Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for May 5, 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.
Look up this morning in the Wichita area! Team McConnell (McConnell Air Force Base) flyover to salute community and frontline COVID-19 responders
Look to the sky! Team McConnell is scheduled to perform a #AmericaStrong flyover on Wednesday between 10 and 11 a.m. Note: Times are subject to change. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.
Health director says COVID-19 trends in JoCo encouraging, but neighboring communities seeing cases rise
In an update to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday, Johnson County Health and Environment Director Sanmi Areola, PhD, said COVID-19 trends in Johnson County suggest spread of the virus is slowing here — but noted that cases are rising in neighboring communities. “Johnson County trends are encouraging,” Areola wrote. “However, while our numbers continue to trend in the right directions, those of our immediate neighbors are not.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Equal funding considered for counties and municipalities
House lawmakers are working on separate and equal federal aid packages for counties and municipalities at the same time that the National League of Cities has doubled its federal aid request to $500 billion over two years. NLC’s director of federal advocacy predicted Tuesday that some small rural communities may have to opt for dissolution because of their dire revenue shortfalls related to the pandemic. Some assistance could be on the way through a “municipality fund” that would designate 30% of the federal aid for municipalities with populations less than 50,000. House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., disclosed those plans in a “dear colleague” letter Monday. She said lawmakers are considering creating separate funds for direct aid to states, counties and municipal governments.
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)
These Johnson County cities vote to keep pools closed this summer because of COVID-19
Johnson County cities can open pools for the summer as early as May 18, according to Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for reopening Kansas amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But some cities say they aren’t ready to dive into the deep end. On Monday night, both the Prairie Village and Roeland Park city councils decided to keep their cities’ public pools closed this summer. And on Wednesday, an Overland Park committee will consider whether the city should open any of its outdoor pools. Officials across Johnson County and the region are deciding whether it’s safe to open community centers and pools, many of which draw hundreds of visitors from across the region.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Chicago Fed’s Evans sees rates ‘low for quite a long time’
While it won’t be the eight years like the last time the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to the zero lower bound, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans said he “doesn’t think there will be reason to raise rates anytime soon.” “We just came through a long expansion, although we are in a much different environment right now, I think interest rates will remain low for a quite a long time,” Evans said on a virtual conference call on Tuesday morning. He spoke mostly about the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy and presented a baseline case of what he envisions for the remainder of the year.
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)
Cities Are Essential: New Campaign Calls for Immediate, Direct Funding to Support Local COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Today, the National League of Cities, the voice of the over 19,000 cities, towns and villages in the United States, launched a campaign to secure economic relief for the communities on the frontline of America’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Cities Are Essential campaign calls for $500 billion in direct federal aid and economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic over the next two years to support the communities who support America’s people. “Cities are essential – to the fabric of this nation, to the pandemic response effort, and to the 200 million residents we provide essential services for,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities. “The federal government must act now. It’s been almost two months since the first bill providing Coronavirus relief was passed by Congress, and most communities haven’t received a cent in aid.”
