Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What led to charges after the Mercer Park Aquatic Center incident?

Happening soon: Pre-inventory Sale on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Good day Iowa City! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What led to charges after the Mercer Park Aquatic Center incident?
  • How big is Iowa City’s growing homeschool community now?
  • Have you seen these stunning Iowa River shots from Iowa City?

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: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high of 38 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 25, low: 19.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 30 and low of 15 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa City woman arrested for her alleged involvement in assault at Mercer Park Aquatic Center (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City woman faces charges after being arrested on a warrant tied to a July disturbance at Mercer Park Aquatic Center and allegedly being found with marijuana during a recent traffic stop. The case centers on accusations she harassed a victim in a bathroom and was present when others assaulted that person.
   

2. More Iowa families choosing to homeschool (thegazette.com) — Iowa City families now have a more robust homeschool assistance option through the Iowa City Community School District, which serves 117 students and operates a dedicated center on Grissel Place. The article also compares Iowa City’s in-district focus with larger regional programs in Marion and Mid-Prairie, highlighting why more Iowa parents are turning to homeschooling and how districts are funding support services.
   

3. See our favorite photos of Iowa rivers, streams, and lakes (press-citizen.com) — Several striking photos spotlight the Iowa River flowing through Iowa City, including views near the former Iowa River Power restaurant and along Riverside Drive with bald eagles overhead. The gallery also showcases rivers and lakes across Iowa, from Des Moines’ Gray’s Lake to RAGBRAI swim stops, capturing how Iowans cool off, fish, and play on the water.
   

4. Ukrainian family in Iowa City hoped for Christmas miracle as father remains stuck in Germany (kcrg.com) — An Iowa City-based Ukrainian family is spending the holidays separated, as father Mykola remains stuck in Germany awaiting a delayed H-1B visa while his wife and two children stay here unable to reunite. Their story highlights the emotional and financial strain of visa backlogs on local Ukrainian families trying to remain in the United States legally.
   

5. Bars, law enforcement prepare for New Year's Eve celebrations (kcrg.com) — Iowa City police are urging residents to line up sober rides and avoid drunk driving as New Year’s Eve celebrations ramp up tonight. Officers recommend traveling in groups, watching each other’s drinks, and calling police if you feel unsafe, while statewide Uber vouchers offer another option to get home without driving impaired.
   

📸 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!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Looking for someone to save the day--a woodworking hobbyist who would be happy and able to make a charitable contribution of their time and skill in the following way:
    Make what I reason would be amount to one repair and three improvements to an ancient (OK, 143-year-old) game I wanted to pass along to a family of… (Nextdoor Creekside)
  • I Really Love and Appreciate all the responses on my post about help with my son.
    Thank you all again for all the kind comments also appreciate everyone suggestions for work and support for my Son. Have A Great New Year’s Everyone (Nextdoor Wetherby-Grant)
  • Boyd Group Services Inc posted a job opening for Porter in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Iowa Staffing posted a job opening for Machine Operator 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 heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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