Minutes for each meeting of the Republic County Board of County Commissioners held in 2024 are listed below.  Click on a week to read its minutes.

• 1-2-24.pdf
• 1-8-24.pdf
• 1-15-24.pdf
• 1-22-24.pdf
• 1-29-24.pdf
• 2-5-24.pdf
• 2-12-24.pdf
• 2-20-24.pdf
• 2-26-24.pdf
• 3-4-24.pdf
• 3-11-24.pdf
• 3-18-24.pdf
• 3-25-24.pdf
• 3-27-24_Special_Meeting.pdf
• 4-1-24.pdf
• 4-8-24.pdf
• 4-15-24.pdf
• 4-22-24.pdf
• 4-29-24.pdf
• 5-6-24.pdf
• 5-13-24.pdf
• 5-20-24.pdf
• 5-28-24.pdf
• 6-3-24_NO_Meeting.pdf
• 6-10-24.pdf
• 6-17-24.pdf
• 6-24-24.pdf
• 7-1-24.pdf
• 7-8-24.pdf
• 7-15-24.pdf
• 7-22-24.pdf
• 7-29-24_NO_Meeting.pdf
• 8-5-24.pdf
• 8-12-24.pdf
• 8-19-24.pdf
• 8-26-24.pdf
• 9-3-24.pdf
• 9-9-24_No_Meeting.pdf
• 9-16-24.pdf
• 9-23-24.pdf
• 9-30-24.pdf
• 9-30-24_Email_from_KDOT.pdf

ORDER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH/HEALTH OFFICER REGARDING

THE GOVERNORS PHASED RE-OPENING PLAN

PHASE TWO

Emergency Public Health Order issued on the 6th day of April 2020, and renewed on May 26, 2020, to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Republic County, Kansas pursuant to the authority provided in K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A 65-129b and other applicable laws and regulations.

            WHEREAS, the local health officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-129b to immediately  exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of an infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine, and disinfection are duly enforced;  and

            WHEREAS, the local health officer is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious or contagious diseases pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119; and

            WHEREAS, on the 17^th day of March, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas proclaimed a State of Disaster Emergency as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), such State of Disaster Emergency was renewed on May 4^th 2020, and May 27^th 2020 and,

            WHEREAS, such conditions endanger the health, safety and welfare of people and property; and

            WHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Republic County Health Officer all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings.

            WHEREAS, this order serves to guide Republic County in controlling the spread of Covid-19.

            WHEREAS, the Order issued by the Republic County Health Officer on May 22nd, 2020 is hereby rescinded, and this order shall take its place, at 12:01 AM on May 27^th, 2020,

            NOW THEREFORE IT BE ORDERED by the Republic County Local Health Officer, and ordered until further notice or action:

Effective as of the 27^th of May at 12:01AM

Section 1. Restaurants may reopen for dine-in services, Bars and Night Clubs may open at fifty 50% capacity in compliance with the guidelines listed below:

1.      Tables must be placed six (6) feet apart as to adhere to social distancing requirements.

2.      No more than thirty (30) people in a group which is to be six (6) feet away from another group.  Extra chairs shall be removed as to not inadvertently violate the 30 person limit. 

3.      Booths must have plexiglass, plywood or some other solid material separating them from the booths in front and behind them, should this not be able to be performed, the restaurant may allow for every other booth to be used.  Cardboard is not considered per this order as a solid material.

4.      Patrons shall not be allowed to go from one group to another.

5.      For the sake of this order the 30 people will only be tabulated as to customers.  Wait staff, bartenders and cooks, and other employees are not counted toward that 30 person limit.

6.      Take out and curbside services are strongly encouraged. 

7.      No self-service or buffet style dining.  Drink fountains may open, but only with the use of new cups, thermos, or other containers is permissible. 

8.      Seating will be allowed at bar areas only if social distancing can be maintained.

9.      Business shall follow the guidance regarding the State orders via https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Business-Guidance.pdf

Section 2:  Parks and playground equipment will reopen to the public with the following guidelines:

1.      No groups larger than 30 people.

2.      Adhere to social distancing from other groups or infrequent contact when unavoidable.

Section 3.  The Republic County Courthouse shall re-open to the public on May 26^th, 2020.  Those wishing to conduct business in the Republic County Courthouse will be subject to temperature checks upon entering and other relevant health screening.  Social distancing or infrequent contact shall be observed.  Those conducting business shall use the east door for the Republic County Courthouse.

