Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Jon Green’s second term as board chair means for Johnson County

Be sure to catch Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026 on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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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 Jon Green’s second term as board chair means for Johnson County
  • Will Iowa City’s late-night $2 ride service disappear next year?
  • What led to this Iowa City baseball bat assault plea deal?

Also on today's calendar: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026.

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

Today's riddle: What did one volcano say to the other volcano? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Cloudy most of the time, with a high of 36 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Monday: Sunshine and some clouds, temps: high: 44, low: 34.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 46 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Supervisor Jon Green to serve as Johnson County chair for 2026 (thegazette.com) — Johnson County supervisors meeting in Iowa City have unanimously chosen Jon Green to chair the Board of Supervisors again in 2026, with Lisa Green-Douglass as vice-chair. The article also explains how a new state law could reshape supervisor elections in 2026, though a lawsuit is challenging that requirement for Johnson and other counties.
   

2. Johnson County transit program unlikely to continue beyond pilot phase (thegazette.com) — A curb-to-curb transit option serving the Iowa City metro, Trip Connect, is seeing growing ridership but may shut down when its pilot ends June 30, 2026 because of high per-ride costs. Most trips start and end within Iowa City, often filling gaps when regular buses aren’t running, and county supervisors will decide its fate during the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process.
   

3. Iowa City man accused of attacking victim with a baseball bat reaches plea deal (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City resident has pleaded guilty in connection with a February 2024 assault at Mercer Park in which police say a person was struck with a baseball bat. The plea comes as the defendant also faces a separate probation revocation hearing tied to earlier alleged robbery attempts on the Ped Mall.
   

4. Chronic shoplifter arrested after recent slate of thefts (1630kcjj.com) — A man with prior theft convictions has been arrested after a series of alleged shoplifting incidents at Iowa City’s Salvation Army and downtown Target. Police say he was caught near Gilbert Street and Kirkwood Avenue wearing some of the items and now faces multiple theft and paraphernalia charges.
   

5. Injury accident in Coralville leads to felony OWI charge against Iowa City man (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City resident faces a felony drunk driving charge after a New Year’s Day crash in Coralville that injured another driver at the Coralville Strip and Hayden Fry Way. Police say video and on-scene observations led to a blood warrant, and the 40-year-old now faces a potential prison term due to prior OWI convictions.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost Cat: Mo
    Shes 8 months old, Black-tortises tabby (Golden right front paw, golden dot under nose). Shes going through her first heat cycle. Very vocal as of… (Nextdoor College Green)
  • Finish the holidays strong by giving and disposing responsibly:
    Donate thoughtfully: Bring gently used holiday decorations to Crowded Closet. Items must be clean and in good condition. We’re unable to accept… (Nextdoor Far Eastside)
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Dental Assistant - Clinic Administration in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Soap Creek Resources posted a job opening for Ready Mix Plant Manager - J604 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 lava you.
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