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🌱 Patch AM: How a former ACT campus will reshape Iowa City’s east side

Make time for Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026 on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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Monday January 5th Patch AM
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Hello Iowa City! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a former ACT campus will reshape Iowa City’s east side
  • How and when Iowa City will take your old Christmas tree
  • What should you actually do if you find an injured hawk?

Also on today's calendar: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026 and 1 more event.

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

Today's riddle: What did the baby light bulb say to its mom? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 44 and low of 33 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 43, low: 29.
  • Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 52 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Nearly 400 acres on east side of Iowa City set for housing, commercial development (thegazette.com) — Nearly 400 acres on Iowa City’s east side, the former ACT campus, are being transformed into a major new neighborhood with senior, mixed-income housing, and a large commercial hub anchored by a potential grocery store. Plans also reserve land for a possible new elementary school and Iowa’s first pediatric palliative care center, while adding public streets, trails, and sensitive-area preservation that will significantly reshape daily life on the east side.
   

2. Here's where to dispose of Christmas trees in Eastern Iowa (thegazette.com) — If you live in Iowa City, you can set out natural, undecorated Christmas trees at the curb by 7 a.m. on your normal pickup day, or take them to the landfill’s compost facility for a small fee. Artificial trees should be reused, donated, or treated as bulky trash. The article also outlines similar post-holiday tree options in nearby Eastern Iowa communities.
   

3. Sonja Hadenfeldt reflects on 10 years of raptor advocacy with RARE (thegazette.com) — An Iowa City-born nonprofit, RARE, has grown from a tiny clinic corner to a full raptor rehabilitation center with 40 volunteers serving Eastern Iowa. Coordinator Sonja Hadenfeldt explains local threats to raptors, why residents shouldn’t self-treat injured birds, and exactly what Iowa Citians should do if they find a hawk or owl in trouble.
   

4. Chronic shoplifter banned from Hy-Vee arrested again (1630kcjj.com) — Iowa City police report that a woman previously banned from Hy-Vee was arrested again after staff at the 1st Avenue store suspected her of trying to leave with liquor without paying. Officers later found her nearby with additional bottles, and video reportedly shows multiple thefts. She now faces theft and trespassing charges that could bring up to two years in jail.
   

5. See best photos of former Purdue assistant Brock Spack through the years (indystar.com) — Iowa City football fans will spot Kinnick Stadium cameos in this photo gallery tracing Illinois State coach and former Purdue assistant Brock Spack’s career on the sidelines. The collection highlights his matchups across the country, including a 2015 visit to face the Hawkeyes in Iowa City.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning beautiful people.
    Have a wonderful weekend. Today seems like opportunities will be open for all. Stay blessed and be kind. (Nextdoor Wetherby-Grant)
  • I needed the most awkward chaise lounge taken up our very narrow steps and they got it done on the same day!
    They were very respectful and professional. I plan on using them for all our house projects. I truly cannot stress enough how amazing the service was… (Nextdoor Northside and Goosetown)
  • Target posted a job opening for Guest Advocate (Cashier), General Merchandise, Inbound (Stocking) (T3374) in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member 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 love you watts and watts!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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