SOUTHEAST IOWA TODAY With John Bain

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, September 3, 2026, supervisors are set to decide who they will go with in a 28E agreement tied to Planning and Zoning.

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&Z action; Chairman White seconded. That meeting is set for September 1 at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors room at the Courthouse.The Board will review the County Attorney’s FY 27 budget on September 10 at 9:30 a.m. during its meeting at the Emergency Management Building.

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 zoning services for Henry County • Discussion of the County Attorney’s FY 27 budget amendments with Becky Wilson…and much more.

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 matter for a future conversation. Supervisor Lee Dimmitt sat down with John Bain to discuss these topics and other matters pertaining to Jefferson County. It all happened on August 3, 2026.

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 behind National Homesteader’s Day and look ahead to its first celebration, set for August 15, 2026, in Central Park in Mount Pleasant.

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.

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 hard truths that are shaping our future. John asks the tough, thought-provoking questions no one else is asking — cutting through the noise with honesty and depth. Recorded July 21, 2026 — This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

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 unanimously voted to hire a new Fire Chief and move forward with the logistics of the transition, including construction of a second-story addition to the fire station. The decision prompted several members of the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Company and some attending residents to leave the meeting. Their body language suggested clear disappointment with the outcome. It all happened July 20, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back at Your Choice Family Restaurant in Wayland, Iowa, for the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain Cruise-In! It was a hot but great night with 27 cool rides on display in the 93-degree temperature with neat people, great food, neat door prizes and awesome music. It all happened July 14, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain joins the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors meeting in Fairfield, Iowa. The board room was packed as supervisors tackled ongoing problems with Pleasant Plain Road maintenance, efforts to correct recent errors, and critical zoning issues ahead of a proposed Data Center moratorium. It all happened on July 20, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today the America 250 Tour continues with John Bain as he visits The Columbus Museum of Art. It’s an art museum in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Formed in 1878 as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts (its name until 1978), it was the first art museum to register its charter with the state of Ohio. The museum collects and exhibits American and European modern and contemporary art, folk art, glass art, and photography. The museum has been led by Executive Director Brooke Minto since 2023.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain reports from Salem Elementary School in Salem, Iowa. The school is set to close at the end of the 2026-2027 school year, meaning the students attending this year (August 2026–May 2027) will be the last ones in the Mount Pleasant Community School District to attend Salem Elementary. The closure decision was finalized on April 27, 2026, during a special school board meeting at Mount Pleasant High School. The board voted 4-3 in favor of closing the school in fall 2027. Voting yes: Angie Blint, Aaron Williamson, Josh Maher, Mark Hampton. Voting no: Craig Hurd, Mark Overberg, Kevin Schrader. Local taxpayers are now questioning why the district plans to install a new fence at Salem Elementary just before closing it. Critics call it a short-term waste of taxpayer dollars on a building that will soon no longer serve students. Many are calling for better planning, greater transparency, and decisions that prioritize students and the community over closing buildings. John Bain reached out to School Board President Angie Blint for comment on the fence issue. And her response is on this episode.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Eldridge City Council Special Committee of the Whole Meeting for discussion on the future of fire protection and EMS Services in the City of Eldridge, Iowa. The Fire Department has lost trust in the city. The City Council says they don’t want that. It all happened July 13, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain continues the America 250 Tour from Washington, D.C. as he visits the Iconic Memorials that honor our Nation’s Heroes. Stops include: The Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, WW II Memorial and Korean War Memorial. This visit took place on June 6, 2026, and reflects the True events of that day.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Emergency Management Building. Secondary Roads updates from Jake Hotchkiss, more information from County Assessor Nathan Milks regarding Homestead & Military Credits, and interesting information from Henry County Attorney Becky Wilson regarding the increases in Active Cases and Court Hearings scheduled in comparison to the same time last year. The episode wraps up with Public Comments that as always turn into Podcast Gold! It all happened July 9, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Eldridge, Iowa, City Council Meeting at the Eldridge Community Center. The meeting was very well attended by the public as attention getting items were on the agenda, including Presentation of Life Saving Award for Officer Erik Johnson, Public Comment and a presentation from Scott Girard with Community Perceptions: Results from the Community Input Survey. It all happened July 6, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the ceremony and reveal of the 1976 Time Capsule contents on the Henry County Courthouse lawn in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Just a few items were on display, as the other more “weather sensitive” items are available to view at the Mount Pleasant Public Library. Lots of people attended to see history and memories up close. It all happened July 3, 2026.