Section 4. Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in.  Only one customer per station shall be allowed.  Waiting rooms shall be closed, and anyone dropping off a customer shall not wait inside the business for the customer.  Masks shall be worn by both employees and customers, and when feasible social distancing and intermittent contact shall be observed.  Each work station shall be sanitized completely between each customer.

Section 5. Fitness centers and health clubs may open, locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.  Employees and patrons shall sanitize all equipment after each use.  Social distancing shall be observed and no more than 30 people will be allowed in a room at the same time. 

Section 6.  Baseball, softball, t-ball, and K-18 teams may begin practice as of Friday, May 22.  Games played shall adhere to sanitation of bats, balls, and other equipment for both teams.  Such sanitation shall be;

1.  Wiping down bats after each player’s use.

2.  Sanitation of balls in-between innings.

3.  Hand sanitizer available in each dug out.

4.  Social distancing when feasible shall be adhered to, and when not feasible brief intermittent contact

Section 7.  Movie Theaters, theaters, and bowling alleys may reopen.  Such locations shall adhere to social distancing requirements, and follow fundamental cleaning and public health practices detailed at covid.ks.gov.  Such locations shall avoid any instances in which groups of more than 30 individuals are in one location and unable to maintain a 6 foot distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.  This does not limit the total occupancy of a business but requires that businesses limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which social distancing cannot be maintained, such as at table, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, check out areas, etc.

Section 8.  In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 30 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained. Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 30 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed.

Section 9.  Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, and K.S.A. 65-119, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Republic County, Kansas is hereby ordered to assist in the execution and enforcement of this order.  Violation of such order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine per KSA 48-939

            Section 10. This order may be supplemented, modified or rescinded as required for the effective and efficient management and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the County by further order or direction of the Republic County Board of Commissioners or by the Republic County Health Officer.

IT IS SO ORDERED THE 27th DAY OF MAY, 2020

Danielle Swanson

Republic County Health Officer

AMENDED ORDER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH/HEALTH OFFICER IMPOSING QUARANTINE FOR TRAVEL TO CERTAIN KANSAS COUNTIES

Emergency Public Health Order issued on the 20th day of May, 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Republic County, Kansas pursuant to the authority provided in K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A 65-129b and other applicable laws and regulations.

            WHEREAS, The local health officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-129b to immediately  exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of an infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine, and disinfection are duly enforce;  and

            WHEREAS, the local health officer is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious or contagious diseases pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119; and

            WHEREAS, on the 17^th day of March, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas proclaimed a State of Disaster Emergency as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), and on a new State of Disaster Emergency was issued on April 30^th, 2020, and

            WHEREAS, such conditions endanger the health, safety and welfare of people and property; and

            WHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Republic County Health Officer all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings.

            WHEREAS, this order hereby replaces the order issued by the Republic County Local Health Officer regarding travel to certain areas effected by Covid-19 on May 1, 2020.

            NOW THEREFORE IT BE ORDERED by the Republic County Local Health Officer, and ordered until further notice or action:

            Section 1: Effective as of the 22th day of May, 2020, all individuals who have traveled to areas identified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as widespread community transfer areas, to include the following counties in Kansas: Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Sedgwick, Ford, Seward, Finney, and Lyon, and the following counties in Nebraska: Hall, Dawson, Sarpy, Adams, Lancaster, and Douglas shall be subject to a fourteen (14) day isolation and quarantine.   People subject to quarantine under this order must comply with the KDHE home quarantine guidelines currently in place, and as they are updated. Any planned travel going forward will also incur the same order for isolation and quarantine.

            Section 2. Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Republic County, Kansas is hereby ordered to assist in the execution and enforcement of this order.  Violation of such order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or one month in jail.

            Section 3. This order may be supplemented or modified as required for the effective and efficient management and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the County by further order or direction of the Republic County Board of Commissioners or by the Republic County Health Officer.

I T IS SO ORDERED THE 22nd DAY OF MAY, 2020

Danielle Swanson

Republic County Health Officer

 RESULTS OF THE APPRAISER'S MARKET STUDY ANALYSIS FOR 2020

CLICK FOR REPUBLIC COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTLATEST PRESS RELEASE!

