Michelle Morelock joins Carlene Hall to explore Shenandoah’s past, present, and future — from historic roots to today’s business growth and the community’s efforts to prepare young people for local careers.

This episode also highlights SCIA’s July 15th Annual Meeting & Ag Banquet featuring Chip Flory.Register by July 10th at 712‑246‑3455.

Hashtags (Spotify-friendly): #ShenandoahIA #SCIA #IowaAg #ChipFlory #CommunityStories #SouthwestIowa #LocalBusiness #IowaHistory #MillsCountyRoutes

In this special Main Streets & Backroads series, Carlene Hall sits down with a group of local 10 and 11-year-olds to capture a moment in time and hear directly from the next generation.

With the help of Holly Jackson at Wabash Coffee House & Bakery, along with the participating kids and their parents, we gathered a remarkable group of young people to talk about life, dreams, and the future. Our goal was simple: hear from the youth in our communities and preserve this moment in their lives.

From dreams of college, careers, sports, music, and entrepreneurship to lessons about friendship, family, hard work, and perseverance, these young voices offer an honest look at how they see their futures and the world around them. Along the way, they share what they love about growing up in their community, the goals they're working toward, and the advice they would give both their future and younger selves.

Some of the questions were pretty big, but these amazing kids gave some even bigger answers.

One theme surfaced again and again throughout these conversations:

Work hard. Never give up.

The best part? This is just the beginning.

When these participants turn 18, we'll sit down with them again to revisit these same questions and see how their dreams, perspectives, and experiences have changed over the years. We hope this series becomes a unique time capsule that captures not only who they are today, but who they become.

🎙 Hosted by: Carlene Hall
🌾 Series: Main Streets & Backroads
📍 Southwest Iowa

#MainStreetsAndBackroads #YouthVoices #FutureLeaders #SmallTownLife #KidsPerspective #GrowingUp #CommunityStories #SouthwestIowa #NeverGiveUp #FutureGoals

What started as a historic hardware store has become one of Tabor's favorite gathering places.

In this episode of Main Streets & Backroads, Carlene Hall visits with Meg Kirchert, owner of Meg's Burgers & Brew, to talk about preserving one of Tabor's most iconic buildings while creating a welcoming space for the community.

From the building's rich history dating back to 1899, to family life, running a small-town business, hosting community events, and plans for future renovations, this conversation celebrates the people and places that keep small-town Iowa thriving.

Whether you're a longtime Tabor resident, a history lover, or simply enjoy discovering unique small-town destinations, you'll enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at one of southwest Iowa's favorite gathering places.

📍 Tabor, Iowa

🍔 Featured: Meg's Burgers & Brew

🚗 Main Streets & Backroads explores the people, businesses, history, and hidden gems that make southwest Iowa a special place to call home.