Community Corner
π± How a Hiawatha radio station quietly put an AI DJ on air
Also, don't miss Dungeons & Dragons on the Hiawatha Patch calendar

What's up Hiawatha! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. βοΈ
In today's newsletter:
- How a Hiawatha radio station quietly put an AI DJ on air
- How a Hiawatha tower pro just gained national industry influence
Also on today's calendar: PUBLIC INVITED! - BASKET NIGHT! and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Hiawathafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? π€ (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Hiawatha Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Hiawatha.![]()
Find out what's happening in Hiawathafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: A little snow, up to 1", with a high of 24 and low of 18 degrees. βοΈ Brr!
- Friday: Cold with low clouds, temps: high: 24, low: -3.
- Saturday: Much colder with snow, with a high of 4 and low of -13 degrees.
π° News we're reading
β’ AI Hits the Airwaves: Meet the Voice Rock 108 Fans Hear but Never See (cbs2iowa.com) β Rock 108βs overnight and weekend voice, βDJ Tori,β is an AI-generated host created and run from Hiawatha, giving local listeners a virtual DJ who back-announces songs and shares band facts. Station staff in Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids say she fills staffing gaps but canβt replace the personal, hometown connection human DJs bring to eastern Iowa rock fans.
Β Β Β ![]()
β’ NATE announces 2026 Board election results; Strong member turnout reflects industry crossroads (wirelessestimator.com) β A Hiawatha-based business leader, Diek Brunscheen of Viking Maintenance, has been elected to the national board of NATE, the Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association. His 25 years of tower-industry experience and focus on climber safety will now help shape national standards, workforce development, and contractor advocacy that could indirectly influence jobs and business opportunities tied to Hiawathaβs telecom sector.
Β Β Β ![]()
πΈ Around Hiawatha
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
π Upcoming Events in Hiawatha
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
β Featured events β
- Dungeons & Dragons
Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Willman St, Hiawatha
5:00 pm
Friday December 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- PUBLIC INVITED! - BASKET NIGHT!
El Kahir Shrine , 905 Tower Terrace Rd , Hiawatha
5:30 pm - Hiawatha Holiday Vendor Show β The Blue Strawberry
Hiawatha Community Center , 101 Emmons St , Hiawatha
10:00 am - Hiawatha Winter Market
101 Emmons St , Hiawatha
4:00 pm - Expressive Arts for Teens
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
4:00 pm - Hiawatha Public Library Comic Book Club
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
7:00 pm - Fresh Conversations
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
1:00 pm - Young at Art
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
6:00 pm
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Thursday December 18
Sunday December 28
Tuesday December 30
π£ Hiawatha Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
π Events Nearby
- Saturday Story Time: Special Guest Ms. Carly from Music Together
Cedar Rapids Public Library , 450 5th Ave SE , Cedar Rapids
10:00 am - Santa at the Grove
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom , 170 1st St SW , Cedar Rapids
11:00 am - Winter Wonderland 2025
Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center , 4400 6th St SW , Cedar Rapids
10:00 am - Brunch & Blues with Kevin B.F. Burt
350 First , 350 1st Ave NE , Cedar Rapids
11:00 am
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
π¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Pentex Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Taco John's, FT & PT Shift Manager in Hiawatha. Apply here.
- Domino's Pizza, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep(01740) - 1396 7th ave in Marion. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hiawatha here.
π Nearby News
Marion
- Marion city crews to begin overnight snow removal in Uptown, parking ban starts at 2 a.m. (cbs2iowa.com)
- UNI Gallery of Art to present two fall 2025 BFA exhibitions (uni.edu)
- Federal grant funding restored for Iowa libraries, museums (thegazette.com)
Cedar Rapids
- Dua Pie brings New York-style pizza, Italian classics to downtown Cedar Rapids (thegazette.com)
Ok Hiawatha! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
π Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you whatβs happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.