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
Proposed development of Linn Valley TAI Overlay District Ordinance discussed
The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, with Mayor Lister Potter presiding with all council members present except for Shannon Smith. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by an opening prayer... [More]
UPDATE: U.S. 69 overlay project is delayed in Bourbon, Linn counties
A Kansas Department of Transportation project to overlay about 25 miles of U.S. 69 in Linn and Bourbon counties has been delayed due to contractor scheduling issues. The overlay work will start the last week of July. The project begins just north of Pleasanton on the southbound... [More]
La Cygne looks to keep 2027 mill rate below Revenue Neutral threshold
La Cygne city officials said they do not plan to exceed the revenue neutral rate in next year’s budget, a move that could mark the third consecutive year of declining property tax mill rates for residents. At its Wednesday meeting, the City Council discussed the 2027... [More]
More News
- Commissioners table vicious dog resolution
- Injunction sought to disclose sealed records in Leonard case
- Commissioners hear from Clearway representative on project
- USD 344 board tours high school, examines summer improvements
- SPECIAL: Series of pavement repairs scheduled week of July 13 in Miami County
- La Cygne City Council discuss sales tax reallocation for roads and infrastructure
- Blue Mound approves sewer rate increase
- Pleasanton addresses need for employees
SPORTS
Commanders win tournament at Arma
The Mound City American Legion Post 248’s baseball team, the 15U Linn County Commanders, won the Arma Classic at Arma on July 18.
Pleasanton trapshooting competes at Nationals
The Pleasanton trapshooting team traveled to Mason, Mich. to compete in Nationals on July 10-12. The team brought a total of eight shooters to the event. As a team the Jays placed 120th with a total score of 454. Members on the team were Ryker Carpenter, Haelie Wallace, Kayd... [More]
Annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament held at Pleasanton East Lake
The annual Pleasanton Catfish Tournament was held at the Pleasanton East Lake on the night of July 11. The event featured a total of 17 boats and 13 anglers. Ty Umphenour placed first in the tournament with a total weight of 23 lbs 5.7 oz. His biggest fish was a 21.01 lb blue... [More]
More Sports
- Blue Mound Burnout contest held
- Midwest Senior Bull Riding Association comes to Pleasanton
- Pleasanton trapshooting competes in State tournament
- It’s not experience, it’s the person
- Red, White & Blue and Bulls bullfighting July 4
- Prairie View trapshooting brings home individual championships and team trophies
- Three Rivers All League baseball announced
- Three Rivers League announces All League softball team
COMMUNITY
Janet Reynolds: Library, History, and Public Service
Visiting the library is always a fun adventure, especially if you go to La Cygne’s public library. Local librarian, Janet Reynolds has distinguished herself in not just running the library but also by volunteering in her community. Reynolds was born in Linn County,... [More]
Mayor Potter opens up about his plans for Linn Valley
Six months into his term as mayor of Linn Valley, Lister Potter Jr. is focused on increasing transparency, improving infrastructure and preserving the qualities that make the small community unique. Potter’s journey to Linn Valley began in Pleasanton, where he lived before... [More]
La Cygne celebration set for Saturday
The 2026 La Cygne Blast in the Park celebration is set for this coming Saturday, July 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the City Park on the south end of town. The evening kicks off with community games such as an egg toss, sack races, corn hole and more. The Wiener Dog Races will begin... [More]
More Community
- Lorna Turley: A life of family and service
- Parker Lodge No. 341 donates $800 to Operation School Supply and the Parker Library
- Labette Bank Golden Adventure Club attends Branson musical
- Daily Objective Distillery - a local American destination
- SPECIAL: Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation hosts Civil War Camp Dance
- Annual Robert F. Morgan Bike Run set for June 13
- Candidate picnic Saturday
- Skyview Farm changes ownership


