Grow Clinton Podcast

A new school year brings new opportunities, and plenty to talk about!

In Episode 272 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Dr. Wes Golden, Superintendent of the Clinton Community School District in Clinton, Iowa, for a conversation about student opportunities, school pride, and the upcoming completion of a brand-new high school.

From the classroom to extracurricular activities and athletic competition, this episode explores the experiences helping Clinton’s River Kings & Queens learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next.

What’s Ahead This School Year

Dr. Golden will discuss the new school year and the opportunities available to students throughout the district. The conversation will cover education and training, extracurricular activities, and sports, all important topics for families, local employers, and community members interested in the future of Clinton’s schools.

The district’s website highlights a commitment to rigorous, engaging educational experiences that prepare students for future success, alongside a strong emphasis on student resilience and staff support. That spirit provides a fitting backdrop for this episode's discussion.

A New High School

Another highlight of Episode 272 is the upcoming completion of Clinton’s brand-new high school. Dr. Golden will discuss this exciting milestone and what it means for the district as it looks ahead.

If you want to hear more about the next chapter for Clinton students, this is a conversation worth tuning in to!

School Pride and Community Progress

At Grow Clinton, we see education as essential to the conversation about our region’s future. Exploring student interests, building skills, and connecting education with opportunity are priorities that bring schools, families, businesses, and community partners together.

Thank you to Dr. Wes Golden and all of the River Kings & Queens—students, educators, staff, families, and supporters—for your continued support of community and economic development in the Greater Clinton Region. Your commitment to our schools and our community is deeply appreciated!

For district information, calendars, and resources, visit the
Clinton Community School District website at https://www.clinton.k12.ia.us/.

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The Grow Clinton Podcast is pleased to welcome Ryan Larkin and William Fairman of Atlas Roofing Corporation for Episode 271. Listen in as they discuss Atlas Roofing’s presence in Clinton, its continued growth, and the important role the company plays in the Greater Clinton Region’s economy.

Located in the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park in Clinton, Iowa, Atlas Roofing Corporation manufactures high-performance roofing shingles engineered to withstand nature’s extremes. From severe wind and hail to other demanding weather conditions, Atlas products are designed for durability, innovation, and long-term protection. Atlas highlights products with advanced technologies, including shingles rated for high impact resistance and wind protection.

A Major Investment in Clinton

Atlas Roofing’s Clinton operation represents a meaningful investment in our community’s industrial future. The company’s presence in the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park strengthens the region’s manufacturing base, supports quality employment opportunities, and reinforces Greater Clinton’s position as a place where industry can grow and succeed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Ryan, William, and the entire Atlas Roofing Corporation team for their continued investment in economic development throughout the Greater Clinton Region. Their commitment to building operations, creating jobs, and contributing to the local economy is deeply valued.

Hiring Opportunities Available

Atlas Roofing has begun hiring for key positions within its Clinton plant. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to join a growing manufacturer and help produce roofing materials that protect homes across the country.

Interested applicants can explore current career opportunities and apply through the Atlas Roofing careers page at https://myjobs.adp.com/atlascareersite/cx/job-listing.

Learn More

To learn more about Atlas Roofing Corporation, its products, and its commitment to building better roofs, visit https://www.atlasroofing.com/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

Grow Clinton is proud to welcome Dr. Jessica Hollewell, Superintendent of Unity Christian Schools, for Episode 270 of the Grow Clinton Podcast.

Download the brand-spanking-new Grow Clinton Podcast App for iPhone and Android at https://app.growclinton.com/install.

Unity Christian Schools serves families throughout the Greater Clinton Region through preschool and childcare programming in Fulton, Illinois, along with K–12 education at its new campus in Clinton, Iowa. With a mission grounded in truth, community, and excellence, Unity provides a Christ-centered learning environment that supports students academically, spiritually, socially, and through extracurricular opportunities including athletics and the arts.

A Growing Educational Option

During this episode, Dr. Hollewell shares updates on the continued development of Unity Christian Schools' Clinton campus and the school’s growing enrollment. The conversation highlights the importance of expanding educational opportunities for local families and the role strong schools play in building a vibrant, competitive, and family-friendly Greater Clinton Region.

Dr. Hollewell also discusses several timely topics for current and prospective Unity families, including:

- Updates from the Clinton campus.
- Continued enrollment growth.
- The upcoming Experience Day, offering families an opportunity to learn more about Unity’s educational environment.
- Second-semester applications for Iowa’s Education Savings Account program.
- The outlook for Unity Christian's fall and winter sports seasons.

