Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Iowa City families gain from the district’s growing homeschool program

Be sure to catch Pre-inventory Sale on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 30th Patch AM
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Hello again Iowa City! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Iowa City families gain from the district’s growing homeschool program
  • Could your Iowa City nonprofit claim part of $470,000 in grants?
  • Why police say this Iowa City arrest could mean more prison time

Also on today's calendar: Pre-inventory Sale.

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

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: Periods of sun; not as cold, with a high of 34 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy, temps: high: 36, low: 9. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 25 and low of 17 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. More Iowa families choosing to homeschool (thegazette.com) — Homeschooling is on the rise statewide, and Iowa City’s district-run homeschool assistance program now serves 117 students with a dedicated center at 1400 Grissel Place and a six-person staff. Local families can access curriculum resources, classrooms, an outdoor learning garden and regular field trips, while the district keeps more state dollars in public schools by supporting homeschoolers in-district.
   

2. Non-profits: Iowa City opens grant applications for 2027 projects (kwwl.com) — Iowa City is now accepting applications from local nonprofits for 2027 Community Development Block Grants and Aid to Agencies funding, with about $470,000 available. Groups serving low- to moderate-income residents, including housing, shelters, food, and childcare providers, must apply by noon on January 30, 2026, for projects starting after July 1, 2026.
   

3. Transient wanted on multiple probation violations arrested (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City resident experiencing homelessness was arrested Friday afternoon after officers recognized she had active warrants and say they found drug-related items during a search. The stop happened on Douglas Court, and the woman now faces additional controlled substance and interference charges that could bring several more years in prison if she’s convicted.
   

4. WEDG announces Melanie Bimson as new Executive Director (southeastiowaunion.com) — A Washington native who currently works for Greater Iowa City Inc. is taking over as executive director of the Washington Economic Development Group, strengthening ties between Washington County and the Iowa City-area economy. Melanie Bimson will start Jan. 19 and help guide efforts on childcare, housing, workforce and business retention under WEDG’s updated strategic plan.
   

5. Notebook: Montana State 'hopeful' Caden Dowler can go in title game against Illinois State (billingsgazette.com) — A Montana State football notebook looks ahead to an FCS title matchup with Illinois State while recalling past games, including Illinois State’s 2024 visit to Iowa City to face the Hawkeyes. Iowa City appears mainly as a dateline reference, with the story centered on Montana State’s roster health and championship preparations.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Iowa City PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Yesterday I lost an ear ring from a pair I received for Christmas.
    They are made from a 1941 Mercury Dime. I don't remember it falling out and have searched at home and every where else I can think of. I was walking… (Nextdoor Manville Heights)
  • I’d like to thank HyVee .
    I recently ordered from Aisle’s Online and they went above and beyond regarding some items that were missed. (Nextdoor Wetherby-Grant)
  • Amazon posted a job opening for Area Manager 2026 - Iowa (Recent and Upcoming Graduates) in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Revenue Cycle Representative - Physician/Hospital Accounts Receivable Management (PHARM) - Patient Financial Services 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 hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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