Monthly Archives: July 2020

Government, Kansas

2020 Kansas Notable Books

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The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2020 Kansas Notable Books

15 years of 15 books celebrating Kansas cultural heritage

 

Topeka, KS – State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 15th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, written either by a Kansan, set in Kansas, or about a Kansas related topic.

 

“I am proud to present the 2020 Kansas Notable Book list. This year’s list covers a wide swath of our cultural and natural history,” said Eric Norris, State Librarian. “The rich array of works on this year’s list examine petroglyphs across the prairie and go on fantastical high seas adventures with pirates; explore the careers of academics, athletes, and aviators; and consider the importance of family from the viewpoint of a young Exoduster in the 1880s and as a world traveler in a present day small western Kansas town. This year’s list will both educate and entertain.  I encourage every Kansan to contact their local public library and celebrate the artists and artistry of Kansas.”

 

A committee of librarians, academics, and historians nominated titles from a list of eligible books, and state librarian Eric Norris selected the final list. In 2006, the first Kansas Notable Books list was announced. Since then more than 200 books have been recognized for their contribution to Kansas literary heritage.

 

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book is a program at the State Library of Kansas and the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book exists to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

 

For more information about Kansas Notable Books, visit https://kslib.info/2020KNB, call 785-296-3296, or email [email protected].

 

2020 Kansas Notable Books

 

Birds, Bones, and Beetles: The Improbable Career and Remarkable Legacy of University of Kansas Naturalist Charles D. Bunker by Charles H. Warner (Lawrence) University Press of Kansas

 

A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo (Manhattan) HarperTeen

 

Crumbled! (The Misadventures of Nobbin Swill) by Lisa Harkrader (Tonganoxie) Yellow Jacket

 

Follow Me Down to Nicodemus Town by A. LaFaye (Glen Carbon IL), illustrations by Nicole Tadgell (Oxford MA) Albert Whitman & Company

 

Headwinds: A Memoir by Edna Bell-Pearson (Overland Park) Meadowlark

 

The Healer’s Daughter: A Novel by Charlotte Hinger (Hoxie) Five Star Publishing

 

How to Be a Family: The Year I Dragged My Kids Around the World to Find a New Way to Be Together by Dan Kois (Arlington VA) Little, Brown and Company

 

Journey to a Promised Land: A Story of the Exodusters (I Am America) by Allison Lassieur (Schenectady NY) Jolly Fish Press

 

Kansas City Chiefs Legends: The Greatest Coaches, Players and Front Office Execs in Chiefs History by Jeff Deters (Lawrence) Deters Publications

 

A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller (Overland Park) Bethany House Publishers

 

Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills by Rex C. Buchanan (Lawrence), Burke W. Griggs (Lawrence), Joshua L. Svaty (Ellsworth) University Press of Kansas

 

The Reckless Oath We Made: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood (Lawrence) G.P. Putnam’s Sons

 

Steel Tide: A Seafire Novel by Natalie C. Parker (Lawrence) Razorbill

 

The Topeka School: A Novel by Ben Lerner (Brooklyn NY) Farrar, Straus and Giroux

 

What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider (Wichita) Chronicle Books

 

 

The State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit kslib.info.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fair, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Bourbon County Fair July 16

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The Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Bourbon County Fair Association
VISIT THE BOURBON COUNTY FAIR FACEBOOK PAGE!
Click here for the Fair schedule of events!
Visit the Merchants Building each evening 4-8pm in addition to the other events!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
  • 7/23 – Old Fort Auto
  • 7/30 – Up Dog Yoga
AUGUST ANNOUNCER & COMPASS:
DARCY SMITH
  • 8/6 – Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 8/13 – Medicalodges of FS – TBA
  • 8/20 – Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 8/27 – Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Special Meeting July 15

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 15, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

1:30 Special Meeting, Spark Grant

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Patty Love: Bourbon County Treasurer Candidate

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Patty Love. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local  candidates.

 

Patty Love is the current Bourbon County Treasurer and is running for re-election.
Love received an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a certificate of completion from Fort Hays State University as  Certified County Treasurer, a Certified Kansas County Finance Officer and will receive her third certification at the September state treasurer’s meeting.
  “I have worked for Bourbon County for nine years,” Love said. ” I started as a temporary employee in the register of deeds office, this led to a full-time position as a floater between with deeds office and the county clerks office, then I transferred to the county treasurer’s office.”
 ” I was deputy treasurer for five years before being appointed treasurer when Rhonda Dunn resigned,” she said. “I was elected treasurer in 2018 to complete Rhonda Dunn’s term.”
What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?
 “I have worked in the other offices in the courthouse and understand how they work together.  I have eight years of experience in the treasurer’s office and am familiar with all operations of the office.”
What is your priority on day one?
“My priority is the same as it has been in the last 2 1/2 years which is to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expenses within budget and to cut expenses where possible.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Prepares For School Year

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.