Unity Christian Schools has partnered with Christian families for more than a century, offering education from preschool through high school while integrating biblical truth throughout the student experience.

Supporting Our Region's Future

Quality educational options are essential to community development, workforce attraction, family retention, and the long-term vitality of the Greater Clinton Region. Organizations such as Unity Christian Schools make a meaningful contribution by investing in young people, supporting families, and strengthening the fabric of the communities they serve.

Grow Clinton extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Hollewell and the entire Unity Christian Schools team for their continued commitment to education, community, and economic development across the Greater Clinton Region.

For additional information about Unity Christian Schools, including enrollment, programming, campus details, and upcoming events, visit https://www.unitychristian.com/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Doug Bertrand and Brooke Ottens of Carpetland USA in Clinton, Iowa. They join us to discuss the products, services, experience, and hometown commitment that have made Carpetland a trusted destination for flooring and home-improvement projects throughout the Greater Clinton Region.

Whether you are updating a single room, building a new home, renovating a commercial space, or simply looking for practical guidance before beginning a project, Carpetland USA offers local expertise and a wide range of options for customers in Clinton and the surrounding area.

A Local Resource for Flooring

Doug and Brooke share what Carpetland USA offers customers across the region. From carpet and luxury vinyl to hardwood, tile, laminate, and other flooring solutions, the Carpetland team helps homeowners, contractors, businesses, and property owners find products that fit their needs, style preferences, and budgets.

Flooring is an important investment! The right selection can affect a home or business's comfort, durability, appearance, maintenance needs, and long-term value. Carpetland USA’s team works directly with customers to help make that decision more manageable, from exploring product choices to planning the installation process.

What Makes Carpetland Different?

Doug and Brooke also discuss what distinguishes Carpetland USA from other flooring retailers.

A visit to Carpetland is about more than selecting a product from a display. Customers can expect personal service, knowledgeable guidance, local accountability, and a team that understands the communities it serves. The Carpetland staff takes time to learn about each project and help customers consider the details that matter most, including room use, traffic levels, lifestyle, design goals, durability, and budget.

That local, relationship-based approach is especially valuable when customers have questions or need support throughout the project. Carpetland USA is committed to helping customers feel informed and confident, from their first visit through the finished installation.

If you are considering new flooring or planning an upcoming home or business project, stop in and visit the Carpetland USA team in Clinton. Doug, Brooke, and their colleagues are ready to help customers explore options, compare materials, and identify solutions that make sense for their spaces.

For additional information, visit Carpetland USA’s website at https://carpetlandusa.net.

Thank you to Doug Bertrand and Brooke Ottens for joining the Grow Clinton Podcast. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the entire Carpetland USA team for its continued support of economic development throughout the Greater Clinton Region.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
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- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, a dedicated time to share resources, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind people that support, hope, and connection are available.

In episode 268 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Shawn Hickey, Outreach Coordinator for Speak Out Against Su***de (SOAS). Shawn joins us for an important, compassionate conversation about su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and the role each of us can play when someone in our lives may be struggling.

SOAS serves individuals and communities throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with a mission centered on advocacy, education, and community connection. The organization works to challenge the stigma around mental health and su***de while helping people recognize that no one should have to face difficult moments alone.

A Conversation That Matters

Talking about su***de can feel uncomfortable, but silence can leave people isolated at the time they most need support. During this episode, Shawn highlights the services and outreach available through SOAS, as well as practical advice for those who are concerned about an individual who may be suicidal.

The conversation is a meaningful reminder that:

• Asking someone directly whether they are thinking about su***de can be an act of care, not harm.
• Listening without judgment can help a person feel seen, heard, and less alone.
• Taking warning signs seriously and connecting someone to professional or crisis support can be lifesaving.
• Education, compassion, and open conversation are essential to prevention.

SOAS emphasizes that education helps communities recognize warning signs, build empathy, and encourage early intervention in homes, schools, workplaces, and throughout the broader community.

Help Is Available

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental-health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate emergency, call 911.

For more information about Speak Out Against Su***de, its mission, community involvement, education, advocacy, and ways to connect, visit https://speakoutiowa.org/.

Thank You, SOAS!

Grow Clinton sincerely thanks Shawn Hickey for joining us on episode 268 and for sharing such an important message with our listeners. We also thank the entire Speak Out Against Su***de team for its continued support of Grow Clinton and for the compassionate, essential work it does throughout our region.

Mental wellness is a community priority, and partnerships like this help ensure that people know they are not alone and that help is available.

Grow Clinton is proud to share this message, and we want the SOAS team to know we are here to help whenever needed.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

Episode 267 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Chris Evans, Day Hab Associate Director at Pathway Living Center, Inc. in Clinton, Iowa.

