Vol. 2, Issue 3                                                                                  March 2017
Highlights from a Recent Conference 
Commissioner David Dennis , myself, Manager Mike Scholes and Keturah Austin, our Corporate Communications Manager, traveled to Washington D.C. for the annual National Association of Counties Legislative Conference at the end of February.  It is always a well-attended conference by commissioners from the 3,060 counties nationwide.  Along with hearing informative and educational speakers on national issues we attended informational sessions specific to our interests and to challenges here at home. 

We also visited with both Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Jerry Moran.  Our message to them was a request to support reconstruction of the “North Junction” here in Sedgwick County.  As you know, that is the dangerous intersection of K-96, K-254,and I-135.  Every morning and evening it is a challenge for thousands of commuters.  It is estimated that, in 2016 dollars, the cost  to rebuild the intersections is approximately $384 million.  We need federal support for such a project.

Please contact me if there are ways I can be of help or share information.

Dave
County's Strategic Plan Focuses on Core Priorities
Sedgwick County’s first strategic plan in nearly 20 years is now available for review online.  The mission of Sedgwick County is to provide quality public services to our community so everyone can pursue freedom and prosperity in a safe, secure, and healthy environment.  Along with the new mission, a new vision and organizational values were established.  The organization will focus efforts on four core priorities: safe and secure communities, human services and cultural experiences, communications and engagement, and effective government organization. 

Review the new plan  here. 
Community Crisis Center Summit Hosts Industry Leader
Leon Evans, president and CEO of The Center for Health Care Services, shared his experiences in developing an innovative and highly integrated system of care for people with mental health disorders in the San Antonio community.  Attendees at the event at the end of February learned about the importance of strong community networks and partnerships when creating effective changes in the mental health services.

Sheriff Jeff Easter and District Attorney Marc Bennett participated in a panel discussion with COMCARE’s Executive Director Marilyn Cook and Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay. The panel discussed community needs for 2017 and the future.  

Click here to learn more about COMCARE’s Community Crisis Center.  

Public Safety Honors Kid Heroes
Two local children were honored by Public Safety for their services to the community Thursday afternoon, March 2. Easton Smith was shopping with his mother when he found someone in need of help. He and his mother called 9-1-1 and stayed with the individual until EMS arrived.  

McKenzie Craig has been donating Girl Scout cookies to local first responders in Sedgwick County. Her project has earned the nickname “Operation Pay it Forward” as more than $400 worth of cookies have been donated. 
Appraiser Reports on Real Property Valuations
Recently, Sedgwick County Appraiser Michael Borchard shared his report of 2017 real estate appraisals with the Board of County Commissioners.  The full presentation can be found here.

Real property value notices were mailed to property owners on Wednesday, March 1, if there was a change in property value or classification from 2016.   The Appraiser’s office mailed more than 111,000 real property value notices in 2017. That is roughly 51 percent of all properties in Sedgwick County.  Property owners who did not receive a notice may view their 2017 appraisal information online here.   
Severe Weather Safety - Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Stay Informed
March 6 through 10 was Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas.  Sedgwick County Emergency Management is hosting free severe weather safety classes around the county through April.  Find one near you here.  Attendees will learn the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structures and features, how to recognize them, and how to stay safe from them.  What, when and how to report severe weather information will also be covered. 

Find out more information on severe weather safety and preparation online and through the Sedgwick County app.  

Video Resources: 
Contact Commissioner Dave Unruh:
316-660-9300
dave.unruh@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