Kansas Municipal News
Plans moving forward with Whimmydiddle in Scott City
Worried that local officials might not allow the annual Whimmydiddle arts and crafts show to proceed this year, members of the Alpha Omega sorority were assured by Scott County commissioners they could proceed with the event as normal. But, the commission added a caveat. “It’s hard to predict what will happen between now and September, but for now you can go forward,” said Commission Chairman Jim Minnix. Sorority member Nora Burnett noted that the arts and crafts event makes it possible for them to award about $25,000 in scholarships annually. The organization was concerned about their ability to do that next year, along with providing financial assistance for other needs in the community. She said they have already received a number of vendor applications so needed to know what to tell those wanting booths.
(Read more: Scott County Record)
Handwashing, masks among fall guidelines for Kansas schools
Draft safety guidelines for school this fall from the Kansas State Department of Education say students, teachers and staff should wear masks, but that students up to fifth or sixth grade shouldn’t be required to wear them unless local officials mandate it, the Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle are reporting. The draft guidelines about how to reopen schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic were shared with superintendents this week and are expected to be formally presented to the State Board of Education next week. The guildlines say everyone should wash their hands when arriving at school and every hour afterward. Space should be made in classrooms to allow social social distancing. Locker use is discouraged and staggered transition time between classes is recommended for those schools that choose to use them.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Save Century II petition delivered to Mayor Brandon Whipple
A petition with 17,000 signature to Save Century II was delivered Friday morning to Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. It comes after a rally on Wednesday to get signatures for the petition. Now the Save Century II petitiion is in the hands of officials. One of a few things could happen. “They could accept it immediately and just say this is what our constituents wanted, so of course we should accept we’re elected by them or they could wait and put it on the November ballot, or they could hold a special election but because money is tight and we have a $50 million deficit, it makes sense to put it on the November ballot if they’re not going to accept it right away,” said Celeste Racette, Save Century II.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Topeka restaurants adjust to new county cleaning rules
The Shawnee County COVID-19 Response Team on Thursday made an amendment to the emergency order authorized on Tuesday, now allowing restaurants, bars, and night clubs to stay open during the mandatory daily cleaning hour from 2 to 3 p.m.Now, local restaurants are having to adjust to yet another new rule. “I think that hour is to really let the public know that we are taking it seriously and we are going to do our best to make sure that this is one of the cleanest, safest places to go,” said Ryan Cavanaugh, co-owner of the Brew Bank in Topeka. However, even before the coronavirus pandemic, Brew Bank employees were no stranger to frequently cleaning, Cavanaugh said.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Governor Laura Kelly Announce KDOT’s Cost Share Program Recipients
Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announced [Thursday] morning the recipients across the state of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program. These 24 projects total more than $20 million in transportation investments statewide. The Cost Share Program provides funding to local entities for transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, relieve congestion and help areas across the state improve the transportation system. … There were 136 projects totaling $228 million in requested funds for the Spring 2020 round. These numbers highlight the pent-up demand for transportation projects across the state. … Find more information on the Spring 2020 Cost Share Program Awardees here.
Masks, no field trips, smaller classes: Here’s how Johnson County schools could reopen
Students and teachers will be required to wear masks. Classrooms will be reconfigured to spread students apart. Hallways will be emptier. Recess and lunch will be far less social. Assemblies and field trips will be nonexistent. These are only some of the many restrictions the Shawnee Mission school district could implement when schools reopen next month, according to a draft plan released Wednesday night. After closing in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kansas City area schools are preparing to bring students back to in-person classes with a laundry list of new precautions.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
McPherson first responders provide food
First responders of McPherson County are giving away boxes of produce and dairy products to area residents — free of charge. "We can help several thousand people," said McPherson Fire Chief TJ Wyssman. "We can help anybody that could use produce or dairy. There are a lot of people hurting from COVID. Here in McPherson County we are doing pretty well socio-economically, but we do have a class of people that are getting laid off. …
(Read more: Dodge City Daily Globe)
The doctor is back in town, Montezuma’s rural clinic is keeping its doors open
Doctor shortages have left many rural Americans driving hours to find healthcare. However, one doctor is staying rural and providing care to a small western Kansas community. Rural America faces many obstacles when it comes to the accessibility of basic services. One of those services is healthcare. Small towns in Kansas are feeling the impact of COVID-19. In Montezuma, it shut down their only medical clinic.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Big Kansas Road Trip postponed to May
Traveling around the state and sampling small town charm is what the Big Kansas Road Trip is all about. But bringing unrest to a community because of a virus, is not what the Kansas Sampler Foundation wants to do.So KSF postponed their event in Brown, Doniphan and Nemaha counties from September to May 6-9, 2021. The event was originally scheduled for early May of 2020.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Save Century II petition has nearly 17,000 signatures; could force vote on demolition
