Vol. 1, Issue 2                                                                                  March 2017
Beneficial Meetings with U.S. Senators
Chairman Dave Unruh and Commissioner David Dennis travelled to Washington D.C. to meet with Senators Roberts and Moran to discuss issues which impact the citizens in Sedgwick County.  Two of the key issues they discussed involve infrastructure.  First concerns the North Junction at the intersection of I-135, I-235, K-254 and K-96.  Congestion at the interchange, especially during high volume, slows commercial and residential traffic to a stop, often causing accidents.  The other infrastructure issue involves storm water management both in the southern parts of Sedgwick County as well as western Sedgwick county.  Cost for storm water management for these areas exceeds Sedgwick County’s current ability to fully fund.
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 David Dennis : 
316-660-9300
david.dennis@sedgwick.gov
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203

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

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