September 2020

Mask mandate extended and drive-thru job interviews

(September 2) The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment announced that in the next few weeks it will provide thousands of saliva tests to Johnson County K-12 public schools as a strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Preliminary plans include testing broadly to get a better picture of what is occurring in schools and the community in order to make informed public health decisions

(September 11) The State Finance Council voted unanimously to extend Governor Laura Kelly’s state of disaster declaration through October 15. That action extends her mask order through Oct. 15 as well.

Joseph LeMaster, M.D., addresses the Governor's mask mandate Sept. 18, 2020

(September 14) Johnson County Motor Vehicle Offices in Olathe and Mission temporarily closed their offices to the public on Mondays to allow staff to process applications submitted through the new Title Drop Off Service. The new service opened on April 20 in response to COVID-19, with the introduction of two physical drop boxes outside each office location, and a simplified application and online payment process. The offices reinstated their Monday hours at the end of November.

(September 17) The BOCC voted to reaffirm Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-52 (EO-52) requiring Kansans to wear face masks in public settings. The vote concluded three hours of discussion and public comments from nearly 60 county residents.

Chairman Ed Eilert comments on the mask mandate

(September 24) The Johnson County Election Office announced they will install ballot boxes at seven additional locations for voters to return their mail ballots for the November election. Voters concerned about returning their ballots by mail were encouraged to use these ballot boxes.

(September 30) Johnson County Developmental Supports hosted two days of drive-thru interviews for jobseekers interested in joining their team as direct support professionals. DSPs play a crucial role in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their quest to live and work in the community, rather than in institutional settings.