Vol. 4, Issue 1                                    January 2020
Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to 2020! What a whirlwind month we’ve had in Sedgwick County, from the terrible news at Spirit Aerosystems to the positive news we’ve had regarding NetApp expanding their presence in Wichita. It’s been reassuring that so many people have been working to help those affected by the layoffs, we have details on that below.

After more than a decade of planning and lots of work and tax dollars we finally have the pedestrian bridge open and operating. It was an honor to dedicate the bridge to former Commissioner Tim Norton. Few people have made such a lasting impact on our community than Tim so it was fitting to dedicate this incredibly important bridge in his honor.

I’m still serving on the Riverbank Legacy Committee looking at the future of Century II and Conventions in Wichita and was asked to serve on a panel alongside three others on KPTS mid-January. If you’d like to watch it the link is here. As you know, I’m a fiscal conservative and believe whatever we do needs to be approved by the taxpayers. It would be great, in my opinion, to remodel and continue to use Century II as it has been an icon in our community for over 50 years now.

Finally, I was glad to visit Topeka last week and meet with our local delegation to discuss the important things on our legislative agenda. Mental health services and keeping our property taxes low are my 2 personal priorities. Please let me know if there are other areas that are important to you for me to discuss with our local legislators. Many of their duties don’t affect county business but they do affect our lives on a daily basis. I so appreciate their willingness to serve in Topeka and leave their families for 90 days a year for such little pay.

As always, it’s an honor to serve you. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have.

For Sedgwick County,
Michael O’Donnell
Projects in District 2
Construction of the Meridian Pedestrian Bridge south of 63 rd S over the M.S. ‘Mitch’ Mitchell Floodway
  • Work began February 4, 2019
  • Grand opening held on January 27, 2020

Bridge construction on 95 th S east of Broadway
  • Closed to thru traffic during construction
  • Work began November 11
  • Expected to be complete in late spring
I-235 Green Project Tracker
Project updates can be found at www.235green.org and include:
Work on the I-235 Green Project began in March. Completion is planned for November 2021. This is phase one of the Wichita North Junction project. 
  • The northbound I-235 exit ramp to North Broadway is open.
  • Northbound I-235 and eastbound K-96 are reduced to one lane each as they enter the work zone.
  • The North Broadway on ramp to northbound I-235 is closed until construction of the two ramps is complete on the south side of the interstate (probably until 2021).
  • Northbound and southbound Broadway has been reduced to one lane traffic each until bridge construction is complete. 
New Bridge named for Former Commissioner
After nearly one year of construction, the Tim Norton Pedestrian Bridge along Meridian is complete. The project was made possible thanks to partnerships involving Sedgwick County, City of Haysville, and Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO).

Designed by WSP and constructed by King Construction, the 907 foot-long bridge spans the M.S. Mitch Mitchell Floodway and connects to existing pathways to the north and south. The total cost of the bridge is $3.2 million. This bridge supports the County’s continuing effort to complete inter-city pedestrian linkages and encourage overall walkability, such as the Aviation Pathway connecting Derby, Mulvane, McConnell Air Force Base, and Wichita.
 
“This project has been more than a decade in the making and its completion speaks to the value of partnerships, especially our friends at WAMPO and Mayor Armstrong and the Haysville City Council who had the vision and determination to complete this project,” said Commissioner Michael O’Donnell, whose District 2 includes the bridge.

The original application for the bridge was submitted to WAMPO in 2009 for construction between 2010 and 2019. It had funding set aside in the 2014 County’s Capital Improvement Project budget but, due to the bids being higher than anticipated, the project did not move ahead.

The bridge was named after Norton, the former commissioner who was an early supporter, champion and longtime public servant representing District 2.
 
“Commissioner Norton served this district honorably for years,” added Commissioner O’Donnell. “He was a consequential, passionate and diligent public servant who, even today, continues to selflessly serve our region.” 
Coronavirus confirmed in the United States
Sedgwick County residents are at low risk for infection with the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus recently identified from Wuhan, China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has confirmed five cases in the United States. All five cases had recently traveled from China. All contacts are being monitored.

For more information, please visit the CDC Coronavirus website at  https://www.cdc.gov  or  https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/health/community-health-news/ .

A full news release regarding a person under investigation in Kansas can be found here:  https://bit.ly/36ylWIP .

