Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could Iowa City lose its state historical archives for good?

Spotted on the Iowa City calendar: Live Band Burlesque with the Blake Shaw Quintet

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Cheers Iowa City! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Iowa City lose its state historical archives for good?
  • How will Iowa City’s $2 million skate park upgrade change Terrell Mill?
  • How one man’s 3,334 toys are headed to Iowa City

Also on today's calendar: Live Band Burlesque with the Blake Shaw Quintet and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high of 5 and low of -2 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Partly sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 33, low: 15.
  • Tuesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 38 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa agencies pre-file bills ahead of 2026 session, reviving fight over Iowa City archives (thegazette.com) — Iowa lawmakers are set to debate a bill that could erase the legal requirement to maintain the state historical archives center in Iowa City, directly affecting a 168-year-old local institution now tied up in court. The same pre-filed package previews major 2026 fights over kratom regulation, prison safety, political deepfakes, government transparency, public-embezzlement penalties, and utility shutoff protections that Iowa City officials and residents have closely watched.
   

2. Construction slated to begin in March 2026 on Iowa City skate park (press-citizen.com) — Iowa City’s Terrell Mill Park skate park is getting a $2 million overhaul starting spring 2026, with work expected to wrap up by November. The city-selected contractor will expand the park north toward Beckwith Boathouse, add a paved pump track, new beginner and intermediate areas, and more gathering space so skaters and bikers of all levels can ride and connect.
   

3. Waterloo man's toy drive brings holiday joy to Iowa City kids (kwwl.com) — Children and families at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa City Ronald McDonald House are set to receive more than 3,300 donated toys this holiday season. Waterloo resident Paul “Woody” Woodward has spent 16 years growing his annual drive, now supported by Cedar Valley fundraisers and year-round donations coordinated through his Woody’s Toys Incorporated Facebook page.
   

4. Dan Perkins Before He Was Tom Tomorrow (dailycartoonist.com) — A celebrated political cartoonist’s origin story runs straight through Iowa City, from his parents’ move here in 1966 to his early strip sketches at a downtown copy shop. Dan Perkins, better known as Tom Tomorrow, still keeps a tangible connection as his work continues to appear in Little Village while he relies on reader support to sustain his long-running comic.
   

5. IKM-Manning Receives Iowa STEM BEST Grant Funds (1380kcim.com) — Iowa City schools are among several Iowa districts sharing new STEM BEST enhancement grants, aimed at expanding hands-on, work-based learning programs. While IKM-Manning’s student-run FIRE business is highlighted, the funding list also includes Iowa City, signaling more support for local classroom-to-career experiences in the 2025–26 school year.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Iowa City

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📣 Iowa City Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have a neighbor whose dog has been missing for almost.
    24 hours. She is a dark Grey Weimaraner named Zola. If you see her please contact me. thank you! (Nextdoor American Legion Township)
  • Following another dusting of snow, the City of Iowa City is reminding residents to clear their sidewalks.
    Under City ordinance, sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of the snowstorm ending in the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. With… (Nextdoor )
  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Supervisor, Central Sterilizing 3rd Shift - North Liberty in Iowa City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Iowa City here.

Ok Iowa City! 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 didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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