Preparations are being made for the next school year at USD 234, Fort Scott.

Among items on the USD 234 Board of Education on July 13 was a decision to keep the academic calendar the same as last year.

“The academic calendar is the same as it was last school year,” Ted Hessong, the superintendent, said in an email. ” At this time, we have not made any alterations to the academic calendar due to the pandemic.”

An additional nurse was added for duties at Fort Scott High School.

“The need for a fourth nurse has been a concern for the district to cover the high school,” Hessong said. “With the pandemic, the district made the commitment, working with Community Health Center, to add a fourth nurse for the high school.”

There have not been official decisions concerning the opening of school in the district, Hessong said.

“At this time we have not made any official decisions related to the opening of school buildings in August,” he said. “The district is working on alternate plans to possibly implement to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

Here is the list of new teachers for the 2020-2021 school year in the district.

Larry Amer will teach high school art, Kaitlin Arnold will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Carissa Bowman will teach high school family and consumer science,  Breann Eden will teach art at Winfield Scott Elementary School,  Clint Heffern will teach high school social studies, Paulette Howard will teach gifted education, Danny Larsen will teach physical education at Eugene Ware Elementary School,  Melissa Miller will be the elementary instructional coach,  Shelly Sanborn will teach middle school special education, Torrie Singmaster will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Courtenay Slinkard will teach high school  English, Dalaina Smith is the director of academics,  Kate Sweyko is the high school special education teacher,  Reyna Valenzuela will teach high school English, Alexandra VanSickle will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
The board accepted the resignation of Kirstie Cox as Winfield Scott second grade teacher, Abigail Helt as the high school/middle school chorus teacher,  Jeanise Malone as central office accounts payable secretary,  Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional, Angela Christy as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional, Stacey Gingrich as a gifted paraprofessional and Bud Hall as a bus driver.

Linda Minor, Winfield Scott transferred from first-grade teacher to second-grade.

Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach’s contract was adjusted from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year.

Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher, was granted a leave of absence.

Harleigh Lowry was hired as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year.

Reemployment for the school year: Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher,  Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist, and Daniel Long, as a high school paraprofessional.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Relief For Motor Carriers During Pandemic

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Executive Order Extending Relief to Motor Carriers During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Executive Order #20-57 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, until August 14, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-45.

 

“The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said.

 

The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.

 

To view E.O. #20-57, click here.

Government, Kansas

Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed in Captive Cervid Herd

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive cervid herd in Osage County, Kansas, and is working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to mitigate risk to the captive cervid industry as well as the local wild deer population in the area. Though CWD has been detected in wild deer populations in many western Kansas counties, this is the first documented positive case in eastern Kansas and the first in a captive herd since 2001.

 

CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of animals in the family cervidae (elk, deer, and moose) that impacts the animal’s brain cells, ultimately causing death. Only animals in the family cervidae are susceptible to CWD. Currently, there is no evidence that CWD poses a threat to humans.

 

The CWD-infected animal was born and raised on the premises in Osage County where it was tested after being euthanized in late June. The affected premises has been placed under quarantine, and tracing and surveillance are underway on all animals which have moved into or out of this captive cervid herd in the last five years.

 

KDWPT will conduct additional surveillance of CWD in Osage County as part of the agency’s annual testing of wild deer taken during hunting seasons, and through a three-year, statewide research project set to begin this fall. KDWPT will use the data collected to develop CWD risk assessment maps and future surveillance, prevention, management, and regulatory efforts.

 

Owners of captive cervid herds in Kansas are encouraged to participate in KDA’s CWD Herd Certification Program. This program provides increased oversight via annual inventory reconciliation, identification of all cervids over one year of age on the premises, and CWD testing for all animal mortalities. Though certification is voluntary, only operations that have been CWD-certified for at least five years may legally move animals interstate. The infected Osage County animal was in a CWD-certified herd which had not received any animals from any operations that did not have equal or greater certification status.

 

For more information, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/CWD, call the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601, or visit KDWPT at ksoutdoors.com/CWD.

 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while also promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection to the best of our ability.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Julie Bahr

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Julie Ann Bahr, age 57, went home to be with her Lord on July 14, 2020, after a battle with cancer.

She was born November 11, 1962, at Rock Rapids, Iowa the daughter of August (Gus) and Martha Schaer Feucht.  She was raised on a farm near the small town of Lester, Iowa.  She attended West Lyon Community School from K- 12th grade graduating in 1981.