(Read more: NLC)
Larned considering seasonal help for nuisance lawns
Revisiting a discussion about nuisance mowing violations that began last December, the Larned City Council Monday night considered the pros and cons of utilizing in-house staff over bidding and contracting for mowing the yards those who allow their grass and weeds to grow too tall. Of primary concern was the risk of liability and damage to equipment…. the city’s code enforcement officer… in 2019… surveyed 14 Kansas cities similar to Larned to find out how they handled and charged for mowing. She found an almost even split between those that contract and those who perform the work in-house. Some, like Hoisington, charged an hourly fee, and others, like Eureka, a flat rate. Larned is in line with the administrative fees charged, she determined. Smith compiled the data and recommended the city allow in-house mowing.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune)
Wichita YMCA locations to reopen in phases beginning May 18
The Greater Wichita YMCA announced that reopening its facilities in phases begins in less than two weeks. While details are still being ironed out, phase one will begin on Monday, May 18 to coincide with Kansas Laura Kelly’s plan to reopen the state. Local YMCA branches closed on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the YMCA’s website, hours will be modified and each facility will comply with state and local guidelines. More details are expected on Monday, March 11.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Reno County adopts language on sport prohibitions
With lots of confusion and debate around what youth recreational activities might be allowed under the governor’s “reopening” order concerning the novel coronavirus, the Reno County Commission on Tuesday agreed to adopt language recommended by the county’s health officer for local enforcement. Health Department Director Nick Baldetti noted that a “frequently asked questions” sheet put out by the governor’s office on the issue specifically stated that organized sporting activities, including practice, are prohibited. That, however, Baldetti said, does not restrict “outdoor play,” such as playing tennis or catch, as long as social distancing rules can be followed. “There’s been a lot of conversation around this, with a lot of questions,” Baldetti said, including a “robust discussion” during an Economic Recovery Task Force meeting on Monday that lasted nearly an hour.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Wichita expected to lose twice as many jobs as in Great Recession, forecast shows
In 2020, the Wichita area will lose nearly twice as many jobs as during the 2008-10 recession, according to a new WSU economic forecast. On Tuesday, Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research released a forecast that shows Wichita will lose roughly 44,000 jobs from 2019. That’s nearly twice as many jobs from the Great Recession. The Wichita area is expected to see a roughly 30% drop in nonfarm employment during the second quarter before bouncing back to end the year at a 14.6% decline in employment from 2019, the forecast shows. The statewide projection is a 10.2% reduction in labor from 2019.
(Read more: Local News |)
Wichita’s Towne East mall is open, but most stores aren’t yet
Wichita’s big shopping mall — Towne East Square at Kellogg and Rock — reopened on Monday after an almost seven-week shutdown that started on March 18 amid coronavirus concerns. But shoppers who are returning to the mall are finding it full of new safety protocols but light on shopping options. Only about 20 percent of the stores inside the Simon-owned mall were open as of Monday, though mall manager Stephanie Satrape says that number should steadily increase. Among the biggies that remain closed are anchors Dillard’s and JCPenney, neither of which have shared reopening dates yet, Satrape said.
(Read more: Local News |)
Columbus Public Library now offering curbside services
The Columbus Public Library is now offering curbside service to get books and movies out to residents. Restrictions set by the state still don’t allow the library to operate at full capacity, so offering this option will allow them to still offer services. In the meantime, library staff will be prepping for when they can reopen, like setting chairs and computers six feet apart. But until they can start allowing people inside again, they hope they can make their curbside service easy to do. Lauren Dainty, Director at Columbus Public Library, says, “They would contact us either over the phone, they could e-mail us, or message us on Facebook. [They would] let us know the kinds of materials they would like to request, and we’ll prepare their items. Then, they give us a phone call when they are ready to pick up, and we’ll meet them outside, drop the items off in their car, and they’re on their way.”
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
Monday marks 13 years since tornado devastated Greensburg
Monday (May 4) marks 13 year since a deadly storm ripped through the small Kiowa County town of Greensburg, killing 10 people in the community. The EF5 tornado destroyed about 95 percent of the community, leaving the center of town to resemble a bomb site. The powerful storm killed two other people, one in Pratt County and one in Stafford County. The tornado that devastated Greensburg remained on the ground for about 65 minutes,traveling more than 28 miles and measuring nearly 1.7 miles in width. The reconstruction effort that followed took years and the population dwindled to about 800 people, approximately half of the town’s pre-tornado population.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Labette County to appeal gas, oil well ruling
Labette County commissioners will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to review an appellate decision that could result in counties collecting less property tax revenue from gas and oil wells statewide. Labette County joined with Wilson and Neosho counties in arguing a tax issue with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals. River Rock Energy Co. has 2,150 gas wells in these counties and disputes the values set by appraisers, totaling $13,552,670. BOTA ruled in favor of the counties and the appellate justices reversed some BOTA rulings and returned the case to BOTA.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Salina Staff and Operations Affected by Economic Impact of COVID-19
The City of Salina has recently made numerous changes to its budget, staffing schedules and operational hours. The most-recent budget adjustments were made through a combination of work-hour reductions, temporary furloughs, not filling 30 existing vacancies, and suspending hiring numerous seasonal part-time employees pending further review of seasonal program offerings. The full economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for the City is unknown at this time, but it is clear that a major portion of the City’s operations and services will be affected. The April stay-at-home order issued by the Governor along with local, regional, and national economic trends in these unprecedented times have been continually monitored by City leadership and management.
