Butler County Legislative Coffee

El Dorado Chamber of Commerce hosts Butler County Farm Bureau Forum

On Saturday, March 5, 2022 the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Coffee sponsored by the Butler County Farm Bureau Association. 

Listen to the conversation on the podcast channel here.

In attendance were District 12 Representative Doug Blex, District 75 Representative Will Carpenter and District 14 Senator Mike Fagg.  They spoke to Butler County residents about the work they are currently doing on their behalf and answered questions. 

Representative Blex represents House District 12 which spans parts of 5 counties; Mongomery(part), Chautauqua, Cowley, Butler and Elk.  Blex serves on the Health and Human Services Committee, is Vice-Chair of the Local Government Committee and is on the House Taxation Committee.

“I always enjoy the Farm Bureau forums,” said Representative Blex. “I feel like I get some really straight-shooting of what the issues are.”  

Before and after the panel discussion, voters had the opportunity to speak with their legislators.  Pictured is Miss Butler County Sierra Marie Bonn discussing issues with Representative Carpenter. 

Representative Will Carpenter represents House District 75 which serves the cities of Cassoday, El Dorado, Elbing, Potwin and Towanda and the townships of Chelsea, Clifford, El Dorado, Fairmount, Fairview, Lincoln, Milton, Murdock, Plum Grove, Prospect, Rosalia and SycamoreTowanda.

Representative Carpenter serves on the Appropriations Committee, the Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee and the Social Services Budget Committee, for which he is the Chair. 

“I enjoy hearing from the folks back home,” said Carpenter.  “They are my eyes and ears out there.”

The Legislators each shared about the work they are doing in Topeka and took questions from the audience. Pictured is Representative Doug Blex speaking.

Senator Mike Fagg represents Senate District 14 which covers 10 counties; Butler, Chautauqua, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Montgomery, Wilson and Woodson Counties.

Senator Fagg serves on the Agriculture/Natural Resources Committee, Ways and Means, Utilities, Financial Institutions/Insurance and serves as the Vice-Chair, Joint Committee for Education, Joint Committee for Mental Health, Sparks Sub-Committee for Modern and Efficiency.

“We had a lot of great questions,” said Fagg.  “The only thing I wish is that we would have more people here because we need to get everyone involved, everyone’s thoughts and ideas need to be heard.”

A small but passionate number of voters attended the Legislative Coffee.

Jeff Varner, Policy Chair for the Butler County Farm Bureau Association, said the event provided an opportunity for the public to visit with legislators.  

“It’s always amazing what you learn,” said Varner. “We have worked hard over the years to hold events like this and plan several more in the coming months.” 

“The whole purpose is to give the community a chance to talk to their representatives, see what is happening in Topeka,” said Phil Benedict, Executive Director of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. 

“We hope to have more throughout the year as this is an election year,” said Benedict.

The next Butler County Farm Bureau Association Legislative Coffee is scheduled to be on Saturday, March 26 from 9-11a at the Augusta Train Depot in Augusta. Representative Kristy Williams and Senator Ty Masterson will be in attendance to share the work they are doing in Topeka and visit with voters.

Search for New El Dorado Police Chief

On Thursday, January 13th, the public was invited to meet and greet the final four candidates for the job of El Dorado Police Chief. 

The current Police Chief, Curt Zieman, retires on March 23, 2022. 

Craig Holloway, Kevin Kichler, Mike Holton and Dirk Budd are the final candidates for the position.

El Dorado City Manager David Dillner introduced each of the candidates during the Meet & Greet. From left to right: Dillner, Dirk Budd, Kevin Kichler, Craig Holloway and Mike Holton.

Throughout the day Thursday, each of them interviewed with city staff, met community members and youth, and participated in activities which enabled them to display the skills and talents they would bring as the next police chief.

“We appreciate everyone’s participation in the day’s activities and the feedback that will help the City Manager to make the best decision on the next police chief,” said Julie Clements Municipal Information Officer. 

David Dillner, El Dorado City Manager, will review all the  information from the day’s events before making a final decision. 

“We hope to make a decision in the next couple of weeks,” said Clements.

Travel Writer to Speak at Museum

On Sunday, January 30th at 2 p.m. the Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum will host Kansas author and travel writer Roxie Yonkey. 

Travel writer Roxie Yonkey will speak at the Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum as part of the Sunday Speaker Series.

As a part of the Sunday Speaker Series hosted at the museum, Yonkey will talk about her book 100 Things to do in Kansas Before You Die, and hold a book signing.  Her book is available for purchase in the Gusher Gift Shoppe inside the museum.

In 2018, Yonkey was a Public Relations Manager for a destination marketing organization (DMO) and Administrator for a regional marketing organization.  It was while in this role that the bug to blog bit her. Yonkey eventually began her online blog “Roxie on the Road” where she documents her road trips across Kansas. 

“Blogging combines my passions for travel, history, photography, writing, and design,” said Yonkey.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, for a $10 donation, by calling (316)321-9333 or tickets can be purchased in person at the Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E Central Ave, El Dorado.

COVID-19 Cases Rising

According to Butler County Health Department Director, Jamie Downs, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise and local resources are beyond capacity.  Officials are requesting citizens to follow guidelines to help combat further increases.

Individuals, ages five years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination. Those who have received notification of a positive COVID-19 test, please isolate for 5-10 days. 

Persons who have tested positive are asked to inform those they have been in recent contact with and instruct them to quarantine for 5-10 days. 

Those living in a home with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, should quarantine for another 5-10 days once the positive person is released from isolation.

Individuals who have been notified they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, should quarantine for 5-10 days. Please follow the updated Isolation and Quarantine guidance issued by the CDC and KDHE. 

Individuals experiencing symptoms are requested to consult with their health care provider for evaluation and to determine if testing is recommended.

“For general COVID-19 questions, please contact 211,” said Downs.

She advises citizens to be aware that services at the Butler County Health Department may be limited during this time.

“Remember to stay at home when you are sick, wash hands, wear masks, social distance and get vaccinated and boosted,” said Downs.

“The steps we take as a community are for our community,” said Downs. “The only ones to benefit are ourselves.” 

Additional COVID-19 Saliva PCR Testing

Increased gatherings increase testing options

Butler County, Kansas – With the increased gatherings for the upcoming holiday season, we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. In the event that you do develop symptoms over the holiday season, the Butler County Health Department will be conducting Saliva PCR COVID-19 testing on the following dates:

December 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th
9am to 12pm – NO APPOINTMENT NECCESSARY 206 N. Griffith St., Ste. B, El Dorado, Kansas, 67042

The saliva PCR test requires that you do not eat, drink or smoke fifteen (15) minutes prior to being tested.

Please park in the reserved spaces and call the number listed on the sign for a nurse to come to your vehicle to be tested.

Please remain in your vehicle, the nurse will come to you.

Test results may take up to seventy-two (72) hours to receive. You will be contacted by Health Department staff via phone with your results.

Please complete the testing submission form prior to arrival.

HLT COVID-19 Testing Registration Form 12-20-21.pdfDownload

Forms will also be available at the testing location.

For additional questions please contact 316-621-4517.