Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Johnston schools suddenly need 10 more special education associates
Also, don't miss Summer Concert Series on the Johnston Patch calendar
Good morning to you Johnston! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Johnston schools suddenly need 10 more special education associates
- How Waukee's coaching shake-up could affect Johnston's football opener
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Johnston Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Johnston Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Johnston. 
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 57 degrees.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 84, low: 65.
- Saturday: Humid; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
• Johnston School District adds 10 special education associate job openings after late enrollment (kcci.com) — Johnston Community School District is urgently hiring about 10 new special education associates after late student enrollment, even though all special education teacher positions are filled. The district's unique role serving ChildServe residents and medically complex students means associates handle intensive daily support, from behavior plans to personal care. Interested residents can apply directly through the district's job postings. 
• Waukee football coach charged with OWI will not coach team's opening game (kcci.com) — Waukee High School's head football coach will miss Friday's season opener against Johnston after being charged with operating while intoxicated, leaving an assistant to lead the Warriors. The game still goes on, but Johnston players will now face a Waukee team without its head coach on the sideline. District officials say Bakker remains head coach but declined further comment.
📸 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!
- Summer Concert Series →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
7:00 pm - Planning & Zoning Meeting →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
7:00 pm - Music at the Market - Patricia Holly →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Music at the Market - Chris Powell →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - City Council Meeting →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
7:00 pm - City Council Meeting
City of Johnston Johnston City Hall - 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410 Johnston IA 50
7:00 pm
Saturday August 29
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Tuesday September 8
📣 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
- Staff and Family Picnic
Valerius Elementary School Urbandale, IA 50322
5:00 pm - Are You Ready For It? - A Taylor Experience →
The Ingersoll Tap, 2837 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
1:00 pm - Planning and Zoning Commission →
Grimes, IA Calendar
5:30 pm - *COFFEE & CANVAS* Vibrant Sunflower Trio →
Painting with a Twist, 3753 86th St, Urbandale
10:00 am - Labor Day →
Urbandale, IA Calendar - City Buildings Closed - Labor Day →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Tuesday September 1
Saturday September 5
Monday September 7
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Johnston PatchAM possible:
- Squirrel girl tree care — (515) 897-9342
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- MercyOne posted a job opening for Receptionist - Pediatrics - PRN in Johnston. Apply here.
- Planet Fitness posted a job opening for Future Opening: Overnight Custodian in Johnston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.
🗞 Nearby News
Grimes
- XC Olympian Met with DCG Boy's Cross Country Team in Offseason (raccoonvalleyradio.com)
Urbandale
- Urbandale Food Pantry reopens after two-week closure with bigger parking lot and safety upgrades (kcci.com)
- Friday night football hits different with KCCI-Iowa's Sports Leader (kcci.com)
Ankeny
- Dress like Dolly Parton for 'Race for Reading 5K' Saturday in Ankeny (kcci.com)
- Iowa high school football schedule Week 1: Every IHSAA game (bluewaterhealthyliving.com)
- After five theft convictions, nursing home worker faces licensing sanctions (mississippivalleypublishing.com)
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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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