Vol. 1, Issue 8                                           October 2017
Neighbors,

Things are busy in District 2 this month. As many of you are aware part of our district was impacted with a water contamination issue from a dry cleaning facility in Haysville. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment along with the city of Haysville have been working diligently to make sure the residents in the affected area have the information and resources they need to address this huge problem. Sedgwick County has also worked alongside both of these entities to help in any way possible.

This month Sedgwick County Public Works will begin a signal study to determine whether a traffic light is necessary at 55th and Meridian – I support a light at this intersection and believe it would be a tremendous help during peak traffic times. A signal study has not been done at this intersection since 2009 and much has changed in our area during the last 8 years.

Finally, Sedgwick County is working with the city of Wichita to bring a Tyson Chicken plant to our region. This plant would be more than 1400 jobs, which our area desperately needs. You can find more about our efforts to bring Tyson to Sedgwick County here:

As always, it’s a privilege to represent you on the county commission.

Michael O’Donnell

County launches new data application
The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office launched an application this week called "What's Going On?" that allows citizens to view locations and data tables that includes information like dates, places and types of crime. It's updated every morning at 7 a.m. and contains information from the last 365 days. Please note - the application only contains Sedgwick County Sheriff data. Visit our website and download our app for more information.
EMS Post 16 boosts public safety in District 5
EMS Post 16 recently opened on south Oliver. County leaders and community partners celebrated this new facility with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, Sept. 29. The new post is co-located with Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Station 36. It will be staffed 24/7 with one ambulance and crew. 
Bringing awareness to mental illness in Sedgwick County
Every year Mental Illness Awareness Week falls on the first full week of October. This year, Sedgwick County is recognizing it from Oct. 1 to 7. Commissioners brought awareness to it at a recent commission meeting.

Because we know that treatment works, many individuals experiencing a mental illness are able to work, play, and live in our community just as everyone else. COMCARE of Sedgwick County partners with many agencies including: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Newman University, the Robert Dole Veterans Administration Hospital, the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, Breakthrough Club, and Via Christi Behavioral Health, to provide treatment, support, education, and advocacy to help improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness.

Additional resources and information are available on COMCARE’s website: www.sedgwickcounty.org/comcare . 
Flu shots now available - protect against the virus this winter
Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year usually between October and May. According to the Sedgwick County Division of Health a vaccination (flu shot) is still the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is able get a flu vaccination before the end of October.

Flu vaccines will be available at the Sedgwick County Division of Health Main Clinic, 2716 W. Central in Wichita, beginning October 2, 2017. Clinic hours are:
  • Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, noon to 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Flu vaccinations are available to uninsured children age 18 and younger, and children with state-sponsored insurance plans such as Medicaid, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, or Sunflower. A sliding fee scale is available for children who qualify.

Starting October 2, 2017, flu vaccinations will be available to uninsured adults age 19 and older for a sliding fee ranging from $2 to $30. Proof of income is needed for a discount.

If you do not qualify for a flu vaccination at the Division of Health, please visit your primary care physician or neighborhood pharmacy to receive one. Visit www.flu.gov for information about resources in your area. Flu vaccinations are recommended for anyone six months or older, unless otherwise directed by a physician. It is important to get a flu vaccination every year, as flu strains are usually different from year to year. Sedgwick County wants to remind residents that flu vaccinations protect the person receiving it as well as others who are not able to receive this type of immunization.

If you have questions about the flu vaccine, please contact the Sedgwick County Immunizations Program at 316-660-7362 or immunizations@sedgwick.gov .
Projects in District 2
Bridge Construction on 95 th St S between 151 st St W and 167 th St W (B476)
  • Road to close November 23.
  • Expected to reopen Spring 2018.
Crews continue to work on the Kellogg/ I-235 interchange rebuild. This first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
Update on Kellogg/ 235 interchange
Project updates can be found at www.235red.org and include:

  • The new southbound I-235 ramp to westbound US 54 is now open.
  • On Saturday, October 28, Maple Street will be closed for the day to swing bridge beams above traffic lanes.
  • All four cloverleaf ramps at the I-235/US 54 Interchange are closed until late December as work on the I-235 bridges over US 54 switched to the right lanes.
87th Street South improvements completed
A one mile road improvement project on 87 th Street South between Rock and Webb Roads was recently completed. The project was funded by Sedgwick County, City of Derby, and Rockford Township. Partners celebrated the finished project with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Construction began in June 2017 and ended in October 2017. 
The entire mile was paved and the road subgrade was upgraded along with several other enhancements which improved the overall quality and lifespan of the road.  
Make your voice heard - vote!
Nov. 7 is Election Day in Sedgwick County. Registered voters will be able to vote for candidates for various local offices including cities and school boards. A list of current candidates can be found here .

Early voting at the Sedgwick County Election Office (510 N. Main, Ste. 101, Wichita) will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 to Friday, Oct. 27 and Monday, Oct. 30 to Friday, Nov. 3. Voters may also vote early on Monday, Nov. 6 from 8 a.m. until noon.

There will be 15 additional locations open for early voting. They are listed on the Election Office’s website: www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections . Registered voters may vote at any advanced voting location.

Polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 7, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may use the polling place locator to find their correct polling location if they choose to vote on Election Day.

Before heading to the polls, voters can review a sample ballot here: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/RegistrantSearch.do . 
County participates in chili cook-off
Sedgwick County partnered with Public at the Brickyard in this year’s Wichita Wagonmasters’ Chili Cook-off. County commissioners and leaders dished out bison chili to event-goers. 
316-660-9300
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 672 03