May 2023

Haysville becomes one of seven Purple Heart Cities in Kansas

On May 15, Mayor Russ Kessler held a ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6957 and unveiled a Purple Heart City plaque awarded to the City of Haysville. The Purple Heart is the nation's oldest combat military decoration and was created by George Washington in 1782. The medal was known as the Badge of Military Merit and evolved into the Purple Heart, which honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives on the front lines or in service to the nation. It also honors military members who suffered a life-altering injury in combat.

Haysville City Staff receives the United Way Cornerstone Award

United Way of the Plains recognizes workplaces that increase campaign contributions from the prior year. The City of Haysville's contributions nearly doubled from the past year!

You are invited to learn more about issues in your community!

Attend the next meeting of the District 2 Citizens Advisory Board on Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m. at the Haysville Community Library. Since last month's meeting had to be canceled because of possible severe weather, the speakers scheduled for May will give their presentations at this meeting. Assistant County Manager Tania Cole will discuss the legislative process and some of the bills debated this session that affect Sedgwick County. Marquis Murphy and Dawn Cano from Youth Educational Empowerment Program (YEEP) will also speak about their work with local teens.

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.

Commissioners Dennis and Lopez attended the announcement that Haysville had earned the Purple Heart City distinction.

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.