SOUTHEAST IOWA TODAY With John Bain

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Director of Technical Sales Mediapolis Site Leader of Afinitas Jason Banwart and Supply Chain Expert Global Headquarters Saint Louis, Missouri Afinitas Ryan Thomas. The gentlemen share how the company formerly known as HawkeyePedershaab, a manufacturing company with a long-standing presence in Iowa, is expanding and modernizing their manufacturing facility in Mediapolis,Iowa. It’s a significant multi-million-dollar investment which includes 30,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting. It’s the first Thursday of the month which means Department Heads share their monthly updates. Also on the Agenda, discussion & possibleactions on Optimist Club mounting of plaque to Courthouse Lady Liberty flower box, courthouse lawn and future time capsule. Update on Battery Storage Systems/data mining systems/solar energy systems for appropriate ordinances ormoratorium until ordinance can be formulated. County Attorney Becky Wilson shares an update regarding Senate File 2054 and it is now waiting to be signed by the governor. This will take effect as soon as the governor signs it and Police Officers like Deputy Carlos Lopez who were wrongly placed on the Brady-Giglio List will now be entitled to reimbursement. It all happened May 7, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Republican Primary Candidate for Des Moines County Supervisor Eric Gerst. They have a great discussion that leads to podcast excellence and Eric shares why he knows he is the right candidate for the job.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain gets in his General Lee and heads to the Pen City Cruisers 10th Anniversary Car Show in Ft. Madison, Iowa. John catches up with President of the Pen City Cruisers Chad Schneider and Chad shares what the Club has been up to and the significance of the 10th Anniversary of this show on theriverfront. Bandit and Buford T make an appearance along with other friends and of course, the Rides! It all happened May 2, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Primary Republican Candidate for Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors Heidi Zenk. Heidi shares why she knows she is the right person for the job of Supervisor for Henry County Iowa. The Primary Election is June 2, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares the Iowa Supreme Court’s Opinion on Case No. 25-0873 In re: Election Contest of Highland School Bond referendum. The Highland School District has won in the Iowa Supreme Court and will get to move forward on their $15 million Bond Referendum which was voted on back on November 5, 2024. The Greiner Final Statement on this issue is also shared.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is in Burlington, Iowa, where he catches up with a Dukes of Hazzard Fan from Barry, Illinois, Luke Rucker. Luke was in town to hang out with former Mechanical Technician for Warner Bros. Television Tom Saremento. Yes, that Tom Sarmento! The man that kept the General Lee and all Hazzard County vehicles running for the hit now classic television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Luke shares how his 1969 Ford, now converted to replicate a 1967, with all the one-year options of that vehicle came to be an awesome replica of everyone’s favorite mechanic Cooter Davenport. Luke also shares how the “Rucker Trucker” came to be a part of Cooter’s merchandise website!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain goes Day Trippin’ with Bob DeWitt to Plano, Illinois. In 2013, the movie team from Warner Bros. headed to Plano, Illinois, and turned the downtown and the train station into Superman’s hometown of Smallville, Kansas. An epic battle took place there and Depot Attendant of the Plano Train Station Kay Mulliner shares her first-hand experiences and movie props and even tells what it was like to have lunch with Superman himself, Henry Cavill!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today it’s the last Thursday of the month and John Bain attended the Henry County Board of Supervisors weekly meeting at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Always a lot on the agenda, but the supervisors kept it to just under an hour. On the Agenda: Auditors office working on yearly reporting of ARPA as required, start discussions on battery energy storage systems/data mining systems/ solar energy systems for appropriate ordinances or moratorium until ordinance language can be formulated. FY 2026/2027 Budget Approval has been made, committee updates, the always busy Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss, County Attorney Becky Wilson shared personnel updates, an Absolute Security alarms field check report was given, some liquor licenses were recognized and all