Johnson County is purchasing thousands of COVID-19 saliva tests for schools to use as many students return to classrooms next week, said Sanmi Areola, county public health director. During a virtual town hall meeting hosted by the Shawnee Mission school district on Wednesday, Areola announced the plan and said within the next couple of weeks, students, teachers and staff could start getting tested. Areola said that increasing testing is critical to mitigating the spread of coronavirus and keeping schools open. He said districts can test students and staff in elementary schools — many of which open next week — along with those participating in sports and activities, for example.
Source: Joco 913 News

The first 30 minutes of Tuesday night’s Olathe City Council meeting were devoted to two pieces of business: remembering the late Mayor Michael Copeland and swearing in new leadership. Copeland died Aug. 19 at age 58. He was Olathe’s longest-serving mayor, serving for 19 years. “This isn’t an easy day for Olathe. It’s the first city council meeting in 27 years without Mike Copeland as a part of this council,” said John Bacon, former City Council member and the new mayor of Olathe. “I felt fortunate and proud to live in a city with Mike as my mayor and count it a privilege to have been able to work alongside him on this council for so many years.”
Source: Joco 913 News