Phase two begins no earlier than May18, 2020, as directed by Executive Order 20-29
Mass gatherings of more than 30 individuals are prohibited. Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and unable to maintain 6 feet of distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. Businesses or functions that are already in operation pursuant to KEFF may continue to function while, if possible, avoiding gatherings of more than 30 individuals where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions during this phase is permitted to do so, except with regards to essential functions in KEFF. Any federal restrictions imposed and still in effect must be followed
Guidance for individuals during this phase
Masks: Individuals are encouraged to wear cloth masks in public settings as appropriate.
Outdoor Activities: When in public (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas), individuals (not including individuals who reside together) should maintain 6 feet of distance from others with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
Social Gatherings: Avoid socializing in person with groups of more than 30 individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings, especially in circumstances that do not allow for a physical distance of 6 feet or more between individuals or groups with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. (e.g., receptions, trade shows).
High-Risk Individuals: High-risk individuals are advised to continue to stay home except for essential needs.
Travel: Minimize nonessential travel and follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas. Essential travel includes travel for urgent and necessary family, medical, and business related needs as determined by the individual or business
Guidance for employers during Phase One
Telework: Strongly encouraged for all employees when possible.
On-site Operations: Avoid large gatherings of employees in groups of more than 30 where social distancing protocols cannot be maintained except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity and continue to phase in employees on-site as possible while maintaining 6 feet of distance between employee workstations.
Potentially Sick Employees: Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.
Business Travel: Minimize nonessential travel and follow KDHE travel and quarantine guidelines for travel to high-risk areas. Essential travel includes travel for urgent and necessary family, medical, and business related needs as determined by the individual or business.
Visits to Long-term Care Facilities or Correctional Facilities: In-person visits to these facilities should be prohibited. Those who must interact with residents must adhere to strict protocols regarding hygiene.
All businesses otherwise specified MAY OPEN IF: They can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between consumers (individuals or groups). Restaurants or dining establishments may meet this requirement by using physical barriers sufficient to prevent virus spread between seated customers or groups of seated customers and fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed.
Businesses should follow industry specific guidelines as provided on covid.ks.gov.
Compliance with any additional best practices guidance from each business sector is strongly encouraged and businesses must avoid any instances in which groups of more than 30 individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. This does not limit the total occupancy of a facility, but requires that facilities limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as in tables, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, checkout areas, etc.
The following businesses MAY OPEN IF they comply with the requirements in the paragraphs above and ONLY to the extent described below:
Bars and nightclubs may open at 50% total occupancy and can otherwise continue operating curbside and carryout services.
Casinos (non-tribal), but only if they comply with uniform guidelines approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
K-12 facilities remain subject to the provisions EO 20-07 regarding school closures, except that up to 30 students, instructors, or staff may be present for normal operations. K-12 facilities should continue to follow the guidelines of the Continuous Learning Plan developed by the Kansas State Department of Education.
Districts with facilities in more than one county or city should follow any applicable directives issued by the county or city in which their district office is located.
Higher education facilities that are closed before May 4 should remain closed for in person learning or events involving groups of more than 30 individuals present at a time. Licensed childcare facilities may reopen or continue operations pursuant to state and local regulations. All activities and venues not prohibited MAY OPEN IF:
They can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between individuals or groups and fundamental cleaning and public health practices are followed. Compliance with any additional sector specific best practices guidance is strongly encouraged and avoid any instances in which more than 30 individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain 6 feet of distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
This does not limit the total occupancy of a facility, but requires that facilities limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as in entrances, lobbies, locker rooms, etc.
The following activities and venues MAY OPEN IF they comply with the requirements to the above and ONLY to the extent described below:
Organized sports facilities and tournaments, except that concessions must not include self-service food or beverages
The following activities and venues DO NOT OPEN in this phase:
- Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more
- Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades, and graduations
- Summer camps
Local governments retain authority to impose equal or more stringent restrictions on businesses during this phase, except as to essential functions in KEFF.
