Sen. Thompson among Republicans pushing back on Gov. Kelly's COVID-19 orders; Churches collecting canned goods during pandemic; Johnson County launches COVID-19 hotline

Sen. Mike Thompson says “It may not be nearly as a bad as we think” of pandemic

Shawnee Sen. Mike Thompson is among the group of Republicans who argued yesterday that Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration has been too aggressive in acting to stem the spread of COVID-19. A group of conservative Republicans in the Senate on Wednesday discussed measures intended to strip the Democratic governor of certain emergency powers. Thompson said the state should be cautious in taking steps to combat the spread of the virus because “It may not be nearly as a bad as we think.” [GOP pushes back on Kansas governor for closing schools, moves to limit her power – Associated Press]

Asbury United Methodist Church sharing canned goods

Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village is offering food to those who are affected by shutdowns from COVID-19. Church members set up shelves of non-perishable food items outside of its main church entrance at 5400 W. 75th St. for anyone struggling to obtain food during the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus. The church is also accepting donations of soup, pasta and other non-perishable food items for those in need.

Volunteers to collect canned goods, non-perishables donations at Roeland Park United Methodist Church

Volunteers will begin collecting canned goods and non-perishables for donations to those in need amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The donations will be taken at the Roeland Park United Methodist Church, 5100 Cedar Street during the following dates and times:

Friday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, March 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A list of requested donation items can be found here. People can drop items off at the church’s west entrance, accessed via the back parking lot, in front of the double doors. To make a monetary donation, use this link. Those who request donations can pick them up on Friday, March 27, between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parking lot.

No identification is required, and anyone in the Roeland Park community can request the donation. It is requested that people practice social distancing when dropping off or picking up donations. Those who have further questions or would like to help, contact Pastor Nancy Pauls at nancy.pauls@roelandparkumc.org.

Johnson County launches hotline for COVID-19

Johnson County government launched a new hotline Wednesday during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number is 913-715-2819. Calls will be answered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. by school nurses from Johnson County schools.

Fairway takes additional steps to limit COVID-19 exposure

The city of Fairway announced on Friday initial steps to mitigate COVID-19 exposure such as canceling all public meetings through April 5 and canceling classes, events and access to Shawnee Indian Mission until further notice. Now, the city is implementing the following four steps to further limit the chances of spreading the virus:

Restrict public access to all city facilities through April 3, with business being conducted via phone, fax or email.
Implement the continuity of operations plan, meaning some staff may work from home.
City-related travel outside of the Kansas City metropolitan area has been suspended.
Temporarily suspending membership sales to the Fairway pool.

Residents will be updated about any operational changes as they come via the city’s website, email and Facebook.