(Read more: Salina KS News)
Olathe business owner defies Johnson County stay-at-home extension, opens store
Life is slowly getting back to normal for many Kansans, as the statewide stay-at-home order was lifted over the weekend. However, Johnson and Wyandotte counties are still on lockdown until next Monday. But one Olathe business owner isn’t waiting. An additional week of mandated shutdown means another week of struggling to stay afloat for many non-essential businesses. That’s why Rebecca Shipley at Olathe Home Decor opened her store’s doors on Monday.
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
This Johnson County city may require everyone to wear masks inside public places
As businesses prepare to reopen, the Prairie Village City Council is considering requiring everyone to wear facial coverings inside public spaces. At a meeting Monday night, Councilwoman Jori Nelson asked staff to draft an ordinance that would require people to wear masks inside businesses and indoor facilities. After a 90-minute debate, the City Council voted 11-1 to move forward. At its next meeting on May 18, the council will likely vote on an ordinance. “One of our primary responsibilities is protecting our residents and our businesses,” said Councilwoman Piper Reimer, who is a registered nurse. “It’s clear that one of the most effective, manageable and available things to all of us is to wear a face covering of some sort when we are out in public spaces indoors, in a business, restaurant or grocery store.”
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
GCCC to Distribute Over $640,000 in CARES Act Funds to Students
Garden City Community College will distribute $641,003 in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to qualifying students in order to alleviate financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The disbursement from the U.S. Department of Education is intended to reach as many students as possible and assist with expenses related to the pandemic and disruption of classes this semester. Eligible students are not required to complete any application or paperwork to receive CARES Act funding and will be identified by the institution automatically if they have filed a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) and are deemed eligible for federal aid.
(Read more: Western Kansas News)
Prairie Village, Roeland Park will not open municipal pools for 2020 season
Saying public health considerations, logistical hurdles and staff certification concerns would make operations difficult if not impossible under COVID-19 restrictions, the city councils of Prairie Village and Roeland Park on Monday voted to cancel their 2020 municipal pool seasons. Administrative staff from both cities made the recommendation to close the pools for the year after working through the statewide phased reopening guidelines released by Gov. Laura Kelly’s office last week.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Reopening rules “enforcement” discussed by Reno County
Reno County has created a specific email and will continue with its 1-800 phone number to field public calls or questions about enforcement of the governor’s plan for reopening businesses and institutions within the county during the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. While the governor’s reopening plan carries the force of law, officials plan a “philosophy of education” approach, said Reno County Health Department Director and local Health Officer Nick Baldetti.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Walgreens in Arkansas City closing shop after 12 years
The Walgreens store and pharmacy in Arkansas City will close in early June. Store Manager Rachelle Tagg confirmed on Monday the rumors swirling around social media. The store has been at the corner of Summit Street and Radio Lane for 12 years. It opened in May of 2008 and has 16 employees. “We are closing and our last day to be open is June 3,” Tagg said.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Atchison County starts COVID-19 reopening plan
It is with caution that Chief Health Officer Lori Forge, RN and county health officials presented the four-phase, 12-page reopening plan in wake of the coronavirus pandemic to county commissioners last Friday. “This is our guide now,” said County Chairman Jack Bower of the plan’s Phase one that came effective Monday, May 4. The public can view the plan in its entirety at https://www.atchisoncountyks.org/DocumentCenter/View/2224/Master-Plan-Document-5-1-2020. Atchison County health officials Forge, Medical Director Dr. Bonnie Tackett, MD, of Atchison Hospital, and Emergency Management Director Wesley Lanter devised that plan. All agreed COVID- 19 is a virus is something medical professionals and experts are learning something new about on a daily basis.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
City of Dodge City Phased Plan to Reopen City Facilities and Operations (English/Spanish)
The City of Dodge City has developed a three-phase plan for reopening city-owned facilities and operations that uses the baseline of Governor Kelly’s Ad Astra Plan to reopen the state. The first phase will begin on May 4 and will see a continuation of the operating procedures followed during the Stay-At-Home order. The re-evaluation date to potentially move into the following phase will also follow the data guidelines set in Governor Kelly’s plan by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Over 14 days the disease spread must be stable or declining, the number of new COVID-19 hospital admissions must decline, and there must be a downward trajectory of COVID-19 deaths within a 14-day period. “We all need to continue to be cautious and work hard to honor the social distancing and health guidelines,” said City Manager Cherise Tieben. “If numbers of cases keep growing, the 14-day timeline could be pushed out. We need help from all of our citizens to flatten the curve. We all want our lives and our work to be back to normal.”
