Top 9: Big Bank Blamed in $215M Theft, Buzzers to Block School Intruders, City Bans Controversial Surveillance Tactic

Court Date Set for Lawsuit Against Former Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann

The suit against the Minnesota Congresswoman alleges that a supporter stole an email list from a Johnston volunteer. Bachmann has also announced she will not seek re-election in 2014.

Johnston Waterways Not Predicted to Reach Flood Stage as Saylorville Lake Fills Up

While some trails in the Johnston area have closed because of rising water, city officials said that Beaver Creek and the Des Moines River are not expected to hit flood stage.

FBI Now Investigating Claims of Alleged Illegal Activity During Bachmann Presidential Campaign

The Minnesota Congresswoman's former presidential campaign is facing a lawsuit that claims a supporter stole an email list from a Johnston volunteer.

Lawyer Named to Investigate Alleged Bachmann Campaign Payments to State Senator

The Minnesota Congresswoman's former presidential campaign also faces a lawsuit that a supporter stole an email list from a Johnston volunteer.

Reports: Michele Bachmann Negotiating Settlement with Former Iowa Campaign Worker over Home School Emails

A Johnston woman, who claims a staff member from the Bachmann presidential campaign stole an email list of homeschoolers, is reportedly in negotiations to settle her lawsuit.

Johnston Woman Says GOP Activist Supports Her Claim That Bachmann Campaign Stole Email List

A Johnston GOP volunteer says statements last week in an Iowa Senate investigation back up her charge that State Sen. Ken Sorenson stole an email list from her computer and gave it to the Michele Bachmann campaign.

Speak Out: Should Johnston Land Destined for Church be Rezoned for Single-Family Homes?

Johnston officials are considering whether "quasi-public" land designated to become a church should be rezoned to build single-family homes.

Timber Ridge Students Tour Iowa Capitol

The Johnston elementary students were hosted by State Rep. Chris Hagenow.

Kosovo Delegates Visit Johnston Schools, Part of Four-Day Tour

The delegation from Peja, Kosovo, was composed of Peja Mayor Ali Berisha, Peja Director of Health and Social Welfare Xhafer Dema, Peja Director of Culture, Youth & Sport Shpresa Gjonbalaj, and Peja Director of Urban Planning Violeta Ukaj.

Johnston and Kosovo City to Become 'Sister Cities': From the Mayor's Desk

On Thursday of this week, the cities of Johnston, Iowa and Peja, Kosovo will become “twin” cities. And like so many twins, the city of Peja and the city of Johnston are similar in many ways, and yet different in others.

Hoarders Alert: Johnston Spring Cleanup Starts Monday

Time to get rid of your junk, from broken chairs to old tires, televisions and more. Have your goodies out on the curb by 6 a.m.

What Improvements Are Needed in Neighborhoods East of Merle Hay?

The city of Johnston will hold a public workshop April 29 to hear what infrastructure improvements residents want to see in the neighborhoods east of Merle Hay Road.

Johnston to Form Sister City Tie with Peja, Kosovo

A delegation from the Eastern European country of Kosovo will arrive in Johnston Tuesday for a visit that will formalize a Sister City agreement.

Working-Class Iowan De La Cerda Seeks Congressman Tom Latham's Seat

Gabriel De La Cerda, 34, Iowa Political Coordinator for the United Steel Workers Union seeks 3rd District Democratic Nomination.

Work to Restore Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area Delayed a Week

The cold spring has delayed the "leafing out" of plants, so volunteers will tackle invasive species near Beaver Creek on April 20.

Two Board of Regents Appointees – Including Former Johnston School Board Member – Refused by Iowa Senate

While Gov. Terry Branstad condemned the Senate for their decision, one nominee and current president of the Iowa Board of Regents said he "respected the Senate's decision."

