Mayor Tyrone A. Garner has named Mildred Edwards, Ph.D., MPH, ACC, CPTD as the Chief of Staff/Governmental Affairs for his administration.

Dr. Edwards earned a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Public Health, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Wichita State University. Dr. Edwards is an experienced multi-sector leader, recognized researcher, public speaker, trainer, and community advocate. She brings a rich background implementing strategic plans, managing staff in her various roles as a WestStar Energy manager, committee chairperson for the US Commission on Civil Rights, member of Kansas Board of Regents, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and Project Director for Sedgwick County.

Welcome Dr. Edwards!

Due to the impact of recent winter weather, some Waste Management residential trash and recycling routes are running behind. With more snow expected, residential trash and recycling service may be delayed by one day in some areas the week of January 3 – 7, 2022. If your trash and recycling are not collected on their normal day this week, please leave your items at the curb or street edge until they are collected.

As of Monday, January 3, Wyandotte County residents can make shelter reservations for 2022 online. In-person reservations can also be made at the Parks & Recreation office, 5033 State Ave. Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis. For more information please call (913) 573-8327. Read more.

Recycle your Christmas Tree this year by either bringing it to the Yard Waste & Recycling Center (3241 Park Drive) which reopens the weekend of January 8-9, 2022 or to one of our Parks & Recreation locations (see below) before January 30, 2022. Before the tree can be recycled all tinsel, lights and ornaments need to be removed.

Stony Point Park: 527 N. 86th (Northeast corner of parking lot)

Alvey Park: 4834 Metropolitan (North side of the south parking lot)

City Park: 2601 Park Drive (Just inside the park, to the right) 

Wyandotte County Park: 631 N. 126th Street (ball field parking area)

In January, FEMA Region 7 is kicking off 12 Ways to Prepare which encourages everyone to take at least one preparedness action each month. January's action is - Sign up for Alerts and Warnings to be disaster and weather-aware in your area. Resolve to be Tech Ready by downloading free smartphone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, which provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery. We also encourage you to check with your local and state emergency management agencies to sign up to receive more localized emergency alerts.

Do you know a student in grades 8 – 11 who is interested in disaster preparedness or helping their community? FEMA will begin accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council on January 24, 2022. The Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) was created in 2012 to bring together youth leaders interested in supporting disaster preparedness and making a difference in their communities by completing disaster preparedness projects nationally and locally. The YPC supports FEMA’s commitment to involve America’s youth in preparedness-related activities. It also provides young people an opportunity to present their perspectives, feedback, and opinions to FEMA staff.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS is looking to assist KCK small businesses with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Small business can apply for up to $10,000. Grant funds can be used to help business continue to prepare for changes in the way consumers are doing business. This includes funding for upgrading websites for e-commerce, buildings, and physical plants remediation to comply with safety guidelines, software upgrades, professional service support (accounting, legal), etc.

KCK and Wyandotte County residents are encouraged to look into and apply for programs designed to provide tax relief to seniors.

If you are passionate about your community and want a career that will make an impact on the lives of your neighbors, consider joining the Unified Government team! For example, the Wyandotte County Sheriff is actively recruiting multiple positions including clerk, correctional specialist, deputy, juvenile care worker, and court security officers.