followed by public comment. It happened April 30, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain along with Day Tripper Bob DeWitt stop by the Trump Store on 34 in Somonauk, Illinois. The guys get a tour from Diane Slachetka and she shows the GREAT Merchandise available. It all happened April 22, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares his exclusive cellphone interview with Jefferson County Sheriff Bart Richmond after the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld a state law allowing law enforcement officers to seek judicial review of their placement on theBrady-Giglio list, rejecting Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding’s argument that the statute unconstitutionally limits prosecutorial discretion. It all happened May 1, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attended the Mount Pleasant Community School District Special Session Meeting at the Mount Pleasant High School in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Board President Angie Blint did add a vote on the Salem Elementary closure proposal. Please note, according to John's sources, this meeting was never discussed as a possible voting date with the board members. A motion was presented and seconded to close Salem Elementary in the Fall of 2027. The Board voted 4-3 in favor of closing Salem Elementary. The Board Members voted as follows: Angie Blint- Yes, Aaron Williamson-Yes, Josh Maher-Yes, Mark Hampton-Yes, Craig Hurd-No, Mark Overberg-No, Kevin Schrader- No. It all happened April 27, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back in Burlington, Iowa, visiting with Legendary Dukes of Hazzard Mechanic Tom Sarmento! This time the guys sit down with some of Tom ‘s friends and he shares how it happens he is back in Southeast Iowa and what he is currently up to these days as well as stories of his adventures on the Dukes of Hazzard and working with the stunt team that made that “orange clunker car” fly through the air each week on America’s Televisions. And John shares a special treat as Tom autographs his General Lee! It all happened April 18, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attended the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education Special Session where the Board voted 4-3 to close Salem Elementary in Salem, Iowa. John gets the reaction of one Salem Elementary Family, The Schinstocks, and Kurt and Emily Schinstock share their thoughts after witnessing this highly controversial decision. It all happened April 27, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Lots on the agenda including Henry County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss with Secondary Roads department updates and there were a lot. Discussion of a potential redesign of where departments are located and the ideas with that were shared. County Attorney Becky Wilson shared updates on new personnel, and other topics were covered as well. And ofcourse, Public Comments were shared. This all leads up to podcast excellence and some of you even refer to it as podcast gold! It all happened April 23, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with DesMoines County Iowa Republican Primary Candidate for County Attorney Trent Henkelvig. Trent shares why he is the right candidate to replace the retiring Lisa Schaefer and continue to do the work of Law in DeMoines County Iowa with continuity. Trent also discusses his involvement of the development of the County’s Alternative Energy Ordinance and how there may need to be changes to that.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back at the Henry County Courthouse. The Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, at the Henry County Courthouse. On the agenda: Resolutions documenting employee separations and separation terms for Steve Giebelhausen and Abbie Liechty; updates on the aftermath of the tornado that dropped down in Wayland this past Tuesday April 14th, by Henry County Emergency Manager Walt Jackson and Sheriff Rich McNamee. Thankfully no one was hurt butthere were a lot of heroes up Wayland way and they make us proud. As always, Public comment turns into podcast gold. It all happened April 16, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain discusses Good vs Evil. Have you noticed it loyal audience members, there seems to be a struggle going on these past few years that is more prevalent and more visible than any other time that John can remember. You might be asking what he means by this. It’s an insidious sneaky behavior that at first experience of it you brush it off. You don’t think anything about it. But as you experience it more, your gut tells you something isn’t right. It’s an attitude or behavior that is unkind, unloving and self-centered. John delves further into the topic and asks you, Good or Evil?