June 12, 2020 Press Release

Effective June 15, 2020, the Republic County Health Officer will not impose any restrictions on businesses or residents of Republic County. We encourage all businesses to continue following industry standards and best practices. Governor Kelly retained 10 executive orders that Republic County Health Department encourages citizens to review. They can be found at the following link:            https://governor.kansas.gov/newroom/executive-orders

Republic County Health Department (RCHD) will continue to monitor health metrics provided by KDHE and provide updates to the public. RCHD retains the statutory duty of isolation and quarantine for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 as well as close contacts. In addition, travel restrictions imposed by KDHE will continue to be enforced.  Updated travel restrictions can be found at             https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/175/Travel-Exposure-Related-Isolation-Quaran

Traveling to a destination deemed restricted by KDHE will result in mandatory quarantine for 14-days.

Residents and visitors of Republic County need to remain diligent in social distancing as well as basic precautions like washing your hands, covering your cough, wearing a cloth mask, and staying home when you are ill.

Continue to follow and understand the guidance provided by KDHE and the Republic County Health Department. Make the individual choice to protect yourself and others around you. 

Republic County Health Department reserves the right to revisit the situation and implement restrictions if a surge of COVID-19 cases emerges and appears to be a threat to the community/county.  This decision will be based on the situation at the time.

Stay informed as information changes frequently. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 or https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/,

Republic County Health Department Facebook Page, or RCHD at 785-527-5671.

 RESULTS OF THE APPRAISER'S MARKET STUDY ANALYSIS FOR 2020

ORDER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH/HEALTH OFFICER REGARDING THE GOVERNORS PHASED RE-OPENING PLAN PHASE 2

Emergency Public Health Order issued on the 6th day of April 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Republic County, Kansas pursuant to the authority provided in K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A 65-129b and other applicable laws and regulations.

            WHEREAS, The local health officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-129b to immediately  exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of an infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine, and disinfection are duly enforced;  and

            WHEREAS, the local health officer is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious or contagious diseases pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119; and

            WHEREAS, on the 17^th day of March, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas proclaimed a State of Disaster Emergency as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), and on May 4^th 2020 the State of Disaster Emergency was renewed, and

            WHEREAS, such conditions endanger the health, safety and welfare of people and property; and

            WHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Republic County Health Officer all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings.

            WHEREAS, this order serves to incorporate the Governors Executive Order 20-34, and set out local guidelines.

            WHEREAS, the Order issued by the Republic County Health Officer on May 18th, 2020 is hereby rescinded, and this order shall take its place, at 12:01 AM on May 22, 2020,

            NOW THEREFORE IT BE ORDERED by the Republic County Local Health Officer, and ordered until further notice or action:

Effective as of the 22^nd of May at 12:01AM

            Section 1. Restaurants may reopen for dine-in services in compliance with the guidelines listed below, establishments without a valid and current issued food establishment license are not a restaurant, and therefore not included per the Governors Order, and shall not open:

1.      Tables must be placed six (6) feet apart as to adhere to social distancing requirements.

2.      No more than fifteen (15) people per table, which is to be six (6) feet away from another table.  Extra chairs shall be removed as to not inadvertently violate the 15 person limit. 

3.      Booths must have plexiglass, plywood or some other solid material separating them from the booths in front and behind them, should this not be able to be performed, the restaurant may allow for every other booth to be used.  Cardboard is not considered per this order as a solid material.

4.      Patrons shall not be allowed to go from one group to another.

5.      For the sake of this order the 15 people will only be tabulated as to customers.  Wait staff, bartenders and cooks, and other employees are not counted toward that 15 person limit.

6.      Take out and curbside services are strongly encouraged. 

7.      No self-service or buffet style dining.  Drink fountains may open, but only with the use of new cups, thermos, or other containers is permissible. 

8.      No seating will be allowed at bar areas regardless of the amount of people.

9.      Business shall follow the guidance regarding the State orders via https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Business-Guidance.pdf

Section 2:  Parks and playground equipment will reopen to the public with the following guidelines:

1.      No groups larger than 15 people.

2.      Adhere to social distancing from other groups or infrequent contact when unavoidable.

Section 3.  The Republic County Courthouse shall remain closed to the public with the exception of business being done by appointment scheduled with the office in which the business is to be conducted for the week of May 18^th, 2020.  The Republic County Courthouse shall re-open to the public on May 26^th, 2020.  Those wishing to conduct business in the Republic County Courthouse will be subject to temperature checks upon entering and other relevant health screening.  Social distancing or infrequent contact shall be observed.  Those conducting business shall use the east door for the Republic County Courthouse.

