🌱 Patch AM: How Johnston’s 22 license plate cameras are monitored and what they cost

Coffee in hand, Johnston? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Johnston's 22 license plate cameras are monitored and what they cost
• When the Iowa governor candidates will debate live from Johnston

Also on today's calendar: Tummy Time at the Library and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Johnston Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, 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:

• Wednesday: Beautiful with plenty of sun, with a high of 77 and low of 48 degrees.
• Thursday: Pleasant with periods of sun, temps: high: 71, low: 53.
• Friday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Johnston police share results of license plate readers in city meeting (kcci.com) — Johnston residents are learning how the city's 22 automated license plate reader cameras, costing about $70,000, have helped police make more than 80 arrests since 2020. In a work session with city leaders, the police chief outlined oversight, internal investigations, and monthly integrity audits for potential misuse, though no formal action was taken yet.
   

• Sand and Lahn to face off in first of four Iowa gubernatorial debates (axios.com) — One of Iowa's four gubernatorial debates between Rob Sand and Zach Lahn will be hosted Oct. 21 at Iowa PBS studios in Johnston, putting the statewide race briefly in the local spotlight. The debates will probe billion‑dollar incentives, farm-economy pressures, and how each candidate might break with party lines, with multiple TV and streaming options to watch.
   

📸 Around Johnston

Subscribe

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!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday October 8
• Maverik OM meeting - INVOICE →
  Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday October 8
• Tummy Time at the Library →
  Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston
  10:00 am
Friday October 9
• Fall Open House →
  Performing Arts Theatre, 8101 Birchwood Ct Ste B, Johnston
  6:00 pm
Saturday October 10
• Mayor's Run for the Trails 5K + Kids Fun Run →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston
  9:00 am
Monday October 12
• Planning & Zoning Meeting →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
  7:00 pm
Thursday October 15
• Library Board Meeting →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
  5:30 pm
• Board of Adjustment Meeting →
  Johnston, IA Calendar, 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410, Johnston
  6:30 pm
• FJELP Fall Program
  Horizon Elementary School, 5905 NW 100th St, Johnston
  7:00 pm
Saturday October 17
• ChildServe – Johnston Sibshops 2026 →
  5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston

📣 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

Wednesday October 7
• Storytime →
  Grimes Public Library, 200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes
  10:00 am
• Music and Movement →
  3520 86th St, Urbandale
  10:30 am
• Zoom Meeting →
  Grimes Public Library, 200 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd, Grimes
  12:45 pm

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 Bread Company posted a job opening for Assistant Manager in Johnston. Apply here.
• TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Fine Grade Foreman in Johnston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.

🗞 Nearby News

Grimes

• Health experts say now is the time to get your annual flu shot (who13.com)
• Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand draws 1,800-plus to Polk County event (nonpareilonline.com)
• DCG Volleyball Finish Last Tournament of the Regular Season (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

Urbandale

• Urbandale to reduce lanes on Douglas Avenue as 1st step to downtown revitalization (weareiowa.com)
• Growing young musicians: Quad City Symphony Orchestra expands educational programs, and with it, youth artistry (qctimes.com)
• Carlisle food pantry distributes food during 'special opening' as water restrictions continue (weareiowa.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: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook