Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!
We continue to see COVID number surging in our community, with new daily records this week. You can see all of the data here on our dashboard which is updated weekly. Below we've included a graph that indicates the various symptoms being reported - approximately 56% of people with COVID have reported some symptoms (7% are asymptomatic and 37% are unknown). We continue to offer free vaccines, boosters, and testing so please take advantage of these resources and stay safe, Wyandotte County! |
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COVID-19 Boosters Now Available for People Ages 12 and Older |
The Unified Government Public Health Department is now offering COVID-19 booster shots for people ages 12 and older in Wyandotte County! This is following new authorization from the FDA and recommendations from the CDC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that came late last week, which authorized boosters for those ages 12 – 15 years of age.
People ages 12 – 17 can ONLY get a Pfizer vaccine or booster at this time. People ages 12 and older who have previously gotten the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible to receive a booster shot 5 months after their second dose.
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Other Changes to Booster and Vaccine Guidance:
The waiting period for boosters was shortened to 5 months for people who received the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone age 12 or older who was fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine is eligible for a booster 5 months after their second dose (shortened from the previous 6-month guidance).
Moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages 5-11 can now receive an additional primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second shot. This change follows a January 4 announcement by the CDC.
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A Message From CEO/Mayor
Tyrone A. Garner
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On January 6, 2022, with the unanimous consent of your elected Board of Commissioners, I appointed Ms. Cheryl Harrison-Lee as the interim County Administrator for your Unified Government. This appointment is historic in the fact that Ms. Harrison Lee is the first female, as well as African American to ever hold this position in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Beyond this historic moment of shattering the proverbial glass ceiling, is the fact that Ms. Harrison-Lee is qualified to lead the administration of our Unified Government. I can reassure the public that Ms. Harrison-Lee brings a wealth of experience and expertise in her knowledge of management, administration, leadership, and effective governance. During my interviews and evaluation of Ms. Harrison-Lee, I was extremely optimistic on her ability to bring engaged leadership, competent management, streamlined government, the auditing of governmental functions, responsible development, fiscal responsibility, abatement of blight, investment in the disinvested, enhancement of essential services, excellence in customer service, as well as a commitment to lower taxes and fees, to include tackling residential BPU bills so they can be more reflective of a real utility bill.
Looking at Ms. Harrison-Lee's experience, track record of success, and her vision for a more vibrant and resurgent Wyandotte County Kansas, I was left with no doubt that Ms. Harrison-Lee was the best choice for our community moving forward. As such, I am honored to welcome Ms. Harrison-Lee to our great community, with an unwavering commitment from this Mayor to fully support Ms. Harrison-Lee in any positive collaborative initiatives she will bring to help us all facilitate making Wyandotte County a Great and safe Place to Live, Work, and Raise a Family.
I just want to take this time to congratulate Ms. Harrison-Lee and thank her for her commitment to the awesome people that call Wyandotte County Home.
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Mayor Garner Introduces Interim County Administrator |
CEO/Mayor Tyrone A. Garner of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, officially introduced Ms. Cheryl Harrison-Lee as Interim County Administrator. On Monday, Harrison-Lee, unveiled her vision to lead the organization: Transformation through Collaboration.
Reflecting on the Unified Government’s 25-year anniversary, the former Gardner City Administrator and current CEO of Harrison-Lee Development Consulting focused on a four-pronged plan to improve the quality of life for Wyandotte County citizens.