Organizers of a petition initiative to block the city from destroying Century II and the former downtown library will hand deliver nearly 17,000 signatures to City Hall on Friday, a move that could ultimately preserve Wichita’s skyline and wrest control of a key riverfront site from downtown booster organizations looking to redevelop the area. The ordinance proposed in the petition by a group called Save Century II would prevent the city government from demolishing any historically significant city-owned buildings without a public vote, specifically naming the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and the former Wichita Central Library building. State law requires 12,554 signatures by registered voters in Wichita, the equivalent of 25% of voters who cast a ballot in the last city election.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Sedgwick County COVID-19 mask order has no fines; churches exempt from gathering limit
An order issued by Sedgwick County to require business employees and patrons to wear masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 was written to be essentially unenforceable and weaker than a city of Wichita ordinance with similar requirements. And on Thursday, the county order was loosened a bit when Dr. Garold Minns, the county health officer, revised it to exempt religious meetings from a 45-person limitation on the size of public gatherings. Unenforceability is actually written into Minns’ order.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Edwardsville’s Hard Rock Hotel falls on hard times as fraud allegations upend project
The Hard Rock Hotel project in Edwardsville, a development worth more than $70 million for which leaders of this western Wyandotte County town had high hopes, faces an uncertain future after its lender abruptly failed to come up with money for a construction loan. … Now construction has stalled and the development is tied up in three different lawsuits in three different states, putting brakes on a project that city leaders hoped would put Edwardsville on the map as a destination among the various attractions already built in western Wyandotte County. … “I’ve felt ever since the early ’90s it was a prime area for development and it really was and it still is,” said Edwardsville Mayor John “Tiny” McTaggart. “It’s just a matter of how this thing unfolds is anyone’s guess. Will the developer prevail in the lawsuit against the investor who bailed? Who knows?”
(Read more: KC Star Local News)
Ellis Co. rural fire awarded grain rescue tube
Ellis County is one of two counties in Kansas being awarded equipment to rescue victims sinking and trapped in a farm silo grain. The award is from Ohio-based Nationwide Insurance, a Fortune 500 company with a national program aimed at stopping grain bin deaths. Darin Myers, Ellis County Rural Fire Department chief and emergency services manager, said the two new pieces of equipment will replace the department’s old set, which is about a dozen years old.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Public bike repair stations coming to Harvey County
Ten public bicycle repair stations will be placed in Harvey County thanks to a grant written by Healthy Harvey and Walk and Roll Harvey. "Bike service stations were part of our wellness grant," said Lynnette Redington, director of the Harvey County Health Department. With bike plan development in several Harvey County cities, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways funding was acquired for bike repair stations as a Community Wellness project. Each city will receive a bike …
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
New downtown Lawrence guides to assist visitors, help keep downtown clean
The City of Lawrence recently created the Downtown Ambassadors pilot program in partnership with Downtown Lawrence Inc. and the local visitors bureau, Explore Lawrence. The guides wear bright orange shirts with the messages “Welcome to Lawrence” and “How can I help?” A news release from the city states that the guides will provide assistance to downtown visitors, residents and employees, especially as businesses begin reopening during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The primary goal of the program is to help ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment for the Downtown Lawrence community,” the release states.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for July 9, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Madison City Council closes City Hall until further notice
Madison’s City Council voted to close City Hall to the public once again during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The decision was part of the city’s review of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Clerk Victoria Stewart had requested the council consider closing the doors due to increased traffic inside of the building. “There’s nothing we can’t do over the phone,” Stewart said. “I don’t see much of a point of putting ourselves at risk if we don’t have to. We’ve been able to handle everything over the phone and email.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Gov. talks back-to-school in Kansas
The governor of Kansas is releasing new information about the state’s back-to-school plans. This comes as the state is battling rising coronavirus cases. “We have a virus here that can make our friends and our neighbors and our family members very sick, and even kill them,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. In an interview Thursday, Kelly said educators and public health professionals came together to make a plan we could see within a few days. “What we’re gonna see next week is probably the most comprehensive, the most thoughtful plan for opening our schools safely,” said Kelly. Kelly said the plan will take into account the overall impact of coronavirus on the state of Kansas, as well as the impact on individual schools, and even classrooms.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Cost-share program to help fund 24 transportation projects in Kansas
New roads and bridges, and the jobs that come with them, are on their way to Kansas. The state’s “Cost Share Project” announced that it will fund 24 transportation projects across the Sunflower State. Projects in Newton and Eudora could begin before the end of the year. Other projects could begin in 2021. Governor Laura Kelly says building infrastructure now could create lasting jobs and opportunities in Kansas. “Transportation investments don’t just create short term construction jobs,” she says. “They have the ability to change long-term economic outcomes for communities that have lost populations and businesses. We know that investing in infrastructure benefits existing businesses and encourages new businesses to locate in Kansas.”
