Community Corner
🌱 How a new university partnership could reshape Ottumwa’s future.
Be sure to catch All Teachers Inservice on the Ottumwa Patch calendar
Good morning to you Ottumwa! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new university partnership could reshape Ottumwa's future.
- What happened after Ottumwa schools took phones away for two years?
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 76 and low of 65 degrees.
- Wednesday: Humid with clouds and sun, temps: high: 80, low: 60.
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 80 and low of 62 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Ottumwa Lauches Partnership with University of Iowa (ottumwaradio.com) — Ottumwa is launching a yearlong partnership with the University of Iowa that will bring more than 10,000 hours of student and faculty work to local projects, from downtown and airport-area planning to a new buy-local campaign. City leaders say the collaboration will support long-term economic vitality, improve public spaces, and give residents a voice as students tour and study sites across Ottumwa this fall. 
• KCCI Investigates: 2 years without phones, Ottumwa students make huge gains (kcci.com) — Ottumwa schools' decision to ban student cellphones from classrooms and cafeterias has coincided with sharp drops in behavior referrals and failing grades, plus big jumps in AP course participation. Principals and district leaders say students are more focused, more engaged with teachers, and better able to handle rigorous classes now that phones are out of sight during the school day.
📸 Around Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- All Teachers Inservice
Pickwick Early Childhood Center Ottumwa, IA 52501 - Girls Tennis: Grayhound JV Tennis Invite (Junior Varsity)
Pickwick Early Childhood Center Ottumwa, IA 52501
9:00 am - Boys Fall Golf: Jesse Peck Invite (Varsity)
Pickwick Early Childhood Center Ottumwa, IA 52501
9:00 am - Back to School Open House: Evans Junior High
Ottumwa Comm School District Ottumwa, IA 52501
5:00 pm - Kids Scavenger Hunt
Ottumwa Public Library 102 West 4th Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501 - Teen Scavenger Hunt
Ottumwa Public Library 102 West 4th Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501 - All Teachers Inservice
Pickwick Early Childhood Center Ottumwa, IA 52501 - Girls Tennis: Des Moines East vs Ottumwa (Junior Varsity)
Pickwick Early Childhood Center Ottumwa, IA 52501
10:00 am
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
📣 Ottumwa 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
- Quad Meeting →
Antique Airfield-IA27, 22001 Bluegrass Rd, Ottumwa
12:00 pm - Boys Fall Golf: Ottumwa Boys Golf Invitational (Varsity) →
Ottumwa Golf and Social Club & Finnegan's Restaurant, 304 E Golf Ave, Ottumwa
12:00 pm - Boys Fall Golf: Ottumwa Boys Golf Invitational... →
Ottumwa Golf and Social Club & Finnegan's Restaurant, 304 E Golf Ave, Ottumwa
12:00 pm - Fall '26 SONGS OF HOPE Tour →
Bridge View Center, 102 Church St, Ottumwa
4:00 pm
Sunday August 23
Tuesday September 8
Saturday September 12
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
- Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC posted a job opening for Jimmy John's Crew Member in Ottumwa. Apply here.
- Hy-Vee posted a job opening for General Merchandise Clerk in Ottumwa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ottumwa here.
🗞 Nearby News
Oskaloosa
- States hope federal funds will help offset Medicaid cuts for rural hospitals (btpm.org)
Fairfield
- Ruth Briggs (ottumwaradio.com)
- Fairfield Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving 104 MPH While Intoxicated on Highway 34 (ottumwaradio.com)
Sigourney
- Southeast Iowa Man Faces Felony After Knocking Two Unconscious in Sigourney (ottumwaradio.com)
Ok Ottumwa! 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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