Ethan Weihl
Video Editor
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of local events have been postponed, including local elections and the Jim Schoemehl Run.
Prior to the pandemic, there was a statewide local election set for April 7. The ballot in Webster Groves was set to include elections for City Council candidates, school board candidates, as well as charter amendments. On March 18, Governor Mike Parson announced that those elections would be postponed until June 2.
In a statement, Governor Parson said, “Given the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 and the large number of people elections attract, postponing Missouri’s municipal elections is a necessary step to help combat the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of Missouri voters.”
All of those who have turned 18 prior to April 7. and registered prior to March 11, will be allowed to vote in the June 2, election.
In his statement, Parson also expressed gratitude for election officials: “Postponing an election is not easy, but we are all in this together. We are thankful to Secretary (Jay) Ashcroft and our 116 election authorities for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to doing what is best for their communities during this time.”
The Webster Groves Police Department is also making changes.
According to Captain Stephen Spear, the department is “currently utilizing our pandemic response plan which includes modified shift deployment.”
Spear added the Webster Groves Police Department is not responsible for enforcing the stay at home order, but they “encourage our residents with concerns about violations to St. Louis County’s Stay at Home Order report their concerns to the ‘COVID-19 Stay at Home Order Report of Abuse and Wrongdoing’ website.”
Instead of postponing, the Jim Schoemel run is moving to a virtual platform.
The run is an annual event put on by Webster Groves High School DECA students in honor of Jim Schoemel. Schoemel was the husband of a teacher at the high school who lost his battle with ALS.
Senior and organizer Quinton Nehring said via text, “Our class is trying our best to make the transition smooth and easily accessible for our participants.”
On the Jim Schoemel run’s website, participants can register for a virtual run by donating money.
Nehring said the organizers are “really hoping this works out as a successful alternative.”
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Ethan Weihl – Video EditorThis is senior Ethan Weihl’s second year on ECHO Staff. He previously served as News Editor. He has not decided on college yet, but he wants to major in Political Science, History and/or Journalism. |
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