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Kansas State Fair Board to reconsider 2020 fair
The Kansas State Fair Board will have a meeting again Monday at 10 a.m. to reconsider the 2020 fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Amy Bickel, director of marketing for the Kansas State Fair, tells KSN News that several vendors have pulled out due to other fairs on the circuit canceling. She also said it is tough to get volunteers and employees to work the fair. Already, several area states including Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico have canceled their fairs for 2020.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Wind energy brings $18 million dollars of revenue to Clark county
Wind farms, turning the wind into energy and funding for local communities. A $280-million dollar, 74 turbine wind farm expansion is bringing 250 temporary jobs, and nearly $18 million dollars of revenue to Clark County schools and public services. It’s more than wind energy, it’s vital dollars being poured back into the community. “We’ve really seen an infusion in our economy,” said Jim Nelson, Minneola High School Teacher. It’s not the first wind farm to breathe life into Minneola’s school system.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
New orders regulate restaurants, bars, and nightclubs starting this Thursday
An Emergency Order of Local Health Officer has been issued for Topeka and Shawnee County beginning Thursday, July 9 at 12:01 a.m. This proactive public health order is issued to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the Shawnee County community. A sharp increase in cases has been identified and linked back to bar establishments. Shawnee County Health Officer, Dr. Pezzino consulted with some local owners and operators of bars and restaurants in Shawnee County over the past week to discuss potential changes and how to minimize their impact while preserving the public health goals.
(Read more: WIBW News Now)
City of Lawrence agrees to purchase house found to have century-old city tunnel underneath
The City of Lawrence has agreed to purchase the house of a couple who sued the city after discovering a century-old tunnel directly under their home. Sarah Merriman and Donna Geisler bought their house at 812 Ohio St. in 2017 with plans to demolish the ranch home on the property and build a bungalow with a basement. Those plans were disrupted when it was discovered that a city drainage tunnel ran corner to corner under the home, at a depth of only a few feet, even though no easement was recorded with the city.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
A little bit of heavenly goods in Haven
The small community of Haven decided to open up a farmers market twice a month. After mulling over the idea for years, the Chamber of Commerce thought this year was the time to act. The market opened on Tuesday and it went well. An estimated 100 shoppers showed up and bought vegetables, baked goods, ice cream and soap from 12 vendors. The farmers market will take place from 5-7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. “We’re trying to grow this organically,” said Shannin Rettig, secretary at the chamber. “Eighty-five percent of the vendors are from Haven.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Hesston grocery store task force in early talks with potential store owner
Although they didn’t meet as much during the stay at home time of COVID-19, the grocery store task force continues to work to actively bring a grocer back to the Hesston community. In fact, last week they met with a potential owner/operator for a grocery store in Hesston. Chamber of Commerce Director Megan Smith, who sits on the task force, said that the potential store owner is local to Kansas and is a pre-existing owner/operator considering the possibility of expanding to Hesston. “We had a very positive conversation, both, I believe, from our perspective and from their perspective,” Smith said. “We’re still in the very early stages of these conversations but I’m hopeful that we’re on the right path.”
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
With 4 city employees testing positive for COVID-19, Mission council discusses particulars of mask rules, quarantines
The Mission City Council Monday evening discussed Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mask mandate and concerns with exceptions in light of news that four city staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 to date — though not all of the cases came at the same time. Although Mission is adhering to the statewide mandate, the city council briefly discussed enforcement and current procedures when staff members test positive for coronavirus. As positive cases are identified, other staff members who may have been in close contact with that person are taking precautionary measures and self-quarantining for 14 days, City Administrator Laura Smith said.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 8, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Keeping Pittsburg beautiful one project at a time
In 1998, a small group of citizens got together to discuss how they could help beautify the city, and make Pittsburg a place prospective residents and visitors would like to live. These early members formed the “Mayor’s Beautification Committee” later to be renamed “Pittsburg Beautiful.” For 22 years, this group of around 15 community members has organized, funded, and implemented multiple projects to enhance city parks and landmarks. Their numbers may be small but their influence has been significant. Pittsburg Beautiful, working hand in hand with parks and recreation staff, is responsible for maintaining a number of green spaces in the city. While shopping downtown, have you noticed the petunias hanging from the light poles or stopped to smell the flowers planted in the decorative urns along Broadway? While driving into the city at Christmas time, have you admired the festive twinkle lights adorning the “Welcome to Pittsburg” signs? If so, you have appreciated the efforts of their volunteerism.