NEWS
Pleasanton contracts with engineer for water plant roof
Begins exploration for new back-up water source After a preliminary walk-through by engineers from BG Consulting, engineer Jason Hoskinson brought a comprehensive plan to the Pleasanton City Council last Tuesday night concerning options to reroof the water plant, build new... [More]
La Cygne Council approves property purchase
The La Cygne City Council held its second regular meeting of the month on Feb. 18. Mayor Debra Wilson began by asking City Clerk Jodi Wade to discuss recent contact with KMGA (Kansas municipal gas agency). They made contact to review the gas supply agreement and pricing;... [More]
Commissioners discuss future of economic development
During the meeting on Monday, Feb. 23, the Linn County Commissioners discussed various aspects of the Economic Development program; County Clerk Chasity Ware noted she had received several queries regarding grant programs previously available through the county. County Counselor... [More]
More News
- Linn County Planning Commission approves Thies motorcycle CUP
- Governor Kelly issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires
- Parker City Council awards roofing bid
- Commissioners receive update on large-scale culvert project
- SPECIAL: City to retain engineer in water plant roof compromise
- Culvert work begins on K-52 the week of Feb. 16
- SEK Mental Health Center and Neosho Memorial launch joint discussions to preserve local care
- Leonard waives preliminary hearing in Missouri court case
SPORTS
Prairie View boys’ wrestling sends two to State
The Prairie View boys’ wrestling team traveled to Paola on Feb. 21 to compete in a 4A Regional to determine who would make the 4A State tournament in Salina on Feb. 27-28. The Buffalos took eight wrestlers and two emerged as qualifiers for the State tournament, Bentlee... [More]
Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State and sets milestones
The Jayhawk Linn boys’ wrestling team traveled to Eureka on Feb. 21 to compete in the 3-1A Regional. The tournament determines who makes the 3-1A State tournament in Hays on Feb. 27-28. The top four places in each weight class qualify and the Hawks had five wrestlers place... [More]
Prairie View basketball ends regular season with wins in the final week
The Prairie View basketball teams played their final regular season games this past week and both the boys’ and girls’ teams went 1-1. On Feb. 17 the Buffalos hosted Missouri foe Adrian for a non-league contest. The Lady Buffs dropped this game 23-39 but the boys... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball finishes regular season as Three Rivers champions
- Jayhawk girls’ wrestling taking six wrestlers to State
- Pleasanton basketball faces off against Southeast and Erie
- Prairie View girls’ wrestling qualify five for State
- Prairie View boys/girls’ wrestling hosts Jayhawk in a dual
- Pleasanton basketball travels to Northeast and hosts Yates Center during Courtwarming week
- Prairie View basketball falls to Wellsville and Santa Fe Trail during Courtwarming week
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball sweeps Yates Center and Pleasanton
COMMUNITY
Jayhawk Linn High School senior awarded prestigious Rudd Foundation Scholarship
Jayhawk Linn High School senior Eleanor Vaughn, daughter of Lucas and Megan Vaughn, was honored in a surprise ceremony attended by students, staff and her family as the recipient of the highly competitive Rudd Foundation Scholarship. Vaughn, who plans to attend Kansas State... [More]
PV FFA receives KAAE award
According to their website, one of the goals of the Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators, or KAAE, is to promote and improve the teaching of agriculture in secondary schools and where courses in technical agriculture constitute the principal function, maintain and improve... [More]
Mound City cowboy wins Big in Texas
Mound City bull rider, Colton Byram, emerged as the biggest winner at the PRCA Xtreme “Bulls Night Out” held at the Ft. Worth Stock Show Jan 20-21. The Xtreme Bulls are stand-alone bull riding events held throughout the year and sanctioned by the PRCA with points... [More]
More Community
- Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to host Piano Day Feb. 14
- Markley rural Mound City property named as Century Farm
- Carbon Monoxide and what you need to know
- The Power of Hobbies: Why staying engaged matters as we age
- Heartland REC expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 awards
- Call for Entries: Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit 2026
- Tips for a safe New Year’s Eve
- KIDS CORNER: The stories behind Christmas traditions and symbols