Chris joins the podcast to share more about Pathway Living Center, its history, the services it provides, and the important work the organization does to support the individuals it serves.

Listeners will gain a closer look at the people, programs, and purpose behind an organization that makes a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the Clinton area.

Pathway Living Center plays an important role in our region by providing services and opportunities that promote independence, connection, and quality of life. During this episode, Chris highlights the organization's mission and helps listeners better understand the impact of its work in the community.

We are grateful to Pathway Living Center for its continued support of Grow Clinton and the surrounding region. Strong community partners help make Clinton a better place to live, work, build a business, and thrive, and we appreciate Pathway Living Center's ongoing commitment.

For additional information and updates from Pathway Living Center, visit and follow them on Facebook: Pathway Living Center, Inc.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
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- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

Dolly Parton Imagination Library!!

The Grow Clinton Podcast returns with Episode 266, featuring Tammy McClimon of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Clinton County, Iowa. Tammy joins us to share program updates, discuss the local impact of this remarkable literacy initiative, and reflect on the enduring importance of the vision Dolly Parton began in 1995.

For three decades, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped put books directly into the hands of young children, creating meaningful opportunities for families to read, learn, and grow together from the earliest years.

A Legacy That Begins With Books

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth through age five, regardless of family income. What began in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has grown into an international effort supporting children and families across the United States and several other countries.

The program is built on a simple but powerful idea: early access to books can foster a lifelong relationship with reading. Each monthly delivery gives children something of their own, creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to read aloud, and helps make literacy part of everyday family life.

Since its founding in 1995, the Imagination Library has reached extraordinary milestones. The organization launched a national replication effort in 2000, delivered its 200 millionth book in 2023, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In 2024, one in seven children under age five in the United States received an Imagination Library book each month.

Tammy McClimon Shares Clinton County Updates

In Episode 266, Tammy McClimon updates listeners on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Clinton County and discusses what the program means for local children, parents, caregivers, educators, and the broader community.

Her conversation with Grow Clinton highlights the value of investing early in children’s development. Access to books supports more than reading readiness—it encourages parent-child connection, sparks imagination, and gives families practical tools to make learning part of daily life.

Literacy Is Community Development

Economic and community development starts with people, and supporting young children and families is among the most meaningful long-term investments a region can make.

A child who grows up surrounded by books has more opportunities to develop language, curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Families benefit from shared reading routines. Schools and early-childhood providers benefit when children arrive more prepared to engage with learning. Over time, these investments help strengthen the workforce, quality of life, and sense of opportunity that define a thriving community.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library demonstrates how a program with a deeply personal origin can become a powerful community asset. Its success depends on local champions, volunteers, funders, caregivers, and organizations that recognize the value of helping every child get a strong start.

Thank You, Imagination Library!

Grow Clinton extends its sincere appreciation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and to the local leaders, partners, and supporters who make the Clinton County program possible.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
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For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

Episode 265 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Maria Crooks, owner of The Deal Pit—Clinton, Iowa’s newest destination for value-minded shoppers looking for great products at discounted prices.

The Deal Pit is a locally owned and operated bin store offering an ever-changing selection of merchandise at prices designed to make every visit feel like a deal.

A New Local Shopping Experience

Bin stores have become popular for their fun, treasure-hunt shopping experience. Inventory changes frequently, so shoppers may discover something new each time they stop in—from household items and seasonal products to everyday essentials and unexpected finds.

The Deal Pit brings that experience to Clinton with a local touch. Maria and her team have created a welcoming place where customers can shop for discounted items while enjoying helpful, friendly service.

Local Ownership, Great Energy

What makes The Deal Pit especially exciting is the people behind it. Maria and her staff are committed to unmatched customer support, a positive atmosphere, and helping customers enjoy every visit.

Their enthusiasm, service-first approach, and investment in a local storefront add to the energy of Clinton’s business community. Small businesses like The Deal Pit create more than places to shop—they help strengthen commercial corridors, generate local activity, and contribute to a more vibrant community.

Whether you are a bargain hunter, a supporter of locally owned businesses, or simply curious about Clinton’s newest retail addition, this episode is worth a listen.

Stop by The Deal Pit at:

2712 S. 25th Street, Unit H
Clinton, Iowa

For updates, store information, and more, follow The Deal Pit on Facebook.

Grow Clinton thanks Maria Crooks and the entire team at The Deal Pit for investing in our community and supporting sustainable economic success. We are proud to welcome and celebrate locally owned businesses that bring opportunity, energy, service, and new experiences to the Clinton area.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].