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 approves water plant roof bidding, backup water supply study
The Pleasanton City Council met with BG Consultants engineer, Jason Hoskinson, Monday night and approved several projects that have been in the works, some for months, some not so long. First approved was allowing BG Consultants to advertise the Stegge Lake Dam Repair project... [More]
Commissioners reviewing resolution on vicious dogs
During the April 6 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Planning and Zoning Administrator Jennifer Cummings and Linn County Sheriff James Akes regarding a proposed resolution regarding vicious dogs. Cummings explained that as of now, Linn County “does not... [More]
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center takes steps to preserve local behavioral health services
IOLA, KANSAS – Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) has taken steps to preserve local behavioral healthcare following a retroactive rate adjustment for 2025 that resulted in an overpayment for services during that year. To repay these funds, SEKMHC... [More]
More News
- Blue Mound water, sewer projects dominate meeting
- Local film crew premieres new film in Albuquerque, plans Kansas City Release
- Commissioners hear from County Attorney, Sheriff on legal issues
- Board adopts changes to the JCAC interrogations policy
- SPECIAL: KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Prescribed Burns
- Commissioners sign settlement agreement with Tanglewood Lakes
- K9 Tank, new addition to the Pleasanton Police Department
- La Cygne Council awards sewer lift bid
SPORTS
Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
The Pleasanton baseball team hosted Southeast Cherokee on March 31 in a league double-header. Southeast was too much for the Jays as they won each game big, 20-0 and 22-7. The first game was all Southeast as they led 10-0 after two innings and finished it in the fourth with... [More]
Jayhawk softball swept by Central Heights
The Jayhawk Linn softball team traveled to Central Heights on March 31 to play the Vikings in a double-header. The Lady Hawks dropped both games, a close 4-5 loss in the first game and then a 3-13 in the following game. The first game saw both teams tied 1-1 after one inning... [More]
Prairie View baseball splits with Santa Fe Trail
The Pleasanton baseball team hosted Santa Fe Trail on March 31 and split with the Chargers in a Pioneer League double-header. The Buffalos won the first game 8-7 but lost the second game 4-20. The first game started with the Buffalos taking a 2-1 lead after two innings. Trail... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton baseball starts season against Oswego and Crest
- Jayhawk softball starts season with games against Northeast and Osawatomie
- Prairie View baseball hosts Miami and Wellsville to begin the season
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk boys’ basketball have multiple players make TRL All League
- Lady Hawks and Lady Jays make the TRL All League basketball team
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball finishes the season as Sub-State runner-up
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball finishes season as Sub-State runner up
- Pleasanton boys advance in Sub-State tournament, girls end season
COMMUNITY
Conley earns Radenburg Scholarship
A lifetime spent in agriculture and a clear vision for the future has led Garrett Conley of Pleasanton, Kansas, to be selected as a 2026 Radenburg Memorial Scholarship recipient. Conley, a senior at Pleasanton High School, will graduate May 9 before attending Fort Scott Community... [More]
Ray Scholarship recipients determined by USD 344 BOE
The USD 344 Board of Education met for a special meeting during spring break and during that meeting determined the 2026 recipients of the annual Ray Scholarship. This scholarship is a highly valued full ride scholarship that covers tuition, books and more for the recipients.... [More]
PES holds Battle of the Books competition
On Thursday, March 26, four teams at Pleasanton Elementary fought for the championship title in the first ever Battle of the Books. The competition was originally slated for the afternoon hours but was moved to the morning to accommodate team members who needed to attend a... [More]
More Community
- Easter in Linn County
- The American Revolution: The importance of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party
- Chapter CV P.E.O.
- Busy Workers excel at 4-H Presentation Day
- First Aid: your safety toolkit
- Legislative Coffee planned Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.
- Jayhawk Linn High School senior awarded prestigious Rudd Foundation Scholarship
- PV FFA receives KAAE award


