June 2020
Friends and neighbors,

I pray you’re staying healthy and safe. I’ve spent the last few weeks contacting residents of our district to discuss the state of our county. We need to continue to take the coronavirus threat seriously by taking commonsensical steps like hand washing, hand sanitizer, social distance and masks if you feel comfortable. We can’t afford to have another shutdown of our economy.

We’re continuing to support our frontline workers to keep our community safe.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

It’s an honor to represent you.

Michael
June 29, 2020 COVID-19 Report
Comparing case counts from Friday to today:
  • The United States of America case count increased from 2,444,483 to 2,562,921 (+ 4.8 percent).
  • Today, the State of Kansas case count increased 6.8 percent, from 13,528 to 14,443. It was reported that 270 Kansans have passed away due to COVID-19.
  • In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 1,026 to 1,161 (+ 13.2 percent). There have been 649 residents recover and 28 residents have passed away from COVID-19.
 
Currently, the Sedgwick County Health Department is only testing symptomatic residents and certain high-priority professions at no cost. The County’s testing priority has always been and continues to be residents with COVID-19. Information will be forthcoming when asymptomatic testing is resumed.  
 
Residents who are health care workers (including long-term care facilities), detention workers, Direct Support Professionals, employees of residential group homes, first responders, and law enforcement may continue to be tested regardless of symptoms, on a weekly basis. 
 
Mobile testing will continued to be offered at various locations throughout Sedgwick County.
 
The testing of the virus test shows whether a person has current infection. This is not an antibody test.
 
Visit  www.sedgwickcounty.org  to find specific details regarding the mobile testing schedule.
Election Workers Needed
Election workers are needed for the upcoming elections in Sedgwick County. The Election Office is working to protect poll workers and voters by providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for our workers and hiring professional sanitation services for all polling locations.

Primary Election: August 4, 2020
General Election: November 3, 2020

Election workers:

  • Must be a registered voter in Sedgwick County or a 16 or 17 year-old who is otherwise eligible to vote, except for not yet being of legal age.
  • Must be available to work on Election Day from 4:45 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. until all of the closing procedures have been completed.
  • Must be available to attend a mandatory training class.
  • Election cross-trained clerks, runners, and provisional ballot judges paid $7.50/hour for working Early Voting Centers, Election Day and for training.
  • Election supervising judges are paid $10.00/hour for working as a supervising judge during Early Voting Centers, Election Day and for training.
  • Both Election supervising judges and runners are paid mileage in addition to the hourly rates listed above.

Please contact the Sedgwick County Election Office by telephone (316) 660-7119 or email electionworker@sedgwick.gov if you are interested in serving as an election worker.
Non-Emergency Line Active during July 4 Holiday
The Sedgwick County Courthouse and Sedgwick County offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Emergency services are available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.

The Sedgwick County Emergency Communications’ non-emergency phone line ,
316-290-1011, will be available during the following hours:
6 p.m. July 1 through 3 a.m. July 2
6 p.m. July 2 through 3 a.m. July 3
6 p.m. July 3 through 3 a.m. July 4
6 p.m. July 4 through 3 a.m. July 5

This line functions as an alternative to 9-1-1and is meant to receive calls for non-emergency nuisances that do not pose a threat to life or property; examples include complaints pertaining to parties, excess noise, fireworks, etc. It was established to prevent an influx of nuisance calls that can block emergency calls from reaching a call taker; the non-emergency line is activated during times of historically high call volumes and as otherwise needed. If someone calls 9-1-1 with a non-emergency, he or she will be transferred to the non-emergency line.
Stay Safe over the Holiday
In order to ensure everyone has a safe holiday, residents should be aware of regulations on fireworks sales and discharges in Sedgwick County municipalities and unincorporated areas. This information is available at www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire .

Sedgwick County Fire District 1 urges residents to stay safe over the holiday with the following tips:
  • Small children should not handle fireworks; even sparklers can be harmful if mishandled.
  • Older children and young adults should be monitored by an adult when handling fireworks.
  • Follow the directions on the packages closely.
  • Always keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby.
  • Keep fireworks away from dry grass, hay, trees, and all structures.
  • Try to light fireworks on gravel, concrete, or a hard surface that will not ignite.

Watch a brief video related to firework safety here:  
Have You Participated in the 2020 Census Yet?
Don't forget to complete the 2020 Census and make Kansas count. Take a few minutes today to self-respond at: https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020. Your feedback will help Kansas thrive over the next 10 years.
Spears Retires after 39 Years
After nearly 40 years as a notable leader to Sedgwick County, David Spears, County Engineer/Director of Public Works is retiring. During his tenure at Sedgwick County, Spears was involved in a number of major projects including the Kellogg/I-235 interchange, ARC-95 (95 th St. South between Meridian and Greenwich), and the recently completed bridge in Haysville near Campus High School. Movement on the North Junction project began under his tenure last year.

Spears is known for his positive attitude, willingness to serve, and coined the term, “Infrastructure is the mother’s milk of economic development.” His annual Road and Bridge Show – which featured projects his team accomplished – is something Commissioners always look forward to. He was extremely passionate about his job and worked to ensure that the roads in Sedgwick County would be maintained in the best possible condition. Spears believed in building roads right, taking care of them forever – which established a good footprint for Sedgwick County to follow moving forward. His wealth of knowledge will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in retirement!
Weber Named Acting Director of Public Works
The Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners appointed Jim Weber as Acting County Engineer/Director of Public Works, effective Friday, June 19. Weber has been the Deputy Director of Public Works since 1999 and with Sedgwick County since 1982. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.
Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes this Summer
Fight the bite this summer and protect yourself against mosquitoes. Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) suggests following the three D's to avoid mosquito bites this summer. Drain  standing water; the insects breed in standing water. Use mosquito dunks or mosquito-eating fish in ponds and stagnant water. Use insect repellent that contains  DEET ; this offers the best protection against mosquito bites.  Dress  appropriately: wear loose-fitting clothing when outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk when the insects are most active.

There is no evidence that mosquitoes spread COVID-19, but they can cause serious health problems and spread diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) to humans and animals. For more information about WNV and mosquito bite prevention, contact the Health Department at (316) 660-7300 or visit www.sedgwickcounty.org . 

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