🇺🇸 Weekend Preparations

Author

Chloe Dankert
May 23, 2025

😁 Happy Friday! As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity— and also the unofficial start to summer, bringing with it moments of connection, celebration, and rest. Whether you’re spending the weekend with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking a breather, we hope it’s meaningful in your own way.


Weekend Weather:
Today 🌦️ Hi 65, Sat 🌦️ Hi 68, Sun 🌦️ Hi 64, Mon 🌦️ Hi 62

B&A Club: 
🎂 Happy Birthday
Haisley Schreck -- Carroll (2 yrs)
Kristi Willenborg -- Dedham
Taya Vonnahme -- Manning (35 yrs)
Denny Olerich -- Carroll
Pam Wiese -- Arcadia
Joyce Dickenson -- Carroll
Kathy Schulte -- Carroll
🥂 Happy Anniversary
none reported

MARKETS FROM SHERWOOD

Palantir jumps on big expansion to federal defense contract

(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Shares of PalantirPLTR $124.94 (3.61%) — a retail trader fave and top Trump stock — popped on Thursday after the US Department of Defense said it was adding nearly $800 million onto an existing $480 million contract with the company to provide the software for the Maven Smart System, an AI-driven targeting system that combines weaponry, drone, satellite, and intelligence data into the so-called “kill chain” used to make firing decisions.

The “contract modification” for $795 million is technically for additional software licenses and pushes the ceiling on the program up to nearly $1.3 billion for work that the Army expects to be completed over the next four years.

Analyst Louie DiPalma of William Blair thinks spending on the program could translate into roughly $200 million in revenue for 2025 and increase by $50 million per year for the next several years. That could help support the fast top-line growth that has made the shares a favorite of traders.

While Palantir has been building out its AI software business with corporate clients, the US government remains its single largest customer, making the defense budget a crucial focus for the company.

Rumors that President Trump’s defense department would cut expenditures by 8% cratered the stock back in February.

But such belt-tightening seems to have gone out the window, with the Republican budget bill that just passed through the House of Representatives adding $150 billion in new spending for the Pentagon. Some $25 billion of that spending is earmarked for the president’s “Golden Dome” missile defense project, which Palantir is well positioned to get a piece of as well. see story

LOCAL NEWS

Carroll American Legion Seeks Volunteers For Memorial Day Flag Setup

The Carroll American Legion is requesting volunteers to help set up more than 1,400 flags at the cemetery on Friday, May 23, for the Memorial Day Weekend. This event is spearheaded by the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and their parents, but the Legion is requesting additional volunteers due to the sheer volume of flags. With enough volunteers, the entire process should be completed by 6 p.m. on Friday. Individuals wishing to help should meet at the Carroll Cemetery at 5 p.m. The Legion also requests volunteers to help collect the flags on Memorial Day. This will also start at 5 p.m. that evening. Volunteers will meet at the north side monument in the cemetery for both days. This year, the Avenue of Flags has been altered so no volunteers will be needed at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day. This is mainly due to expected inclement weather. If your loved one’s grave is missed or you were unable to volunteer, extra flags will be made available by the Legion, and those flags can be found at the Carroll County museum.

More Local Headlines

TOGETHER WITH JACOBSEN SEED
CONTEST: Nominate Your Favorite Farmer

Thank a Farmer – They Feed the World! Farmers work tirelessly to put food on our tables. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience nourish communities near and far. Right now, we are honoring those who grow, raise, and harvest the food we rely on every day! So please take this opportunity to register your FAVORITE FARMER to sit down for a meal with Carroll Broadcasting’s Farm Director, Von Ketelsen. FORM

PODCAST
MUST KNOW PEOPLE - Season 2 Episode 3

How to Build a Successful Real Estate Portfolio by 33

Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with a 33-year-old real estate mogul who believes in forging his own path to success. From purchasing his first rental property at 19 to owning extensive residential and self-storage units, he has continually sought new opportunities to grow and expand. Learn about his mindset, his calculated risks, and his vision for the future, all of which reflect a relentless pursuit towards sustaining and enhancing his thriving real estate empire. FULL PODCAST

AREA NEWS
Area headlines

Picture credit to Main Street Coon Rapids

🎉 Main Street Coon Rapids (MSCR), in partnership with the City of Coon Rapids is inviting everyone to come out and celebrate the holiday weekend with the Main Street Block Party this Sunday. MSCR Executive Director, Katie Mason, says the annual event started the same year that volunteers applied for Coon Rapids to be a Main Street community back in 2019. From Sixth to Fourth Avenues all along Main Street will have activities for all ages. The east block of Main Street will feature the Kids Zone, with the rock wall, inflatables, mini-golf, face painting and much more. The west block is for the older kids and adults, with the annual Bags Tournament with registration starting at 12 p.m. and bags flying at 2 p.m., the beer garden, bingo and live music entertainment. Mason says the best part of this event is that it’s affordable entertainment for the whole family. Mason wants to extend a thank you to the business partners and the rest of the sponsors who help to make this event possible. MSCR and the City of Coon Rapids welcomes all to come celebrate this Sunday for the Main Street Block Party from 2 p.m. to midnight.

🌳 Iowa’s state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, marking the traditional kickoff to the summer outdoor recreation season. Iowa Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Parks Chief Sherry Arntzen says, “Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.” While many electric and full-hookup campsites are already reserved, the DNR encourages campers to consider non-electric options or explore less crowded parks. Reservations and availability can be checked at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Visitors are reminded to clean up after themselves, park only in designated areas, and keep pets leashed and off beaches. They also remind Iowans that most of the state’s beach areas do not have lifeguards. The DNR urges guests to monitor weather conditions, observe quiet hours, and follow trail etiquette.

