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Vol. 1, Issue 7 October 2016
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County Mobilized Support During Recent Floods
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In 2009 this county faced a number of flooding related problems that the county worked to address. Sedgwick County worked to address flooding and drainage problems with the Dry Creek that runs from Goddard northeast and drains in Cowskin Creek near N. 21 St. and just west of W. 135th St. Another drainage problem had to be addressed with the Dry Creek escaping its banks along W. 119th St. S., about a mile south of K-42 highway.
Then the volume of rain dropped, and in many cases the long dry spell began. Drought was mentioned, with comparisons to long dry spells we have had in the 1930’s and 1950’s.
When we are in a drought, every drop is welcome. However, when we have close to 15 inches falling in some parts of the county in less than 48 hours, we have the opposite problem. Flooding can be a terrible threat to people’s homes, property, and even in some cases, a threat to people’s lives. I believe that keeping the citizens and residents of this county safe is Sedgwick County’s top priority. The flooding that began this summer brought out the full mobilization of county resources: emergency communications, sheriff, fire, public works, emergency management, as well as commitment by all county employees to work with other public safety personnel with the city of Wichita, the other 19 cities in this county, and state personnel. This mobilization of county resources provided a key component to assess, communicate, act, and protect citizens and their property in our county.
In addition to the personnel mobilization was the continuing commitment of Sedgwick County in maintaining the protection that is already in place. Now we need to assure citizens that Sedgwick County continues to work to make sure that the Wichita-Valley Center Floodway that has over 100 miles of levies to protect this county from flooding, is maintained. The floodway is a vital tool to prevent the devastating flooding that has been a past problem. In addition, this county is continuing to look for ways to protect this county’s residents from flooding problems that are outside the floodway protection.
The Public Works Department in Sedgwick County has stream maintenance crew that works to address drainage problems in this county. Rivers, creeks, and streams in Kansas are considered private property with the following exceptions in Sedgwick County: the Big Arkansas River is a federal waterway. However, there are possible changes as the federal government’s definition of “navigable waterway,” tries to expand by administrative edict and this issue get litigated in federal court so this is another aspect of drainage issues that the county continues to monitor.
Regardless of what occurs nationally, Sedgwick County is working to protect private property by protecting existing waterways, regardless of size, in this county.
Karl Peterjohn
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Flood Resources Available to Residents
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Sedgwick County and the state have had an exceptionally wet and rainy year so far. This area has experienced two 40 year flood events nearly six weeks apart. Due to these recent flooding events, there are several resources available to Sedgwick County residents.
- Property Tax Relief may be available. Contact the Sedgwick County Clerk’s Office for more information, http://sedgwickcounty.org/countyclerk/ or 316-660-9223.
- Victims may also be eligible for a Small Business Administration loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. More information can be found online at https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers.
- Protect your health with these tips from the Sedgwick County Division of Health.
- Wells that may have been contaminated by flooding may be inspected free of charge by Metropolitan Area Building and Code Department (MABDC). For more information, contact 316-660-1840 or 316-268-4460.
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Commissioner Supports Boundless Playground Fundraiser
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The upgrade for the very popular Boundless Playground at Sedgwick County Park was announced Friday, September 30, 2016 by Sunrise Rotary leaders, as well as third district county commissioner Karl Peterjohn. On a beautiful Fall evening, the public announcement that begins a fund raising effort by the Rotary organization. This project had been initiated almost a decade ago by the Sunrise Rotary Club as part of a national Rotary challenge accepted by this west side Rotary group. Newman University cheerleaders participated in this announcement too.
Ever since this facility was opened, it has received heavy usage by young people from all over the county. “Every time that I visit this park, I have been impressed at the large number of children and their parents at this playground,” said Karl Peterjohn. Following the opening of this playground about a decade ago, Sedgwick County paved the parking lot, added restroom and shelter facilities adjacent to the Boundless Playground.
"Rotary’s funding and fund raising for this project demonstrates an incredible commitment to improving our community,” said Peterjohn. Sedgwick County is providing financial support as part of their commitment to strengthen the public facilities around the Boundless playground. “Park attendance has doubled since the Boundless Playground was opened and this announcement is a great demonstration of the strength of Sunrise Rotary in their excellent commitment to strengthening our community.”
While the parking lot by the Boundless Playground was full at Sedgwick County last Friday, there were a lot of parents and their children who added their opinion by the presence. Many were there as users of the numerous swings, ramps, poles, and other pieces of equipment that are part of the Boundless playground.
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County Fire Honors Fallen Heroes
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On Saturday, Sept. 10, members of Sedgwick County Fire District 1 and other area fire departments participated in a memorial stair climb to honor fallen firefighters from 9/11. This event was held at the Epic Center in downtown Wichita. Each firefighter climbed 110 flights of stairs with the name of one fallen responders. There were a total of 343 first responders who died on 9/11/2001 and 110 flights of stairs is the equivalent height of the World Trade Center Twin Towers. Watch a video here to see part of the event.
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271 Building Named for Former President
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Commissioners unanimously voted to name the building located at 271 W. 3rd the Ronald Reagan Building. Metropolitan Area Planning Department, Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, Wichita Area Planning Organization, and Metropolitan Area Building and Code Division will be housed in this building. The one-stop shop will be open for business with all agencies in this location by early October. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
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Commissioners Break Ground for New EMS Post
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A new EMS post will be built next to Sedgwick County Fire Station 36 near 47th South and Oliver. Commissioners were able to share the ground breaking event with Sedgwick County EMS, Wesley Medical Center, and other stakeholders. EMS Post 16 is expected to be completed in July 2017. It will primarily serve residents in the south east part of Sedgwick County.
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Meet the Assistant County Manager of Public Safety & Code Enforcement
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Tom Stolz will oversee the public safety divisions that fall under the county manager’s purview which includes EMS, Corrections, and the Metropolitan Building and Construction Division (MABCD). Stolz retired as deputy police chief for the Wichita Police Department in 2012 and became the first director of MABCD.
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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
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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