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Support for Health Department
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Thank you again for your interest in Sedgwick County government. Decisions by the Board of County Commissioners are critical to community health and safety, to our economic well-being and to our quality of life. I’m pleased to be your representative and I strive to make Sedgwick County a place where we all want to live and work and play. Your opinion is valuable, so please contact me with your questions, concerns, and observations.
Some constituents have contacted me recently regarding comments I made about the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program in our Health Department. The primary concern is regarding spending our citizens’ local tax dollars on illegal aliens. The WIC program is funded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through our state agency, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
No local property tax dollars are involved in the benefits. My position is to support the WIC program as it responds to mothers and children with critical, personal needs.
Participation in most food assistance programs is restricted by federal law based upon citizenship and alien status. WIC has been specifically exempted from these restrictions. And, because of strict confidentially laws, any information we might gain from a citizenship questionnaire would be confined to the program administration.
For these pragmatic reasons and because it seems to be the right thing to do, I will continue to support our Health Department as they provide needed assistance to women and children.
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Commission Establishes School Speed Zone
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Commissioners established a school zone limit of 40 miles per hour on 143rd Street East from 700 feet north of Pawnee to a point 2900 feet north of Pawnee in front of Christa McAuliffe Academy. The school zone limit will be effective only on days school is in session and only during the times when students are en route to and from school.
The Sedgwick County Engineer erected traffic control devices giving notice of the school zone speed limit. All law enforcement officers with jurisdiction in Sedgwick County have authority to enforce the school zone speed limit. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the safety of our children.
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Arbor Day -- A Special Tree Planting Ceremony
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Today, the Bel Aire Tree Board planted a tree at Sedgwick County Fire Station 37 to honor the men and women of Sedgwick County Fire District #1. This tree donation is a Survivor Tree Sapling which grew from a seed from the Native American Elm that survived the blast at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.
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Severe Weather Season -- Are You Ready?
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Severe weather season has hit Sedgwick County. It’s no secret that our community would like rain but do you know what to do in the event that a light rain shower turns into something more severe?
Sedgwick County Emergency Management has developed some tools to help you and your family prepare for severe weather.
Make a Plan - Involve your family members in developing a plan, then remember to post the plan somewhere everyone can see the details. Discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, hazardous materials spills, floods and other emergencies. Talk about the ways in which you will respond to each situation. Identify two ways out of each room in your home. Talk about where your family will meet if you have to evacuate. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1.
Build a Disaster Kit – This kit should include a three day supply of food and water for every family member, a complete change of clothes and footwear for each person, battery operated/ non-electronic tools and supplies, and a first aid kit. Include copies of your important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and insurance information. Don’t forget about your pets and their needs!
Stay Informed – In emergency situations such as severe weather, flooding, and other disasters, Sedgwick County Emergency Management will be able to report information and developments to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This information will be posted to the
Emergency Log. NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, and social media are other methods to help you stay informed. Be sure to like and follow Sedgwick County to get up to date information about local government and emergencies in our area!
More details about emergency preparedness can be found on our
website.
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Sedgwick County Saves $1.6 Million on EMS Post
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Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to renovate an existing EMS post rather than build new. The original proposal for a new EMS Post was projected to cost over $2 million but by renovating a current county facility the costs were kept to just over $400,000. Commissioner Ranzau who recently toured the facility commented, "by doing this instead of building a new facility and borrowing money we're going to save the tax payers about $1.6 million."
The post in Park City is a combined use facility for EMS, Emergency Management vehicles and storage, and Sheriff's Office large vehicles. The facility has been in partial use since Fire District 1's departure from the facility, placing maintenance on hold until the recent decision to renovate. Click here to watch the video.
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You may have noticed an increase in road construction on your regular commutes. Many cities, counties, and states across the United States have started road construction projects that may impact travel plans. It is important to practice safe driving particularly when driving through work zones.
Last year, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) there was an average of four work zone crashes every day in Kansas resulting in four deaths. The number one reason for work zone crashes is inattention. It is trailed by following too close and driving too fast for the conditions among a few others.
This spring and summer, please use caution and remember the following tips when driving through work zones:
- Stay alert and watch for workers
- Follow traffic control and obey the posted speed limit
- Allow plenty of space between vehicles – don’t tailgate
- Be patient and expect delays
Sedgwick County Public Works tracks these County projects and you can find out more information on the department’s website.
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Attend the 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy on May 21st!
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Sedgwick County Emergency Communications gives residents opportunities to experience the emergency system from a call-taker's perspective through the 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy. Residents who participate will get an inside look at the system, listen to live 9-1-1 calls and radio traffic, and observe dispatch operations. Classes are offered quarterly. Sign up to participate in the next 9-1-1 Citizen's Academy by May 7, 2016. Click here for 9-1-1 education opportunities.
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Contact Interim Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact Corporate Communications Manager:
Jill Tinsley, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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