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain catches up with Henry County Iowa Emergency Manager Walt Jackson and Walt shares what happened the evening of April 14, 2026, in Wayland, Iowa, when a “freak” tornado touch downed in the town and the heroism and quick action that ensued. Quick action continued the day after as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared Henry County a disaster area, followed by the City of Wayland and Henry County Board of Supervisors doing the same. The declarations help activate individual and public assistance. The dollar damage threshold is $99,000 + before aid is received.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attended the Republican Party of Muscatine County’s Meet and Greet of the Republican Candidates running for office in the City of Muscatine, Iowa, as well as the County. Iowa Republican Primary Gubernatorial Candidate Adam Steen attended and visited with constituents and then spoke on why he is the most qualified to be the State of Iowa’s next governor. Complete coverage right here in this episode of podcast Excellence! It all happened April 14, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain speaks with Henry County Optimist Club President and Team 250 Member Paul Katsion. Paul shares with us all kinds of information about a time capsule that is buried on the lawn of the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa,which has been there now for 50 years, that’s all the way back to 1976 folks! And soon, all will be able to see what people back in 1976 wanted to share with us in 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for the Henry County Board of Supervisors weekly meeting. As always, there was a lot on the agenda: Budget Discussion, P & Z Director Buffington, lots with him,watch to learn more, Engineer Jake Hotchkiss - secondary roads updates and more, a Proclamation of Child Abuse Prevention Month and the completion of Special Election Canvassing on April 7, 2026, District Court Judge Peterson completed swearing in of County Attorney Becky Wilson and of course, Public Comment.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain brings you Part Two of coverage of the Mount Pleasant Iowa Community School District Finance Committee Meeting held on April 10, 2026, at the School District-District Office. The meeting started at 2 PM. John knew a lot of his audience would not be able to attend at that time of the day but he was able to. On this coverage of the agenda: March 2026 Financial Reports/Expenditures, Review April 13, Certified Budget Public Hearing Information, March 2026 Revenue Estimating Conference Summary and SAVE Estimates based on Proposed Legislation.  Coverage of Proposed Phase 2 is on a prior episode.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Mount Pleasant Community School District Finance Committee Meeting. The meeting was held at 2 PM, on April 10, 2026. John knew a lot of his audience would not be able to attend at that time of the day but he was. On the agenda: March 2026 Financial Reports/Expenditures, Review April 13, Certified Budget Public Hearing Information, Proposed Phase 2 General Fund Budget Reduction, Overview,March 2026 Revenue Estimating Conference Summary and SAVE Estimates based on Proposed Legislation. Superintendent John Henriksen realized a lot of folks inattendance were there for item 3 on the agenda so that’s where he started. John will have the other coverage of the agenda in a separate episode.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain heads to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where it’s the first Thursday of the month! April 2, 2026, and the Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting.Some of the items on the agenda were: Department Head Reports, review of budget levy as approved through State of Iowa, discussion of $2,137,321 in negative for fiscal year 27- suggest Auditor office and treasurer office work together to find the gap and propose a resolution and Public Comment where it is suggested now that we have a new County Attorney, isn’t it time to reimburse Deputy Carlos Lopez his attorney fees?

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the 3rd of three Legislative Briefs moderated by Washington Chamber Executive Director Michelle Redlinger with District 46 Iowa State Senator Dawn Driscoll and District 92 State Representative Heather Hora. The Legislators discussed what they have been working on in committees as well as bills that have been passed. This was a well-attended event and the public was given time to ask questions and comment with the Legislators. It all happened at Washington, Iowa City Hall on Friday April 3, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today the Highland School Board Referendum from November 5, 2024, has finally had its day in the Iowa Supreme Court. As you will recall, this is the Bond Referendum challenged by Washington County Iowa Resident Ron Greiner when he discovered at his polling place in Ainsworth, Iowa, that voters from the WACO school district were given ballots that contained the voting option of yes or no to the $15 million Bond referendum. Ballots that should have only been handed out to residents of the Highland School District. Mr. Greiner pointed that outimmediately that morning of November 5, 2024, at 8:30 AM that a mistake had been made regarding the distribution of those ballots. He was told not to worry about it. John Bain shares video of the Iowa Supreme Court Hearing from Iowa Courts YouTube Channel. It all happened March 26, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits with Connie Blosser-Emry and Candy Shadden and the ladies share all you need to know about this coming Saturday’s Easter Egg Hunt in Brighton, Iowa! The event is presented by Tommy’s Helping Hands with support from the Brighton Chamber of Commerce. Toddlers through 5th Graders are invited to attend. It all takes place on Saturday, April 4, at 11:00 AM, and there will also be free popcorn and a kid’s meal of corn dog, chips, dessert and a drink!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today It’s March 31, 2026, Special Election Night for Henry County Iowa for the vacant county attorney seat. Becky Wilson defeats Abbie Liechty and is the new Henry County Iowa Attorney! A source told John Bain that yesterday, March 30, that by 4:15 PM, 1,025 early votes had been cast. That’s a BIG number of early voters in Henry County, and definitely appears that Henry County Voters wanted change in their County Attorney office. John shares his EXCLUSIVE cell phone interview with Becky Wilson as she shares her thoughts on winning the special election for Henry County Attorney.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today during this Resurrection Week John Bain visits with Parnell Davis and they discuss the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Parnell shares scripture from the Old Testament that foreshadows the Resurrection of Jesus as well as the Good News of the Gospel.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain takes you to Noel Automotive in West Branch, Iowa, where Mopar Keith Noel and his team replaced all wiring in John’s 1970 Dodge Charger, better known as John’s General Lee. The guys will show you before and after video and discuss the process as well as Dukes of Hazzard trivia and all things Mopar. If you like seeing old cars restored, then this episode is for you!

