SOUTHEAST IOWA TODAY With John Bain
by John R Bain
John Bain, Author of Christie's Journey The Beat Goes On, and Iowa Podcast Awards Winner highlights the great people and events of Southeast Iowa along with road trips and events across the great USA! You never know what the next episode will be but you are guaranteed it will be interesting.
Episodes
-
Testing Day Troubles, Election Day Ready: Robin Detrick Update
On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Henry County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Robin Detrick conducted public testing of the county’s voting machines. What was supposed to be a routine check quickly became anything but routine, as issues surfaced with…
more -
Washington Chamber Candidate Forum: House District 92 & Board of Supervisors Races
Episode Description: On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain brings you full coverage of the Candidate Forum hosted by the Washington Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Executive Director Michelle Redlinger. The forum featured candidates for two key local races: Iowa House of...
-
Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting: Engineering Updates, Early Voting & Public Accusations
On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain covers the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting held at the Emergency Management Building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The agenda included weekly updates from County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss, discussion and potential action on the ICAP contract...
-
“General Lee Goes Airborne: Exclusive All-Access at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile”
John Bain heads to Winchester Speedway—the world’s fastest half-mile—in Winchester, Indiana, for the Northeast Ohio Dukes’ full Hazzard County Stunt Show. Granted exclusive all-access once again, he takes listeners deep behind the scenes before the big performance, catching up with the stunt man...
-
Step Up and Serve: Dillon Fillion’s Race for the Iowa House
On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain talks with Dillon Fillion, the 22-year-old Republican candidate for Iowa House District 81 and the youngest to run for the seat from Scott County. Dillon discusses why he’s stepping up now, his focus on cutting property taxes, supporting law...
-
Nerdtober Con: The DeLorean, Kevin Clash & a Weekend of Pure Nerd
On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain takes you inside Nerdtober Con at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa. What unfolded on October 10-11, 2026, was a full-throttle weekend of fun, fantasy, toys, collectibles, celebrities, and movies — plus some truly unforgettable rides. You’ll…
more -
Roads, RUSS & the Ballot: Henry County Supervisors Meeting
On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain brings you complete coverage of the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting from Thursday, October 15, 2026. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss delivers his weekly update on roads, ongoing projects, and infrastructure across the county....
-
Warrantless Search Body Cam: The $250,000 Settlement They Tried to Call $3,000
Jefferson County supervisors publicly called a civil-rights settlement $3,000. Public records show it was $250,000. In this episode, John Bain walks through the Osborn v. Moulding case, the sparse official record, and the November 15, 2024 body-cam footage he says shows County Attorney Chauncey...
-
Building a Stronger Washington County: Brendan DeLong on Leadership, Priorities & the Road Ahead
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…
more -
Fairfield Meet the Candidates Forum: Supervisors Race, House District 87 & School Bond
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 —...
-
3,000+ Pounds of Potatoes for Southeast Iowa
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...
-
Full Coverage: Henry County Board of Supervisors – October 8, 2026
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…
more -
Sixteen Years In: Lee Dimmitt on the Job, the Campaign, and Another Term
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...
-
Henry County Candidates Face the Questions at Chamber Forum
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...
-
Inside Havencrest Castle: A 50-Year Labor of Love and Imagination
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…
more -
Henry County Supervisors Meet: Department Reports and an October Surprise
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…
more -
Candidates Face Off in Mount Pleasant: House Districts 87 & 95
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...
-
October Surprise: Courthouse Campaign HQ
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...
-
Promises Kept: Henry County Attorney Becky Wilson on Crime, Cops, and Restoring Trust
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...
-
“Not a Party — A Person”: Jerry Leonard Makes His Case for Jefferson County Supervisor
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...
-
Henry County BOS: Engineer Update, Carosh Compliance & Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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...
-
A Week Late and Still Missing the Point: Henry County’s Costly Delay, a Hidden Claim, and Media Semantics
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...
-
The $250,000 Settlement They Barely Mentioned
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...
-
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Henry County’s Costly Delay and Hidden Lawsuit
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...
-
Hotrods & Hamburgers September 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.
-
Pete’s Legacy Mile: Running to Break the Silence
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...
-
Flight 93 National Memorial: Courage, Sacrifice & Remembrance
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...
-
Amplify-MP’s $575K proposal to Mount Pleasant schools
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...
-
The Chase Is On: Bootleggers & Bandits Hit Colfax
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…
more -
Henry County First Thursday: Department Head Reports & Detrick’s Message to a Candidate
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…
more -
Mount Pleasant Gets a New Home Online: mtpleasantia.com
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...
-
Henry County Supervisors Weigh Major Courthouse Department Moves
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...
-
Still No Date From Buffington: Henry County’s Planning & Zoning Crossroads
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…
more -
Bootleggers & Bandits: A Ride with Coy Duke
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...
-
From the Boardroom: Contracts, Compensation & A Public Meeting Ahead
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…
more -
Paws & More Car Show: Classic Rides Support Washington’s Animal Shelter
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...
-
America 250 Tour: Gardens & Toy Trains in Columbus
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!
-
Day Trippin’: Giants of Route 66
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...
-
Hotrods & Hamburgers August 2026
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...
-
Henry County Declares Emergency After New London Downburst
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 •...
-
SF 2472: Responsible Property Tax Relief & Iowa’s New Tax Reform with Tom Sands
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...
-
Henry County Supervisors Meeting: Department Reports, Attorney Fee Reimbursement & Succession Planning
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...
-
Zach Lahn Live from the Campaign Bus: Putting Iowa First & Calling Out Rob Sand
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...
-
$55,000 Settlement Approved: Jefferson County Board Addresses Heisel Claim & Moreno Request
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...
-
The Homesteader Who Created a National Holiday
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...
-
Henry County Supervisors Set to Reimburse Deputy Carlos Lopez’s Attorney Fees
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…
more -
Title IV-E and the Families It Failed: Three Parents Speak Out
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...
-
I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts-Real Paranormal Hunt in Keithsburg, IL
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…
more -
Independent Michael Bridgford Challenges Miller-Meeks (and Bohannan) for Iowa’s 1st District Seat-John Bain Interview
On the latest Southeast Iowa Today, host John Bain delivers a raw, unfiltered conversation with Independent Candidate for Iowa’s First District, Michael Bridgford. Bridgford doesn’t hold back — sharing powerful insights on The Great Exhaustion, The Manufactured Divide, The Deciding Vote, and the...
-
Eldridge City Council to Hire New Fire Chief and Oversee Fire Department Transition and Second-Story Expansion
On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain attends the Eldridge City Council meeting where long-standing questions about the future of fire protection and emergency medical services finally came to a head. After months of discussion—and repeated coverage on the podcast—the council...
About this show
John Bain, Author of Christie's Journey The Beat Goes On, and Iowa Podcast Awards Winner highlights the great people and events of Southeast Iowa along with road trips and events across the great USA! You never know what the next episode will be but you are guaranteed it will be interesting.
Hosted by
John R Bain
Categories