Through a cooperative effort by the Butler County Administration, American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units in Butler County, students from schools throughout the county convened in front of the Butler County Courthouse on Tuesday, November 16th to learn about the various functions of our county government and where tax dollars are invested.
Historic Butler County Courthouse
Education is an important part of the mission of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary because a democracy depends largely on its people being informed.
The Government Day program is geared towards informing high school students enrolled in Government classes within Butler County.
Commission Chairman Jeff Masterson welcomes students.
Greeted by County Commission Chairman Jeff Masterson, the students were told how the day would unfold. They divided into several groups and rotated through stations throughout the day.
Those stations were composed of the different administrative, executive and legal offices within Butler County.
Group chaperones included members of the American Legion.
Students sat in the Board of County Commissioners meeting located on the fourth floor of the historic courthouse and heard from the County Commissioners and GIS Mapping Department’s Director Pam Dunham. She shared an abbreviated history of Butler County with the students in addition to quizzing them on some well-known, and some obscure, facts of the largest county in Kansas.
Commissioners welcomed students and shared about the roles in county government. Students learning fun facts about Butler County.
At another station, students heard from Butler County Clerk, Tatum Stafford and her office. Students who were of voting age and unregistered, were given the opportunity to register to vote.
Students learned about the voting process through a mock election.
Emergency Management Director, Keri Korthals shared why the need for emergency preparedness was the responsibility of all the people.
Butler County Emergency Management Director Keri Korthals speaks to students at her station.
And the Public Works Department was stationed in the parking lot and gave students an opportunity to learn what the department is responsible for as well as learning about the equipment they use on a daily basis.
Public Works equipment in the parking lot. Students learned about the equipment used by the Public Works Department.
Students also visited the Judicial Building and the Butler County Detention Facility.
Butler County Judicial Building
For lunch, the students were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs at the Butler County Community Building. The lunch was hosted by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, and prepared by the Red Devil Chefs.
American Legion Auxiliary members hosted lunch. Red Devil Chefs grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Lunch is served.
While there students heard from American Legion Post #81 Commander Steve Seymour, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #81 President Karen Hasting, District 5 Auxiliary President Tracy Kinnick and State of Kansas Department President Annette Scheaffer. Each of the American Legion and Auxiliary members spoke on the programs, like Government Day, provided by the organizations. One of the programs available to high school juniors is Boys and Girls State.
American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs for high school juniors, which focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.
Concluding the program, Representative Will Carpenter shared why he entered public service and encouraged each of the students to get involved in local government.
In response to Governor Kelly‘s Executive Order to “temporarily prohibit mass gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19,” and to mirror the preventative actions being taken by the State of Kansas, the Butler County Commissioners held a special meeting on Thursday, March 19 , at 8 AM to discuss the adoption of a Public Health Emergency Declaration and closure of Butler County facilities to the public beginning Monday, March 23rd through, Friday, April 3rd.
County Administrator Will Johnson stated, “With the closure of State offices, school closures and the expansion of travel restrictions occurring after the County Commission meeting on Tuesday, it has become necessary for Butler County to adopt a Public Health Declaration allowing the County flexibility to provide the essential and necessary services required of County Government. The County Commission continues to be committed to the health and safety of our employees and citizens, along with delivery services necessary to carry Butler County through this crisis.”
Butler County Emergency Management Director, Keri Korthals, speaking to the commission about the need for the Public Health Declaration.Meeting attendees sat with respect to the social distancing guidelines.
Essential services will be provided by appointment only. During the meeting, the Motor Vehicle tag office was cited as not being considered an essential service.
The Butler County Courthouse is among the public facilities to be closed to the public March 23rd through April 3rd.
Also, discussed was protocol for employees affected by a limited shutdown because of the pandemic. Primary among the concern is childcare for essential staff. “Family First” is the motto shared by Johnson.
Johnson said “Childcare for staff will be provided in some fashion by the county.”
According to Jamie Downs, Director of Public Health, the number of available childcare workers in the county is down 733 providers with the coronavirus outbreak.
