🌱 Patch AM: Johnston to host televised debate in Iowa’s hot Senate race

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:

• Johnston to host televised debate in Iowa's hot Senate race
• How to give blood in Johnston before the CyHawk showdown

Also on today's calendar: Iowa Together Rally & Concert and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Friday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 96 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Saturday: Hot; a strong p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 95, low: 72.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 89 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Iowa PBS sets Oct. 7 U.S. Senate debate between Hinson and Turek (cbs2iowa.com) — Johnston residents should know that Iowa PBS will host an October 7 debate at its local studios between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat. Moderated by Iowa Press host Kay Henderson, the 7 p.m. debate will be broadcast and streamed statewide, though no in‑person audience will be allowed.
   

• LifeServe urges Iowans to donate blood ahead of big CyHawk game (kimt.com) — A regional LifeServe blood drive is coming up that includes Johnston donors, encouraging residents to give blood on September 10 and 11 while sporting their CyHawk team colors. Donations typically dip over Labor Day, but local hospitals still need a steady supply, and participants will receive a special rivalry-themed T‑shirt for helping out.
   

📸 Around Johnston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnston

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Sunday September 6
• Iowa Together Rally & Concert →
  Doc's Lounge, 8805 Chambery Blvd, Johnston
  2:00 pm
Tuesday September 8
• 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
Thursday September 10
• Football Friends and Fun: A Tailgate for Jill →
  The Warehouse Pub, 10100 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston
  5:00 pm
Saturday September 12
• Fall Electronics Recycling Day →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
  10:00 am
Monday September 14
• Planning & Zoning Meeting →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
  7:00 pm
Tuesday September 15
• Music at the Market - Dennis Kain →
  Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
  4:00 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

Saturday September 5
• *COFFEE & CANVAS* Vibrant Sunflower Trio →
  Painting with a Twist, 3753 86th St, Urbandale
  10:00 am
Monday September 7
• Labor Day →
  Urbandale, IA Calendar
• City Buildings Closed - Labor Day →
  Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111
Tuesday September 8
• Splash Pad Closed for the Season →
  Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111

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

• Panera posted a job opening for Shift Lead (Hourly Manager) in Johnston. Apply here.
• Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Grimes. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.

🗞 Nearby News

Grimes

• Commercial real estate transactions in Polk County from April 9, 2026, to May 12, 2026. (dmcityview.com)
• Closures begin for $146M Southwest Mixmaster renovation project (who13.com)

Urbandale

• Norwalk renews efforts to bring Buc-ee's after Urbandale rejection (kcci.com)
• Know the Foe Week 2: (2A) #3 Roland-Story at (3A) #8 Des Moines Christian (kqradio.com)
• KXEL Morning News for Thu. Sep. 03, 2026 (kxel.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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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