March 17, 2023 - Some leprechauns must have come in last night and decorated!
Happy Birthday (tomorrow 3/18) to team member Lisa!!!
March 16, 2023 - Thanks to everyone who made my birthday extra special today!!
It's a boy!
March 13, 2023 - Congratulations to our team member Emily and her family…they will be welcoming a baby boy later this summer!!!
Fun (and delicious!) gender reveal cupcakes this morning, made by Emily herself.
What a great way to start a Monday!
ISAC
March 10, 2023 - I attended the ISAC meeting in Des Moines yesterday and today. I have met so many great people in the last two months and it was great to spend time with some of them.
I am excited to get back to work on Monday and share some takeaways from the conference with my team!
February 17, 2023 - Saw this and wanted to share. I am so proud and excited for things we are doing within the office - as a TEAM. More on that in the future!
Happy Friday!
5 Commitments of Connected Teams:
1. Commit to Each Other
"Love, Serve, Care"
2. Commit to Character
"Trust, Integrity, Respect"
3. Commit to Communication
"Clear, Open, Honest"
4. Commit to the Mission
"Values, Goals, Roles"
5. Commit to the Standard
"Hard, Smart, Together"
February 15, 2023 - Attended my first District 1 Recorder’s meeting today. We met at 209 Main in Paton and our waitress Penny was so fun!
Thanks to those who made me feel welcome!
February 3, 2023 - Today marks one month since my first day in office so I thought I would give an update.
I absolutely love what I do!!
It has been one month of teamwork and breaking down barriers….not only figuratively but also literally (big thanks to the Dallas Co Maintenance team (along with helpers Cindy and Mitch) for taking down the covid barrier - therefore making our whole counter useable!!!!).
It has been one month, but only two weeks of having a computer system that works. I will always be so proud of our team and how they handled the system outage. We were able to catch up on putting documents in the system using VERY little overtime. We processed over twice the amount of docs in one week than we would have in a normal week.
I have had quite a few people ask me about the Deputy Recorder position, and I do not intend on having a Deputy at this time. That may change down the road as time goes on and things change. Right now, I am focused on taking time to learn every aspect of the office and become a working employee myself.
Hopefully soon you will see a new and improved Recorder page on the county website. That is a short term goal for our team in addition to them teaching me everything they know.
Thanks to everyone who made the last month so great. In addition to the wonderful people I already had in my life, I have met so many great people in a short time and look forward to meeting so many more!
Here are just a few pictures from the first month. I especially like our Flannel Fridays….or R.E.D. Flannel Fridays as I like to call them.
Thank you for letting me serve you!!
No appointment necessary
January 26, 2023 -
Effective immediately, you do not need to make an appointment for the Recorder’s office (unless you prefer to). In person transactions can be done 8:30-3:30 Monday-Friday.
Thank you!!!
January 20, 2023 - To say the last month has been challenging for this team would be an understatement. Before I took office, the system the Recorder’s office uses for processing real estate documents went down. It was down for 3.5 weeks. In a world so dependent on technology, that’s a problem.
To say I am proud of this team is another understatement. They came together and figured out what needed to be done; they worked with customers to figure out their needs and how our office could provide the information needed for everyone to continue doing business. I have been with this team for just under three weeks now and we’ve already been through so much together. After these three weeks, I am confident we can tackle anything as a team, and I am excited to see what we do in the future!!
As of Monday, the system was back up (mostly). This week, we were able to catch up on approximately 1500 documents. What an accomplishment!!! When you think of what goes into recording a document, and everything else that needs to be done in the office other than recording documents…..it is simply amazing. I appreciate their hard work and dedication - each employee plays a critical role in keeping our office running smoothly. Thank you team!
Thank you to everyone who has been kind to us during these very frustrating last few weeks. Better days are ahead!!!
Happy Flannel Friday!
First day in office
January 3, 2023 - Day one in the books. Haha I just made a Recorder joke….
Thanks to everyone who wished me well on my first day. I love being “home” in Adel.
I had a great first day with my new team. I did a couple of activities with them, one I want to share with you. All of us have been in positions where we have felt like we were just a number. As of today, this team knows they are each a number to me - ALL of them are #1. No matter how many people you lead, you have a choice on how you make them feel. This is my choice.
It was a great day and I look forward to many more. Thanks to everyone who made it great!
Swearing in day
December 29, 2022 - Today is a day I will cherish forever. I took the oath of office in a very special ceremony this morning, although I do not officially start until next week. Thank you to everyone who was in attendance today.
