The Johnson County Board of Health unanimously approved the language for a countywide ordinance requiring face coverings in public during its special meeting on Tuesday evening. The board will vote on the ordinance during a special meeting on Monday. After the ordinance is passed, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors can vote to approve it, […]
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Posted inCommunity/News
Johnson County Board of Supervisors approves face mask mandate
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution mandating the wearing face covering in public to limit the spread of COVID-19 during its meeting on Thursday morning. The resolution requires face masks or face shields to be worn in the same public locations and has the same limited exemptions as the face coverings […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Johnson County government buildings will start to reopen on June 8, but officials decide against mandatory temperature checks
Johnson County government buildings will begin to reopen to the general public on June 8. The buildings were closed to public starting on March 18, as part of the county’s effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. During the first phase of reopening, appointments will be necessary to conduct any business. “People accessing County buildings […]
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League of Women Voters will hold a virtual forum for Johnson County Board of Supervisors candidates on Monday night
On Monday night, the Johnson County League of Women Voters is holding the first of three virtual forums for county candidates who will be on the ballot in the June 2 primary. This first forum will feature candidates for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Three seats are on the ballot this year, and the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa Supreme Court extends order delaying the start of trials, Johnson County closes its courthouse to the public
On Thursday, the Iowa Supreme Court postponed almost all judicial proceedings in the state for at least two months. The court had previously ordered the delay of jury trials not yet underway on March 14, in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, and this new order extends the delay and expands the scope […]
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Rep. Abby Finkenaur, Johnson County supervisors call for statewide shelter-in-place
At her press conference on Friday, Gov. Reynolds noted how quickly the COVID-19 emergency has evolved in Iowa. “It was 10 days ago that the first public health emergency declarations I signed went into effect,” she said. “We continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of the actions we’ve taken, as well as additional steps […]
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Royceann Porter’s journey, from overcoming ‘culture shock’ in rural Iowa to making Johnson County history
Four days before the Iowa Caucus, Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter got a phone call from Pete Buttigieg. “This was the first time I’d heard from him in the whole 14 months of the campaign,” Porter said. “He said, ‘Do you think I could persuade you to come over to my team?’”
Posted inLetters
An open letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Dear Supervisors, I wanted to share some thoughts about the meeting on Jan. 7. It seems clear that the Johnson County Agricultural Association has ignored your requests for them to do more of their own fundraising. This has been happening for several years. Per your discussion, you agreed that you have been enabling them. I […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Don’t support animal abuse with our taxes
Johnson County residents requesting that the county stop giving public funding to the Johnson County Ag Association unless they eliminate the kids’ rodeo. The animals are terrified and subjected to physical and emotional abuse. I believe that children should be taught to have respect and compassion for animals.
Posted inCommunity/News
Royceann Porter, the first black candidate nominated for a countywide office in Johnson County, elected to the Board of Supervisors in a landslide
Democrat Royceann Porter was elected to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday in the special election to fill the seat of the late Kurt Michael Friese. It was a landslide victory for the longtime community activist, who won 56 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Phil Hemingway, who received 43 percent. In November, […]
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Where to go and what you need to know to vote in the Dec. 18 special election for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Polls open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday for the special election to fill the vacant seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and remain open until 9 p.m. Voters will need to go to their assigned polling place to cast their ballot, and for some people that will be a different location than the one where they voted in the November general election.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Royceann Porter is the human rights leader Johnson County needs
In 2007, I had the honor of getting a human rights award from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. Also that year, Royceann Porter received one of the Commission’s Human Rights awards. It was the first time I met Royceann, and I was impressed by her enthusiasm, dedication and drive.
