Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!

This issue is FULL of opportunities to get involved and be heard by your Mayor and governing body. Keep reading for more information!
Updates from Mayor Garner
New Public Forum at Unified Government Commission Meetings: Launching Tonight
Mayor Garner has introduced a new opportunity for the community to weigh in on ideas and issues impacting Wyandotte County as part of the full Commission agenda. Participants will be limited to two minutes in duration and are encouraged to focus on solutions related to the domain of our work as your local government. Meeting attendees in the Municipal Office Building lobby will be given priority, followed by a limited number of participants who register online via the Clerk's Office. There is a time limit of 45 minutes for these discussions so if you don't make it onto this month's agenda, stay tuned for the next opportunity. We hope you will join us as we look forward to hearing from you!
You're Invited: Mayor Garner's (Virtual) Interfaith Prayer Gathering
Introducing Mayor Tyrone Tuesdays
Join CEO/Mayor Tyrone A. Garner for a one-on-one virtual session and share your ideas for a better Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS. These 5-minute sessions will be hosted on the Fourth Tuesday of every month, starting at 5:30PM. Residents are asked to only sign up once every six months so everyone has the chance to participate. Register for an upcoming Mayor Tyrone Tuesday here.
More than 250 Volunteers Raise Their Hands for the Mayor's Special Committees
Mayor Garner announced the formation of several special committees in January 2022 as part of an effort to engage our community in addressing some of our greatest challenges and we are thrilled to report that you have responded with enthusiasm. We have received more than 250 interested applicants. Over the coming weeks, the Committee Chairs will be reaching out and scheduling "listening sessions" with those who expressed interest as they roll out the committee scope and schedule. Stay tuned and check your inbox if you raised your hand -- looking forward to engaging you soon!
Other Engagement Opportunities
Missed out on signing up for the Mayor's Special Committees? Check out these other opportunities to get involved on issues ranging from environmental justice to the Quindaro Ruins. If you are clergy, you are also invited to apply to the Mayor's Council of Clergy. Keep reading for more details.
COVID Updates
Where to Find COVID Vaccines in Wyandotte County
There are several locations where you can find free COVID vaccines for anyone ages 5 years or older, including booster shots for those 12 and older.
UG Public Health Department
619 Ann Avenue, KCK

COVID vaccines are available by appointment only for anyone five years and older Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 4PM. Call (913) 573-8855 to make an appointment.
Kmart Facility
7836 State Avenue, KCK

COVID vaccines are available Fridays from 12PM to 6PM.
Other Locations
Across Wyandotte County

To find other locations where COVID vaccines are available, visit vaccines.gov. You can also check with local pharmacies and healthcare providers such as Vibrant Health or Swope Health.
News and Happenings
Free Tax Preparation Services Available
It's income tax time! Wyandotte County K-State Research and Extension is partnering with a community site to host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. This free service is available for taxpayers whose annual income is below $55,000. Download a checklist of what you need to bring with you to a virtual appointment with an IRS-certified volunteer now through April 14, 2022. Learn more here.
Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor Announced
Earlier this week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), along with Mayors Eileen Weir (Independence, MO) and Tyrone Garner (Kansas City, KS), as well as Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., announced their plans for a Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor. The regional project is a coordinated effort to maximize federal funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with a comprehensive plan to create greater opportunity throughout the region with strategic investments in sustainability, mobility, and economic development. Keep reading.
Bi-State Sustainable Reinvestment Corridor
Wyandotte County Lake: Opening Day March 5
We are restocking Wyandotte County Lake with rainbow trout and look forward to opening day on Saturday, March 5, 2022 (weather permitting). Make sure that if you bring your fishing pole, you have the necessary permits and/or state licenses to fish. Find out more on our website.
KCKFD & Veer Visual Partner Launch "Be the Change" Campaign
The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) has partnered with nationally recognized production company Veer Visual to produce and launch a community campaign titled “Be the Change”. The two organizations worked cohesively on the production of six-series of multi-cultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) recruiting KCKFD videos. The “Be the Change” campaign focuses on community collaboration, educational opportunities for involved students, as well as a providing a diverse and interactive perspective to becoming a KCKFD Firefighter. Read more.
Rights & Responsibilities for Wyandotte County Renters and Advocates: March 10
At 10AM on Thursday, March 10, the Unified Government Human Services Department will host a free virtual discussion with Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. and sponsored by the Advisory Commission on Human Relations and Disability Issues. Wyandotte County renters and advocates are invited to attend the discussion on the rights and responsibilities of renters in the county. Register in advance.
Lifeguard Summer 2022:
Hiring for the Best Job Ever
You may have seen our ongoing recruitment effort for lifeguards at Parkwood Pool this summer and we're thrilled to report we have six applicants! This is not yet enough to fully staff the pool but we're really encouraged by this interest. Please continue to help us spread the word so we can have a fantastic summer!

Bid Opportunities
Mowing Services Wanted
The Unified Government Purchasing Department is looking for bids for mowing services for medians, islands and other miscellaneous locations throughout Wyandotte County (Bid #32698). Bids are due March 16, 2022 at 8:45AM, Room 323, 701 N. 7th Tfwy, KCK, 66101.

Mowing Services Wanted
Upcoming Meetings & Events
TONIGHT: Special Session on Priority-Based Budgeting
Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 5:00PM
Priority-based budgeting is a methodology that allocates funding based on community needs. Join us for this discussion with our Commission about how this works as we kick-off budgeting season.

TONIGHT: Full Commission
Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 7:00PM
Mayor Garner will be introducing a new public forum for the community to bring their ideas forward to the Commission at this meeting - check out the update above. Other business for this evening includes changes to the Mayor's benefits, sale of general obligation bonds, and a presentation by Visit KCK.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the meetings of the Unified Government Board of Commission will be conducted remotely using Zoom and broadcast via UGTV and YouTube. Members of the public may attend meetings virtually or watch the virtual meeting in the lobby of city hall (701 N 7th Street, KCK, 66101). The virtual meeting information is also available on the agenda itself.
30th Annual Black History Celebration and Scholarship Event
30th Annual Black History Celebration & Scholarship Event

February 25, 2022
1:00PM via Facebook and Zoom
Join us for a program featuring a conversation on Black Health & Awareness. We will go beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and explore several aspects of our health and well-being.
Community Meeting
Hollywood Casino Grant Information Session

March 1, 2022
2:00PM-4:00PM
Virtual
Learn more about this year's Hollywood Casino Grant program through an optional virtual grant information session. This program supports initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more about the grant and eligibility here.
Community Development Workshops coming March 2022
Community Development Workshops

March 2, 6PM
March 3, 1PM
March 9, 6PM
These virtual workshops will be an opportunity for the community to provide feedback about housing and community development needs for the future use of the City of Kansas City, KS federal grants from the HUD.
Alzheimers Disease and Dementia virtual class
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

March 8, 2022
10:00AM-11:00AM
Virtual
Join us along with the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging every second Tuesday of the month at 10AM for a virtual Alzheimer's Association education class.
Dining with Diabetes icon with plate and utensils
Spring Online Dining with Diabetes Course

Just a few days left to register for the K-State Research and Extension Dining with Diabetes Course. Sign-up today!
Master Gardener Class
Master Gardener Zoom Training

March 3, 2022
11:30AM
Love watching hummingbirds? Learn more about these fun birds at the upcoming WyCo Extension Master Gardener Zoom training.
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