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today it’s Wednesday, March 25, 2026. John Bain visits with 2026 Iowa Gubernatorial Republican Primary Candidate Adam Steen. They discuss a lot in a short amount of time, including something that was in the news last night regarding a statement that Eddie Andrew’s made recently on WHO Radio. 

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Mount Pleasant Iowa School District Board Meeting where a Public Hearing was held on the Fiscal Year 2027 Certified Budget. The Board also held a Public Hearing on Closure of Salem Elementary at the conclusion of 2026-2027 School Year. The Public was allowed to speak on both topics and they did. It was a packed house. It all appened March 23, 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. Podcast Gold is mined once again as the Board of Supervisors address the Meeting’s Agenda which consisted of thefollowing: ISAC Spring Conference Update, Engineer Jake Hotchkiss Secondary Roads updates, Mollie McKibben Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, Katie Reuter General Assistance Policy for FY 2027-Fellowship Cup Support, Creating, formatting & notifications concerning BOS agendas and the podcast excellence wraps up with Public Comment. It all happened March 19, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain shares information on Henry County Magistrate Tim Liechty’s reassignment. February 12, 2026, at the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting where Henry County Magistrate Timothy Liechty spoke during public comment for eight minutes and during that time, defended his daughter, Abbie Liechty, candidate for Henry County Attorney, his family and his honor. John pointed out that also during that time he may have violated Iowa Code of Ethics regarding campaigning.  Since that time, Magistrate Liechty was givenan Order from the Iowa District Court that due to a conflict of interest with Henry County Magistrate work, that he should be reassigned. John shares that court order and reads it to you and has it up on the screen so you can read along.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick & HR Payroll & Election Coordinator Heidi Shilling conducted a public test of the voting equipment ahead of the upcoming Special Election on Thursday March 19, 2026, at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Henry County Citizen Melanie Patton and John Bain were there to watch and learn.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today, it’s Thursday March 19, 2026, and John Bain catches up with Becky Wilson Candidate for County Attorney of Henry County Iowa. He asks her two questions. She answers them. He had the same two questions for Abbie Liechty. Abbie declined to be on the podcast. Find out why, on this episode.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain visits Republican Primary Candidate for Henry County Iowa Supervisor Graig Stauffer. Graig shares his thoughts on why it is important to him at this stage of his life with his experience to be on the Henry County Iowa Board of Supervisors. He also shares he is in the petition signature process to be on the ballot and is knocking on a lot of doors as well as several of his supporters doing so on his behalf.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain goes Day Trippin’ with Bob DeWitt to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville, Iowa. The guys take you on a guided tour with Executive Director of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum Bob Baker. Bob shares special stories and information about driver’s, their cars and races that have made Sprint Car Racing and Knoxville Raceway and the Knoxville Nationals, National Treasures.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Since it was the first Thursday of the month that means the County Department Heads attend and give their monthly updates to the Board. Director of Public Health Katie Reuter has resigned and she shares her future plans so look for that. Talk about upcoming fiber work in the county as well as health insurance renewal for the county are part of the discussion. Of course, Public Comment has a couple of gems and nuggets that are now mined into podcast gold and John says hello to the kids and teachers in the area and across the state and country that use this podcast to see what county government looks like up close. It all happened March 5, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Washington Iowa Chamber of Commerce Legislative Brief with District 46 Iowa State Senator Dawn Driscoll and District 92 State Representative Heather Hora. The Legislators discussed what they have been working on incommittees as well as bills that have been passed. This was a well-attended event and the public was given time to ask questions and comment with the Legislators. It all happened March 6, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the 2026 Scott County Republican Party Midterm Convention at the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge, Iowa. It was a who’s who of Iowa Republican Party incumbents and candidates at the largest Republican Party County Convention held that day in the Great State of Iowa. 34 speakers, candidates as well as representatives of candidates, and lots of Scott County Republican business handled. No matter where you reside, there’s a lot to watch and learn. It all happened March 7, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain attends the Thursday, March 5, 2026, Mt. Pleasant Community School District Site and Policy Committee Meeting at the Central Office in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. It was a busy day for the school system since there was a late start, due to fog,and then a scheduled early out along with wrapping up the day with parent/teacher conferences. The meeting started at 5 PM and lasted over two hours. The two major take aways from this meeting are Mount Pleasant CommunitySchool District recommends closing Salem Elementary and a Reduction in Force district wide. As one Board Member put it, The Board is trusting the District in the Process of financial spending cuts. 

