Vol. 1, Issue 6                                                                             September 2016
A Focus on Children
Keeping the citizens and residents of our county safe is my top priority.  That is why the opening of the new Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to assist sex crimes victims and law enforcement is so important in Sedgwick County.  

The opening of the CAC facility continues the leadership that Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita have had with their Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit (EMCU) that goes back to the 20th century.  The CAC concept brings our efforts into the 21st century.  The CAC brings together law enforcement (county sheriff and Wichita police), computer experts, medical professionals, child and family support personnel to try to bring justice and assistance to the victims of some of the worst crimes anyone might face.

I wish that the criminal side of life was not such a large problem.  It would be much more pleasant to write these comments solely about the exciting expansion and upgrade, of the very popular and heavily used Boundless Playground at Sedgwick County Park.  This is a wonderful event for Sedgwick County.  I urge children of all ages to watch for the first of these upgrades that will begin soon.  

This playground is hugely successful but critical improvements are needed.  The wonderful folks with the Sunrise Rotary Club who brought the playground into existence about eight years ago continue to demonstrate an incredible level of support for this important recreational facility for everyone who is young at heart, and their children and grandchildren.

Karl Peterjohn
Child Advocacy Center Opens in New Space

The Sedgwick County commission expanded the fight against child abuse, human trafficking, and sexual abuse by providing a $1 million contribution to establish the new Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County (CAC) in the newly remodeled building at Lincoln and Emporia Street.  This new CAC facility will help victims and law enforcement in the struggle to keep children and families safe in our community.  The CAC opened its doors August 30th.      
Playscape Expansion Coming to Sedgwick County Park
An addition to the Boundless Playscape at Sedgwick County Park was recently approved by the commission.  Several years ago, Sunrise Rotary Club and Sedgwick County created a boundless playscape that is accessible to children and families with disabilities. The recent commission vote will bring improvements to the park for additional enjoyment. 


COMCARE Services Get a Boost from Nonprofit

On August 16 COMCARE announced its public-private partnership, COMCARE Community Partners (CCP).  This organization will support and promote COMCARE services through volunteering and fundraising.  For more information or to donate to the nonprofit, click here: www.COMCAREpartners.org. 
Bulky Waste Program Going Strong

All coupons for the Bulky Waste program have been distributed after three weeks.  So far, Environmental Resources stated that 638 coupons have been used.  Citizens with coupons may deliver up to 1,000 lbs. of bulky waste for free until October 26th. This program allows residents to dispose the material at the two transfer station locations in our community. 
Join us for a Commission meeting in District 3!

Please join commissioners for an evening meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Cargill Learning Center at the Sedgwick County Zoo (5555 Zoo Blvd).  There will be a meet and greet at 6 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Come and meet your commissioners and engage in an evening meeting for your convenience. 
Meet the Assistant County Manager of Public Services
Tim Kaufman will be in charge of public service oriented divisions such as COMCARE and the Parks Division.  He will also serve on the Sedgwick County Zoo and Exploration Place boards. Kaufman has more than 25 years of public sector service in state and local government and recently served as the director of health and human services in Sedgwick County.   
Contact Commissioner Karl Peterjohn:
316-660-9300
karl.peterjohn@sedgwick.gov
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203

Contact Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203

Contact Corporate Communications Manager:
Keturah Austin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203