(Read more: Western Kansas News)
Up Long Before Sunrise, Alta Vista Native Still Going Strong Serving Rural Hometown
It’s four in the morning need to be at work an hour down the road, tire is flat, oil’s low.” No worry Virgil Ziegler is at McDiffett Service on Main Street in Alta Vista ready to help out.
Modern days’ self-service, nearly impossible to get tires fixed, oil checked, gas filled, yet those old traditions do still exist. “I’m up at 3:30, have my oatmeal and here so people with city jobs get there on time,” Ziegler said. Serving his Wabaunsee County hometown has been the life for the energetic, heathy, outgoing 89-year-old most congenially acknowledged as Virgil. “I live in the same house where I was born, never got far from home,” Ziegler smiled. “Worked in the garage business, grocery stores and mowed lawns, it’s been my life.”
(Read more: WIBW News Now)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 4, 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.
Muni issuance may fall 3% to 7% this year due to coronavirus pandemic, S&P says
As the human toll and financial fallout from the COVID-19 spreads across U.S. states, counties and cities, S&P Global Ratings Research expects municipal bond issuance to shrink considerably this year. “At this time, we expect issuance [in the public finance sector] to contract between 3% and 7%. We see depressed issuance among the long-term debt we track to continue as we have seen in March and so far in April, at least through the near-term,” S&P said in a report released Friday. “That situation could change if relief passes through Congress, or a major change in the trajectory of the COVID-19 outbreak occurs.” S&P cautioned that its 2020 supply forecast was volatile because “so much depends on how quickly economic activity resumes and where, as well as what aid is made available to state and local governments by the Fed or by Congress.”
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)
Atchison Area Community Foundation announces $100,000 of COVID-19 Recovery Fund grants
In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Atchison Area Community Foundation (AACF) created the 2020 COVID‐19 Recovery Fund. The fund was initiated with a $25,000 matching grant from the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust just one month ago and has since received donations from dozens of local businesses and individuals throughout the Atchison area. The 2020 COVID‐19 Recovery Fund received applications from 18 local non‐profits in their relief and recovery efforts. Funds will support things such as emergency food distribution, shelter and long‐term housing, emotional and spiritual care, rental and utility assistance, childcare and mentorship programming, healthcare, and much more.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
City of Pittsburg limits facility use, cancels events, offers virtual programs this summer
As some area businesses and local government facilities begin to reopen, others are getting creative in finding new ways of offering their services – or having to make the tough decision not to in some cases where doing so while following guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 would be impossible or impractical. “Our staff has diligently reviewed all possible scenarios to safely host events and open facilities,” Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Director Kim Vogel said in a press release. “The bottom line for us is how to best protect the public and our staff, while following mass gathering guidelines. We encourage citizens to maintain social distancing while visiting parks and utilizing the trail systems, and we will continue to develop new ways to engage the public to keep everyone active throughout the summer.” To align with state and county orders, the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department is limiting the use of some park facilities, modifying summer programs and cancelling special events.
(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)
Reopening starts with small steps for city of Derby
As of May 4, Gov. Laura Kelly’s phased reopening plan for Kansas is officially in effect. Over the course of the next month, businesses across the state will slowly start to return to normal operations. During its most recent meeting on April 28, the Derby City Council discussed how that reopening would look for city services and amenities. Given that all city departments stayed busy (some more than others) while the stay-at-home orders were in effect, City Manager Kathy Sexton said staff saw no rush to reopen the doors to city hall – as that would actually bring on more work in terms of preventative measures. Given that city staff are still balancing what work can be ongoing and what can be delayed in the face of COVID-19, and the ability to get a majority of work done while closed, they are in favor of keeping the doors locked for the time being.
