October 2023

Note from Commissioner Meitzner:

Voice your opinion on two important transportation issues

Sedgwick County residents can help shape the future of rail and road travel through South-Central Kansas by attending two public meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 8, hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

The first is a virtual meeting to discuss new Amtrak Heartland Flyer passenger rail opportunities. KDOT is exploring plans to provide rail service from Oklahoma City to Newton where it would then connect with the Southwest Chief, a national route on Amtrak's passenger rail system. The Heartland Flyer currently provides daily service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. Click here to join the virtual meeting from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. After a brief presentation, the public can submit questions and comments and get responses from the project team.

A second public meeting on Nov. 8 will address the K-254 Corridor Management Plan, which includes 22 miles of K-254 from Wichita on the west to El Dorado on the east. The plan is to establish future land development while keeping traffic flowing safely and efficiently. Potential improvement strategies for the corridor will be on display during the meeting from 5:30-7 p.m. at Circle Middle School, 14697 SW 20th St. in Benton.

The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Early voting for the 2023 General Election has begun!

Registered voters can now cast their ballots in-person at the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N. Main, Suite 101, during weekday business hours. Satellite voting centers will also open Nov. 2. Voters who requested an advance mail ballot can return them in three ways - by mail, at a community-located drop box or in person at the Election Office or a polling site on Election Day. Visit Election Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas for more information.

If you prefer to cast your ballot on Election Day, polls open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, and remain open until 7 p.m. Voters must go to their assigned polling location. Find your polling place here. As a reminder, any voter who arrives before 7 p.m., stay in line and you WILL be allowed to cast a ballot.

Employee Service & Value Awards honor Sedgwick County staff

The annual ceremony recognized nearly 500 employees who received awards for their years of service and for modeling Sedgwick County's core values of Trust, Integrity, Collaboration, Compassion and Innovation. The County Manager and Commissioners personally thanked employees for their hard work and dedication.

Proclamation honors Native Americans

Sedgwick County Commissioners declared Oct. 9 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize their contributions in business, technology, science, philosophy and the arts. This momentous day was first proposed in 1977.

Sedgwick County continues to embrace our local Indigenous Peoples’ culture, particularly the work of Blackbear Bosin, whose “Keeper of the Plains” is featured on the county seal.

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. Sedgwick County currently has two openings on the Solid Waste Management Committee.

First Responders celebrate a second chance at life

A special ceremony hosted by Sedgwick County EMS reunited several survivors of cardiac arrest or heart attack with the first responders who helped save their lives. The event raised awareness about the warning signs of heart problems and how to respond, including the importance of knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Out and About with Commissioners

The Sedgwick County Manager and Commissioners caught a glimpse of the future at the 44th Annual Kansas Economic Outlook Conference. They learned about issues affecting local, state and national economies.

Commissioners attended the Community Gaps and Solutions: Coming Together to Address Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness event. A panel of experts discussed these issues in our community and how Sedgwick County fits into the solutions.

City and county leaders joined law enforcement at the Wichita Metro Crime Commission's ceremony to kick off Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31, 2023. Working together with the community, the mission is to help keep kids drug-free.

Meet your Commissioner

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Details

Sedgwick County Online

Sedgwick County Job Opportunities

Contact Commissioner Pete Meitzner

316-660-9300

Pete.Meitzner@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202

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