Johnson informed the Commissioners that employees are mandated by the state to quarantine immediately upon return from international locations and cruise ship travel as well as California, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington. This currently affects three Butler County employees.
Board of Commissioners discussing the resolution presented by County Administrator Will Johnson.
Additionally, Johnson said fearful employees considered “non-essential staff” will be allowed to take this time off.
The Motor Vehicle office is one of the non-essential offices to be closed to the public. All essential business will be conducted by appointment to limit the number of gathered individuals.
Commission meetings will also be closed to the public but will be available through live stream on the Butler County website (www.bucoks.com) to comply with Kansas Open Meetings Act.
The one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Butler County, along with two exposed individuals have been quarantined and are being monitored by the Butler County Health Department.
In a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), many have wondered if they couldn’t simply protect themselves by avoiding people with symptoms of respiratory illness.
“Unfortunately, the answer is no,” the report went on to state, “A new study shows that simply avoiding symptomatic people will not go far enough to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s because researchers have discovered that many individuals can carry the novel coronavirus without showing any of the typical symptoms of COVID-19: fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. But these asymptomatic or only mildly ill individuals can still shed virus and infect others.
“This conclusion adds further weight to the recent guidance from U.S. public health experts: what we need most right now to slow the stealthy spread of this new coronavirus is a full implementation of social distancing. What exactly does social distancing mean? Well, for starters, it is recommended that people stay at home as much as possible, going out only for critical needs like groceries and medicines, or to exercise and enjoy the outdoors in wide open spaces. Other recommendations include avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, no handshakes, regular handwashing, and, when encountering someone outside of your immediate household, trying to remain at least 6 feet apart.”
With journal studies, as well as evidence from asymptomatic patients testing positive for COVID-19, proving it is possible to test positive for Covid-19 without symptoms, it is unethical to act otherwise.
While there is no need to panic, this reality underscores the need to strictly adhere to social distancing, self quarantine and increased diligence to personal hygiene for the welfare of public health. It is necessary. It is about saving lives and protecting loved ones. We must all take it seriously.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and tests are currently restricted to medical personnel, first responders those who are symptomatic or known to be exposed to positive cases. This is due to the low number of supplies available.
The Butler County Health Department does not have test kits. All testing is currently being done at the state level.
While there may be no testing done on asymptomatic individuals who have no known contact with a positive case, there is still room for the virus to travel freely for weeks unknown.
Cavalier or dismissive attitudes do not change the facts. Ignorance in this case is not bliss. We are in a critical time and to establish and enforce strict safety measures in order to get ahead of the virus and help contain this pandemic.
Alternatively, running to stores and clearing shelves of food and supplies, including toilet paper, has increased the hysteria and panic. This behavior only serves to perpetuate the fear surrounding the coronavirus, as well as preventing people who need to purchase basic necessities from having access.
Using common sense, thinking of your fellow man and following the guidelines established by national, state, local authorities will help us stay ahead of the virus. In six months, we are going to look back at this time and say, “We overreacted” or “We didn’t do enough.”
The resolution, approved 4-1 with Myers in opposition, recommends the following:
Recommended no gatherings greater than fifty (50) people through May 10th, or until the situation changes, in line with CDC recommendations.
Recommended the County Administrator follow KDHE & CDC protocols for recommendations related to County services and employees.
Encouraged County residents to utilize web-based or mail-in services instead of visiting
County facilities in person.
Cancelled all 4H Building rentals along with activities through May 10th.
Cancelled the Department on Aging’s Spring Fling event in May.
Cancelled all Commissioner Senior Center visitations and luncheons through May.
Cancelled all out of state travel through May 10th.
Required County employees to quarantine for fourteen (14) days if they had traveled to any restricted areas, as outlined by the CDC.
Restricted County employee personal travel to CDC restricted areas.
Discontinued any new vacation requests for Public Safety employees or critical essential employees (Health, Sheriff, 911, EMS, Emergency Management).
Representatives from less than half the cities in Butler County, attended the 73rd Annual Butler County Mayor’s Dinner, hosted by El Dorado Mayor Bill Young.
The dinner was held at the El Dorado Elks Lodge on Tuesday, February 18th.
