Hi Johnston! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How fast are Johnston's Medicaid lab costs rising compared to other care?
- Charles City and Johnston families remember the life of Linda H. Girkin.
Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (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.
Weather forecast:
- Tuesday: Hot and humid with a t-storm, with a high of 93 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 94, low: 74.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny; hot and humid, with a high of 93 and low of 72 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Johnston Medicaid spending for pathology and lab procedures climbs to $37,267 in 2024 (desmoinessun.com) — Medicaid spending on pathology and lab work in Johnston jumped 66% in 2024, reaching $37,267, all billed in ZIP code 50131. While this category is only a small slice of overall local Medicaid costs, it has grown far faster than other services, reflecting changing health needs and testing use among Johnston residents.
• Linda H. Girkin (charlescitypress.com) — Family and friends with Johnston ties are mourning Linda H. Girkin, whose brother lives in Johnston while services will be held Sept. 5 in Charles City. The 77-year-old is remembered as a devoted caregiver, grandmother, and hard worker who spent years in insurance, animal health, and the family carpet-cleaning business.
📸 Around Johnston
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnston
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Tuesday September 8 - Music at the Market - Chris Powell →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - City Council Meeting
City of Johnston Johnston City Hall - 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410 Johnston IA 50
7:00 pm - City Council Meeting →
Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
7:00 pm
📣 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
Tuesday September 1 - Craft & Chat →
Pleasant Hill Public Library, 5151 Maple Dr #2, Pleasant Hill
11:00 am - Community & Family Resources at the Madrid Public Library
Madrid Public Library Madrid Library, 100 West 3rd St., Madrid, IA, 50156, United States
2:30 pm - Adel Farmers Market
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Beginning at 2pm through 8pm, the following intersections will be affected: Main St & N 9th St Main St & N 10th St Court & N 10th St Road closures will remain in place throughout the market event. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: North Polk vs Dallas Center-Grimes (Varsity)
Middle School Dallas Center - Grimes Oak View
4:15 pm - Girls Tennis: North Polk vs Dallas Center-Grimes (Level 2)
Middle School Dallas Center - Grimes Oak View
4:15 pm - Girls Swimming & Diving: Ankeny vs Waukee Northwest (Varsity)
Middle School Waukee CSD Natatorium
5:00 pm - Volleyball: Boone vs North Polk (JV 1)
Middle School North Polk High School Gym
5:00 pm - Girls Swimming & Diving: Ankeny vs Waukee Northwest (JV)
Middle School Waukee CSD Natatorium
5:00 pm - Volleyball: Boone vs North Polk (9th A)
Middle School North Polk High School Gym
5:00 pm
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Community - we are so thankful for all of your comments, questions and suggestions.
We have not been able to positively identify the person responsible for the attacks, but the good news is we have also not seen the individual again… (Nextdoor Green Meadows)
- Dollar Tree Family Dollar - Dollar Tree, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate I in Johnston. Apply here.
- Pizza Hut, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Ankeny. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.
🗞 Nearby News
Grimes
- Single and One Story Homes in Governor's District, Grimes, IA For Sale (redfin.com)
- Greene County Historical Society to Host Program on Submarines with Speakers Who Served (raccoonvalleyradio.com)
- Radio Iowa High School Football Rankings; Week Two (westerniowatoday.com)
Urbandale
- NFL roster shakeup: Tracking players with Iowa ties (who13.com)
- Joyce Ellen Nafzinger Hitch, 90, Mountain Home (Conner) (ktlo.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: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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