I want to give a special thank you to the Recorder’s office team. As some of you may know, the system they use for processing documents has been down. With a lot of collaboration and team effort, they were able to come up with a work-around until the system is back up. If you need documents recorded, please either mail or deliver them to the office (if needed urgently) instead of using e-submission.
I promise you I will be there working hard with this team. I am excited to work with each one of them - and everyone at the county!
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your next Dallas County Recorder.
December 25, 2022 - Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Happy Thanksgiving
November 24, 2022 - This year, I am extra thankful - for all of you.
To all of those who are unable to take today off, we send out a special "thank you".
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to you and yours!
*Reminder that Dallas County offices are closed today and tomorrow.
Veterans Day 2022
November 11, 2022 - Thank you for your service!
We owe so much to those who fought and are fighting for our freedoms. Whenever you have a chance to thank someone for their service - take the opportunity. They, and their families, have sacrificed so much for us.
*There is a Veterans Day ceremony this morning at 8a at the Veterans Cemetery.
*Reminder: Dallas County offices are closed today.
THANK YOU!!
November 8, 2022 - Thank you, Dallas County!!!!
I am beyond excited to serve you as your next Dallas County Recorder!
November 7, 2022 - As we are now 24 hours away from the polls closing, my family and I would like to say “Thank you”. Thank you for the opportunity to be on the ballot in this general election.
Thank you to everyone who has already voted for me; I love the pictures some of you have sent showing you voting early for me.
In all of this, I hope I have taught my girls to go for whatever they want to do in life and be unapologetically themselves always.
Thank you for all of the support. I love this county, I love the people in this county, and I would love to serve as your next Dallas County Recorder.
#renaeforrecorder
November 5, 2022 - What exactly does the Recorder’s office do? This is probably the most asked question when I tell people what office I’m running for.
The Recorder’s office does the following (including but not limited to - this is a very basic list):
-records all real estate transaction documents (lots of different documents fall under this category);
-issues birth and death certificates;
-issues marriage licenses;
-registers ATV, ORV, snowmobiles, and boats;
-handles filing of military discharge papers;
-records trade names for sole proprietorships or co-partnerships
Real estate documents may be a large part of what the Recorder’s office does, but in my mind, they are not the most important thing the office does. I believe the most important thing the Recorder’s office does is whatever we are helping someone with at the moment; whether it’s on the phone or over the counter. There is not one document the Recorder’s office handles that is more important than another!
#renaeforrecorder
New Dallas County Brand Identity
November 4, 2022 - Dallas County released their new logo today.
Supporter Series
November 4, 2022 - Thank you, Wombat, for your support!
October 31, 2022 - Here is just a sampling of some of the parades from the last two summers (with all of my awesome volunteers). Some seem like so long ago already.
I have been in this for 20 months. For 20 months I have held down a full time job, being a mom, wife, daughter, friend, volunteer; all while getting out there and letting you get to know me so you feel confident in your vote for me. I didn’t wait to jump in this race last minute. I didn’t wait to see what others would do. I knew I was a good fit for this office and that I wanted to serve, so I went for it.
You have seen me out in public. I have given you lots and lots of info about me. I had wanted to break the mold of what you picture a politician to be, and I hope I have accomplished that. This isn’t about politics to me. This is about the people of Dallas County. This is about the county I know like the back of my hand.
I hope I have earned your trust, your confidence, and your vote.
I appreciate all of you.
October 30, 2022 - Happy Halloween from Rip and Beth!
Supporter Series
October 30, 2022 - Thank you, Lisa! I appreciate your support and friendship!
2022-23 Pheasant Season
October 29, 2022 - Happy opening day fellow pheasant hunters! Have a fun and SAFE season!
Here are some pictures from a hunt last December. Looking forward to getting out again after November 8!
Raccoon Valley Radio Interviews
October 27, 2022 - If you have some time, I invite you to listen to our radio interviews that aired last night. No matter your party affiliation, I hope you will do your research and vote for the most qualified candidate for this position.
Recorder candidate interviews start with me at 1:11:52.
To clarify one more time for my opponent, I was not chosen by the current Recorder to be his replacement. I'm not sure where that comes from, but it is completely false.
Thank you, again, Coltrane and Raccoon Valley Radio, for this opportunity.
Support Series
October 26, 2022 - Thank you, Kim, for your kind words and support!
