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 issues declaration of emergency

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On Saturday, Aug. 8, the Pleasanton City Council held a special meeting for the purposes of discussing water system repairs, potential clerk appointments and potential new hires for the public works department. The meeting began with a report from Josh Ralle, Water Operator,... [More]

USD 344 works on secondary water source

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With the city of Pleasanton gaining notoriety through an emergency water conservation order, USD 344 is being proactive to keep school in session should the last working water pump at East Lake quit. Superintendent Don Epps told the board Monday night that “with their... [More]

Mayor discusses Linn Valley economic development

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Data center not off books   The Linn Valley City Council held its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, with Mayor Lister Potter presiding with all council members present except for Richard Gravelle. Potter gave his report stating that, after much... [More]

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SPORTS

Annual kids’ fishing derby held at the Linn County Fair and Rodeo

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The annual kids’ fishing derby hosted by Don George and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) took place at the Linn County fairgrounds on the morning of Aug. 8. The fishing derby began at around 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10 a.m. After the derby the kids competed... [More]

Multiple kids qualify for the State Fair at annual pedal pull

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The annual pedal pull hosted by Linn County Farm Bureau Association was held at the Linn County fairgrounds on the evening of Aug. 7. Just like in years past the competition was divided by age 4 to 12 with the top three placers in each age group receiving a trophy/medal and... [More]

Annual Demo Derby kicks off the Linn County Fair and Rodeo

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The Linn County Fair and Rodeo kicked off this year with the annual demo derby on the evening of Aug. 1.  Per tradition, the event began with the crowning of the Linn County Fair and Rodeo Queen. There were four contestants this year and Chloe Riley became the queen with... [More]

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COMMUNITY

America 250: The American Revolution The Founding Fathers

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The Founding Fathers were important in the creation of our nation. They helped contribute to founding documents such as The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Articles of Confederation. They also contributed to many boycotts, like the Boston Tea Party. They were also... [More]

Janet Reynolds: Library, History, and Public Service

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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

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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]

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