In attendance were Butler County Commissioners Woydziak, Murphy, Myers and Wheeler along with County Administrator Will Johnson; Representative Will Carpenter; El Dorado Commissioners Guthrie, Lewis, Badwey and Wilkinson; City Manager David Dillner; City Clerk Tabitha Sharp; representatives from Andover, Augusta, Potwin and Towanda; BCC President Dr. Krull and El Dorado High School Principal Bruce Lolling.
Mayor Young said it was his desire that the gathering would provide them an opportunity to meet, form relationships and build collaborative partnerships across Butler County.
After welcoming guests, Young kicked off the process sharing informal updates.Carpenter welcomed questions before he headed back to Topeka.Potwin’s long time Mayor, Dean Schmidt, has held the office for 33 years.
In one of his final acts as Mayor, Vince Haines had the privilege of doing one of his favorite jobs – recognizing city employees who have 10 or more years of service with the City of El Dorado.
Neil Boyce was presented his award by Kurt Bookout.
Debbie Smith received her award from Chief Curt Zieman.
City Clerk Tabitha Sharp was presented her award by City Manager David Dillner.
Brad Meyers presented to proud Marine Dad and snake lover, Scott Jones, his award.
Officer Sarah Hagen received her award from Chief Zieman.
Officer John Thompson received his award from Chief Zieman.
City Engineer Scott Rickard presenting to Amanda Stalnaker.
Michelle Linson received her award from Kurt Bookout.
At the most recent Board of Butler County Commissioners meeting, Butler County resident of Douglass, Jeff Runyon appeared before the Board during the “Public Comments” to appeal for help in resolving a long-running nuisance with neighbor who is a Wichita Police Department Officer.
Citing the near daily running of 4-Wheelers, Mr. Runyan expressed his frustration with the noise pollution. “These are not regular four wheelers, they are racing bikes with hardly any mufflers [and] has gone on for 5 years.” He stated the noise level has increased each year.
He presented a specific incident when he called the Sheriff’s office. On October 1, 2016, the noise began at 8a in the morning and continued all day. From his home, half a mile away, he documented the noise with a decibel meter at 79 decibels. After canister fireworks went off, he called the Sheriff, it was approximately 10:30p. Once the Sheriff’s deputy had left, Mr. Runyan heard individuals get back on the bikes and make comments such as “take that.”
In addition to the disruption to daily life, he noted “You can’t do anything without wondering when and where it’s going to start up.” Also, he has witnessed that the behavior is harassing wildlife.
Pleading with the Commission, he asked for serious help in putting together a noise resolution that can be enforced. “It is obnoxious behavior. Where’s our rights and what can we do?”
“[Mr. Runyan] is not only one in that area complaining” stated Commissioner Woydziak “We need to look at an enforceable law.”
Sheriff Kelly Herzet can not currently issue a ticket according to Butler County Attorney, Darrin Devinney. He presented the challenges to prosecution under the active ordinance. It is an undetermined misdemeanor imposing a $500-$2000 fine for a first offense as a Class A misdemeanor.
Some of those challenges include the need for standardized equipment to enforce, as well as the cumulative effect of sound as a problem. Mr. Devinney asked, “Do we [prosecute] the land owner or all the parties? We have talked about this at length. Sheriff Herzet and David Alfaro have spoken with Mr. Runyan regarding the remedies available to him.”
Sheriff Herzet has been accumulating sound ordinances violation for several years and this situation has been well documented.
Commissioner Masterson asked if a decibel level is set within the current ordinance and it was identified as limiting the allowable decibel level.
With respect to obtaining standardized equips for the department, he stated, “A decibel meter is not too expensive.” Sheriff Herzet outlines the actions he has taken. “What I’ve done is I have reached out. This guy is a Wichita police officer. Made contact … to let him know we’re on a complaint.” Sheriff Herzet added, “I like riding motorcycles but not from 8a-10p.”
County Administrator, Will Johnson informed the Commission that the complaint of out of season fireworks is currently enforceable.
The Commission determined to investigate how to amend the ordinance.
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