(Read more: City of Pittsburg)
Sedgwick County will now require face masks in public
Sedgwick County’s health officer has signed an emergency public health order requiring most residents to wear face coverings in public beginning Friday. Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns announced the order during Wednesday’s County Commission meeting. The order begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10 and will be in place until at least midnight on Sunday, August 9. Masks will be required in the following situations: Indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing of six feet is not possible, while in line waiting to enter indoor public spaces, obtaining services from the heath care sector, waiting for or using any public transportation or ridesharing service, businesses, nonprofits and organizations will require employees, customers, members, etc., to wear masks in most situations.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Gov. Kelly to meet with Department of Education on schools opening next month
With the 2020 school year only about a month away, there’s still a lot of uncertainty on what it will look like, or if kids will even be in school. As Governor Laura Kelly prepares for a meeting with the State Department of Education Wednesday, there’s pressure from the White House as President Trump said he wants governors to open schools. Crystal Chambers’ daughter will be a freshman in high school, and Mariama Payne has a kindergartner. They think it’s too soon to let their kids go to class. “I don’t think it’s gonna go over good. I don’t want to go on back right now,” said Chambers. “He’s young, and when they’re young, their immune systems and is great. And this virus is kind of scary. I don’t think it’s the time,” said Payne. But Sarah Hallacy disagrees.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Kansas reporting 717 more confirmed cases of COVID-19
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 717 more confirmed coronavirus cases since Monday, an increase that brings the total to at least 17,618 cases. The department on Wednesday also reported 282 COVID-19 deaths, up two since Monday. Health and environment Secretary Lee Norman announced on Tuesday that Kansas is among the top 14 states in the country for the most rapid spread of the coronavirus, and in the top 14 states for having the least restrictions on activities. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people who have the virus have not been tested.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Newton adjusts operations in response to COVID-19 cases
Because of a recent increase in local COVID-19 cases, the city of Newton made some operational changes beginning Monday, July 6. That rise included a single-day increase of eight cases last week — the largest individual day on record for Harvey County. Newton City Hall remains open to the public, but residents are encouraged to pay bills and do other business online or over the phone to limit in-person exposures. Visitors to City Hall are encouraged to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible. The Newton City Service Center will be closed to the public. Requests for service should be called in to 316-284-6070 or submitted online at newtonkansas.com.
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)
Southwest Kansas says ‘NO’ to mandating masks
Masks, across much of Kansas, are now required to be worn in public. However, some counties are taking a different approach to the governor’s order. On this map of the southwest part of the state, you can see the counties that are enforcing the governor’s order. Many are not requiring the wearing of masks, but instead are recommending them. So far, every county in southwest Kansas has shot down the governor’s mask order by not mandating them in public. While a select few counties are still waiting on their county commissions to vote on the matter.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
City mask ordinances are constitutional, Kansas Attorney General says
Wichita’s mask ordinance is allowed by the Kansas Constitution, according to a statement from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Derek Schmidt has dismissed the idea that the governor’s mask mandate is enforceable by police. But Tuesday his office confirmed that cities have the authority to enforce mask ordinances. “To the best of our knowledge, the Legislature has not enacted state law that prohibits cities from enacting local ordinances that regulate the wearing of facemasks,” Kansas Attorney General’s Office spokesman Clint Blaes said in a statement.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Prairie Village to consider amendment that would allow mayor to override certain county decisions on health orders
The Prairie Village City Council this week voted unanimously to direct its attorney to draft an amendment to the city’s emergency ordinance that gives the mayor temporary authority to enforce local, state or federal health orders in the city. The decision to draft an amendment was prompted by the Johnson County Commission’s debate on whether or not to abide by Gov. Laura Kelly’s July 2 executive order requiring face masks. Prairie Village and the county commission are abiding by the governor’s order. But if the county had chosen not to implement Kelly’s order, Mayor Eric Mikkelson would have had no “clear authority” to override the county’s decision, he said. The proposed emergency ordinance amendment would give him the authority to order 48-hour compliance with local, state or federal health orders. If the mayor were to exercise that authority, the council would have that time to call an emergency meeting to consider a possible ordinance while the temporary order remains in effect. The council will consider the proposed ordinance amendment at its next meeting, on July 20, or sooner at an emergency meeting if it decides that becomes necessary.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 7, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Prairie Village inches forward in discussion to allow backyard hens, but homeowners associations would have final say