Section 4. Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in.  Only one customer per station shall be allowed.  Waiting rooms shall be closed, and anyone dropping off a customer shall not wait inside the business for the customer.  Masks shall be worn by both employees and customers, and when feasible social distancing and intermittent contact shall be observed.  Each work station shall be sanitized completely between each customer.

Section 5. Fitness centers and health clubs may open, locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.  Employees and patrons shall sanitize all equipment after each use.  Social distancing shall be observed and no more than 15 people will be allowed in a room at the same time. 

Section 6. Baseball, softball, t-ball, and K-18 teams may begin practice on Friday, May 22.

Section 7. Movie Theaters, theaters, and bowling alleys may reopen.  Such locations shall adhere to social distancing requirements, and follow fundamental cleaning and public health practices detailed at covid.ks.gov.  Such locations shall avoid any instances in which groups of more than 15 individuals are in one location and unable to maintain a 6 foot distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.  This does not limit the total occupancy of a business but requires that businesses limit mass gatherings in areas and instances in which social distancing cannot be maintained, such as at table, entrances, lobbies, break rooms, check out areas, etc.

Section 8.  In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 15 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained. Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 15 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed.

Section 9.  Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Republic County, Kansas is hereby ordered to assist in the execution and enforcement of this order.  Violation of such order is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and/or one year in jail per KSA 48-939

            Section 10. This order may be supplemented, modified or rescinded as required for the effective and efficient management and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the County by further order or direction of the Republic County Board of Commissioners or by the Republic County Health Officer.

IT IS SO ORDERED THE 22^nd DAY OF MAY, 2020

Danielle Swanson

Republic County Health Officer

AMENDED ORDER OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH/HEALTH OFFICER IMPOSING QUARANTINE FOR TRAVEL TO CERTAIN KANSAS COUNTIES

Emergency Public Health Order issued on the 20th day of May, 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Republic County, Kansas pursuant to the authority provided in K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A 65-129b and other applicable laws and regulations.

            WHEREAS, The local health officer is authorized and required, pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119 and K.S.A. 65-129b to immediately  exercise and maintain supervision over known or suspected cases of an infectious or contagious disease during its continuance, and to issue orders seeing that all such cases are properly handled and that the provisions of the Kansas public health laws as to isolation, quarantine, and disinfection are duly enforce;  and

            WHEREAS, the local health officer is authorized to prohibit public gatherings when necessary for the control of any and all infectious or contagious diseases pursuant to K.S.A. 65-119; and

            WHEREAS, on the 17^th day of March, 2020, the Governor of the State of Kansas proclaimed a State of Disaster Emergency as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), and on a new State of Disaster Emergency was issued on April 30^th, 2020, and

            WHEREAS, such conditions endanger the health, safety and welfare of people and property; and

            WHEREAS, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Republic County Health Officer all recommend implementation of community mitigation strategies to increase containment of the virus, including cancellation of large gatherings and social distancing in smaller gatherings.

            WHEREAS, this order hereby replaces the order issued by the Republic County Local Health Officer regarding travel to certain areas effected by Covid-19 on May 1, 2020.

            NOW THEREFORE IT BE ORDERED by the Republic County Local Health Officer, and ordered until further notice or action:

            Section 1: Effective as of the 22th day of May, 2020, all individuals who have traveled to areas identified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as widespread community transfer areas, to include the following counties in Kansas: Johnson, Wyandotte, Leavenworth, Sedgwick, Ford, Seward, Finney, and Lyon, and the following counties in Nebraska: Hall, Dawson, Sarpy, Adams, Lancaster, and Douglas shall be subject to a fourteen (14) day isolation and quarantine.   People subject to quarantine under this order must comply with the KDHE home quarantine guidelines currently in place, and as they are updated. Any planned travel going forward will also incur the same order for isolation and quarantine.

            Section 2. Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-129b, any sheriff, deputy sheriff or other law enforcement officer of the state or any political subdivision within Republic County, Kansas is hereby ordered to assist in the execution and enforcement of this order.  Violation of such order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or one month in jail.

            Section 3. This order may be supplemented or modified as required for the effective and efficient management and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the County by further order or direction of the Republic County Board of Commissioners or by the Republic County Health Officer.

I T IS SO ORDERED THE 22nd DAY OF MAY, 2020

Danielle Swanson

Republic County Health Officer

RESULTS OF THE APPRAISER'S MARKET STUDY ANALYSIS FOR 2020