🌱 Keokuk community mourns the passing of Bernice G. Johnson, 97

Good day Keokuk! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Keokuk community mourns the passing of Bernice G. Johnson, 97
• How funding cuts could change Rand Park Pavilion concerts in 2026
• How Sherrard’s new coach brings Keokuk experience to his program

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Becoming windier; a.m. rain, with a high of 51 and low of 16 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Friday: Partly sunny and colder, temps: high: 34, low: 31.
• Saturday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 45 and low of 21 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bernice G. Johnson (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — Keokuk is mourning the passing of 97-year-old resident Bernice G. Johnson, who died Tuesday at her home. A Montrose High graduate and longtime Keokuk Steel Castings employee, she was active at Living Waters Assembly of God and leaves behind a large extended family across Keokuk and the region.
   

2. Pavilion looking forward to 2026 season (mississippivalleypublishing.com) — Rand Park Pavilion organizers in Keokuk are planning the 2026 summer concert season but warn that recent funding cuts could reduce the number of bands. They’re asking residents and local businesses to sponsor concerts, support fundraisers, and donate through jars at shows, with contact handled through the Keokuk City Offices.
   

3. Zach Weigel Named Sherrard's Next Head Football Coach (ourquadcities.com) — A new head football coach in nearby Sherrard has direct ties to Keokuk, where Zach Weigel previously coached before moving through other Iowa programs. Now taking over a struggling Sherrard program, he says he’ll focus on relationships, accountability, and culture as he builds for the long term.
   

4. Don Vernon Riley (johnsoncountypost.com) — Longtime Keokuk resident Don Vernon Riley, remembered for his Jaycees leadership, Dodgers team management, and work with Hoerner Boxes, has passed away at 87. His life took him far beyond Keokuk, but his community service, friendships, and family ties in Iowa remained central. A memorial service will be held December 20 in Overland Park, Kansas, with a Zoom option.
   

📸 Around Keokuk

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 18

• Girls Basketball: Central Lee vs Monroe City (Varsity)
  Central Lee Elementary School Donnellson, IA 52625
  4:30 pm
• Boys Basketball: Clopton vs Central Lee (Varsity)
  Central Lee Community School District Donnellson, IA 52625
  6:00 pm

Friday December 19

• Girls Basketball: West Burlington vs Central Lee (Junior Varsity)
  Central Lee Elementary School Donnellson, IA 52625
  4:30 pm
• Girls Basketball: West Burlington vs Central Lee (Varsity)
  Central Lee Elementary School Donnellson, IA 52625
  6:00 pm
• Boys Basketball: West Burlington vs Central Lee (Junior Varsity)
  Central Lee Elementary School Donnellson, IA 52625
  6:00 pm
• angelameyer23
  Turnwater Bar and Grill , 318 Riverview Dr , Fort Madison
  7:00 pm
• Boys Basketball: West Burlington vs Central Lee (Varsity)
  Central Lee Elementary School Donnellson, IA 52625
  7:30 pm
• Adventurer's Guild: Teen D&D
  210 N 5th St , Keokuk
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Angela Meyer LIVE at Montrose Sandbar
  Montrose Sandbar , 19 Main St , Montrose
  8:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Team Member in Keokuk. Apply here.
• Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member in Keokuk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Keokuk here.

Ok Keokuk! 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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