From The Mayor's Desk: New Fire Station to Make Community Safer

Last Friday, a hundred residents, businesses and community leaders from Johnston and Grimes gathered at 62nd Avenue and 103rd Street and dedicated the new Johnston Fire Station No. 2 and Police Annex.

Brad Zaun: Increase in Revenues Not a Green Light to Grow Government

Good news arrived last week that came from the Revenue Estimating Conference to discuss the state’s financial situation.

Johnston Student Selected for U.S. Military Academy at West Point

William Krone of Johnston has received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, for the 2013-2014 school year.

Brad Zaun: Healthy Iowa Plan

As we might have heard there is an ongoing debate about expanding Medicaid or renewing and expanding the Iowa Cares program which has now been renamed the Healthy Iowa Plan.

Johnston Discusses Possible Changes to Water, Sewer Rates

The city will pay Northland Securities to determine if a rate change is needed.

From The Mayor's Desk: Great Stuff Happening in Johnston

March has just begun and the City Council has already finalized its strategic plan and budget for the next year.

Johnston Seeks Resident's Feedback on Merle Hay Road Redevelopment Plan

An open house will hosted on March 26 to gather feedback.

From The Mayor's Desk: It Takes A Village

Several times each year I am invited to participate in the graduation ceremonies of Johnston’s fifth graders from the 411 program.

Legendary Tweeter - Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley - Hanging it Up? Say It Ain't So!

The long-time senator is making a change to his Twitter usage.

Johnston Council Sets 2014 Property Tax Rate

The city expects to spend $49 million in 2014 fiscal year.

Johnston City Council Hosts Public Hearing on 2014 Budget Tonight

The council meets at 6 p.m. for a work session followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Public Meeting Focuses on Northwest Beaver Drive Reconstruction Project

The City of Johnston Public Works Department will be hosting a public information meeting for the NW Beaver Drive Reconstruction Project.

Latham Won't Run for Senate, Congressman Steve King Hasn't Decided

King issued a statement on his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon that he wouldn't rush into a decision on running for U.S. Senate. Democrat Tom Harkin has said he won't seek re-election in 2014.

Congress to Johnston Residents: 'Drop Dead'?

President Obama today targeted Congress for putting "games" over thousands of jobs, and he asked for help to prevent sequestration. Here's how to contact your Congressman. Meanwhile, Republicans criticized the president for campaigning on

Residents Invited to Meeting on East of Merle Hay Road Neighborhood Improvements

The meeting is to being public involvement of potential infrastructure improvements.

Johnston Man Pleads Guilty to Massive Marijuana Growing Operation

Federal agents raided a home in Johnston in September and the man who owned the house has pleaded guilty.

From The Mayor's Desk: Happy Birthday Kosovo

Johnston will soon be the first city in the United States to enter into a sister city relationship with a city in Kosovo.

From The Mayor's Desk: Community Volunteers

Every month, dozens of Johnston residents volunteer their time to make Johnston a great place to live and work.

When is Presidents’ Day 2013? What’s Open, What’s Closed in Johnston?

Presidents’ Day, always observed on the third Monday in February, falls on Feb. 18 this year. Just who are we celebrating?

Postal Service To Discontinue Mail Delivery on Saturdays; Johnston Reacts

The plan calls for the end of first-class mail delivery, but packages and priority mail delivery will continue.

City Increases Rental Rates For Crown Point, Simpson Barn

The Johnston City Council voted in favor of increasing rental rates for both buildings.

GOP Poll: Tea Party Favorite Steve King Leads Over Brad Zaun, Tom Latham for Harkin's U.S. Senate Seat

Congressman King leads potential Republican nominees, including Congressman Tom Latham and Zaun, for Tom Harkin's U.S. Senate seat, according to a poll by Harper Polling. But Politico wonders, "Could King actually win?"

From the Mayor’s Desk: Mobile Mayor Needs You!

Each month mayor Paula Dierenfeld hosts a time to meet with constituents. Find out how to share your thoughts and concerns.