January 2021
As we start 2021 we are still deeply involved in COVID-19 issues. You will read later in this newsletter, we have several vaccination sites in operation. The bulk of e-mails and voicemails I receive concern vaccination, why it is going so slow, and why are we limiting the vaccine to those most vulnerable? Please rest assured, that we distribute the vaccine as fast as we receive it. The problem is the supply chain. We will continue to prioritize those most vulnerable.

You will also read about our legislative agenda later in this newsletter. Another group of e-mails and concerns I receive involve nuisance properties. That is high on our list of items we wish to have the legislature pass this session. The bill has passed out of the Senate and is now going to the house. If you have concerns about nuisances in your neighborhood, please contact your legislators.

Our legislative agenda also addresses behavioral health concerns, and a clean-up of a bill that will allow Sedgwick County to use a Charter Commission to look at ways to streamline government and make it more efficient. 

Again, as we start this New Year, there are still significant issues regarding the pandemic. However, there are many more issues that we must continue to address to keep the county functioning and to serve our citizens. We will always provide our citizens with the services they expect from a great staff. It is an honor to serve Sedgwick County.
COVID-19 Report for January 29, 2021 
Comparing case counts from Wednesday to today:
  • The United States of America case count increased from 25,504,894 to 25,817,479 (+ 1.23 percent).
  • Today, the State of Kansas case count increased less than one percent, from 272,517 to 274,685. 
  • In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 38,923 to 39,886 (+ 2.47 percent). 


The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost, walk-in sampling at the K-State Research and Extension Center, 7001 W. 21st St. Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Follow the signs to the southern entrance facing 21st St.

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.

Visit www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19 to learn more about the County’s response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccines Doses Slowly Become Available
Sedgwick County is currently vaccinating residents aged 80 and older with their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The County is focusing on people 80 and older, due to their likelihood of serious complications if they test positive for COVID-19. Additionally, we will not schedule more appointments than the vaccine available. Two vaccine clinics are offered by appointment only, one at INTRUST Bank Arena and one at the Wichita Transit Operations Center. 
  
The COVID-19 vaccine is one tool in our community toolbox that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to follow the three W’s: wash your hands, wear a mask, and watch your distance by keeping six feet of space between you and others.
 
Vaccine Questions:
Contact your medical provider prior to receiving the vaccine if you have questions about how the vaccine may interact with your medical condition and medications you take.
 
Please continue to direct general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine to (316) 660-1022; this line is not for scheduling appointments.
 
County Pledge:
As more vaccine is received, the Sedgwick County Health Department will vaccinate more people while following guidance from CDC, KDHE, and Sedgwick County Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns. The vaccination schedule is designed to assure that all who want to be vaccinated will have that opportunity. The implementation of the vaccination schedule is dependent on the manufacturing and distribution schedule from vaccine providers. The County will not schedule more appointments than the vaccine available. Updated information is available at https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/vaccine/.  
Meitzner, Cruse Chosen to Lead Commission Through 2021
Sedgwick County Commissioners re-selected First District Commissioner Pete Meitzner and Fourth District Commissioner Lacey Cruse to lead the commission through 2021. Both will serve until January 14, 2022.

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 has more than a decade of private sector experience in the areas of communications to include, branding, marketing, and advertising. Cruse is also a singer / songwriter and an accomplished musician. During her time as a Commissioner, Cruse has been a fierce advocate for issues relating to behavioral and mental health, diversity and inclusion and building community partnerships. She currently has a role on several boards including the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition, the Arts Council and The Kansas African-American Museum.
Projects in District 3
Bridge replacement on 247th between 77th N and 85th N
  • Closed to traffic during construction
  • Work began October 22, 2020
  • Expected to reopen to traffic in Spring 2021

Bridge replacement on 93rd N between 119th W and 135th W
  • Closed to traffic during construction
  • Work began November 16, 2020
  • Expected to reopen to traffic in Spring 2021
Keep our Furry Friends Warm this Season
Even animals with thick coats can freeze in the cold weather. Please review these helpful tips to keep your pets warm if they must be outdoors.
Commission Approves State Legislative Platform
Recently Commissioners voted to focus on five priority issues with the State. Topics include support for mental and behavioral health, nuisance abatement, charter commission, broadband access, and the right to a speedy trial.
 
New Exhibit at The Kansas African American Museum
Plan your visit to experience compelling images and artifacts sharing the perspectives of African Americans in the 20th century. “Through Our Eyes” navigates the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, life in the South, and beyond. This exhibit is open now through April 24, 2021.
 
The Future Has Arrived at Exploration Place
Exploration Place’s latest national traveling exhibit explores how science fiction has inspired the innovative new techonologies of today, and into the future. 

POPnology: From SciFi to Wifi shows how some of the greatest works of pop culture have fired the human imagination, and influenced almost every aspect of our daily lives. 

Enjoy this exhibit now through May 2, 2021. 
Coming Soon: Nominations for Excellence in Public Service Award
Stay tuned to Sedgwick County’s social media pages and website for information about the Excellence in Public Service Award. The nomination period will begin soon! 

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