She continued her schooling at Nettleton Business College.  She worked at Midland National Life Insurance from 1982 – 1984 and then at Regency Inns Management, Inc. in the accounting dept. from 1984-1995.

She became a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in August 1982. Julie carried out her strong faith by serving others and enjoyed traveling with her family and friends.   Her caring, loving heart was shared with her aging parents and her nieces and nephews.

Julie married Larry Bahr on July 9, 1995, in Lester, Iowa.  After their marriage, they made their home in Ft. Scott, Kansas.  They later moved to the country near Deerfield, Missouri in the spring of 2008.

Her joy and ambition were raising their children Heather, Austin, and Kendra and volunteering at Ft. Scott Christian Heights where they attended school.

Other special times in Julie’s life were spent enjoying the outdoors at their cabin, fishing, hiking, biking, gardening, and reading.

 

She is survived by her loving husband, of 25 years Larry, of the home;  three children;  Heather (Ben) Self of Liberal, MO, Austin and Kendra of the home, sisters; Sue (Gary) Schneider West Bend, Iowa, Joan (Jim) Dietrich of Sublimity, Oregon, Esther (Wes) Moser Lester, Iowa, Beth (Rod) Steffen of Cissna Park, Illinois, brothers; Roy (Melisa) Feucht Lester, Iowa, Tim (Carla) Feucht of Larchwood, Iowa.  In-Laws; Jim and Ruth Bahr, Teresa Bahr, Jerry (Maria) Bahr all of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Judy (Phil) Schlatter of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Martha Feucht; and two sisters, Sharon Strahm and Ruth Ann Feucht.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 18th at the Lamar, Missouri Apostolic Christian Church.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the Lamont Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Lamont, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Church, Ft. Scott Christian Heights, the Beacon or Heartland Hospice Care and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

KS Has New Eco Devo Professionals

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Department of Commerce strengthens team with new Deputy Secretary and Community Development Director

 

TOPEKA – Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced the hiring of two economic development professionals to help direct business and community development efforts for the state.

 

William (Bill) Murphy will become the new Deputy Secretary for Business Development at Commerce, directing efforts to drive the growth of existing businesses in Kansas and recruit new businesses into the state. He will oversee the Business, Community and International development divisions, as well as the Bioscience/Technology and Marketing and Communications divisions.

 

With more than two decades of experience in economic development leadership roles, Murphy currently serves as senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

He previously worked as executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and before that held various economic development roles in Ohio and Maryland. He also worked in the energy sector in Ohio.

 

“Bill will be a tremendous asset for Commerce and Kansas in this very critical role,” Toland said. “He has a strong record facilitating job creation and capital investment, and his expertise and experience in economic development for markets of all sizes will be instrumental as we continue to work on a statewide, national and international approach to growth in Kansas.”

 

Murphy earned a Master of Urban/Public Administration degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Wright State University. He also completed various economic development-related certifications and training.

 

“I’m thrilled to join the Commerce team that is leading the state’s economic comeback at this critical juncture,” Murphy said. “Kansas is very well positioned to return to a posture of aggressive growth, and to seize opportunities created by COVID-19, which is why I’m eager to get to work with Governor Kelly, Secretary Toland and businesses and communities statewide.”

 

Toland also announced the hiring of Kayla Savage to lead the newly established Community Development Division.

 

As director of Commerce’s Community Development Division, Savage oversees the Community Development Block Grant program, the Community Service Tax Credit program, Rural Opportunity Zones and Kansas Main Street, which was relaunched in December 2019. Her role also includes partnering with the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure that rural Kansans have the tools and skills necessary to create thriving, resilient communities.

 

“Kayla is bright, creative and a natural collaborator,” Toland said. “She’s helping Commerce ensure that all Kansas towns can have the resources and tools they need to create vibrant communities.”

 

Savage previously was program coordinator and assistant director for the community education unit of Global Campus, and before that served as executive director of the Main Street program in Emporia, Kansas.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication, Public Relations and Business from Emporia State University and Master of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of this vital effort to help communities across Kansas connect with the tools they need to move forward and prosper,” Savage said. “Our team will be innovative and visionary in partnering with communities of all sizes and geographic locations during this very critical time, and beyond.”

 

For more information on Commerce’s Business and Community Development divisions and other programs, visit kansascommerce.gov.

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government

Federal COVID 19 Funding Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Respond to Coronavirus

Funding targets state, local jurisdictions, and domestic violence support and prevention

 

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced $6,202,603 in grant awards to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus, as well as funds to support families impacted by domestic violence.