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Meet Mayor Garner's Executive Assistant |
Mayor Tyrone A. Garner has named Tayler Wash as Executive Assistant for his administration. Ms. Wash holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. She served as an elementary school teacher in District 500 for five years and recently collaborated with stakeholders by planning, preparing, and delivering instructional activities and facilitating developmentally appropriate learning in Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Wash brings a love of learning, collaboration, and optimism to the Mayor’s Office. Welcome Ms. Wash! |
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Sheriff Appoints Undersheriff Curtis Nicholson |
Earlier this month, Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic announced his appointment of Undersheriff Curtis Nicholson. "I am very proud to add Undersheriff Nicholson to our team," said Soptic, "and I look forward to the knowledge and experience he brings to the team." Undersheriff Curtis Nicholson started his career in law enforcement as a Reserve Deputy with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. In 1990 he was hired by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department where he would spend the next 29 years of his successful career, ultimately retiring at the rank of Major in 2019. After retirement, Undersheriff Nicholson was offered and accepted a position as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Police Department.
Undersheriff Nicholson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, is a graduate of 244th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy, and is a graduate of the 2015 class of Leadership Kansas.
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Newly-elected BPU Board Members Sworn In |
Three members of the newly elected board of directors for the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) were sworn-in at a ceremony held at the BPU Administration Building on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022.
Two incumbent members, Mary Gonzales (At-Large - Position #1) and Tom Groneman (2nd District), as well as newcomer David Haley (At-Large - Position #2), took the oath of office at a ceremony prior to this week’s Board meeting. The oaths of office were administered, and each elected board member was given an opportunity to make brief remarks following their official swearing-in. Click to read more about the recently elected members.
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Park Shelter Reservations for Summer 2022 NOW AVAILABLE |
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.
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Youth Preparedness Council Application Process Opens January 24 |
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. |
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Register for the Youth Preparedness Council Application Q&A Webinar |
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We are actively recruiting for positions at all levels, from entry-level to managers, across our organization. Whether you are passionate about parks and recreation or a practicing attorney, we may have the perfect opportunity for you to do something great for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS.
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KCK Small Businesses Resiliency Grant Information Session |
Join us for an Info Session on Tuesday, January 18 at 2PM. Come and learn about the new KCK Small Business Resiliency Grant Program. Grant applicants are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funding. During this session, we will review requirements to apply for the grant, how funds can be used and go over the grant application followed by a Q&A session. Grant funds can be used to help businesses continue to prepare for the changes in the way consumers are doing business. This includes:
- Funding for upgrading websites for e-commerce
- Buildings
- Physical Plants remediation to comply with safety guidelines
- Software upgrades
- Professional Service Support (Accounting, Legal), etc.
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Help with your water bills. If you're having trouble paying your water and wastewater bills, you may be eligible for the Emergency Water Assistance Program through the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Apply today for funds to help you restore or prevent disconnection of water services. |
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Help with your energy bills. To help Kansas residents stay warm this winter, the Kansas Department for Children and Families is accepting applications for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (until March 31st). If you or someone you know needs help with heating costs, visit the link for more details. |
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Seniors Encouraged to Apply for Tax Rebates |
KCK and Wyandotte County residents are encouraged to look into and apply for programs designed to provide tax relief to seniors. |
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Senior Citizen's Utility and Sales Tax Rebate
The program is for Kansas City, Kansas residents. Eligible seniors can apply for a rebate of a portion of their BPU, Gas or AT&T utility bills and/or paid sales tax.
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Homestead rebates are offered to eligible senior citizens who live in Wyandotte County, Kansas for a portion of their property taxes.
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Blood Drive Kansas C.O.P.S. |
TODAY, January 13, 2022
1-6PM
Memorial Hall
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Please join Kansas City, Kansas Police Department at Memorial Hall this afternoon for a blood drive. Schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and enter KansasCops. |
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More Than Memories:
Recent Collections and Community Stories
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Through February 15, 2022
Monday-Saturday 9AM-4PM
Wyandotte County Museum
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“More Than Memories” is a collection of items and stories that the Wyandotte County Museum has collected over the past few years. While the themes of these items vary, they all have significant historical value to Wyandotte County. A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!" |
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Public Works & Safety Standing Committee
Monday, January 24, 2022 at 5PM
Administration & Human Services Standing Committee
Monday, January 24, immediately following the preceding meeting
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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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