(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)
Modified Operations Continue for Garden City Facilities
Through at least May 15th, City facilities will operate predominantly in the same manner they have been operating since prior to the Governor’s Stay‐At‐Home Order. Doing so allows us to continue delivering virtually all the critical public services requested of us by the community while building resiliency through modified work environments and staffing schedules. As we’ve been doing since mid‐March, each department may make some adjustments to work environments and staffing strategies, but the basic description of operations at each worksite will be as follows…
(Read more: Greater Garden City » Feed)
Sedgwick businesses are responsible for new sales tax whether they collect it or not
On April 1, Sedgwick’s 8.5 percent sales tax increased to 9.0 percent, but it seems that local business hadn’t received notice from the state and were thus still charging to lower 8.5 percent.
City Administrator Joe Turner told the city council last week that he had visited several businesses and only one—Dollar General—charged the correct sales tax amount. In an e-mail exchange with Amy Kramer of the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), she explained to Turner how KDOR notifies business of tax increases. Quarterly sales tax rate changes are published at least 60 days prior to the tax being imposed, notice is included under the “Current News” section of the Customer Service Center home page, and the Department of Revenue updates the splash screen text for the sales and use tax accounts to advise users of every quarterly tax change.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 1, 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.
$400 million in aid offered to Kansas hospitals
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) Friday announced $400 million to Kansas hospitals financially impacted by COVID-19. The assistance comes from the Department of Health and Human Services, delivered through the Provider Relief Fund,established in Phase III of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act…. Moran says the first grant for $18 million “will be distributed to a high-impact hospital in Kansas that has treated a large number of COVID-19 cases. The additional $382 million will be distributed among 201 rural healthcare providers impacted by COVID-19.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Finney County extending stay-at-home order 7 days
Finney County added 99 more positive confirmed COVID-19 case, bringing the total to 503 as of 7 p.m. on Friday. The second and third deaths were confirmed by the Finney County Health Department on Friday. …At the inception of the FCHD’s drive thru testing site, there was a capability of testing 50 individuals in a day. Since then, testing supplies have increased and now allow 140-160 individuals to be tested each day. FCHD has issued an emergency public health order for Finney County, extending the governor’s stay at home order, through May 10.
(Read more: GC Telegram)
COVID-19-related restrictions challenging for rural KS counties with few or no cases
Some communities across Kansas haven’t seen any confirmed cases of COVID-19, but still feel the impact of the statewide stay-at-home order. In Russell County, among several rural counties that hasn’t seen its first COVID-19 case, county commissioners are eager to start reopening. When Phase One of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s reopening plan starting Monday (May 4), counties in the state decide if they want to incorporate additional restrictions. Russell County Commissioner Steve Reinhardt says having zero cases in the county made it difficult for some to follow the stay-at-home order.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Shawnee County announces reopening plan
Shawnee County officials are using the governor’s plan for reopening Kansas as a model for local efforts to begin opening businesses as the coronavirus pandemic wears on. In a news conference Friday afternoon, Shawnee County health officials, local leaders and emergency management personnel revealed “A Guide to Re-opening Shawnee County, Kansas,” which will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 4. At that time, the county’s stay-at-home order, which went into effect March 26, will be rescinded by Shawnee County health officer Gianfranco Pezzino. That will allow phase one of the local reopening plan to begin. Phase one of the county’s plan mimics phase one of Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide reopening initiative, which she revealed Thursday evening in a televised address to Kansans.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Reno County produces local reopening plan
Over the last two weeks, the Reno County Health Department has been working with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and the Reno County Economic Recovery Taskforce, or RCERT, to present recommendations for reopening Reno County. On Thursday evening, Gov. Laura Kelly outlined the first phase of the reopening plan for Kansas local governments. This framework allows Kansas counties to retain the ability to enact more restrictive orders, but not less restrictive. Reno County, at this time, does not plan to place any further restrictions over and above that which is outlined in the Governor’s phased plan timeline. Those phases and timelines are summarized in the attached spreadsheet and the full plan can be found at covid.ks.gov.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
After shutting for COVID-19, University of Kansas will reopen campus for fall
The University of Kansas will open its campuses for in-person classes “in some capacity” for the fall semester, university officials announced Friday. “Reconnecting with each other in person and rebuilding our community is what we’ve looked forward to for months,” KU Chancellor Douglas Girod and Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer said in a note to the campus community. “It is important that we orchestrate the revival of our Lawrence and Edwards campuses in a way that preserves and protects the safety of our people,” the note said.
