News Flash

Incorporation did not come until the fall of 1969 when area residents worked together to incorporate the City of Johnston. Because state law prevented the formation of a town within three miles of another city from incorporating, the original city boundaries did not include the Johnston Station area. On September 8, 1969, Mayor Harold Southerwick gaveled in the first Johnston City Council meeting. At the time Iowa’s newest city boasted 2,236 residents. In April 1970, Johnston and Urbandale reached an agreement that allowed Johnston to annex the Johnston Station area.

Nearly 50-years later, on January 7, 2019, Mayor Paula Dierenfeld will gavel in the first City Council meeting of Johnston’s 50th year. Johnston is now a bustling community with more than 21,500 residents. Johnston is recognized as a community of active and engaged residents, strong neighborhoods, vibrant businesses and organizations, and an exceptional school district.

In July 2018 a 50th Anniversary Steering Committee was formed to plan a year-long celebration in 2019. The events involve a mix of activities designed specifically for the 50th anniversary combined with many existing community events that are planning unique ways to recognize this important community milestone. 

• Monday, January 7: 7:00 p.m., City Council resolution recognizing Johnston’s 50th anniversary
• Sunday, March 10: 1:00 p.m., Opening the time capsule sealed on the 25th anniversary (1994), recognition of founding members of the Johnston Historical Society that signed the articles of incorporation, tours of Simpson House Museum 
• Saturday, May 4: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Kites on the Green
• May-August: Community/neighborhood picnics 
• June 13-16: Johnston Green Days 
• Saturday, June 15: 7:00 a.m., Johnston Public Library Foundation 5-K run, Terra Park
• June: Adjutant General’s Summer Concert 
• Sunday, June 9: 1:00 p.m., Tour of historical murals at Lawson Elementary School and clay tiles located at the intersection of NW 86th Street and NW 62nd Avenue. 
• Saturday, September 7: Camp Dodge Tour 
• Friday, September 27: 6:00 p.m., 50th-Anniversary Gala at Hyperion Field Club
• Friday, October 18: 5:30 p.m., Art in the Barn

Although most of the events have been scheduled, there are plenty of opportunities for citizens, businesses and organizations to get involved. Planning the celebrations will continue until the event takes place and volunteers will be needed to work at the events. If you are interested in working on the planning an event or volunteering at an event, contact Johnston City Hall 515.278.2344 or email Kaitlyn Royer.

Fundraising is critical for the success of the 50th anniversary celebration. The committee is working on a fundraising campaign to raise funds to support the events. Information on how to contribute can be found here.