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain has a conversation with Iowa Gubernatorial Republican Primary Candidate Brad Sherman just two days after making his candidacy official at the Secretary of State’s Office in Des Moines, Iowa. Topics of discussion included but not limited to: age limits for people running for the highest offices of the land, eminent domain, alternative energy and Iowa Schools. It all happened March 4, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is once again in the podcast studio of the Washington Public Library in Washington, Iowa. He visits with fellow cochlear implant recipient Jenisa Harris. Jenisa is a School Age Librarian at the library. She and John are grateful for having this technology assist them and, they both like sharing their experiences with others. John is grateful to have this platform to share the experience of this miracle technology and is hopeful this educates and helps many watching.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain is back at the Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for the Henry County Board of Supervisors Meeting.  As always, lots on the agenda. County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss brought quite a bit of business to the supervisors, Optimist Club member Paul Katison shared some interesting information about a time capsule that has been buried in the courthouse yard since 1976 and now that our great nation is turning 250 years old, it’s time to unearth that capsule and Tonia Scott with Ads visited with the board. It all happened February 26, 2026. 

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain brings to you Exclusive video coverage of Candidate for Henry County Iowa Attorney Becky Wilson as she turns in her nomination papers for the June Primary Election. After this process John caught up with Becky to ask her a couple of questions. It all happened March 2, 2026.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain interviews Washington, Iowa’s Dan Henderson, Author of Rhythm & Pep: The Vaudeville Career of the Pearson Brothers. The story chronicles the Pearson Brothers’ journey from Iowa coal mines to vaudeville stardom, performing across America’s Keith Theaters from 1918-1928, including shows at New York’s Palace Theatre.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain delves further into Henry County Magistrate Timothy Leichty’s public comment during the Henry County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 12, 2026.  Included on the agenda was the intent of the Board to make an appointment to fill the vacancy Henry County Attorney on February 19,2026, in the Board of Supervisors meeting room at the Henry County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. As you know, since that time, and its only February 23, 2026, at the date of the release of this episode, a lot has changed and now the Henry County Board of Supervisors had a roll call vote at their meeting on February 20, 2026, and decided two to one, not to appoint someone but to have a special election. Chairman Chad White and Supervisor Marc Lindeen voted yes to the special election and supervisor Steve Detrick voted no. Now here’s where it gets even more interesting. At the February 12th meeting during public comment, which is allotted for three minutes for an individual of the public to speak, Henry County Magistrate Timothy Leichty spoke for eight minutes and during that time, defended his daughter, Abbie Leichty, candidate for Henry County Attorney, his family and his honor. Also, during that time, it’s very likely he violated the Iowa Code of Ethics. John shares the Magistrate’s monologue in the video that the Henry County Watchmen LLC captured at that meeting. Watch closely, because after the video John will share with you exact Rules that highlight where the allegations possibly took place.

On this VIDEO episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain goes Day Trippin’ with the Day Tripper himself, Bob DeWitt! The guys head to Walcott, Iowa, to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. While there, they get an awesome tour by Marketing Manager of the Iowa 80 Trucking Group Lee Meier. Lee shares inside stories on how the museum came to be and how some of the amazing classic trucks were acquired and restored. It all happened on January 28, 2026.