Solon Economist

SOLON– Elissa Lewis found out about Gov. Kim Reynolds’s decision to close florists in a series of rapid phone calls.
Other panicked businesses were calling her.
“At that point, I had already closed my shop, but was still doing business, either at the curb or making deliveries,” she said. “I guess I was already prepared for it.”
Reynolds had closed restaurants and bars, fitness centers, barbershops and salons, theaters and casinos earlier in the month in response to the community spread of COVID-19.

SOLON– We are now limited in how we connect, Rev. Ken Ferguson said.
“COVID -19 has had an impact with how we relate simply because as most people we enjoy shaking hands and patting each other on the back,” the pastor of the Solon United Methodist Church observed. “We enjoy sitting down across from each other for a coffee and roll.
“Today we cannot,” he added. “With the current situation there is a great deal of anxiety around this new reality.”
Solon’s churches, like others across the country, closed all public services and retreated online.

SOLON– Supported by an experienced coaching staff, the boys’ track and field team maintains its focus on the delayed 2020 season.
Head Coach Mark Sovers took a few moments to share his anticipation of the season and maintained his commitment to providing a unique opportunity for his team to develop and grow closer to the best version of who they are as an athlete, and most importantly a person. It’s been his focus throughout his 24 years teaching and coaching the track and field program at Solon High School.

SOLON– Concerns over volunteers prompted a one-day closure of the Solon Community Food Pantry.
But things are back on track and the pantry is continuing to partner with the Solon Community School District (SCSD) to provide food in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pantry organizer Sandy Hanson said a concern for needed volunteers prompted the decision, but the pantry quickly regrouped after a showing of community support.
“It didn’t last more than a day, not even a full day,” Hanson reported.

JOHNSON COUNTY– The numbers have quadrupled in Iowa over the last week.
On Monday, March 30, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 88 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19.
Linn County overtook Johnson County for the most cases in the state, with 71. Johnson County was second with 70 cases, with Polk County increasing to 61.
Linn County had 29 new cases.
The 88 cases were the most announced in a single day, bringing the state’s total to 424 positive cases and six casualties.