With the onset of COVID-19, many local businesses have altered hours and service to customers. The Johnston Chamber of Commerce is providing updates to their website daily with business tools and information on the following to help support local businesses during this pandemic. Visit johnstonchamber.com/1306-2/ for more details on the resources and tools they are offering on the following:
- Small Business Resource
- Business Tools
- Johnston Gyms & Fitness Centers offering virtual at-home workouts
- Johnston Churches offering virtual/online services
MEAL SITES
Johnston Community School District: Three grab-and-go meal sites have been set up and will start Monday, March 23 and go through Friday, April 10, from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Meredith Drive Reform Church – 5128 Meredith Dr, DM (North parking lot)
- Chapel Ridge Apartment Complex – 6200 Clark Lane, Johnston IA
- Sterling Pointe Apartment Complex – 10509 Dorset Dr, Johnston IA
JOHNSTON PARTNERSHIP FOOD PANTRY
The Johnston Partnership Food Pantry has moved to a drive-through method of distribution. The partnership encourages orders to be placed via phone or email. Visit www.johnstonpartnership.org/ for more information.
CITY OFFICE CLOSURES
The City of Johnston offices, including Public Works, City Hall, Crown Point Community Center, and the Johnston Public Library, are closed through Sunday, April 12. While these facilities are closed to walk-in traffic, City services will continue to be provided by City departments with customer service needs being either handled online, via email or by phone. Visit www.cityofjohnston.com/JohnstonClosures for more information and resources.
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
Waste Management maintains a standard collection schedule for trash and recycling, and they are not currently experiencing any collection interruptions. Effective immediately, the following changes are being implemented until further notice.
- Temporary suspension of handling incoming residential calls into our contact center to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The goal is to resume residential call handling as soon as possible through a work from home program of our residential agents.
- Bulky item collection, including scheduled events or extra call-in service for bulky items, such as large items outside the cart, is suspended until further notice.
HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP-OFF IN BONDURANT AND GRIMES
Due to the current public health recommendations, Metro Waste Authority is suspending hazardous waste drop-off in Bondurant and Grimes. These may include things such as batteries, solvents, paints, fertilizer, and light bulbs.
To continue providing a safe, smart option for responsible hazardous waste disposal, Metro Waste Authority has expanded its house side collection program. If a resident chooses house-side collection of hazardous waste, the cost is $25 for two 12-gallon bins and one large bag. Container deliveries and pick-ups are scheduled as requested.
For more information or to request, visit www.whereitshouldgo.com/HHWhouseside or call 515.244.0021.
CITY EVENT AND PROGRAM CANCELLATIONS
The City of Johnston wants to ensure the safety of our residents and City staff. As events are canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, they will be placed on this site – www.cityofjohnston.com/EventCancellations.
GROCERY STORE SPECIAL HOURS
Fareway
Monday through Saturday
Regular hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (healthy customers)
Special hours: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (Customers 65+ and those weakened immune systems/serious illness and expectant mothers)
Hy-Vee
Open Monday through Sunday
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (healthy customers)
Special hours: 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. (Customers 65+, those with weakened immune systems/serious illness and expectant mothers)
Grocery stores offering online ordering
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS
If you are a worker who has been impacted by COVID-19 closures, you may be eligible for unemployment. If you have questions about your eligibility, call 866-239-0843 or email uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov. You can file for unemployment benefits online at bit.ly/33Aj2Dv.