Vol. 3, Issue 6
June 2018
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Hello everyone,
I hope all of you have safe and fulfilling 4th of July activities! It is a great time to be with relatives and friends to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy. Although Karen and I do not have children at home any longer, we are always entertained by the many fireworks displays visible from our home.
Commissioners continue to work toward a budget for 2019 and we will receive the recommended budget on July 18. Public hearings are scheduled for July 25 and in the evening of August 9. As always, our responsibilities for public safety and public service will command a high priority, but we will adequately fund all our services. And although our budget is “tight” I hope to find funding for a developmental disability transportation plan.
We have approved a plan to relieve some of our space needs here at the Courthouse. We will remodel and create some new space for the Sheriff at the Adult Detention Facility which will open up new space in our building for the District Attorney. Not a final solution but the first necessary step no matter what the next decision might be.
As always, call me with your comments and suggestions.
Dave
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As we enter into the July 4 holiday, Sedgwick County encourages residents to enjoy a safe and festive holiday. Emergency Communications will staff a non-emergency line for non-emergency nuisances that do not pose a threat to life or property; examples include complaints pertaining to parties, excess noise, fireworks, etc. Residents may dial 316-290-1011 from Saturday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 4. The line will be active between 6 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
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Sedgwick County Fire District 1 created a brief video of firework safety instructions. Remember to inspect fireworks to insure they have not been damaged by moisture. An adult should supervise all firework activities and they should only be used outdoors. Do not drink alcohol while shooting fireworks. Residents should dispose of fireworks in a metal container, not a plastic trash can. Let them cool overnight or soak in water in a container away from your home and garage. Click on the photo
below for the full video.
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Cardiac arrest survivors reunite with rescuers
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Sedgwick County EMS hosted an event celebrating survivors of sudden cardiac arrest on Monday, June 25. This event brought together 12 former patients who suffered sudden cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated by local first responders. Survivors and their families were reunited with the EMS paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers who had a role in their survival.
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Crews continue to work on the Kellogg/ I-235 interchange rebuild. This first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
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Update on Kellogg/ 235 interchange
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- Maple Street under I-235 is open to two lanes of traffic for each direction.
- The eastbound US 54 ramp to northbound I-235 is closed. Detour to southbound I-235 to K-42 to northbound I-235.
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Painted Pavement Markings on all paved county roads North of Kellogg
- Roads open to traffic but expect delays
Asphalt Surface Recycling and Repaving on Central between 127
th E and 159
th E
- Asphalt milling to begin in late June
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2019 budget development update
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Commissioners and County leaders continue to work on the 2019 budget. Several workshops were held this month regarding the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Sheriff’s Office programs and pay, and employee health benefits. The County Manager will present his 2019 Recommended Budget to Commissioners on Wednesday, July 18. There will be two public hearings available for members of the public to attend – July 25 at 9 a.m. and August 9 at 6 p.m. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for residents to comment on the budget online via a social media town hall
and a forum on the County’s website.
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Commissioners approve funding for community amenities
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On June 13, Commissioners voted to approve one-time funding for the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Derby Historical Museum.
The Kansas Aviation Museum, located at 3350 George Washington Blvd, requested $50,000 for the restoration of a B-52 airplane (a 170 “D” model) built by the Boeing Company, which is on display, and for building maintenance.
The Derby Historical Museum requested $10,000 from Sedgwick County to replace 18 window openings. The museum is located at 208 N. Westview Dr. in Derby.
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Suicide prevention – know the signs
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In recent years the amount of deaths by suicide in Sedgwick County has been increasing at an alarming rate. In 2016, there were 91 suicides in Sedgwick County. Educating yourself and others on the warning signs can play a crucial role in saving someone else’s life, or your own
. If you begin to notice these signs from you or someone you know, take it seriously, talk openly about the issue, listen to their feelings, offer them hope that help is available, and do not leave him or her alone.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call our Community Crisis Center at 316-660-7500 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Both resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
To get Suicide Prevention training for your organization, business, or group please contact:
Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition deidre.helm@sedgwick.gov or 316-660-7535 or tisha.darland@sedgwick.gov or 316-660-7517.
