Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a top-ranked Minnesota team is coming to Johnston this weekend
Be sure to catch Johnston Public Library closing early for Christmas holiday on the Johnston Patch calendar
Greetings Johnston! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a top-ranked Minnesota team is coming to Johnston this weekend
- How Johnston-based Guard leaders are helping wounded Iowa soldiers recover
Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 43 and low of 32 degrees.
- Monday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 53, low: 34.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 48 and low of 34 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Girls basketball: Red Knights keep it going in 5-0 start; Park wins 3-of-4 (hometownsource.com) — A top-ranked Minnesota girls basketball team is heading to Johnston on Dec. 20 as part of its strong 5-0 season start, giving local fans a chance to see high-level play up close. The article recaps Benilde-St. Margaret’s recent dominant wins and highlights standout performances from Park’s girls team as well. 
Find out what's happening in Johnstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• Two Iowa soldiers wounded in Syria return home (cbs2iowa.com) — Two Iowa National Guard soldiers wounded in a Dec. 13 attack in Syria have returned to the United States and are recovering after arriving back under the Guard’s care in Johnston. A third injured soldier has already returned to duty, and Guard leaders say supporting the troops and their families remains their top priority.
📸 Around Johnston
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnston
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Johnston Public Library closing early for Christmas holiday
Johnston Public Library - Johnston IA 50131
5:00 pm - Library closes early at 5:00 p.m. for the New Years Holiday
Johnston Public Library - Johnston IA 50131
5:00 pm
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 31
📣 Johnston Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Candy Cane Course - Des Moines
Big Creek State Park , 8794 Northwest 125th Avenue , Polk City
9:00 am - Holiday Brunch Bingo
Smash Park Des Moines · West Des Moines , IA , Saylorville
10:00 am - Cozy Onesie Time (Ages 5+)
Painting with a Twist , 3753 86th St , Urbandale
10:30 am - Pick Your Project Workshop (All Ages!)
Board & Brush Creative Studio - Clive , 12871 University Ave Suite 150 , Clive
1:00 pm - A Christmas Carol
Stoner Theater · Des Moines , IA , Saylorville
2:00 pm - Holiday Paint Your Pet — Make a Gift!
Painting with a Twist , 3753 86th St , Urbandale
2:00 pm - Dungeons & Dragons
Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library · Ankeny , IA , Ankeny
2:00 pm - John Primer
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand , 558 28th St , Des Moines
2:00 pm - The Playhouse Production of Disney's Frozen
Des Moines Community Playhouse , 831 42nd St , Des Moines
5:00 pm - An Irving Berlin White Christmas Revue
The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand · Des Moines , IA , Saylorville
7:30 pm
Sunday December 21
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I have a friend who just moved to Iowa.
She is a huge animal lover and is looking for some dog-sitting jobs. She is super with dogs, lots of experience and currently working in a grooming… (Nextdoor Hardwood) - Dear Neighbors,
Be Aware of Thieves Since we are at the holiday season, I wanted to make the community aware of a recent incident involving package theft in our… (Nextdoor Adventure Ridge Park)
- City of Johnston, IA posted a job opening for Police Officer in Johnston. Apply here.
- Army National Guard posted a job opening for 35P Cryptologic Linguist in Johnston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.
🗞 Nearby News
Grimes
- See the action as Southeast Polk girls take on Waukee Northwest (desmoinesregister.com)
- Will homebuilding rebound in 2026? (businessrecord.com)
- Save Energy This Winter (dubuqueinpursuitnews.com)
Urbandale
- Salvation Army says gold coin was found inside red kettle in Urbandale (kcci.com)
Ankeny
Ok Johnston! 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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