IOWA CITY

The scheduled closing of a State Historical Society research facility in Iowa City has not been received well.

Rod Sullivan, a Johnson County Supervisor, began an initiative last week that resulted in the county’s governing board agreeing to send a letter to the State of Iowa opposing the closure.

Sullivan told the Board that the closing will include the disposal of a number of historical collections.

“It’s an outrage,” said Board Chair Jon Green of Lone Tree.

Saturday, hundreds participated in an event at the Iowa City Library to oppose the closing.

According to KCRG, more than 5,000 have signed a petition to save the Centennial Building.

“The legislature has declared War on History,” said Linda Kerber, a University of Iowa history professor. “We are pushing back.”

The research center is scheduled to close at the end of June 2026.

United Way Update

The Board heard an update on United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties from Emily Meister, Director of Community Impact & Engagement.

The United Way has 28 agency partners in Johnson and Washington Counties, including Table to Table, Shelter House, Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters and UnityPoint Health.

More than 44,000 people were served by the organizations in 2024 and $9.9 million has been invested since 2020. Data shows that 9 in 10 students graduate from high school, but 34% of third graders are not proficient in reading and 29% of eighth graders are not proficient in math. Additionally, food pantries are stepping in to help with food security in an area that includes more than 11% suffering from food insecurity.

More information can be found online at: unitedwayjwc.org.

Board Action

The Board approved more than $365,000 in service agreements, including $185,000 with Greater Iowa City, Inc., and $41,300 with Johnson County Agricultural Association (Johnson County Fair).

The Board set its monthly evening meeting in September for 5:30 p.m. September 11. The meeting will include a number of rezoning and platting applications.

The Board approved to participate in an opioid settlement agreement with Purdue.

Next meeting:

The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. August 28.