The Prairie Village City Council on Monday night voted 8 to 4 to amend the city’s animal ordinance to allow residents to keep backyard hens — an incremental step in a process that would also have to include amending the city’s zoning code. The council can’t implement the ordinance until after the city’s planning commission meets Aug. 4 and considers a zoning amendment to allow for chickens. Monday’s ordinance included the following restrictions: – Limits the number of chicks on any one lot to eight, regardless of the number of dwellings on a lot, – Limits to six the number of chickens ages 16 weeks or older on any one lot …
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Victoria cancels Herzogfest
Victoria’s annual Herzogfest to celebrate the Volga German culture of the city has been canceled for 2020 by the Herzogfest Committee. As many as 2,000 people attend the annual event, which normally runs from Friday evening through Sunday, including a community Catholic mass on one of the town’s grassy public lawns, as well as car show, and a vendor, food and game area in the street. This would have been the 38th year for the event, usually held the first weekend of August.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Face masks not mandated in Finney County
Finney County won’t require people to wear face coverings in public. Commissioners approved a resolution 5-0 stating that people are not required to wear face coverings in public spaces at the commission’s regular monthly meeting Monday. The resolution comes after Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order 20-52 on July 2 requiring the use of face masks in public spaces. Within the executive order there is a provision for counties to make adjustments to fit the needs of their community
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)
Wichita City Hall slams the brakes on a huge car show because of COVID-19 pandemic
Concern over coronavirus has put the brakes on one of Wichita’s biggest car events of the year. The City Council on Tuesday denied an appeal that would have allowed the Automobilia Moonlight Charity Car Show to have rolled forward on Saturday. Automobilia organizers had expected to draw 20,000 car enthusiasts to a closed-down section of Douglas this weekend. In addition to cars, organizers promised five live bands, three food courts, a live auction and a drag down Douglas after the show.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Shawnee County Health officer issues updated restrictions for restaurants, bars, night clubs
Shawnee County’s health officer has issued an updated emergency order placing some restrictions on restaurants, bars and night clubs. According to a news release, the latest emergency order is set to take place at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and was crafted by Shawnee County health officer Gianfranco Pezzino, in consultation with local bar and restaurant owners to minimize economic impact and preserve public health goals. According to the emergency order, restaurants, bars and night clubs in Shawnee County are allowed to operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Each day between 2 and 3 p.m. all establishments must close their dine-in services to conduct deep cleaning of the facilities.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
New law enforcement device wraps up suspects
The cost is $925 each to buy one of law enforcement’s newest tools, a handheld, non-lethal “BolaWrap” device that fires a Kevlar tether, which works like a lasso while wrapping around a suspect’s arms or legs.
But such a purchase can pay for itself many times over if it enables a police department to avoid a civil lawsuit, Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran said Tuesday. “Any time we can provide a safer environment for the officers and the citizens, I think that’s something we need to look at,” he said. Cochran was among more than 20 people, most of them uniformed law enforcement officers, who heard a pitch for the product Tuesday afternoon from representatives of Tempe, Ariz.-based Wrap Technologies, which produces the BolaWrap.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Riley County opts out of Gov. Kelly’s mask mandate
Riley County commissioners Monday unanimously voted to opt out of Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order on wearing masks, effective immediately. That means people in Riley County will not be required to wear masks in public. It’s possible masks will again be required for residents of Manhattan after a Tuesday night vote by the Manhattan city commission. County commission chairman Marvin Rodriguez said he wanted to opt out because he thought the governor’s mandate was government overreach.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
Governor recommends staying in phase 3
Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that her administration and officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommend most local communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” and instead stay in Phase 3. The emergency disaster declaration issued by the governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Kansas added to New York’s travel quarantine list
“As states around the country experience increasing community spread, New York is taking action to ensure the continued safety of our phased reopening. Our entire response to this pandemic has been by the numbers, and we’ve set metrics for community spread just as we set metrics for everything,” Governor Cuomo said. “Three more states have now reached the level of spread required to qualify for New York’s travel advisory. We will now require individuals coming from Delaware, Kansas and Oklahoma to quarantine for 14 days. New Yorkers did the impossible – we went from the worst infection rate in the United States to one of the best – and the last thing we need is to see another spike of COVID-19.”
(Read more: KAKE – News)