October 25, 2022 - Have you seen our signs around beautiful Dallas County? Here is just a sampling of our big ones - thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to let us use their land, or yard for a yard sign!
Remember - I will work hard for you. I have the business experience, leadership skills, and solid ideas for the Recorder’s office that I think you might like.
I love being out in public and meeting people. You have seen me work hard for 20 months since I started running for Recorder, and that hard work will continue after November 8.
Supporter Series
October 24, 2022 - Thank you, Shelly! One of the many great people of Dallas County I have met on my campaign journey these last 20 months, who I now get to call a friend. I appreciate your help and support!
Supporter Series
October 23, 2022 - Thank you, Sheriff Infante, for your kind words and support. I look forward to serving with you! I appreciate your service, and that of your deputies (full time and reserve), jailers, dispatchers, and all DCSO staff. I have always had great respect for law enforcement, and I believe it's my responsibility as a citizen to make sure they know they are appreciated.
Thank you, again, Sheriff Infante!
Supporter Series
October 22, 2022 - Thank you, Kim! I appreciate you and your friendship!
Zach Nunn in Waukee
October 21, 2022 - Had such a great time tonight at the Manning farm in Waukee for the Zach Nunn event. So good to see many supporters there. There is nothing like being on a farm at sunset with some great people!!
Also good to talk to Iowa Sec of Ag, Mike Naig, about my background in Ag supply chain and the challenges in the industry right now.
Exactly 18 days from right now, polls will be closing!!!
#renaeforrecorder
Supporter Series
October 21, 2022 - Thank you, Michelle! I appreciate your kind words!
October 20, 2022 - Just recorded a radio interview that will air next week. Thanks to Raccoon Valley Radio for the opportunity!
Enjoy the beautiful weather the next few days Dallas County!
Supporter Series
October 20, 2022 - Thank you, Janet, for your kind words and friendship! Janet grew up with my parents in Wyoming and has been like family ever since!
Supporter Series
October 18, 2022 - Thank you, Mensur! You have been such a great co-worker and friend to me!
Supporter Series
October 16, 2022 - Thank you, Rhonda! I am blessed to have a sister-in-law who is also a friend!!
Supporter Series
October 15, 2022 - Thank you, Kendra, for your support and kind words!! I always look forward to working with you!
Supporter Series
October 14, 2022 - Thank you, Mitch, for your support and for your service to Dallas County! I would be honored to serve with you!
Supporter Series
October 13, 2022 - Thank you, Holly, for your support!
Supporter Series
October 12, 2022 - I am all about numbers, so with 27 days left, I thought it would be appropriate to have my husband's testimonial today. His college football number was 27. Thanks, Dan, for always supporting me in whatever I do!!
Happy Birthday to my brother!
October 11, 2022 - Sending out a very special birthday wish to my brother Brad! Thanks for always being there for me; for coming home and being in parades with me, for advice when I need it, and for looking out for your little sis. I remember the days when I used to come out of the old Adel middle school and just hope that he would be there to pick me up in his cool Bronco.
Happy Birthday big bro, I love you and admire you so much!!
Supporter Series
October 10, 2022 - Thank you, Lisa! One of the great team members in the Recorder's office; a team of which I would be proud to be a part of!
Supporter Series
October 9, 2022 - Thank you, Amanda, for your kind words! I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with you these past few years. Truly makes the end to my career the best it could have been.
One month and counting!
October 8, 2022 - ONE month to go!!! I used this picture one month out from the Primary and using it again one month out from the General because it’s one of my favorites.
I am getting yard signs out as I can. If you would like one, please send me a message. If you had one during the Primary, please let me know if you want one again. Remember - I will take them down the day after the election!
Thank you for helping me get my name out again for the General election. I can’t believe there is only one month left!
Supporter Series
October 7, 2022 - Thank you, Presha, for your support!
September 30, 2022 - Friday Fun Fact.
Have you ever had anyone ask you what your dream job would have been? Maybe it’s been used as an ice breaker question to open up a meeting you have attended?
My answer….a real estate agent.
September 29, 2022 - Throwback Thursday. Feb 1991.
ADM students went to the courthouse lawn during the school day to show support for our troops in Desert Storm. These postcards were made by the Adel American Legion. You can actually see me in this photo.
Property Taxes Due
September 26, 2022 - Don’t forget to pay your property taxes this week to our awesome Dallas County Treasurer’s office!!
I’ve been paying Dallas County property taxes since I bought my first house in Waukee in 2003. Why do I tell you that? To give you an example of why I have a vested interest in this county and in how OUR tax money is spent.
