Johnston Daily Briefing

Police give retailers high marks on tobacco checks

On Friday, the Johnston Police Department reported that all 18 local retailers passed recent tobacco and vaping compliance checks aimed at preventing sales to minors.

The checks were part of the statewide I-PLEDGE program, which uses underage decoys and plainclothes officers to see whether stores follow Iowa law on tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products. Every participating convenience store, grocery, and specialty shop in Johnston refused to sell to the underage buyers, a result city officials say reflects both education efforts and careful work at the counter.

Library turns Saturday into puzzle and volunteer day

The Johnston Public Library is the place to be today, with a family puzzle competition in the morning, an adults-only puzzle challenge in the afternoon, and VolunTEENS hours for students looking to help with youth programs.

Teams get 90 minutes to tackle 400- and 500-piece puzzles, while teen volunteers spend the afternoon prepping crafts, activities, and other support work that keeps the library’s busy calendar running smoothly. Events are capped by registration, so it’s wise to check availability before heading over.

On the city calendar

Looking ahead, the city has canceled the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting originally set for Monday, February 9, due to a lack of agenda items. City offices and the public library will close on Monday, February 16, for Presidents’ Day, with normal hours resuming on Tuesday.

Later in the month, the City Council will hold its next work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, at City Hall, followed by Library Board and Board of Adjustment meetings on February 19 and a Planning and Zoning meeting on February 23. Residents who like to stay involved in local decisions may want to mark those dates now.

Community growth and coming events

All of this is happening against a backdrop of steady growth. A recent community development report tallied more than $108.6 million in new construction valuation in 2025, including hundreds of new residential and commercial permits across Johnston.

Regionally, music fans may want to look ahead to the All-Iowa Concert Band Festival, scheduled for Monday, February 16, at Johnston High School, which will bring student musicians from around the state into town for a full day of performances.

Sources

• https://www.cityofjohnston.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1564
• https://www.cityofjohnston.com/
• https://www.cityofjohnston.com/Calendar.aspx
• https://www.cityofjohnston.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1559
• https://johnston.librarycalendar.com/events/month
• https://www.northwestbands.org/events-2