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New Webpage launches to serve People affected by Layoffs
The Aerospace Task Force, a group of 15 organizations and partners, launched a webpage on January 21 to provide information and connections to resources for people affected by the 737 MAX production suspension and related layoffs. This new webpage streamlines information from over 20 websites to help decrease internet search time for affected workers during this difficult time. 

The partners coordinated content on a variety of topics that will be continuously updated as more information and resources become available. 

The Air Capital Commitment webpage connects to other sites such as the State of Kansas’ website through the Department of Labor, open jobs and job fairs through Workforce Alliance and United Way of the Plains one-stop 2-1-1 connection to social service and healthcare resources. 

The site is part of a community-wide effort to coordinate a strong, unified response to keep and support the region’s and state’s world-class aviation workforce during the production suspension. 
Kansas Honor Flight receives Chairman’s Award
In one of his last official duties as Chairman, Commissioner David Dennis presented the 2019 Chairman’s Award to Kansas Honor Flight (KHF). 

“This organization inspires and mobilizes our community to support this generous cause through donations to ensure that all veterans who served during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are able to travel,” said Chairman David Dennis. “Without the volunteers who give their time, talents, or funds, the Honor Flight might not exist.” 

KHF began in 2012 to honor veterans by providing memorable trips at no cost to visit their respective Memorials in Washington, D.C. By the end of 2019, more than 2,500 Kansas veterans have participated in these trips. KHF allows our community to thank our veterans in a very meaningful way and greet them with a hero’s welcome upon their return home.

Each year since 1988, the chairman of the Board of Sedgwick County selects one organization, project, or person who has exhibited a high level of dedication to public service, or otherwise made strides to improving our community. Some past recipients of this award include: the Patriot Guard, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit, the Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA), and the Sedgwick County Zoological Society.
Meitzner, Cruse selected to lead County Commission 
During the January 15 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, First District Commissioner Pete Meitzner was selected to serve as Chairman. Fourth District Commissioner Lacey Cruse was selected to be the new Chair Pro Tem. Both will serve in these roles through January 14, 2021.

“This is going to be an exciting year with welcoming a new baseball season, the conversations surrounding the riverfront, our support for the aviation sector, and our continued support for mental health services,” Meitzner said. “As Chair, I intend to support our staff, and work with our city, state, and business partners who invest in making our region better. I will do the best I can with the respect and dignity the community deserves.”

Meitzner began his first term as a Sedgwick County Commissioner representing District 1 in January 2019. Prior to serving as a Commissioner, he represented Wichita District II as a City Councilmember for seven years. His experience as a business leader, his budget knowledge and his civic work have supported his work in local government as well as with state and federal officials. Meitzner also serves on numerous non-profit and community boards. 

Cruse joined the Board Sedgwick County Commissioners in January 2019. She is a singer/ songwriter who has professional experience in communications, marketing and advertising. During her time as a Commissioner, Cruse has advocated for issues related to improved quality of life, behavioral health and community partnerships. She has served on several boards including the Arts Council and The Kansas African-American Museum. She wants elected officials to work together and put people back into the heart of decision-making. 
Tickets available for 14th Annual Death by Chocolate
Indulge in delicious delights for STEM Education at Exploration Place's largest fundraiser of the year. Treat your senses with unlimited sweets, savory food and drinks from area restaurants, chefs and vendors.

Tickets and event details can be found here: https://exploration.org/support/death-by-chocolate/.

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Celebrating Ten Years
INTRUST Bank Arena plans to celebrate its ten-year anniversary in a big way throughout 2020, including a 10th Anniversary Concert Series which kicked off with Guns N’ Roses on Oct. 7, 2019 and George Strait on January 24. To date, the series also features Jason Aldean (February 15), KISS (February 19), Blake Shelton (March 11) and Cher (April 22), with more announcements to come throughout the year. 

Additionally, a commemorative log along with a new branding campaign has been developed to commemorate this milestone year and will be visible on street pole banners surrounding the arena, souvenir cups sold at arena concession stands, special ticket stock for our premium seat holders, and more projects to be developed in the coming months. In December, commemorative banners were hung in the South Lobby of the arena that highlight some of INTRUST Bank Arena’s most significant milestones over the past decade. The banners showcase various achievements, from hosting Brad Paisley, our sold out, grand-opening concert in 2010, to Metallica, our highest attended show in arena history, and everything in between. 

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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. 
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.  
The Kansas African American Museum endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonate with EVERY Kansan. Located in the venerable Calvary Baptist Church, visitors may expand their knowledge and understanding of the Kansas African American story. 
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.  

316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203