Kansas Senator Mary Jo Taylor joined a Monday Chamber Chat on the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. People could watch and ask questions of Taylor (R-Stafford), representing the 33rd district; Megan Barfield, Chamber president; Jessica Sullivan-Milsap, Great Bend Economic Development president; Christina Hayes, Convention and Visitor Bureau director and community coordinator; and Kendal Francis, city administrator.

Francis reminded everyone that he will be online again this morning for a virtual Kendal’s Koffee, set for 10 a.m. at kfrancis@greatbendkansas.net. People can chat with the city administrator about topics of interest.

“There are more things happening in the city besides COVID-19,” Francis said.

Others attended Monday’s online meeting from various locations.

“I’m in my kitchen in Stafford,” Taylor said, adding this proves the Legislature can finish its work early when it has to. The Kansas budget includes $65 million in spending related to managing the COVID-19 outbreak.

“If you think you should be tested, your first line of defense is to call your county health department,” Taylor advised. The telephone number is 620-793-1902.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘what’s essential and what’s not essential?’” Taylor said. While it’s not always clear, she referred people to Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order establishing a statewide “stay home” order. It directs people to “stay in their homes or residences unless performing an essential activity.” The order can be found online at https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf.

The order is based on the Kansas Essential Functions Framework (KEFF). Individuals or entities who are uncertain whether they perform functions exempted from the prohibitions of the order may email keff@ks.gov.

Francis said that for the City of Great Bend, people cannot publicly access buildings and parks, but the city continues to function. “It doesn’t mean we’re not still serving you to our full capacity.” For example, the Front Door community center at 1615 10th St. has a drive-through and a drop box for making City utility payments. There is also a drop box at City Hall and payments can be made online at greatbendks.net, at the 10th St. Dillons or by automatic bank payments. The City number is 620-791-5035.

Francis was asked if law enforcement will be policing the order and when enforcement would start. He said he understands enforcement would start at the county level.

“Our (police) officers are not going to stop you and ask where you’re going. We’re just asking for voluntary compliance.”

“If you see something blatant, let law enforcement know,” Taylor added.

Members of the public had a multitude of questions during this online meeting. For questions about unemployment eligibility, a suggested online resource was www.GetKansasBenefits.gov.