 

“My administration continues to work to ensure Kansans and the communities impacted by COVID-19 have the resources they need to fight the spread of the virus” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants are thorough and purposeful examples of how we can direct funds across the state, especially to some of our possibly overlooked areas in need. We know domestic violence is an issue that has been amplified by the pandemic, and this funding will provide support services to those who need them the most.”

 

The grant awards for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide funds to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Allowable purchases include overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of incarcerated inmates.

 

The CESF Program is authorized by Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Act Pub. L. No. 116136 (Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations) and is supplemental to the $1.25 billion Kansas received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) authorized by the same legislation.

 

Only the State Administrating Agency (Kansas Governor’s Office) that applied under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program is eligible to apply for the state allocation of CESF funding.

 

A total of $5,912,074 was awarded to 30 state and local agencies.

 

CESF Grant Awards
County Organization Name Grant Award
Barton Barton County $102,356
Bourbon Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office $113,454
Bourbon City of Fort Scott $12,201
Cherokee Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office $52,175
Coffey City of LeRoy $14,094
Coffey Coffey County Sheriff’s Office $46,075
Crawford Crawford County Sheriff’s Office $16,268
Ellsworth Ellsworth Police Department $32,960
Finney City of Garden City $22,200
Ford City of Dodge City $20,000
Franklin Ottawa Police Department $168,051
Harper City of Attica $7,500
Harvey City of Newton $32,480
Jackson Jackson County $52,928
Marion Marion County Emergency Management $36,300
McPherson City of Inman $1,900
Miami Miami County Sheriff’s Office $57,959
Montgomery City of Independence $35,842
Montgomery Coffeyville Police Department $61,655
Neosho Neosho County Sheriff’s Office $46,632
Pottawatomie Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office $14,266
Pratt Pratt Police Department $20,851
Reno Reno County Health Department $19,348
Sedgwick City of Kechi $60,848
Sedgwick City of Valley Center $43,891
Shawnee Kansas Bureau of Investigation $520,000
Shawnee Kansas Department of Corrections $1,700,000
Shawnee Kansas Highway Patrol $975,000
Shawnee Kansas Judicial Branch $1,600,000
Wilson Wilson County $24,840
  TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $5,912,074

 

The grant awards for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family and Youth Services Bureau, Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Program’s Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136 are used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency by supporting families impacted by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.

 

This supplemental funding addresses the evolving needs of domestic violence survivors and local domestic violence programs throughout the state to ensure the continuity of shelter and supportive services.

 

Funds will be used for overtime and hazard pay for staff, supplies needed for COVID-19 response, equipment and software to assist in carrying out remote services, and direct victim assistance.  Funding may also be used to purchase supplies for the safety of staff and operate shelters and programs during this public health emergency.

 

Grant funds were distributed to current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) subgrantees based on incorporating an equally distributed base amount, population of service area, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases as of the date the solicitation was released.

 

A total of $290,529 was awarded to 19 agencies.

 

FVPSA-CARES ACT Grant Awards
County Organization Name Grant Award
Allen Hope Unlimited $7,174
Barton Family Crisis Center $8,217
Butler Family Life Center $8,286
Crawford Safehouse Crisis Center $10,492
Douglas The Willow Domestic Violence Center $11,356
Ellis Options:  Domestic & Sexual Violence Services $8,938
Finney Family Crisis Services $27,241
Ford Crisis Center of Dodge City $31,150
Harvey Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force $8,550
Johnson SAFEHOME $25,783
Leavenworth Alliance Against Family Violence $17,723
Lyon SOS $12,579
Reno BrightHouse $8,859
Riley Crisis Center $11,458
Saline Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas $9,619
Sedgwick Catholic Charities, Harbor House $14,359
Sedgwick Wichita Family Crisis Center $15,980
Seward Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services $23,704
Wyandotte Friends of Yates $29,061
  TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: $290,529

 

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list: Arkansas, Alabama and South Carolina removed

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has removed three states from the quarantine list: Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. Additionally, KDHE has modified its international travel list from all international travel to just countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, plus Bahrain and French Guiana. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

Traveled to:

  • Florida on or after June 29.
  • Arizona on or after June 17.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
  • International travel to Bahrain or French Guiana on or after July 14.
  • International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow CDC guidance and protocols.

 

Others needing to continue quarantining:

  • Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

“The removal of states from our list isn’t cause for celebration,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary. “We base our list on new case rates by population size and unfortunately, Kansas’ numbers are increasing significantly and our cases by population base have approached, even surpassed the states we had on our list. We must do better, Kansas. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, avoid large gatherings. Each one of us is responsible for our actions.”

 

States added to this list are determined by evaluating new cases in states over a two-week period, then adjusting for population size, giving a case per 100,000 population which can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. States with significantly higher rates (approximately 3 times higher) are added to the list.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department  regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.