Rooks County Commissioners opt out of governor's face mask mandate

During a conference call on Thursday, July 2, at 5:15 p.m., Rooks County Commissioners John Ruder, Greg Balthazor and Corky Hagan discussed Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's face mask mandate.

Included in the conference call along with the commissioners were local health officer Dr. Jen Brull, Rooks County Health Nurse Lori Eichman, and Rooks County Attorney Danielle Muir.

After nearly a 20-minute discussion, commissioner John Ruder made the motion to opt out of the governor's executive order to wear face masks in all public areas. It was seconded by Corky Hagan with Greg Balthazor agreeing.

The county's resolution that was approved and to be signed by the commissioners, reads in part, "The Rooks County Board of Commissioners determined that the use of face masks in public is not required in Rooks County. However, the Rooks County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Health Board and the Rooks County Health Officer strongly recommends the use of face masks, social distancing and hand washing as precautions to protect the public health and safety of the county."