🥳 Lytton Gala Days this year is celebrating a significant milestone of the town, 125-year anniversary since becoming established. Starting on Friday up until Memorial Day on Monday, events can be found all throughout town for all ages. Gala Days kicks off on Friday with the Lytton Museum opening at 12 p.m., the Kiddie Parade at 7 p.m. on Main Street, and the beer garden with live music from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Saturday has a full line up of events, starting with the Sac City Fire Department and Sac Lion’s Club omelet breakfast at the legion hall beginning at 7 a.m. The rest of the day will have entertainment from the 5K Fun Run/Walk, the car show, main parade at 10:30 a.m., Gala Games throughout the afternoon, bags tournament at 3 p.m., and live music in the beer garden from 7 p.m. to midnight. Scotts Amusements will be set up on Friday evening through Saturday evening to offer a midway of rides with the purchases of tickets. The events start to slow down on Sunday, with the Ecumenical Church Service at Emanuel St John’s at 10:30 a.m., with a potluck to follow. A presentation of the history of Lytton will be at the Lytton Library Sunday afternoon starting at 1 p.m. The annual Memorial Day Service will be on Monday at the Legion Hall at 10 a.m., with the grass volleyball tournament taking place the same time behind the Lytton School. Everyone is welcome to come join the Lytton community celebrate its Quasquicentennial this weekend with the 2025 Gala Days starting this Friday. View the complete schedule included here.

LOCAL SPORTS

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STATE NEWS
Meet the Waukee CEO who's breaking business norms

Austin Mac Nab. Photo: Courtesy of VizyPay

Traditional finance and insurance companies have long been ingrained in Des Moines' identity, but VizyPay founder Austin Mac Nab wants to show there's also a counter-culture path toward wealth and growth.

Why it matters: Mac Nab's credit-card payment-processing company pushes a blunt "work hard, play hard" culture that isn't typical in Waukee — but he believes it's key to success and finding the next generation of talent.

  • "Most corporations that have corporate people, like a Principal — even the top CEOs wouldn't last six months here because it's just too different than the stereotypical way of running a business," Mac Nab says.

Flashback: Mac Nab, who is Vietnamese American, faced turbulence in his childhood and moved around often, working at a young age to support his mom. At 10, he walked around his neighborhood, selling his mom's eggrolls for cash.

  • He didn't attend college and instead worked at a credit-card processing company for 11 years before deciding to start his venture in Iowa.

  • "That's why I don't look at resumes. That's why I give a flying s--- what college you came from," Mac Nab says. "I'm looking for genuine people."

State of play: When he launched VizyPay in 2017, he had just three employees, and brought in $97,000 in revenue that first year. The early days were tough — long hours and a demanding environment — until he realized he wanted to build a workplace where people actually enjoyed coming in.

  • Now, VizyPay is at nearly $27 million in revenue with 86 employees and an emphasis on "culture before anything," Mac Nab says.

The intrigue: Prior to the pandemic, VizyPay was experiencing steady growth, but 2020 provided an unexpected surge in customers.

  • As people experienced layoffs, some started their own businesses and needed a credit-card processor. More people were also searching for work, which helped VizyPay grow its own workforce. The company scaled in 2021-22, Mac Nab says.

Zoom in: The Waukee office near Vibrant Music Hall first appears like today's typical open-concept office.

  • But on a closer look, there are signs of the mentality Mac Nab pushes, like a mural that also has the words "work f------ harder" hidden in the art.

  • VizyPay's "war room" displays a shelf of liquor and a bottle of Clase Azul tequila. It's where Mac Nab reminisced on the worries of 2020 and whom he would have to cut — and how the company grew instead.

  • There's a full-scale bar where employees get a happy hour every week that's also held weddings and graduation parties. And the company is known for its giant holiday parties, which Mac Nab touts are for the "sexy-ass, high-energy individuals at our company."

Fun fact: Employees receive unlimited discretionary time off, as well as an annual $1,000 to use however they want, as long as it benefits a small-business owner.

What's next: Mac Nab is starting all over again with LFG Sports AI — a sports betting app.

MORE STATE NEWS:

MORE NEWS
What else!

  • San Diego private jet crash kills 2, injures 8 after it smashed into residential neighborhood, damaging 10 homes

  • Caitlin Clark hypes up Pacers for furious Game 1 comeback

  • One of the best K-beauty products is on sale for Memorial Day

  • Remembering Colts owner Jim Irsay, plus NFL to introduce new award and 'Hard Knocks' picks five teams

  • Jason Sudeikis recalled his fondest memory with uncle George Wendt before ‘Cheers’ star’s death

WEEKEND


✅DO’S AND DONT’S: Not ALL fruits and vegetables are good for our pets!
✅HAPPY CAMPING: Tips and tricks that are full-blown genius
✅WATCH: Just how much sugar are you consuming daily?😱 
✅TRADITION: Cook up history at your BBQ this weekend!
✅MOWING SEASON: The reason you have those “gnats” in your yard
✅PLAN AHEAD: Check the weekend forecast to plan your Memorial Day activities!
✅BEEF MONTH: Explore all of the cooking options 
✅CHECK IT OUT: A gallery dedicated to all our area 2025 graduates!
✅LISTEN: Catch the latest episode of “Must Know People” with John Ryan!
✅COMING UP: Live + Local on Thursdays starting in June!
✅WEDNESDAY: Beef Month Cookout at Graham Park

ON MEMORIAL DAY:
“On this day, take time to remember those who have fallen. But on every day after, do more; put the freedoms they died for to greater and nobler uses.” -Richelle E. Goodrich

GAMES
Ready…Get Set…Go

Quiz Time: For those of you that wake up each morning wanting a challenge—how fast can you finish this quiz. Ready…get set…go.

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