May 2023

Comments from Commissioner Baty:

The views expressed by Commissioner Ryan Baty in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Register of Deeds offers free services for veterans

As a show of appreciation for our military, the Register of Deeds wants to safeguard veterans' discharge form, or DD-214, by filing it for free and providing five certified copies. Vets can also get a free discount card with their photo on it to save money at restaurants and other participating businesses. The video below shows how the program works.

Sedgwick County steps out for 2023 Riverfest parade

Wichita's biggest party - Riverfest - kicks off Friday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. with the Sundown Parade, sponsored in part by Sedgwick County. Come out and say 'hi' to many of your elected officials participating in the parade, along with staff and vehicles from several County departments. Learn more about the parade and other Riverfest events here.

Commissioners work on 2024 budget

It's that time of year again, when Sedgwick County departments present their proposed budgets for next year, and Commissioners have to decide what to cut and what to fund. Taxpayers are invited to weigh in during two public hearings - one scheduled for the evening of August 2 and another during the BoCC meeting August 23, when the budget will be adopted.

Sedgwick County Correctional Officers honored

The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 7-13 as Correctional Officers Appreciation Week. Watch the video below to learn more about their important work.

National EMS Week May 21-27

Sedgwick County joined communities across the country in recognizing the important role our EMS providers play in safeguarding our health and well-being. This video explains what it takes to work on an ambulance crew and save lives!

Public Works wins award for bridge repairs

Work on the 63rd Street South bridge near Derby earned Sedgwick County Public Works an award from the American Public Works Association Kansas Chapter (APWA) for Project of the Year under $5 million. The Board of County Commissioners also proclaimed May 21-27 as Public Works Week and shared the video below, as a tribute to our hard-working crews in all divisions.

Second phase of Civic Ready Alerts includes many more cities

Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) launched the second phase of Civic Ready Alerts to include 17 more cities, in addition to the two initial test sites of Wichita and Mt. Hope. Residents who sign up for this free service will receive notifications by phone or email of emergencies or important news in their community.

Click https://buff.ly/3XmNXya to opt-in, customize how you want to be contacted and which notifications you want to receive!

Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee!

The Board of County Commissioners values input from its citizens and encourages you to consider serving on an advisory board or committee in one of the five districts. Click here to see a list of current vacancies.

Out and About with Commissioners

Commissioners attended the Wichita Prayer Breakfast where they enjoyed fellowship with other community members, listened to thoughtful speakers and enjoyed a good meal.

The Kansas Aviation Museum celebrated the grand opening of the Rip Gooch Black Aviators Exhibit. Ulysses Lee "Rip" Gooch was a well-known politician and Wright Brother Master Pilot.

Wichita Public Schools and WSU Tech unveiled the FutureReady Manufacturing Center that trains high school students on the latest equipment and technology used throughout Sedgwick County.

At the Annual Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Cookout, Commissioners thanked Sheriff Jeff Easter and his staff for their hard work and dedication to public safety. The event was sponsored by VitalCore.