolls on as he stops in Columbus, Ohio, at the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Join John as he explores the gardens’ stunning beauty and a charming toy train setup that’s sure to get your imagination moving!

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain goes Day Trippin’ with Bob DeWitt to Atlanta, Illinois, for a visit to the American Giants Museum on historic Route 66. The pair meet museum owner Lee Woods, who shares his passion for these towering advertising icons and his deep love of the Mother Road.

John Bain returns to Your Choice Family Restaurant in Wayland, Iowa, for another Southeast Iowa Today Cruise-In! On a sweltering 93-degree August night, more than 23 classic rides rolled in for an evening packed with friendly car enthusiasts, great food, cool door prizes, and awesome music. Catch all the action from August 11, 2026, on this episode of Southeast Iowa Today.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain attends the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Emergency Management Building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The session began promptly at 6 p.m. and featured a full agenda, including:

• County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss’s weekly update

• Emergency Management Director Walt Jackson’s report on storm damage in New London, plus a request for a Proclamation of Local State of Emergency (Henry County, Iowa Declaration No. 2026-8-12) addressing the wind event classified as a “downburst”

• Approval of an agreement designating RUSS to provide planning and z...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain sits down with Tom Sands, Senior Tax Fellow at Iowans for Tax Relief, to discuss Iowa Senate File 2472 (SF 2472)—a comprehensive tax reform and financial authority measure signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 18, 2026. Tom shares his commentary, “Legislature Delivers Responsible Property Tax Relief,” and the two examine how the new law will be implemented.

In this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Emergency Management Building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. As the first Thursday of the month, department heads were on hand to report on the prior month’s activities. Agenda highlights included discussion of Deputy Carlos Lopez; Court Order CVEQ 006990 authorizing reimbursement of $30,540 in attorney fees from the county attorney’s budget; the board’s ongoing planning for the transition after Planning & Zoning Director Joe Buffington’s retirement around October 1; and continued research into data centers. The meeting took place August 6, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain connects with Iowa Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Zach Lahn. As Zach travels the Great State of Iowa aboard his campaign bus, the two speak via modern technology en route to his next stop. Their conversation covers Putting Iowa First, Make Iowa Healthy Again, and the misleading Democrat candidate Rob Sand. Recorded August 5, 2026.

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting, which as usual featured a full agenda. Key items included discussion and consideration of a settlement in the pending legal claims of Heisel versus Jefferson County, et al., and a request for payment by Dr. Amanda Moreno.

On the recommendation of the County’s insurance company, the County settled with former ambulance employee Judy Heisel for $55,000—the amount reached in mediation on July 29, 2026. Taxpayers are responsible for the $3,000 insurance deductible. Discussion with Dr. Moreno’s attorney followed; the Supervisors tabled the ma...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain sits down with Dani Murphy, founder of National Homesteader’s Day. Together with her daughter Tatum, Dani owns Preppin Mama, a local shop on the square in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. What began as a personal journey for their family—to reconnect with slower living, real food, and the practical skills once passed from generation to generation—grew into something much larger. In this conversation, Dani shares how she turned that passion, and the widespread interest she discovered across the country, into a national holiday. Join us as we explore the story...

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Emergency Management Building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The meeting started promptly at 6 PM. A solid group of people showed up. Plenty of good information was shared, one highlighted and important item: the Supervisors announced that next week’s meeting on August 6 will include discussion and approval of reimbursing Deputy Carlos Lopez for his attorney fees. It all happened July 30, 2026.

Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act is the largest source of federal funding for child welfare, foster care, and adoption assistance in the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it functions as an uncapped, open-ended entitlement program that reimburses states, territories, and tribes for a percentage of eligible expenses with no spending limit. In this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain speaks with three parents who say they have been harmed by the child welfare system that Title IV-E helps finance. Their stories are shared here.

On this special VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain joins Alisha McFadden and her team from Eternal Paranormal for a full-night investigation inside a historic building in Keithsburg, Illinois. Once a hotel and brothel, and later a Masonic Temple, the location is rich with history — and reportedly, spirits. What unfolds is captured in real time as the team attempts to make contact. Voices, footsteps, shadows, and unexplained activity are all documented as the investigation intensifies. You won’t want to miss what happens. Recorded on location July 17, 2026.