Notes from Commissioner Dennis:

I always make a list of items of interest before starting my monthly newsletter. This month the County Commissioners have been very busy. Usually, events slow down after we adopt a budget; however, this year they increased significantly. 

I am on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition (MHSAC). We have had several meetings, both with the community involved and with MHSAC members. First, we held a community-wide event to discuss where we have been and what the future may hold. I was pleased that a number of our legislators attended this meeting and luncheon. Second, we held a number of subcommittee meetings to discuss the priorities for the next legislative session. We had great success last year; yet we still see huge hurdles that still must be overcome. Once the subcommittee finalizes the legislative agenda, we will be ready for the upcoming session.

As a member of the Transportation Coalition, I attended a meeting to discuss non-stop commercial air service to the East Coast. Thanks to Senator Jerry Moran, non-stop service will begin in January to Washington D.C. The coalition is also looking at other major hubs that we can fly non-stop to in the future. 

Two great events recently took place. Zoobilee, at the Sedgwick County Zoo, was a huge success with more than 6,000 people in attendance, raising over $1 million to help support the zoo. Thanks to all of the staff, whose hard work made Zoobilee such a memorable night! The second big event in September was the three-night Drone Light Show sponsored by Sedgwick County’s Exploration Place. Again, it was a fantastic show with thousands of people attending each evening. I have not heard the final numbers or income yet, but it was a packed night when I attended with my family. Another spectacular event coming up soon is Wild Lights at the Sedgwick County Zoo from Nov. 11-Dec.17. It will be bigger and better than before, with an entirely new theme called Alice in Wonderland. Get your tickets and come see the new show this year.

I also serve on the Veteran’s Day Parade Committee. The parade will be held on Veteran’s Day this year, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited, and we hope to see you there, or in the parade, to support the men and women who protect our freedoms. 

September marks the 76^th anniversary of the United States Air Force. McConnell’s men and women hosted a fantastic ball at the Hyatt Hotel to celebrate the event. The guest speaker was Air Force Col. Eileen Collins, the first female pilot of the U.S. Space Shuttle. She is an inspiration to everyone. My wife and I had a great time learning more about her and the mission.

Recently, the community came together for the ICT Summit to see the tremendous changes this region has gone through and what the future may hold for future development, including the new KU/WSU Biomed Campus and other business growth downtown. 

I am very pleased to announce the opening of a Veterans Treatment Court. It took a number of people and organizations to make this a reality. I have been an advocate for it since I was first elected to the Sedgwick County Commission. Thanks to everyone in the 18^th Judicial District, the D.A., the Sheriff, Corrections, the V.A., all of the Commissioners, volunteers and many others who joined together to implement this important court to help our veterans.

All Commissioners recently attended the 80^th anniversary of Spirit Aerosystems - Plant 2. That plant has produced 12,000 Boeing 737s. In the past, it produced combat aircraft that served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and other combat zones. The thousands of employees at Boeing and Spirit should be commended for their dedication to producing the finest aircraft in the world.

Again, it has been a very busy month, and I am honored to represent each of our employees and citizens of Sedgwick County.

Sedgwick County raises awareness of mental health resources during Suicide Prevention Week in September