This year, as we celebrate Independence Day, let us commemorate the sacrifice of those who fought bravely to bring freedom to this nation. Let’s honor the valiant heroes who gave of themselves and paid the price for us to be free. Today is a day to feel proud of being a part of this great nation. May the glory of this day be your inspiration for tomorrow! May this spirit of freedom lead us all to success and glory in life. Happy Independence Day! |
|
Communication with Elected Officials is Critical in Representative Government |
As personal freedom and national independence is celebrated over the next few weeks, I am reflecting on what makes good governance including what are my responsibilities as a member of your representative government. Last month, I highlighted the principles of transparency and accountability. Another critical principle is your right to communicate with your representative which is grounded in the First Amendment to the Constitution. We know effective communication is easier said than done.
Along with that is your right to know what your representatives are doing. Before I was a commissioner, viewing our meetings online was a clunky process. If you knew just where to look on the county website, you could review the meetings. We knew few people accessed these videos because the number of views was miniscule. Now our meetings are streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. Viewership of our meetings has exploded since we began utilizing these popular programs. An added advantage in these platforms is the viewers ability to comment while the meetings are ongoing. Please know, I usually go back and watch the meetings to read through all of the comments.
To be accessible, in December of 2015, Commissioners amended the policy so that anyone could just show up to speak to the commission without advance notice. Just show up and you will have an opportunity during “Public Comment” to share your perspective to the full commission. The most important thing is that we listen.
Another opportunity to engage me is through the District 5 Citizen’s Advisory Board (CAB5). This independent group represents a cross section of my district and meets on my behalf to explore county issues and develop recommendations which are presented to me formally and possibly to other commissioners.
There are several other ways you can bend my ear. In addition to calling or emailing me, please know I still host a coffee about once per month to informally discuss any county issues interesting to you. This is an informal opportunity where people come and go and we just talk about whatever is interesting to the people there.
If none of these options work well for you, just let me know. I setup opportunities to meet constituents nearly every day.
The bottom line is I work hard to be available and accessible to people across this district because that is what a good representative should do.
|
|
Community Meetings with Commissioner Howell |
Citizens Advisory Board #5 Meeting
Generally the first Friday of each month, 4 to 6 PM
(next Meeting is July 2, 2021 at 1301 E Galena St., Wichita
Joe with Jim (Coffee with Commissioner Howell)
Generally the last Friday of each month 7 to 9 AM, come and go as desired.
(next meeting is July 30th, 1636 E Patriot Ave., Derby)
NEW OPPORTUNITY
Bullet Points (Coffee or Soda with Commissioner Howell)
Generally the 2nd Monday of each month, come and go as desired
First meeting is July 12th, 4 to 5:30 PM
Range 54, Classroom 1, 5725 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67218
|
|
COVID-19 Report for June 30, 2021 |
Comparing case counts from Monday to today:
- The United States of America case count increased from 33,631,532 to 33,658,635 (+ 0.08 percent).
- The State of Kansas case count increased from 317,651 to 318,106 (+ 0.14 percent).
- In Sedgwick County, case counts increased from 48,826 to 48,902 (+ 0.16 percent).
The Sedgwick County Health Department offers no-cost sampling at Sunflower Shelter at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st Street. Walk-ins are welcome Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please enter off 13th Street.
The Health Department takes a nasal, oral, or saliva sample to send to a lab for COVID-19 PCR testing. Results are generally available within 18 to 36 hours. The results of the virus test show whether a person has a current infection. This is not an antibody test.
|
|
COVID-19 Walk-in Sampling Closed for Independence Day |
The Sedgwick County Health Department no-cost COVID-19 walk-in sampling at Sedgwick County Park will be closed Monday, July 5 for Independence Day. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, July 6. |
|
COVID-19 Vaccination Update |
Beginning the week of July 5, the community vaccine clinic at 223 S. Main will be walk-in only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no vaccine clinic appointments will be available on the Sedgwick County website.
Beginning Wednesday, July 7, people going to the community vaccine clinic should plan to bring a quarter for the parking meter.
The last day of the drive-thru vaccination clinic at Wichita Transit Operations, 777 E. Waterman was Thursday, June 24. Sedgwick County Health Department is no longer operating at that location due to decreased demand for the drive-thru.
Sedgwick County Health Department offers the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine at multiple locations across Sedgwick County. The Pfizer vaccine is available to people age 12 and older; the J&J vaccine is available to people age 18 or older.
