Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!
COVID numbers are surging again so we have provided a link to last week's video on protecting yourself this holiday season. We also have a lot of great events to share with you, including next week's inauguration of our newly-elected and re-elected public officials which will also be livestreamed on YouTube. For a fun, socially-distanced event, be sure to check out the Holiday Light & Magic show at Wyandotte County Park with proceeds benefitting our parks. Keep reading for more and have a fabulous day!
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Number of COVID Cases Increasing in Wyandotte County |
The number of COVID-19 cases in Wyandotte County has surged over the past several weeks, and leaders at the Unified Government Public Health Department are urging people to get vaccinated, continue wearing masks and practicing good hygiene to help stop the slow of the virus in our community. Here’s current data on the spread of COVID in Wyandotte County:
- 26,035 confirmed cases of the virus;
- 3,411 probable cases;
- The 7-day rolling average has climbed to 71 new cases per day, which is 3.5 times as high as it was just five weeks ago at the end of October; and
- The 7-day rolling average percent positivity is at 33 percent, which is twice as high as the end of October.
At this point, 55 percent of people living in Wyandotte County have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while only 47 percent are fully vaccinated. Keep reading for more.
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ICYMI: Check out last week's video update (above) from the Public Health Department with guidance on how to protect yourself this holiday season. |
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If you are planning to get tested for COVID for the holidays, just be aware that it may take 2-3 days to receive your results. Plan ahead: if you'd like to have your test before Christmas, please visit the Former Kmart Site by Friday, December 17 to ensure you receive the results before the holiday. |
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You're Invited: Unified Government Inauguration of Newly Elected and Re-Elected Officials |
On behalf of the Unified Government, you are cordially invited to attend the upcoming inauguration of our recently elected and re-elected public officials on Monday, December 6, 2021, 5PM at Memorial Hall. Join us for the swearing in of incoming Mayor/CEO Tyrone A. Garner; Commissioners Tom Burroughs, Gayle E. Townsend, Mike T. Kane, Chuck Stites, and Andrew Davis; and Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic. |
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KCKFD and Vibrant Health Launch Innovative Program to Address Non-Emergency 911 Calls |
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) and Vibrant Health have partnered to launch WYCO Care Connection (WCC). WYCO Care Connection is a community paramedicine program, which seeks to reduce the number of individuals using emergency medical services for non-emergent care. One of the main goals of this collaborative partnership is to bring high-quality clinical and support services to the homes of some of Wyandotte County’s most vulnerable residents.
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Neighborhood Meeting: Village Initiative |
The Village Initiative is proposing to build three transitional homes on Land Bank lots located at 3064 N. 29th Street, 3050 N. 27th Street, and 2278 Lathrop Avenue. Commissioner Gayle E. Townsend will be hosting, in partnership with Rev. David Lee of Guiding Star Missionary Baptist Church, a community meeting on this proposal this Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 9:30AM. Hope to see you there!
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Support Local Team in the Battle of the Brains Competition |
Congratulations to the USD204 students of Bonner Springs, Edwardsville and Delaware Ridge Elementary School for being selected as one of the top 20 submissions to the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains Competition. Their proposal, the Cyber Security Sleuths, explores several ways to educate the public about the threats of cyber crime. Their interactive exhibit proposal includes a giant Trojan Horse, Password Puzzle, a Phishing Pond, Magna Wall-Bot, a Cyber Forensics Lab and so much more. Check out their full proposal (I personally love the Lego models used to illustrate the ideas!) and vote today. Your vote helps with 30% of their overall scoring in the competition. Good luck! |
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News Brief: Standing Committee Updates 12.06.2021 |
This week, the Commission hosted its final Public Works & Safety and Administration & Human Services Standing Committees of the calendar year. A relatively short night, the committees received updates from the Chief of the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, updates on murals and COVID-19 emergency ordinances, two proposed policy changes from Human Resources, and an update on a major technology implementation currently underway.
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Meet Our Friendly and Curious Rogelio |
This week's Pick of the Litter is Rogelio, a darling senior Shih Tzu! He's about 10 years old and weighs 14 lbs. Rogelio is a friendly little guy and a lap dog. He enjoys exploring around the yard. He has arthritis and was having trouble with it when he first arrived, but he's now getting around well and enjoys walking around the yard -- and he even trots along at a good pace! Medication will help him to stay comfortable. We have not tested Rogelio with other dogs yet but can do that.
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Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force Drive-Thru Event |
Everyone is invited to get a COVID test (rapid antigen test), COVID vaccine, booster, or flu shot to be safe this holiday season! COVID vaccines are for ages 12 and older. Flu shots are for ages 3 to 65.
Everyone getting a COVID vaccine will receive a $25 gift card, and the first 100 people will receive two! The first 300 people to get a COVID test, COVID vaccine or flu shot will receive a free frozen chicken! (while supplies last)
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Holiday Light & Magic 2021
Evenings Thru January 2
This is a one-mile long drive-thru holiday lighting display to benefit our Wyandotte County parks. Timeslots are available every night of the week. Weeknight tickets cost $20/car and weekend evenings are $25/car.
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Sheriff Donald Ash Retirement Celebration
December 10, 2-4PM
Please join us to recognize Sheriff Donald Ash and his 12 years of service as the Sheriff of Wyandotte County. The event will be held at Memorial Hall and the program starts at 2:30PM.
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2021 Hat & Glove Drive
Thru Friday, December 10
It's not too late to donate cold weather clothes, hats and gloves to the Department of Human Services for their annual winter drive. Reach out today and staff can help you pick-up donations.
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Last Full Commission Meeting of 2021
Thursday, December 16, 2021, 7PM
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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. |
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