Mayor Wayne warns on rumors

Kennett Mayor Chancellor Wayne recently attended a meeting of area mayors, fire chiefs, and police chiefs, along with representatives from the Dunklin County Health Department as well as safety inspectors.

The meeting established a forum to discuss the directives sent forth from Governor Parson.

“We were also able to ask the Department of Health any questions that we may have,” stated Wayne. “The old saying that, it takes a village to raise a child, well it’s going to take the entire Dunklin County community to help with this situation,” said Wayne.

Some provisions from Governor Parson’s order include:

1. Every person in the State of Missouri shall avoid social gathering of more than ten people.

2. Every person in the State of Missouri shall avoid eating or drinking at restaurants, bars, or food courts; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed throughout the duration of this Order.

3. People shall not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, or assisted living homes unless to provide critical assistance.

4. In accordance with the guidelines from the President and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, schools shall remain closed.

Wayne shared on barriers the City of Kennett has been dealing with.

“The biggest obstacle that I believe we have are the rumors,” informed Wayne. “Rumors spread more rampantly than the truth.”

Wayne provided these thoughts on his Facebook page.

“Let the rumors stop with you,” he said.

Rumors equals Fake News.

Fake News equals Fear.

Fear equals Terror.

Terror equals Panic.

Panic equals Chaos.

Wayne concluded his social message by stating, “The chaos that we have now is due to this. Be a part of the solution not the chaos. Look to God for your strength and let him guide you the peace that only he can give.”

Wayne also encouraged the community to shop and eat locally.

“We have to support our local businesses,” said Wayne. “Big corporate has big pockets, but your small businesses are going to struggle the most.”

Wayne continued, “If you have a meal out, that’s great. Some of the barbershops and hair salons are appointment only. Come in at your time of appointment and don’t congregate.”

“Keep supporting them as much as possible and maybe our small businesses can come through this intact,” said Wayne.