The Health Department offers the following no-cost, walk-in vaccine clinic options:
-
Main Vaccine Clinic at the former Wichita Public Library | 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202
-
Mobile Clinics are offered by SCHD staff
-
Partner Clinics are offered by community partners and assisted by SCHD staff. Appointments preferred but walk-ins are welcome
-
Event Clinics are where SCHD offers vaccine during an event. Businesses planning events can contact SCHD by email at SCHDCovidVaccine@sedgwick.gov
|
|
Stay Safe Over the Holiday |
In order to ensure everyone has a safe holiday, residents should be aware of regulation on fireworks sales and discharges in Sedgwick County municipalities and unincorporated areas. This information is available at www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire.
Sedgwick County Fire District 1 urges residents to stay safe over the holiday with the following tips:
- Small children should not handle fireworks; even sparklers can be harmful if mishandled.
- Older children and young adults should be monitored by an adult when handling fireworks.
- Follow the directions on packages closely.
- Always keep a bucket of water and a water hose nearby.
- Keep fireworks away from dry grass, hay, trees, and all structures.
- Try to light fireworks on gravel, concrete, or a hard surface that will not ignite.
|
|
Non-Emergency Line Active during July 4 Holiday |
The Sedgwick County Courthouse and Sedgwick County offices will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. Emergency services are available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.
The Sedgwick County Emergency Communications’ non-emergency phone line, 316-290-1011, will be available during the following hours:
- 6 p.m. July 1 through 3 a.m. July 2
- 6 p.m. July 2 through 3 a.m. July 3
- 6 p.m. July 3 through 3 a.m. July 4
- 6 p.m. July 4 through 3 a.m. July 5
This line functions as an alternative to 9-1-1 and is meant to receive calls for non-emergency nuisances that do not pose a threat to life or property; examples include complaints pertaining to parties, excess noise, fireworks, etc. It was established to prevent an influx of nuisance calls that can block emergency calls from reaching a call taker; the non-emergency line is activated during times of historically high call volumes and as otherwise needed. If someone calls 9-1-1 with a non-emergency nuisance complaint, he or she will be transferred to the non-emergency line.
|
|
Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes this Summer |
Fight the bite this summer and protect yourself against mosquitoes. Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) suggest following the three D’s to avoid mosquito bites this summer. Drain standing water; the insects breed in standing water. Use mosquito dunks or mosquito-eating fish in ponds and stagnant water. Use insect repellent that contains DEET; this offers the best protection against mosquito bites. Dress appropriately: wear loose-fitting clothing when outdoor, especially at dawn and dusk when the insects are most active.
The SCHD is offering no cost mosquito dunks to help protect you and your family from bites this summer. The SCHD asks that you be 18 or older and provide your ZIP code for tracking. For more information or to request dunks call them at (316) 660-7300.
|
|
Sedgwick County Zoo Celebrates 50 Years! |
The Sedgwick County Zoo recently held a grand opening and ribbon cutting to reveal and celebrate the new entrance and gift shop. The Zoo also announced their plans to celebrate turning 50 years old! Head to Sedgwick County Zoo’s Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on new information and announcements.
|
|
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise. These important procedures are depleting the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types, especially type O and those giving platelets are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients. For information on a blood drive near you, go to RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
|
|
Airxcel Expands Workforce in Wichita |
On June 2, Airxcel - a local advanced manufacturing company - announced plans to expand capacity and grow its workforce at its Wichita facility. Airxcel is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of branded products for the global recreation vehicle (RV) and specialty HVAC markets.
|
|
Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Opens New Fire Station |
In late May, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the new Fire Station 31 located in Andale. Firefighters began using the facility shortly after the opening. The project was completed in nine months, costing more than $2.2 million dollars. The new space will help serve the Andale community well into the future.
|
|
Department of Corrections Celebrates Evening Reporting Center Graduates |
Since The Parent Project's inception in the County in 2019, the focus has been to provide assistance to families with youth in the juvenile justice system to be engaged and effective in parenting and support. Graduation from this program means individuals have joined the ranks of other proud Evening Reporting Center: Youth Graduation - Parent Project graduates.
Congratulations to the graduates for completing the program!
|
|
Public Works Projects in District 5 |
Bridge Replacements on 71st between Old Spring Road and Greenwich
- Closed to traffic during construction
- Work began November 30, 2020
- Project includes the replacement of two bridges
- Expected to reopen in late summer 2021
|
|
|
316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203
|
|
Connect with Sedgwick County |
|
|
|
|
|
|