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Protect your pets from the summer heat
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During these hot summer months it is important to keep your pets out of the heat. Some ways to keep them safe are by providing a constant source of fresh water, providing shade or shelter for them when outside, and never leaving them in a hot car. Even in shade, a car’s internal temperate can be up to 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Remember to call 9-1-1 if you see an animal in a vehicle during hot weather.
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In addition to Riverfest’s Safelite Autoglass Sundown Parade submission this year, Sedgwick County sponsored two care stations which provided basic first aid, and held a recognition event for several public safety employees who go above and beyond.
At the recognition event, County leaders honored Emergency Communications Dispatcher Tiffany Vo, EMS Lt. Allie Losey and Lt. Sharde Lovato, Firefighter Brant Arnold, Deputies Jeff Smith and Doug Robertson. These individuals have been recognized by agency leaders, professional organizations, and peers for their service.
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Sedgwick County breaks ground on new EMS Post
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On Monday, June 4, Sedgwick County leaders broke ground on Emergency Medical Service Post 15, 3575 N. Webb Rd.
With an expected completion date of early next year, this 2,998 square foot, pre-engineered steel structure will be staffed 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will have double drive-thru bays and the ability to house two 24/7 crews and ambulances if needed in the future.
Upon completion, this $799,000 construction project will be the 16th EMS post in Sedgwick County.
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Commissioners support Envision expansion
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Commissioners attended the grand opening of the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center at Envision in Downtown Wichita on Thursday, June 7. The center will ensure people who are blind or visually impaired learn the necessary skills to help them succeed in their jobs. Additionally, it will create more opportunities for them to work in office and administrative settings.
The center is named after William L. "Bill" Hudson, CEO of LC Industries, whose priority has been creating national employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired for the past 50 years.
Governor Jeff Colyer was among those who spoke and he described the center perfectly by saying, “We are changing the world right here in the heart of America.”
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Commissioners discussed
commerce
with international guest
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On Monday, June 11, Commissioners held a brief meeting with Ambassador
Mai Sayavongs and Madam Soumaly Sayavongs from Lao PDR. They were touring the region
to learn about the State’s commerce options.
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County at local fairs and festivals
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Did you attend the Kechi Fair June 23? Sedgwick County sponsored a booth to engage with residents and help them learn more about programs and services available.
Look for the Sedgwick County booth at the Sedgwick County Fair on July 18. Our staff will be ready to talk with residents about the organization.
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Earlier this year, Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center along with the initiative leads held focus groups to provide thoughts about the region’s vision.Through those responses WSU created a survey to assess the importance of eight broad topics for our region. Please take a moment (approx. 5 minutes) to give your input on the Project Wichita Survey to help guide the discussion on the region’s vision found. Click the
link to get started.
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County offices to close for holiday
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Sedgwick County offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Emergency services will be available by calling or texting 9-1-1.
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As the top outdoor family attraction in the State, the mission of the
Sedgwick County Zoo is to inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature. It is home to 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species. The Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit is the third largest elephant habitat in the United States.
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Exploration Place, Kansas’ premier science center, inspires a deeper interest in science through creative and fun experiences for people of all ages. Through its permanent and travelling exhibits, education programs, Digital Dome Theater films and special events, visitors can enjoy learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For example, the all-new, 5,100 square foot Design Build Fly exhibit celebrates our community’s aviation industry. Visitors encounter dozens of hands-on activities that focus on manufacturing and engineering to reveal what happens behind-the-scenes in our aircraft plants.
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The
Kansas African American Museum endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonant with EVERY Kansan. Located in the venerable Calvary Baptist Church, visitors may expand their knowledge and understanding of the Kansas African American story.
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Residents and visitors can gain an understanding of our community and cultural heritage at the
Wichita – Sedgwick County Historical Museum. By collecting, preserving, and interpreting materials which reflect the area’s heritage visitors can experience different facets that shaped the community we live in today.
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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
Interim Director of Strategic Communications:
Tania Cole, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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