The courthouse is now fully open once again, with public entry from any door, following a discussion by commissioners.
The decision comes as Gov. Laura Kelly’s “Ad Astra” reopening guidelines have entered Phase III, wherein the recommended limit for gatherings raises to 45 people.
One exception, however, to removing all limitations on courthouse access is the large meeting room in the basement, which is not yet available for gatherings beyond 15 people.
Commissioners also agreed that county-run senior centers could reopen for meals next Monday, June 15, and gave the go-ahead for regular Meals on Wheels service to resume on that date as well.
Facilities will be carefully cleaned after meal services, and hand sanitizer and other hygienic products will be readily available.
The senior centers will aim to reopen completely by July 1, for card games and other social events and gatherings.
A new county building, the ambulance barn in Humboldt, should also be opening very soon, with its grand opening perhaps forthcoming next week.
The main item in the new station still awaiting completion is installation of the circuit board and other electrical equipment.
Last week, the Kansas Department of Commerce announced that Allen County had received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) in the amount of $132,000.
The grant was successfully obtained by Thrive Allen County, and so Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr attended Tuesday’s meeting to provide a follow-up for commissioners.
The county has also put out bids to find a certified administrator for the grant, who will be responsible for equitably distributing the funds to interested businesses.
Based on population demographics, 45% of funds would go to Iola, 35% to Humboldt and the remaining 20% to the surrounding county.
TUESDAY’s meeting began with a funding request from Kathy McEwan, who was representing the GROW council.
The GROW council had recently received a grant from ioby to help supply local food banks, where the funds would be matched by the granting organization up to $1,000.
Hence McEwan asked commissioners if they would be willing to contribute $1,000 in order to receive the grant’s maximum matching funds, and they consented to do so.
“I think it’s a good use of our money,” said commissioner Bruce Symes.
