County rescinds State face mask order, encourages wearing masks
The commissioners expressed support and encouragement that all individuals wear face masks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, commissioners determined mandating the public to do so was not an effective and productive measure.
"The right thing to do for your family, your friends, your neighbors, is to wear a face mask when you're out in public. We know masks can help prevent exposure to COVID-19," said Harvey County Commission Chair Randy Hague. "While the public has the right to choose, we hope they make the right choice, which is to wear a mask."
The State's face mask requirement will not be enforced by the Harvey County Sheriff's Office unless businesses or events require face masks be worn at their establishments.
"I support wearing a mask. But from a law enforcement perspective, we don't have the resources to monitor that every person is wearing a mask," said Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay. "However, if you're a business owner and you require your customers to wear a mask, we are here to support you. If a customer causes a disturbance over your policy, we will absolutely respond when called upon."
Harvey County has had 42 cases of COVID-19 to date. There are 13 known active cases in the county.
There have been 1,740 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.
Firework regulations for cities in Harvey County for 2020
Cities in Harvey County each set their own schedules and restrictions for shooting fireworks within city limits, and they can vary from city to city.
This list compiles the 2020 fireworks schedules for cities within Harvey County. For additional information, or questions on regulations, please contact the respective city or Harvey County Emergency Management.
Harvey County: Fireworks are allowed on private property with approval of the landowner or occupant. Fireworks are not allowed on public roads or in public parks. Bottle rockets and projectiles are not allowed.
- July 1-4: 8 a.m. to midnight
Burrton: Fireworks are allowed on private property with the approval of the landowner or occupant. Fireworks are not allowed in city parks, on city streets or any city-owned or school property. Fireworks are not allowed in fire zones.
- June 27: 1 p.m. to midnight
- June 28 - July 2: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 3-4: 10 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Halstead: Fireworks are allowed anywhere within the city limits except on city streets, public property or within 50 feet of gas pumps or gas storage. Throwing fireworks at animals, people or vehicles is not allowed. Bottle rockets and projectiles are not allowed.
- July 2-4: 8 a.m. to midnight
Hesston: Fireworks are allowed on private property with the approval of the landowner or occupant. Fireworks are not allowed on city streets, public parks or on school grounds.
- July 1-3: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 4: 8 a.m. to midnight
Newton: Fireworks are allowed on private property with the approval of the landowner or occupant. Fireworks are not allowed in city parks, on city streets or any city-owned property. Fireworks are not allowed in fire zones.
- July 1-3: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 4: 7 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: Noon to 10 p.m.
North Newton: Fireworks are allowed only on private property with the permission of the owner or lawful occupant. Class C (common) fireworks only. Fireworks are not allowed on public streets, parks or within 50 feet of gas tanks or gas storage, and in, into, under or on any motor vehicle, nor thrown from any motor vehicle. There is no public display at Kidron Bethel this year.
- July 4: 10 a.m. to midnight
Sedgwick: Fireworks are not allowed in the city park, city property or school property. Fireworks are allowed on city streets and rights of way, as long as traffic is not impeded or impaired, or private property with approval of the landowner or occupant.
- July 1-2: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 3-4: 10 a.m. to midnight
Walton: Fireworks are allowed on private property with the approval of the landowner or occupant. Roman candles and fountains are permitted. Bottle rockets and projectiles are not allowed.
- June 30 - July 2: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 3-4: 10 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
County transitions to Phase Out in reopening plan
Harvey County will transition to the Phase Out guidance of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan regarding COVID-19 response beginning June 17.
The Harvey County Commission, in consultation with the Harvey County Health Department, voted unanimously at its regular meeting today to move forward in its local plan. However, visitation at long-term care facilities will remain restricted through June 23.
"These past few months have been challenging for everyone in our communities. We appreciate the patience and understanding the people of Harvey County have shown," said Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. "COVID-19 will continue to remain a concern for the foreseeable future. We will be intently watching and ready to react if our circumstances change."
The Phase Out guidance does not restrict mass gathering size. Businesses and event coordinators are still encouraged to promote hygiene protocols and social distancing among customers and visitors.
Individuals should remain home if they feel sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your medical provider.
"We want to remind everyone that COVID-19 has not disappeared. This remains a persistent threat to public health," Redington said. "We strongly encourage the people of Harvey County to remain diligent. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Do your part to keep you, your family and your community safe and healthy."
The Harvey County Health Reopening Plan will remain available should the Commission determine it is in the interest of public health to move back to a previous phase.
Road projects begin in June on Ridge, Dutch, Northwest 12th
A set of three road improvement projects are tentatively scheduled to begin June 25.
The road work includes a cape seal surfacing for:
- South Ridge Road from U.S. Highway 50 to Southwest 125th Street
- Northwest 12th Street from Halstead to Meridian roads
- West Dutch Avenue from Woodberry to Hesston roads.
The sealing project will begin on Ridge and U.S. 50 and go south.
A cape seal is a combination of a chip seal and a microseal. It introduces oil to existing cracks, then includes a sealing to fill in ruts.
Traffic during the project will be coordinated by pilot car and flagger. Residents will still have access to their homes.
The cape seal projects will be completed by Vance Brothers. 
Bridge replacement near West Park to begin in June
Dondlinger Construction, the contractor for the project, will replace bridge M-7.6, located on Northwest 36th Street between North River Park and Golden Prairie roads. The bridge is just north of West Park.
The only full road closure will be at the bridge. However, West Park visitors may want to consider an alternate route. Visitors bringing campers or trailers are encouraged to enter the park through the entrances on Northwest 24th Street.
The project replaces a bridge constructed in 1973 with a new, single-span pre-stressed concrete beam bridge. Along with upgrading the roadway, the new bridge will also improve flow of the Little Arkansas River at the bridge.
The budgeted cost for the project is $1,104,906.10.
