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

Leonard makes appearance in Bates County circuit court

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  Damon Leonard, of rural Pleasanton, made an appearance in Bates County Circuit Court in Butler, Mo., on Jan. 15, 2026. Leonard appeared via video from the Bates County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated, for the status hearing on the morning docket for Judge... [More]

Take our survey

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Have you seen our new puzzle? Take our anonymous survey and tell us what you would like to see in our puzzle section! https://forms.gle/V4btD8GSmoH7SBjJ8  

USD 344 approves capital improvement projects

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After a very big project of replacing half of the air conditioning units at Pleasanton schools, the USD 344 Board approved approximately $326,000 more in improvements to fix some lingering problems. Superintendent Don Epps began what was a tour of the facility by talking about... [More]

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SPORTS

Pleasanton boys’ basketball team picks up wins against Miami and Central Heights

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The Pleasanton boys’ basketball team continues winning basketball games as the team went 2-0 this past week to go 5-0 in district play and 7-1 overall. The Jays hosted Miami on Jan. 6 and defeated them in a r0ut 65-27 before traveling to Central Heights on Jan. 9 to win... [More]

Jayhawk basketball picks up wins against Oswego

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The Jayhawk boys’ and girls’ basketball teams hosted Oswego on Jan. 9 in Three Rivers League action.  Both the boys’ and girls’ teams won their games against the Indians as the girls won in a rout 49-15 and the boys won in a thriller 45-41. The... [More]

Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes at Louisburg

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The Prairie View boys’ wrestling team traveled to Louisburg on Jan. 10 to compete in the Louisburg Invitational.  The Buffalos placed 13th out of 16 teams with 60 team points. Breckyn Malin, 106, went 1-3 in the tournament. Malin won his second match by fall. Bentlee... [More]

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COMMUNITY

Carbon Monoxide and what you need to know

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In 2025, the Linn County Rural Fire Department responded to 17 callouts dealing with carbon monoxide and, already in 2026, there has been at least one call to the Linn County Rural Fire Department for a carbon monoxide issue.  Early in the year, Linn County Rural Fire... [More]

The Power of Hobbies: Why staying engaged matters as we age

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As we grow older, maintaining health and independence becomes a top priority.  While exercise and healthy eating often take center stage, one powerful tool for aging well is often overlooked - hobbies.   Whether it’s gardening, painting, playing music or... [More]

Heartland REC expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 awards

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GIRARD, Kan. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand... [More]

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