July 8-14, 2025

The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District has appointed Percy Coleman as the new fire chief, succeeding Jim Clark. Chief Coleman began his position with the district on Monday, June 30. With 29 years of dedicated service in the Des Moines Fire Department, Chief Coleman brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to improving public safety for the communities of Johnston and Grimes.
 
“It is truly an honor to serve as the fire chief of the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District,” Coleman stated. “I have spent nearly three decades preparing for this opportunity, and I look forward to leading a district that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our community members. Together with our team, we will strive to address new challenges while providing efficient and compassionate services.”
 
Chief Coleman’s top priorities include fostering strong relationships within the district, understanding its current culture, and ensuring the highest safety standards for personnel. To achieve these goals, he plans to visit each fire station to gather feedback from team members regarding strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. He will also focus on enhancing recruitment and retention efforts, addressing non-emergency call volume, and collaborating with city officials and community resources.
 
In addressing the district’s future, Coleman emphasized the need for a holistic approach to service delivery. “As our district continues to grow, we must adapt and improve our services accordingly. This involves strategic planning and working closely with both city staff and mutual aid partners to meet the evolving needs of our residents,” he said.
 
Chief Coleman is eager to engage with the community through local events and activities, reinforcing the district’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. He invites residents to share their thoughts and expectations, as their input is invaluable in guiding the department’s efforts.
 
Together, as a united team, the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District looks forward to building a healthier, thriving work environment and enhancing the overall safety of all community members.

The Iowa State Fire Marshal Division and Fire Service Training Bureau announce the completion of a state-of-the-art training tower after a grand opening ceremony. Located at Camp Dodge, this new facility is set to become a vital resource for firefighter training across the state.

“As the Iowa State Fire Marshal, firefighter training and safety are very important to me,"Iowa State Fire Marshal Dan Wood says. "This FAST Center will give Iowa’s Fire Service a place to train and learn for years to come." 

The construction was overseen by the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau with a $2.1 million appropriation from Iowa legislators in FY23. The tower stands as a testament to cutting-edge design and functionality in firefighter training.

The Iowa Army National Guard provided the land for this project, contributing to a collaborative effort that promises to enhance public safety services statewide. The training tower itself is a four-story structure, featuring a two-story residential/commercial unit and a one-story annex. It boasts a parapet roof system complete with four rappelling anchors and an interior staircase spanning all four levels, in addition to a ladder leading to a roof hatch.

Firefighters will have access to two live fire burn rooms equipped with ceramic heat-resistant tiles located in the residential/commercial section. These rooms are strategically placed on the first and second floors, allowing for realistic and safe training scenarios.

The structure also includes a roof ventilation training prop on the second story's pitched roof, along with comprehensive temperature monitoring throughout the building to ensure the safety and effectiveness of training exercises.

The new facility measures approximately 72 feet by 22 feet, offering ample space for a variety of training exercises that are crucial for preparing Iowa's firefighters for real-world situations.

This new addition underscores the commitment of the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division to provide top-tier resources and training opportunities for first responders.

Photo from Iowa Department of Public Safety

Summer Reading at the JPL

Summer Reading programs for kids

• If you have animal lovers at your house, bring them to the library to meet some small animal friends at Zoo to You with the Blank Park Zoo on Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. Then help them bring their own stuffed animal friends to Critter Camp at JPL. Kids can drop off their critters any time during open hours on Monday, July 14. After a fun-filled week at camp, you can pick them up on Friday, July 18, and find out what they did while away at camp.
• Do you have young dragon riders ready to escape a fiery lair? Then register them for Dragon Rider Training: Escape Room. In this dragon-filled adventure, kids will solve puzzles, discover secret clues, and prove they have what it takes to fly with dragons. There are two levels of training and multiple sessions offered July 22-24. Registration for a specific session is required

Summer Reading programs for teens

• Teens can travel back in time to the 1990’s Mario Movie Night: “So Bad It’s Super” on Tuesday, July 8, from 4:30-6:15 p.m. Registered moviegoers will check out the original Super Mario Bros. Movie, chat about it on-screen using MuVChat, and munch on Mario-themed snacks.
• Think your teens have what it takes to conquer the ultimate snack showdown? Then sign them up for Snack Boss Battle: Level Up Your Taste Buds on Tuesday, July 15, from 5-6 p.m. Participants will face off against a series of wild food challenges in this boss-level snack competition.

Summer Reading programs for adults and families

• Need a break from the chaos of summer? Then join us for Painted Pots on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. for a relaxing art program just for adults. Crafters will decorate their own terracotta flower pot and choose a succulent to plant in it. All supplies will be provided for registered participants. Just bring your imagination and a willingness to get a little messy.
• If you’re looking for some easy summer desserts to impress your family, food expert Lois Carpenter will demonstrate three seasonal favorites at Sweet Summer Desserts on Saturday, July 19, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Registration is required for this tasty event.
• Register your family or adult team to race against the clock (and other teams) to piece together a jigsaw puzzle at one of our Puzzle Competitions on Saturday, July 26. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, family teams will compete to put together a 400-piece puzzle, and, from 2–3:30 p.m., adult teams will face a 500-piece puzzle challenge. The first teams to finish take home a prize.

More information about all events and resources at Johnston Public Library can be found online at www.johnstonlibrary.com or by calling the library at 515-278-5233.

The Dancer’s Theatre Summer Camps

The Dancer's Theatre is a nonprofit youth performing arts center located in Johnston. Themed camps are offered throughout the summer for students in preschool through middle school. The theatre’s mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, educational and nurturing environment for young artists to create and thrive. Detailed information can be found at thedancerstheatre.org/camps.