On this VIDEO 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. It was the first Thursday of the month and that meant the Department Heads presented to the Board what they have been up to the past month. Before that happened, Sarah Dickmeyer of Schneider/GIS joined the meeting via internet technology to discuss a possible contract. All this and more on this episode of podcast excellence! It all happened July 2, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain gets you up to speed on the issues that the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Company is currently facing and how it could affect Eldridge, Iowa, residents in the future. John shares two letters that Eldridge residents recently received: one from the Eldridge Fire Chief and the other from the Members of the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Company. On this episode John also attends the July 1, 2026, Eldridge Volunteer Fire Company’s Public Meeting where the department shared information and answered questions from the public. Coverage wraps up with John’s exclusive interview with Fire Chief Keith Schneckloth.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain rolls the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain America 250 Tour to the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D. C.! John takes you inside to see the major artwork and history of this building, along with information you may not have known or maybe forgotten.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain continues the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain America 250 Tour. This stop is at the Arlington National Cemetery. The premier military cemetery in the United States, serving as the final resting place for more than 400,000 active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Located in Arlington, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the 639-acre hallowed ground is open to the public daily with free admission. John shows you John F. Kennedy’s final resting place and the Eternal Flame as well as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back at Your Choice Family Restaurant in Wayland, Iowa, for the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain Cruise-In! It was a great night with 31 cool rides on display along with neat people, great food, neat door prizes and awesome music. It all happened on June 16, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors meeting held at the Henry County Emergency Management Building in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Some of the items on the agenda included: Secondary Roads Weekly Updates; Approval of Resolution #18-2026 Firefly Subdivision; Discussion & Approval of Resolution #17-2026 Renewal of Temporary Moratorium and more. Don’t forget to watch the Public Comment section for more podcast gold. It all happened June 18, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with recent Highland High School Graduate and future Neuroscience Major Austin Rodriguez and Austin shares how he has decided to celebrate his milestone graduation with a Car show, the Johnson County Meet. The show is open to all vehicles and it will be held at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City, Iowa, starting at 3PM. Admission is just $5 per car.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Country Music Performer and Songwriter Jake McVey. Jake will be performing at the 116th Whoopee Days in Brighton, Iowa, on Saturday June 20, 2026, on the Main Stage starting at 8PM. Jake shares his Southeast Iowa roots with John and how he has done things his way. Jake also shares the three things that can kill you in the music industry.

On this VIDEO podcast episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain continues the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain America 250 Tour. This stop is the US Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington Ridge Park in Arlington County Virginia. Dedicated in 1954, the statue honors all U.S. Marines who have given their lives to defend their country.

On this Video episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain continues the Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain America 250 Tour. John takes you to Washington DC to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial where he shares a few of our Nation’s 3rd President’s statements and quotes.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares his thoughts on Flag Day and the importance of the Holiday and why we should be honoring the flag of the United States of America. It is John’s hope that this podcast episode will rekindle someone’s patriotism and make others think about the wonderful word and experience of “Freedom.”

