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Although I have been retired for a number of years, I had not filed my DD214 with the Register of Deeds. After visiting with Tonya Buckingham, Sedgwick County Register of Deeds, and listening to her presentation to the District 3 Citizens Advisory Board, where she explained the safeguards in place and advantages of filing a copy with her office, I took action to place my DD214 on file. Many veterans have heard conflicting stories about the decision to file their DD214 with the Register of Deeds. There have been unfounded concerns about DD214s being public records that anyone can access and thus have the veteran’s social security number and personal information divulged. To set the record straight, your DD214 is protected and cannot be accessed by anyone but you and your family who may need a certified copy while you are alive or after your death. As a veteran, I appreciate this service to file my DD214 with Sedgwick County, and I urge you to consider it as well.
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The next meeting of the District 3 Citizens Advisory Board will be Monday, June 5. More details can be found online as the meeting approaches. As a reminder, this is an open meeting where residents can share their thoughts and suggestions with me on topics related to the business of Sedgwick County. The next advisory board member I'd like to introduce is
Pat Gaughan.
A former small business owner of Access Group, LLC; Pat started his company in 1981. Access Group, LLC provided computer software, hardware, and integration services to regional businesses with a specialty in manufacturers. After owning it for 32 years he sold the company in 2013 and continued as an employee until his retirement in 2016.
In retirement, Pat volunteers as a Road to Recovery driver for the local American Cancer Society, driving patients to medical treatments and appointments. Additionally, he is in his 12th and final year on the Board of Trustees of Southwestern College in Winfield and serves on its Executive Committee as Chair of Facilities and Technology. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Cosmosphere and the Board of Directors of Legacy Ministries. Pat is very active in the small, non-denominational Church of the Savior in Riverside; he is a strong believer in giving back to the broad community.
His hobbies include glass-blowing at City Arts, international travel, sailing (he holds American Sailing Association certifications as offshore Captain), swimming, snorkeling and scuba. Pat considers himself to be a “computer guy,” with most every kind of technology and gadget; he’s also an avid reader.
Pat has been married for 41 years to his wife, Carolyn, and the couple has lived in County Commission District 3 for 23 years. They have one daughter who is married and living and working in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. Pat graduated from Chaplain Kapaun High School in 1969, back when it was an all-boys school. He holds a BS in Social Work from Bethel College.
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County Celebrates Graduating Interns
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Seven students from USD 259 were recognized during a graduation celebration on April 19 for Project SEARCH. Project SEARCH is a program through the school district to provide intern opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Interns gain work experience to help them become gainfully employed. Additional details may be found here.
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Commissioners Begin 2018 Budget Hearings
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Commissioners are set to begin budget hearings in preparation for the 2018 Sedgwick County operating budget. Hearings will be held on May 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, and 24. Details will be included in upcoming event listings found online. Hearings will be recorded and posted to Sedgwick County’s YouTube Channel as well.
County Manager Scholes’ 2018 recommended budget will be provided on Wednesday, July 12. Two public hearings will be held prior to the budget’s adoption scheduled for August 2.
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Work on the Kellogg and I-235 interchange is progressing. According to Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) the West Street ramp to east bound US-54 could be open as early as this week. Traffic on West Street will be moved to the east side this week to complete work on the west side of the street.
By Memorial Day, May 29, KDOT expects traffic on all lanes of West Street to be open. The only ramp that will be closed will be the east bound US-54 ramp to West Street. Additional details can be found here.
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Honoring Local Law Enforcement
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May 7 through 13 was National Correctional Officers Week and May 14 through 20 is National Police Week. Sheriff Jeff Easter brought these proclamations to light at recent commission meetings. “It is important that we honor those from our ranks who have given their lives as the supreme sacrifice to our community. I appreciate that the Sedgwick County Commission recognizes this as well in the form of this proclamation,” said Easter.
Police Week will conclude with a law enforcement officer memorial service at noon on Friday, May 19. This event will begin in the Council Chambers at Wichita City Hall, 455 N. Main.
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County Recognizes May as Bike Month
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May 2017 was declared National Bike Month by commissioners. Representatives from the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita accepted the proclamation on Wednesday, May 3.
Safe Kids Wichita Area recognized Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 10. Sedgwick County EMS participated in the event that morning by biking to school with parents and students from Kensler Elementary School. The Bike Medic Team assisted Safe Kids Wichita Area with their four week bike safety program prior to Bike to School Day.
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Take Time to Enjoy Lake Afton and Sedgwick County Park
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Lake Afton Park offers 720 acres of recreational fun for the entire family. The 258 acre lake provides boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Camping facilities include both RV and tent sites with all the expected
amenities and more.
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Sedgwick County Park has shelter and picnic areas to use as well. Come play volleyball, basketball, tennis, or bocce ball as weather permits. You may also take the time to use the more than 18,000 feet of walking or bike paths.
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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
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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