What Times Does Johnston High School's Commencement Start Today?

Everything you need to know to attend Tuesday's ceremony for Johnston High School graduates.

Nothing Says 'Thank You' Like a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Horizon Elementary students sent thank-you banners, cookies and cards to members of the Johnston Police Department this week.

From the Johnston Schools Students at Horizon Elementary celebrated National Police Officer Day and National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on Wednesday, May 15, according to Laura Dillavou of the Johnston school district communications office. "We appreciate the support our schools receive from the Johnston Police Department," Dillavou said in a release. Horizon students sent thank-you banners, cookies, and cards to officers of the Johnston department.

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REPLAY: 2013 Iowa High School Track Final Results

Check out Patch's live coverage of Thursday's events at the Iowa State Track & Field Meet. The meet continues today.

The Iowa High School state track meet was in full swing at Drake University. The meet kicked Thursday and will conclude on Saturday. Check out our live blog for tweets and coverage of day one. Will you be at the event Friday? We'll be covering that too. Tweet using #iahstrack and contribute to our coverage. For result lists, visit the Iowa High School Athletic Association website.

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Father Whose Son Brought a Gun to School Expected in Court

A 31-year-old Johnston man was charged with child endangerment and a gun law violation last week after his 8-year-old took a loaded gun to Lawson Elementary School in Johnston.

The father of a child who brought a loaded gun to school earlier this month is scheduled to be in court Thursday, WHO Channel 13 reports. Louis Friestad, 31, of Johnston is charged with child endangerment and making a gun available to a minor. He was charged last week after his 8-year-old child was found in possession of a gun at Lawson Elementary School in Johnston. Sign up for Johnston Patch’s free newsletter | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter On May 7, police were called to Lawson shortly before noon. The gun found on the child was not loaded and no one was injured. According to a press release issued by the Johnston Police Department, Friestad was called to the school the day of the incident to meet with a student resource …

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Annual Memorial Service to Honor Those Who Donated Bodies to Medical Education

On May 17, Des Moines University will honor 62 people who donated their bodies to further medical education in the past year.

Media Release: On Friday, May 17, Des Moines University will honor 62 people who donated their bodies to further medical education in the past year. This year's service recognizes donors from across the state, as well as Illinois and Missouri. The family of each donor, the DMU community and the public are invited to remember and recognize each generous gift. The non-denominational service will begin at 1 p.m. in the Olsen Medical Education Center, 3200 Grand Avenue. The body donor memorial service has been held annually for more than 40 years. Military honors will be performed for the veteran donors. Family members at the service will be given a lapel pin that honors the gift their loved ones made. "Thanks to the incredibly selfless gift …

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Police Called to Johnston Elementary School After Gun Was Found on Student

Police responded to the report at Lawson Elementary School on Tuesday morning, according to media reports.

Local police were called to a Johnston elementary school Tuesday morning after a second-grader was found in possession of a handgun, the Des Moines Register reports. The incident occurred at Lawson Elementary School shortly before noon, the article said. Police Chief Bill Vaughn told the newspaper the weapon was removed from the 8-year-old student prior to the arrival of police officers. The gun was not loaded and no students were harmed, district spokeswoman Laura Dillavou also told the Register. School officials said the incident was reported to a teacher by fellow students, the article said. Police and administrators were called to Lawson Elementary at 5450 N.W. 62nd Ave. about 11:50 a.m. No students or staff were harmed, officials said…

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Johnston School Board Members Honored at Reception Tonight

May is Iowa School Board Recognition Month, and Johnston's school board members will be honored at a reception Monday night.

From the Johnston School District: The Johnston school district is joining with other communities throughout Iowa this spring to honor its elected school board members during Iowa School Board Recognition Month during May. This year’s theme — “Building Brighter Futures” — recognizes that Iowa’s volunteer school board members are providing leadership, through responsibilities ranging from strong financial stewardship to ensuring high-quality curriculum, to make sure all students are prepared for a “brighter future” when they graduate, according to a district news release. Serving on the Johnston school board are Mike Farrell (President), Greg Dockum (Vice President), Marci Cordaro, John Dutcher, Deb Henry, Jill Morrill, Julie Walter, and …

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