#renaeforrecorder
National Daughters Day
September 25, 2022 - Happy National Daughters Day to my two girls who are my world.
September 18, 2022 - I talk about being a leader a lot because that is my perspective on what the Recorder should be - a true leader who wants to bring out the best in their team.
For me, this race is not about a certain salary, health benefits, or retirement….I already have all of that. This is about wanting to serve the people of Dallas County and lead a team to new heights.
Have a great week and remember, you don’t need a certain title to be a leader!I already have all of that. This is about wanting to serve the people of Dallas County and lead a team to new heights.
Have a great week and remember, you don’t need a certain title to be a leader!
DeSoto Fun Days
September 17, 2022 - It was a soggy morning in DeSoto! Thanks to everyone who was there for me - even my niece’s puppy got to ride along! I walked the parade with my trusty umbrella - a little rain never hurts. Great to see all of the smiling faces along the route.
Was fun seeing my old 4-6 grade school building, great to see my signs going up, and great to stop by and see my brother who was working today!
Happy Saturday Dallas County!!
Happy Birthday to my brother!
September 16, 2022 - Happy Birthday to my brother Doug today! Thanks for being one of my biggest supporters in Dallas County!!!
9/11
September 11, 2022 - I will never forget where I was, or the sights, sounds, and images (such as this) from that day and for several days after.
It’s a day and a feeling that I can’t accurately describe to my kids, but I still try.
May we all never forget, and may we never stop teaching younger generations about this day and the patriotism that ensued for a very long time.
Dallas County GOP event
September 9, 2022 - There is one part of my speech from last night that I want to share with you. You may have heard me say this before, but it’s important:
There are two main things I have learned over the years of being involved in politics. I will carry these two things forward with me when I become Recorder:
1. A title will never change who I am. I will be the same person after I am elected as I am today.
2. Plain and simple…I do not and will not play political games.
Thanks to everyone who attended last night and those who wished me well. You all keep me going strong.
September 8, 2022 - Congratulations to our new Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante, who was appointed by the Board of Supervisors this morning.
I will always be there to support those I serve with.
Congratulations, Sheriff!
September 5, 2022
September 4, 2022 - I promise to be a positive influence and I promise I will never take anything for granted.
Farm Progress Show
September 2, 2022 - Fun day at the 2022 Farm Progress Show yesterday. Yes, I saw some Dallas County voters, thanks to those who said hello! Also got to see a group of some of my favorite people and biggest supporters.
Agriculture has been my life for many years. Thank you, farmers, and all who are involved with “feeding the world”!!!
Sheriff Leonard retires
August 30, 2022 - I have been present at the Board of Supervisors meetings for months now. The Sheriff also attends as much as he can. Today was our last meeting together and tomorrow will be his last day in office. Thank you for all you have done, Sheriff Leonard, and for your ongoing support of me.
As a reminder there is an open house for him tomorrow from 3-6p at the Sheriff’s office.
Absentee ballot requests can be submitted
August 30, 2022 - Today is the first day you can submit an absentee ballot request for the November 8 election!
Any questions, call or stop by the Auditor’s office, 210 N 10th St, Adel;
515-993-4751
Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention
August 28, 2022 - Four years ago today was one of the worst days of many of our lives.
It’s the day my brother-in-law (my husband’s brother) decided to end his life.
This is the face of why I am a huge supporter of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
This picture was taken the last weekend we spent with him. It was the weekend we realized something was wrong. We thought his life was perfect; we thought he was happy. Until that weekend. He smiled for this picture, but there was not much smiling the rest of the weekend (he was known for always joking around). Two weeks later, after he was in and out of the hospital and they were zero help - and other obstacles - we thought we had come up with a plan to help him, whether he liked it or not. We were talking about it after work that day when we got the worst phone call of our lives. He was gone. It was too late.
It was a day that changed a lot of us forever. The grief and regret are still somedays unbearable. I often think about how he would have been one of my biggest supporters.
Be kind.
Have compassion.
Love without conditions.
Take care of yourself and those around you.
Pay attention to the warning signs.
Take nothing for granted.
I will always be an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, whether it be in my personal life, or as a leader in my professional life
August 27, 2022 - What a beautiful, perfect morning across Dallas County!!! Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who helped me out today all over the county!!
It was so good to see many of you along the parade routes this morning. I appreciate everyone who saw me and reached out. Means the world to me.