• July 7-9: Wonderfully Wicked!
• July 10-11: Lilo and Stitch
• July 14-17: Fairy Tail Fun
• July 14-17: Dinos and Dragon
•  July 22-23: Broadway Bootcamp
• July 24-25: Wonderfully Wicked!
• July 28-31: Intro to Dance and Theatre
• Aug. 7-8: Level Up! (Gamers)
• Aug. 11-15: C.A.M.P. (Create a Musical Play)
• Aug. 18-20: Wild Robot

Movies on the Yard

Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars at 6245 Merle Hay Road. Mark your calendars for the Fridays of July 18 and Aug. 29. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making it the perfect picnic opportunity. Admission to Movies on the Yard is free, ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy this summer's entertainment. Screenings begin around 8 p.m.

Tunes at Twilight

Experience live music in the Yard. Concerts will be from 7:30-9 p.m. on the Thursdays of July 10, Aug. 7 and Sept. 11 at The Yard, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The lineup includes: July 10, Jordan Beem; Aug. 7, The Sons of Gladys Kravitz; and Sept. 11, Damon Dotson.

The Mayor’s Run for the Trails 5K + Kids Fun Runs

The Mayor's Run for the Trails 5K + Kids Fun Run will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Terra Park, 6300 Pioneer Parkway. The registration fee includes a short-sleeve (performance blend) shirt, post-race refreshments and raffle prizes. If you register after July 11, your shirt size is not guaranteed. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/IA/Johnston/MayorsRunfortheTrails2022KidsFunRun.

Johnston Basketball Club 2025 tryouts

The Johnston Basketball Club girls and boys tryouts are scheduled on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Johnston High School Gym, 6500 N.W. 100th St. Grades eligible for tryouts are first through eighth grade (the grade they will be attending in the fall of 2025). Check the Johnston Basketball Club website johnstonbasketballclub.com to register for tryouts in July. Specific times for tryouts per grade will be on the website in August.

Farmers Market

Stop by Tuesdays for the 2025 Farmers Market at the Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. The vendors will be open on the south side of the Town Center from 4-7 p.m.

Yoga by the Lake

Join another fun-filled summer of Yoga by the Lake. On Saturday mornings, you can relax and unwind at the Terra Lake Amphitheater, located at 6300 Pioneer Parkway, for a free hour of outdoor yoga from 8-9 a.m. IGNIT brings certified yoga instructor Natalie Henriksen for each session. Come and enjoy the benefits of yoga while taking in the beauty of nature. Register at http://www.cityofjohnston.com/1268/Yoga-by-the-Lake.

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

• Horse Whispers in the Woods, Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. A women’s circle of self-discovery through the intuitive and healing power of horses. This on-the-ground workshop provides a real-time experience in relationship skills and increased emotional intelligence through a partnership with the horse. Registration required 24 hours prior to event: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/jesterparkec/items/?flow=19203&full-items=yes.
• Sunset Paddle at Easter Lake, Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Building, Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Friday, July 11, and Wednesday, July 23, 7:30-9 p.m. Join this relaxing evening on the lake. Learn the basics of kayaking before hitting the water to explore Easter Lake and watch the sunset on the water. All equipment will be provided. Meet outside of the Easter Lake Event Center at the listed start time. Bring a water and dress in clothes and sturdy shoes you do not mind getting wet. Registration required by the day before.
• Guided Trail Rides, Jester Park Equestrian Center, Jester Park, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger, Saturday, July 12, and Friday, July 25, 9:30 a.m. Come saddle up and join conservation staff in the great outdoors for a scenic trail ride. You will be guided by knowledgeable wranglers and taken care of by a string of beginner-friendly horses. Ride through the timber of Jester Park and take in the picturesque views. Registration required.
• Picnic with the Turtles, Thomas Mitchell Park, Shelter No. 1, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. to noon. Meet a naturalist at Thomas Mitchell Park for a fun and educational afternoon with the county conservation resident box turtles. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while a naturalist introduces you to these fascinating creatures, sharing interesting facts about their habitat, diet and behavior. Get up close and personal with the box turtles as they enjoy their own lunch. Observe these gentle animals as they roam and forage, and learn about their unique characteristics.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

(Family Features) Take an all-American creation up a notch this summer by doubling the burger fun with this fan-favorite version.

These All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers, created by Wonder in partnership with The McLemore Boys, give you an opportunity to fire up the grill, gather the family and savor the flavor of a summer favorite. Pro tip: For an even bigger punch, chop half the bacon before cooking it and add to the patty mixture.

Discover more ways to enhance grilled summer favorites by visiting WonderBread.com/recipes.

All-American Double Bacon and Cheddar Smash Burgers

Recipe courtesy of The McLemore Boys on behalf of Wonder
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 Wonder Classic Hamburger Buns
• 2 pounds angus beef
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon McLemore Boys Sweet Rub
• 1/4 cup sweet barbecue sauce
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 1 pound bacon, halved lengthwise
• mayonnaise
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 head lettuce
• kosher salt
• black pepper

Directions:

• Heat griddle to high heat.
• Toast buns on griddle until golden brown. Set aside.
• In large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs and sweet rub; mix evenly. Form meat mixture into eight 4-ounce balls.
• Place balls on griddle and smash with spatula. Cook five minutes, flip and brush with barbecue sauce. Cook five minutes, or until burgers reach medium doneness. Place cheese slices on burgers for last two minutes to melt.
• Assemble bacon in 3-by-3 weave. Cook alongside burgers to desired crispiness.
• To build burgers, spread buns with mayo, add first burger then mini bacon weave, second burger, tomato, lettuce and sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Crown it with top bun and gently press.

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