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, if you follow John’s podcast Facebook page then you have seen some short video vignettes of his Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain America 250 Tour celebrating our great United States. He’s covered a lot of territory in the last 10 days or so and now he’s back home in Iowa putting all the video that he has gathered into podcast episodes for you. This episode is going to be video clips with very interesting sites and lots of good information that is very current, so John thought it important to share with you as soon as possible, provided to us by Independent Contractor and Tour Guide Tim McClard.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain brings you podcast excellence from Rock Falls, Illinois, at the Touch A Truck of Rock Falls! I visit with Chairman/Organizer of Touch A Truck of Rock Falls John Watts. John Watts shares how this event is the largest Touch A Truck in the nation in regard to number of vehicles at a Touch A Truck event counting in at 170+! Also on the program, John Bain catch up with several owners of the Star Cars! It all happened May 30, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. On the agenda: Discussion and possible action on Employee Retirement Program, All Space follow-up with Erin Brandt from May 22; Revision 3 coming, no estimated costs yet, hold 3 Board of Supervisor Meetings at Emergency Management prior to any decision to move, Schedule all 3. Secondary Roads Weekly Update by Office Manager Tracy Sammons, Public Comment that leads to Podcast Gold and more. It all happened May 28, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares the latest information on the court case involving a former Iowa nursing home worker accused of stealing residents’ painkillers. John also shares an Iowa Capital Dispatch article written by Clark Kaufman as well as Henry County Attorney Becky Wilson’s response to the article and Candidate for Henry County Attorney Abbie Liechty’s response to County Attorney Wilson.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today as we are getting very close to the June 2, 2026, Primary election. In fact, early voting is underway and we are less than a week away from Election Day. John Bain shares Henry County Politicians Ethics and Campaign Disclosures, Obviously, it’s an important Election because in some races it will determine who faces who in the General Election on November 3, 2026. That all being said, have you ever wondered who sponsors or makes donations to your local politicians so that they can handle their campaign expenses? It isn’t cheap to run for office and some are more extravagant spenders than others in trying to obtain your vote. And those more extravagant spenders seem to have more extravagant campaign donors. One Independent Candidate received a contribution from one individual for $30,000. How the money comes into the candidates and how and who they choose to spend it with is revealed in this episode.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today with John Bain, it’s all about Community Foundation of Washington County- Community Foundation of Washington County is a 501c3 organization created for local people to improve the quality of life in our county. Our mission is to promote philanthropy, help donors fulfill their charitable goals and to support non-profit organizations. John is joined by his guests, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Washington County Millie Youngquist and Board President Matt Brown, and they discuss their upcoming June 1, 2026 event 100+ People Who Care at Libations on Iowa, to raise $10,000 in one evening for Creative Sprouts and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Marcus Fedler who is currently serving his 2nd term as the Washington County Board of Supervisor for District 3. First elected during a special election in March of 2021 and subsequently won his first full four-year term in the 2022 election against his current opponent Bill Poch. Marcus shares and clears up his position regarding the challenge of the $15 Million Highland School District Bond Referendum; it was about Election Integrity.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain goes for a ride in his cousin, Doug Hepner’s brand new 2026 GMC Denali Ultimate Truck. The guys head up the road and Doug shows the technology of the Super Cruise- GMC’s semi-autonomous driving technology where the driver doesn’t have to use his hands or feet to drive through traffic as the truck does all of the navigating and driving. The future is now!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain heads to Clinton, Iowa, in search for the Giant Trolls now inhabiting the area. Danish Recycling Artist Thomas Dambo has brought his vision to Clinton, Iowa, in the form of giant trolls that reflect Clinton’s rich lumber history. John introducesyou to Helmut, Marvin, Warren and a fourth troll hanging out at Eagle Point Park.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain stops in New Boston, Texas, where the Bowie County Courthouse resides. Bowie County is named after Texas legend James Bowie. John shares some history of the man and the county that is named after him as America 250 rolls on!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares a Memorial Day lesson and message as well as scripture in honor of the Holiday. He also explains why it is okay to also recognize that Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer and it involves a complicated word called “Freedom.”

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Republican Primary Candidate for District 5 Washington County Supervisor Brendan DeLong. Brendan shares his thoughts on why he is the best choice for District 5 and how he would work as a Washington County IowaSupervisor. It all happened May 14, 2026.