I would be so proud to serve the great people of this county as your next Dallas County Recorder!
#renaeforrecorder
School Days
August 23, 2022 - As a lot of Dallas County schools start today or this week sometime, I’m sending positive vibes to all of the students, parents, and school staff.
I hope everyone’s stress and anxiety is minimal as we all get back into the groove of our school schedules.
Have a great 2022-23 school year!
Special Olympics at Dunkin' Donuts
August 19, 2022 - On our way to the State Fair we stopped by to see my friend Sgt. Dirksen and donate to the Special Olympics. Thank you to all of the law enforcement out at Dunkin’ for this great cause. Special Olympics is a great organization and one I am proud to support.
I was able to meet and talk with two athletes, Matthew and Patrick. We can learn so much from them. I won’t say which one, but one of them saw my shirt and asked which party I was. I told him Republican and he said he respected me for that but he is a Democrat. I told him I also respected him and that I do not put labels on people - I have friends who are both Republicans and Democrats. He was appreciative of that.
That is your Friday morning lesson from a very special Olympian. Let’s all try to be more like him. Be kind.
To know me is to know I do not treat you differently based on your political party or any other beliefs. That will never change.
Habitat for Humanity at the ISF
August 17, 2022 - So much fun volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity house build at the Iowa State Fair today!!! We did trim work inside and then got to put up the house number and mailbox.
Thank you, Ryan and crew, for a wonderful experience today and for all you do to help families get on their feet with affordable housing.
August 15, 2022 - After being sworn into office in January, there are two things I will immediately implement in the Recorder's office.
1) Team meetings. We will decide, as a team, the frequency of these. We will start out doing quick checkpoint meetings every morning as a team (aka whiteboard meetings, stand-up meetings, etc). In addition, we will have longer team meetings either bi-weekly or monthly to cover broader topics than we would cover in our morning checkpoints.
2) One-on-one (1:1) meetings between myself and each employee. We will also decide the frequency of these as a team. I feel these are an important way to go over individual goals as needed and address any concerns or questions the employee may have. It’s important for a leader to stay in tune with what is going on with each of their employees.
I have put together a Venn diagram to illustrate why I think each of these is important and why they are collectively important. I'm sure there are more that could be added. I hope this gives you more insight to the type of leader I will be as your next Dallas County Recorder. The leader and the environment they create will directly impact productivity and overall atmosphere in the office.
#renaeforrecorder
Adel Sweet Corn Festival this weekend
August 11, 2022 - Welcome to Adel!!!!! Tomorrow the festivities begin; hope to see many of you tomorrow night or Saturday!!!
Three months to go!
August 8, 2022 - Happy Monday Dallas County!!!! Today is August 8....that means we are just THREE short months away from election day! That also means you have just three months to get to know your candidates.
Here's a little fact about me: I have been registered to vote in Dallas County since I signed up in my ADM Government class my senior year back in the 90's. Since then, I have taken my right to vote at every level very seriously.
I hope everyone has a great week and I hope to see many of you on Saturday at the Adel Sweet Corn Fest!
Leadership
August 6, 2022 - As a leader, I already have a lot of ideas on how the Recorder’s office could be run to best serve the needs of Dallas County. However, it’s not just my ideas that matter. When you are a true leader, you foster an environment where ideas flow. Collaboration is key in a team environment, and that’s how it will be in the Recorder’s office under my leadership. One of us might have an idea, and that idea spurs an idea in someone else, and so on. Empowering employees so they feel like they have a voice, and then truly listening when they use that voice, is something I take very seriously.
JULY 30, 2022
July Dallas Co. GOP meeting
July 28, 2022 - Packed house at the DCGOP meeting tonight!
Reflection
July 27, 2022 - The person I am (past and present) directly reflects the person I will be as your Recorder (future).
I am a lifelong resident of Dallas County. A Dallas County hometown girl. My roots are here and this is where I will stay. Many of you know me. Some of you do not. If not, I hope you will either look over my past posts or let me know if you have any questions about me.
I am real. I am not a politician and I never will be. I vow to never change. It has never mattered to me what title or position anyone (or myself) holds, I have always treated everyone the same. I promise to continue that when elected.
My #1 reason for running is simple. I want to serve the wonderful people in this county that I love. It’s not about anything else for me. It’s about the people and this county.
On November 8, vote for Dallas County roots and a positive future for Dallas County. Vote for someone who best reflects the qualities of a person you want in office.
#renaeforrecorder
