Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Johnston’s own Sammy Smith is leaving JR Motorsports after 2026
Make time for Summer Concert Series on the Johnston Patch calendar

Hello Johnston! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Johnston's own Sammy Smith is leaving JR Motorsports after 2026
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Saturday: Humid; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 90, low: 71.
- Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Sammy Smith Confirms Major Career Move After Only 3 Seasons With JR Motorsports – [your]NEWS (yournews.com) — A Johnston native is making headlines in NASCAR as 22-year-old driver Sammy Smith plans to leave JR Motorsports after the 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Smith, who has built a strong résumé with playoff runs and key wins, will finish out this year chasing a championship before deciding his next move in the sport.
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📸 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
- 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 - City Buildings Closed - Labor Day →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111 - Labor Day →
Urbandale, IA Calendar - Splash Pad Closed for the Season →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111
Saturday August 29
Tuesday September 1
Saturday September 5
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
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
- National Mentor Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Referral and Assessment Coordinator in Johnston. Apply here.
- Hy-Vee Supermarket posted a job opening for Meat Clerk in Urbandale. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnston here.
🗞 Nearby News
Grimes
- Dallas Center-Grimes teacher is fourth-generation Mustang (kcci.com)
- Aurelia Greenig, 88, Kansas City (pencitycurrent.com)
- Iowa father says he had 'delusion' he could save baby's life as he beat her to death (kcau9.com)
Urbandale
- Dentist fined for 'unprofessional' responses to patients' online reviews (kcrg.com)
- Judge says Iowa Libertarians can't replace governor, Congress nominees (desmoinesregister.com)
- How to Protect Your Joint, Hip, and Spine Health As You Age (lifetime.life)
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 bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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