Sen. Joni Ernst is a big fan of what's happening in Sanborn.

Iowa's junior U.S. senator was put on parade in the community Tuesday as part of her annual 99-county tour. The Republican visited downtown businesses with a local delegation, stopping at AMPI, Locomotion Lanes, Sanborn Carnegie Hall and Family Health Chiropractic.

Ernst fielded concerns from business owners and was shown areas of growth and improvement in Sanborn.

"We need to find ways to not just survive, but thrive in these small towns," she said, noting the importance of a strong business sector. "It draws visitors and potential...