September 2020
The County has been working with businesses, non-profits and committees to help us distribute approximately $100 million in CARES funding. A special thank you to those who have volunteered to help analyze the numerous applications and recommend funding to our Commission. I also want to thank our staff, who have worked many house overtime to insure the funding goes to those in most need. All funds must be distributed by December 30th; therefore, we must make decisions very soon and those decisions must be backed-up by a lot of analysis, recommendations and paperwork.

I recently named a high school senior to our Citizen’s Advisory Board. His appointment will be formalized at the next Commission meeting. There is also an opening for a citizen residing in District 3. So far, I have only received one application for that position. If you are interested in serving on this board, please complete an application here.

As always, it is an honor to serve the citizens in District 3 in particular and all of the citizens in Sedgwick County.

David Dennis
September 30, 2020 COVID-19 Report
Comparing case counts from Monday, September 28 to today, September 30:
  • The United States of America case count increased from 7,122,754 to 7,199,139 (+1.07 percent).
  • Today, the State of Kansas case count increased nearly two percent, from 58,629 to 59,749. It was reported that 678 Kansans have passed away due to COVID-19.
  • In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 8,522 to 8,574 (+ 0.61). 
 
Currently, Sedgwick County is only testing symptomatic residents, close contacts, and people who work in certain at-risk professions (first responders, healthcare workers (including home health and long-term care), law enforcement, detention facility workers, Direct Support Professionals, or those working in residential group living facilities).
 
Visit www.sedgwickcounty.org for additional information about COVID-19 including testing information, funding resources, and data. 
County Continues to Use CARES Funding for COVID-19 Response
The portal for businesses to apply for a $5,000 safe operating grant can be accessed at https://sedgwickcares.force.com/Application/s/smallbusinessgrant.
  • Any business may be eligible for a maximum of $5,000 in grants per business. The deadline to apply for this funding is October 7, 2020.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are now available for request by businesses located within Sedgwick County. Eligible businesses may submit a request form by October 7, 2020. Forms may be submitted here: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/cares-funding/ppe-supply-kit-request/.
  • There is no cost associated with kits – funding was allocated by the Board of County Commissioners from the CARES Act funding from the State.
  • Retail stores and restaurants may request face shields and additional disposable face masks.
  • PPE kits will be available for pick up at various locations around Sedgwick County the week of October 12-16, 2020.

So far, Sedgwick County has spent $25 million for staff, resources, and supplies to help fight COVID-19. 
  • $20,434,691 is from the County’s direct allocation of CARES funding – this is up $130,000 over last week – mostly due to purchase of equipment to outfit the EMS rapid response vehicles, installation of sneeze shields in county facilities, and orders of gloves and cloth masks for County staff
  • $2,928,703 is from the State’s allocation of its CARES funding to SGCO; this is for the PPE kits
  • $241,584 of the Election Office’s allocation from the Secretary of State’s $420,000 award for SGCO
  • The remainder is in the County’s General Fund and Fire District General Fund – no change from last week

The Stimulus Review Team met on Monday and Tuesday to review public health and social service applications. The team will meet again Thursday with the intent to have recommendations ready for the October 7 Commission meeting.

During the October 7 meeting, Commissioners are expected to discuss options for distributing the additional school funding that was allocated and approve agreements associated with the workforce development programs that were approved last week.

For questions or additional information, email sedgwickcares@sedgwick.gov or dial (316) 660-7148.
Save Time Renewing Tags by Using a Drop Box
Your Sedgwick County Treasurer is now offering a more efficient and timesaving way to renew your vehicle tags! Simply put your State of Kansas vehicle renewal form, check, and proof of insurance in an envelope and drop it into the box anytime - day or night. Our clerks will process the transaction and mail your renewal and decal within the next few business days. It's important to note that these are for tag renewals ONLY - not title work.

The Sedgwick County Tag Office installed two new drop boxes on Friday, August 28. The drop boxes are located on 2525 W. Douglas and 5620 E. Kellogg.
“The Rosies” Honored by U.S. Department of Labor
September 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor honored the "Rosies" as The 2020 Inductees into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor. The Rosies – Women Riveters, Welders & World War II Industry Workers - helped manufacture planes, ships, and armaments for the United States and the Allies. These women meant a great deal to our City during this time, and we are grateful to all the women who successfully made this happen. Read more about these women and this honor here: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200910-0.

The U.S. Department of Labor released a video of the Hall of Honor induction ceremony. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CzcfNBbkd4&feature=youtu.be.
Voting by Mail? Drop Off Your Ballot
The Sedgwick County Election Office has acquired 14 drop boxes to make it easier for voters to vote by mail in the November election.

These boxes will be installed in cities surrounding Sedgwick County for voters to drop-off mail-in-ballots leading up to and on Election Day, specifically in areas where purchasing a postage stamp may be a barrier to voting by mail. Ballot boxes will be installed 20 days prior to Election Day and in use through 7 p.m. Election night, November 3. Election staff will visit the boxes daily to remove the ballots and boxes will be locked promptly at 7 p.m. on Election night.

The first ballot box was placed outside the Sedgwick County Courthouse on Primary Election Day.

Find resources related to the General Election here: www.sedgwickcounty.org/vote
Veterans Memorial Road Dedication Event Scheduled for Oct. 3
Please join Sedgwick County and American Legion Post 408 for a Sign Dedication Ceremony honoring our Veterans past, present, and future. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3 at 3100 N Rock Rd., Derby, KS. Sponsored by John M. West, American Legion Family Post 408, and Derby-Haysville.

Please practice social distancing.
Hazardous Household Waste Event at Spirit AeroSystems
Bulky Waste Coupons Program Begins October 15

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