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
Linn County News website gets new update

Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]
Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000 The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]
Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]
Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different. The derby was divided into three age... [More]
Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson. Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
COMMUNITY
Local family offers drawing lessons for kids in online broadcast
After he and his family relocated to the Pleasanton area from Denver, Colo., Eddie Nouri began working from home as a graphic artist. “I am blessed to be able to work from home,” said Eddie of his position, noting the many different things he has designed over the... [More]
First aid safety with Joe Stellwagon
I recently met one of Linn County’s EMS paramedics to talk about first aid and why it’s important. The paramedic’s name is Joe Stellwagon, and before we talked about first aid, I wanted to learn a little bit about him and why he became a paramedic. Joe works... [More]
Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe open in Mound City

Walking into Vonnie May’s Ice Cream Shoppe gives those who can’t wait to partake of old-fashioned ice cream a vision of what an old-time ice cream parlor would have been like. Now, that ice cream parlor is open at 510 W. Main in Mound City. Brady and Leslie Wolfe,... [More]
More Community
- USD 346 welcomes new staff members
- USD 344 welcomes new staff
- USD 362 welcomes 8 new licensed teachers
- John and Helen Barnes Community Grant now open
- USD 344 offering virtual school option for 2025-2026 academic year
- Cell phone use at school sees changes for upcoming year
- Filling out free/reduced lunch applications helps students and schools
- Miami County Museum to present one-woman play on Laura Ingalls Wilder