Now that we are trying to get back to normal, there are a number of exciting things happening in the County. You will see later in this newsletter that we just graduated six new firefighters for Sedgwick County Fire District #1 and we just opened a new fire station in Andale. Also, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sedgwick County Zoo with a ribbon cutting for the new entrance, offices and gift shop. Exciting things are also happening in Goddard with the opening of a new splash park for Tanganyika Zoo. I have also been invited to an “On My Honor” leadership breakfast for the Boy Scouts. This is an annual event where they showcase the great things happening locally in Scouting while learning a bit more about the impact of Scouting programs on the youth of our communities.
Next month my Citizen’s Advisory Board will hear from Nextera Energy about the possibility of two new large solar farms proposed for Western Sedgwick County. I am looking forward to more information on their plans.
The County leadership has been deeply involved in the planning for the 2022 budget. Current projections for the next five years are not favorable. We have job openings in many departments due to pay. We will be addressing those pay issues to along with other critical needs for support of the community. I do not see “nice to have” items making it into the budget if we are to continue to hold down the price of government and still provide the services our citizens will need.
A number of areas within County buildings are now “mask free”. The courts, and other elected officials still have the authority to require masks. We will continue to allow public comments at our board meetings via phone or e-mail; however, if anyone wishes to speak in person, we will have procedures to allow that also.
Again, I am so happy that things are starting to resume in a more normal manner. Certainly, there will still be some adjustments and we do strongly recommend everyone get vaccinated. That is the only way everything will be able to completely return to normal.
It is my honor to represent District 3.
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COVID-19 Report for May 28, 2021 |
Comparing case counts from Monday to today:
- The United States of America case count increased from 33,132,176 to 33,221,556 (+ 0.27 percent).
- The State of Kansas case count increased from 313,274 to 313,997 (+ 0.23 percent).
- In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 48,140 to 48,252 (+ 0.23 percent).
The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost sampling at Sunflower Shelter at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st Street. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Monday through Friday. Please enter off 13th Street.
The Health Department takes a nasal, oral, or saliva sample to send to a lab for COVID-19 PCR testing. Results are generally available within 18 to 36 hours. The results of the virus test show whether a person has a current infection. This is not an antibody test.
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Main Vaccine Clinic and Walk-in Sampling Closed for Memorial Day |
The Sedgwick County Health Departments main vaccine clinic, 223 S. Main and no cost COVID-19 walk-in sampling at the Extension Office will be closed Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, June 1. |
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Appointments Open for People Aged 12 to 15 Years and Older |
- Parent/guardian permission is required to receive the vaccine for those under the age of 18.
- If a child has no proof of age through ID or birth certificate, at the clinic, a parent/guardian must sign attesting to the child’s age.
- For people who do not speak English or are not comfortable speaking English, free interpreting services are available at the vaccine clinics to help you receive a vaccine.
- The Pfizer vaccine for children is not modified from the vaccine used for adults. Those aged 12 and older are advised to receive two shots, administered three weeks apart.
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Six Firefighters Join Sedgwick County Fire District 1 |
Class 2101 Recruits graduated from the Fire Academy where they spent the last several weeks training hard, remaining committed, and never giving up to get to this moment. They are ready to serve with honor, respond with compassion, and are dedicated to keeping our community safe and secure.
Please join us in congratulating the six newest firefighters on our team!
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Dedicated, compassionate, and caring - these are just a few words that describes our EMS crews. Every day they work hard and devote themselves to providing a safe and secure community for the residents of Sedgwick County. The 2021 National EMS Week theme is "This Is EMS: Caring for Our Communities."
2020 was an unprecedented year for many - but response to emergency situations never stopped. Our crews worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure out community received the care they needed. As we celebrate our crews during National EMS Week, take time to thank them for their service, and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do to keep our community safe.
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The week of May 10-16 we recognized our many Public Works employees, and say said thank you for all that they do to keep our community safe, and improve our quality of life! The 2021 National Public Works theme -- "Stronger Together"-- challenges our members and their citizens to think about the role public works plays in creating a great place to live.
The Public Works Department plays a vital role in drainage improvements, environmental services, household hazardous waste, and noxious weed control throughout Sedgwick County. They also work to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for our residents and visitors by maintaining 600 miles of roads and 600 bridges every year.
We depend on the efforts and skill of public officials to provide equality and effective services, as well as the planning, design, and construction of projects.
Thank you for all you do to make Sedgwick County a great place to live, work, and play!
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Are you a family member or friend caring for an older adult? Caregiver often find themselves in this role unexpectedly and do not always feel comfortable or confident providing a care to their loved one(s). Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) can help you build skills, expand your knowledge and increase your confidence using a new web based caregiver training through Trualta.
The topics offered vary and you can tailor your training based on your personal situation:
- Find short article and videos (most are 5 minuets or less)
- Better understand dementia behaviors and how to address them
- Find training on daily tasks such as providing oral care, bathing, shaving, and more
- Learn about the importance of caring for yourself
This self-guided caregiver training is available to you. To sign up for training, please call 855-200-2372 to be connected to CPAAA's Caregiver Coordinator and receive your invitation.
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Public Works Projects in District 3 |
Bridge replacement on 13th N between 215th W and 231st W
- Closed to traffic during construction
- Work began on April 26, 2021
- Expected to reopen to traffic in mid summer
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316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County |
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