(Read more: Local News |)
Sedgwick County shuns doctor’s coronavirus advice to keep buffets, playgrounds closed
Sedgwick County ignored its top doctor’s advice Friday to close Wichita-area buffets, self-service fountain drinks and playgrounds while the county gradually reopens some businesses and activities that were shuttered under Gov. Laura Kelly’s stay-at-home order set to expire Monday. Garold Minns, the county’s health officer and dean of the KU School of Medicine in Wichita, said he largely agrees with Kelly, who announced that her statewide stay-at-home order would end but suggested Friday that the Sedgwick County Commission adopt further restrictions to help keep the spread of the virus contained. “We do feel like there should be two additional things we would place on the governor’s order (that are) more restrictive,” Minns told the commission during a special meeting Friday to go over the reopening plan.
(Read more: Local News |)
Derby making budget adjustments amidst pandemic
Given the specifics of the current situation, the first measures taken by the city of Derby staff to address COVID-19 focused on safety and security. After addressing the immediate needs, though, attention soon turned to finances – with city staff reporting on the current budget situation to the Derby City Council at its April 28 meeting. Derby has a history of being conservative, City Manager Kathy Sexton noted, so it remains in a good financial position even as staff are projecting a $1.6 million revenue shortfall (on an annual budget typically around $40 million) due to the coronavirus.
(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)
Lyon County adds provisions, restrictions to statewide reopening plan
Lyon County Public Health announced the addition of several provisions and restrictions to the local implementation of a statewide reopening plan Friday. “We spent the day talking with partners about what this looks like for our community, and what this looks like in our own community,” Emergency Manager Jarrod Fell said. “We encourage everyone to follow the state plan — that is the foundation moving forward — however, we do have some added restrictions in our public health order dated May 1, 2020.” In addition, all dine-in services at restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food are prohibited. Food may be served for consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive through, carryout and curbside pick-up. Self-service food and beverage services are prohibited.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Johnson County leaders debating when, how to safely reopen businesses
Johnson County is debating when and how it will reopen. With declining new positive COVID-19 test results and fewer hospitalizations, some county leaders think reopening should go on as scheduled May 4. “The goal was to prevent the surge. We’ve accomplished the task. There is hospital capacity should there be a dust up of this again,” Johnson County Commissioner Mike Brown said. But one of the county’s top doctors insists with neighboring areas like Kansas City, Missouri, holding off on reopening a few extra days, reopening across the state line too soon could lead to a wave of new cases, possibly even worse than what’s happened so far.
(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)
Edgerton, Gardner cities tentatively plan reopening in May
Currently the COVID-19 statewide quarantine is scheduled to be lifted May 3, unless Governor Kelly extends it. Due to the March 17 “stay at home” order, only businesses deemed essential have remained open, with others struggling to adapt to a flailing economy. School buildings have been closed, and classroom education has been replaced with virtual meetings and lessons. Locally Johnson County government has furloughed more than 250 employees, and Olathe and Overland Park have announced layoffs. At this point, neither Edgerton or Gardner has furloughed employees, although Edgerton has postponed filling existing vacancies.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Jackson County reopening strategy mirrors governor’s plan
Jackson County’s plan for reopening its economy closely mirrors the plan issued on Thursday by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly for the state. But the county plan, issued on Friday by Jackson Health Officer Angela Reith, adds two specifics for businesses that serve “prepared food or drink,” including restaurants, bars and convenience stores. The state plan allows for most businesses to reopen on Monday, May 4 – when Gov. Kelly’s statewide “stay at home” order expires – following guidance by the state of Kansas, with businesses prohibited from opening listed in the state’s guidance document.
(Read more: Holton Recorder)