Good morning, Dubuque.

Drexler Middle School students raised about $8,000 to buy Christmas presents for families in need and shopped Thursday at Target after receiving an anonymous wish list; Logan Simon donated $500 while Owen Copeland contributed $1,000 in honor of his late brother with Target providing a $300 gift card.

The City’s Office of Human Rights announced the Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant, which offers up to $5,000 to support projects that bring neighbors together.

Applications open on Jan. 1 and close on Jan. 31, with recipients notified by Feb. 20 and projects due by June 1.

Food & Water Watch has proposed a 20-point blueprint to improve Iowa’s water quality by mandating best practices, increasing transparency, and holding factory polluters accountable.

The nonprofit will introduce the key measures as individual bills when the Legislature begins next month.

Dubuque officials announced holiday schedule and pet park updates.

The north pet park closed on Dec. 18 for tree trimming while the south section will close on Dec. 22 and 23, and city offices (closed Dec. 24, 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1) with trash pickup and transit services adjusting for the holidays.

New Year's Eve Dueling Pianos

8 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the New Year with lively dueling pianos and a fun atmosphere.

Middle School Art Adventure

10 AM – 12 PM — Bluff Strokes Art Center — $30 — Explore fundamental art skills and creative fun with Miss Jess.