Vol. 1, Issue 9                                         November 2017
Neighbors and Friends,

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is this week! There’s much going on in Sedgwick County this month and heading full steam ahead toward Christmas. I hope you had the opportunity to vote in the General Election and I’d like to congratulate the winners of these very important local elections.

I know there’s been much discussion and concerns about the proposed Tyson Chicken plant. I can assure you that I’m taking all of these concerns into consideration and I promise there’s no definitive plan at this point one way or the other. We’ll be engaging the community more in the future.  Sedgwick County plans to host community input events after the first of the year so we can hear from those who support and oppose this project.

As always, it’s an honor representing you on the Sedgwick County Commission.

Ad Astra Per Aspera,

Michael O’Donnell
Sedgwick County Fire promotes new leaders, welcomes graduates
On Friday, Oct. 20, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 promoted 13 people into leadership roles. Six firefighters were promoted to lieutenants and five lieutenants were promoted to captains. Fire District also promoted two captains to division chief.  

Nine people recently graduated from the fire academy program. During this five month long program, recruits learn proper firefighting techniques and go through rigorous training to prepare them for a successful career within the Fire District. Commissioners and Fire District leaders celebrated the graduates at a graduation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17.  
Text to 911 available in Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County Emergency Communications now has the capability to accept text messages for emergency assistance. Text-to-911 is available for those individuals who cannot safely make a voice call to 911 in an emergency. Emergency Communications has worked in conjunction with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to bring this service to the county.

The best way to contact 911 is by making a voice call. Please only utilize the Text-to-911 service in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe. Call if you can, text if you can’t. Please do not send a test text message to 911.
Take care to give care
November is National Family Caregiver Month. Today more than 65 million people, nearly 30% of the U.S. population, provide care for chronically ill, disabled, or older family members or friends. Caregivers can be neighbors, family, or friends and it's important they have support. 

It’s essential to take care of yourself when you’re a caregiver. Ensuring that you get proper nutrition will help maintain strength, energy, stamina, and a positive attitude. Find time for yourself such as working out at the gym, reading late at night, or taking a walk with the dog. Take time to rest and recharge because caregiving affects the whole family.

Follow the link for more information: http://caregiveraction.org/family-caregiver-toolbox
Free firewood and winter hours at the Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo has partnered with Westar Energy and the City of Wichita to provide free firewood and mulch now through February 2018. Firewood and mulch will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Zoo’s north parking lot and new wood will be delivered between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily. Chainsaws, splitters, and other mechanical equipment are not permitted in the parking lot. 

As we move into the colder months, the Zoo’s winter hours come into effect. Visitors may enjoy the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, now through February 2018.  
Projects in District 2
Bridge Construction on 95  th St S between 151  st St W and 167  th St W (B476)
  • Road closed October 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 currently closed east bound exit ramp on Kellogg to West Street should open for traffic by Thanksgiving. 
County offices to close for holiday
Sedgwick County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving. Emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 9-1-1. 
INTRUST Bank Arena’s north entrance open again
Entrance C reopened on Monday, November 13. Event goers will enjoy the additional square footage of the lobby and exterior plaza area, six sets of entrance doors – one for premium seating entrance, and staircases from the lobby to the main concourse and from the main concourse to the upper concourse.

The project to expand Entrance C took a little more than seven months to complete and cost $1.682 million. 
Area youth recognized for leadership
More than 2,300 students in the Wichita Public School district participate in the Junior ROTC program. Select participants came to a recent commission meeting to help bring recognition to Wichita Junior ROTC Week, Nov. 5 through 11. The Junior ROTC and its leadership programs build citizenship and good character in youth and cadets who move on to become future leaders.  

Commissioners were able to attend the Junior ROTC and Leadership Program Ceremony in honor of our veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Century II. Cadet units marched and passed in review showcasing their development. Colonel Joshua Olson, Commander at McConnell Air Force Base, provided keynote remarks. 
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 67203