March 2023
Note from Commissioner Dennis:
Work continues on traffic safety improvements and more

I have been working with Public Works on safety improvements at 167th and 21st Street. We have looked at a number of options to reduce the number of accidents there, and several improvements are already in place at that intersection. I know the process takes longer than most people hope to see change, but finding the most effective measure takes time. Even after Public Works makes a recommendation, it has to be approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), then engineered and installed. The real problem at that intersection is human error. Too many drivers are simply not stopping at the stop signs. 

The BoCC had an opportunity recently to meet with Senator Roger Marshall about our federal legislative agenda. He asked great questions, and I believe we have his support for critical issues for this county.

I enjoyed taking a turn delivering for Meals on Wheels recently. It’s a vital service that helps feed people 60 years+ who have trouble shopping for food or preparing meals. More volunteers are needed! Please consider taking a route and serving your community.

I want to congratulate Laura Rainwater on her recent appointment as the new Sedgwick County Election Commissioner. I am very pleased to be able to work with her on this extremely important task.

The committee that plans the annual Veteran’s Day parade in Wichita has already started meeting. One big change this year is to end the parade at Exploration Place. Stay tuned for more information as November 11 gets closer.

I had the great opportunity to meet with students and faculty from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy from Washington D.C. The school teaches students to be leaders for tomorrow. They came to Wichita to learn more about the critical impact the aircraft industry has on our national defense.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Boy Scouts of America's "On My Honor Breakfast." I served as a Boy Scout leader for over 30 years, both of my sons are Eagle Scouts, one grandson is an Eagle Scout, and my youngest grandson is on his way to reaching that goal! I am very proud of each of them for their accomplishments, and I am proud to help fund a great program like Boy Scouts of America.

As always, it is an honor to serve District 3. Please do not hesitate to contact me at David.Dennis@sedgwick.gov if you have any questions.
The views expressed by Commissioner David Dennis in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.
Public Works starts preventative road maintenance program
Over the next few months, drivers can expect to see our Public Works crews sealing cracks in the streets all over Sedgwick County. It's the first step in a preventative maintenance program that keeps our roads in good condition. Drivers won't encounter any road closures, since crews will move to different locations each day.
Homestead & Safe Senior Refunds offer property tax relief
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With many families facing an increase in their property valuations this year, the Kansas Homestead, SVR Homestead and Safe Senior Refunds could offer property tax relief to low-income seniors, veterans and disabled residents who qualify. A claim must be filed by the deadline of April 15 of each year.

The Homestead Refund is a rebate program for the property taxes paid by homeowners prior to Jan. 1, 2022. The maximum refund is $700. To be eligible, you must be a Kansas resident, living in Kansas the entire year. Your total household income must be $37,750 or less. You must also meet one of the following requirements:
  • Born before Jan. 1, 1967.
  • Totally and permanently disabled or blind for the entire year of 2022.
  • Had a dependent child living with you who was born before Jan. 1, 2022 and was under the age of 18 the entire year of 2022.

The SVR Homestead is a new and supplemental property tax refund for seniors and disabled veterans who were residents of Kansas the entire year. To be eligible, you must be:
  • Born before Jan. 1, 1957.
  • Disabled veteran the entire year of 2022.
  • Household income for the year cannot exceed $50,000.

The Safe Senior Refund is for low-income residents 65 years or older. It refunds 75% of the 2022 general property tax to be paid. A claimant may receive either a Homestead or Safe Senior refund, but not both. To qualify for a Safe Senior Tax Refund, you must meet all of the following requirements:
  • Owned a home and resided in Kansas all of 2022.
  • Born before Jan. 1, 1957.
  • Household income $22,000 or less in 2022.
  • Property taxes cannot delinquent.

For help filing these tax refund forms, visit:

Sedgwick County Clerk's Office
100 N. Broadway, Suite 620
Wichita, KS 67202
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
316-660-9221
March declared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and presented a certificate to Ability Point Executive Director, Kevin Fish, and 2022 Miss Unstoppable, Kirsten Robinson. She recited a poem she wrote about her life and special challenges. Click here to listen to that reading. The BoCC also shared the video below to honor several employees with developmental disabilities.
Reverse Job Fair connects employers with Project Search graduates
Together, the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization and Project SEARCH sites in Wichita, Maize and Derby will host their Virtual Reverse Job Fair from April 1 through May 15, 2023. This unique opportunity connects employers and skilled candidates who thrive in typically high-turnover positions.

Interested employers can register at www.scprojectsearch.com/reverse-job-fair-registration.
Sedgwick County leaders recognized for Women's History Month
From public safety, public services and public health to our appointed and elected officials, women play a key role in every Sedgwick County department and office. In recognition of Women's History Month, several of our leading ladies are featured on the Sedgwick County social pages. You can read these profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and learn more about these smart and strong women in leadership positions!
Severe Weather Awareness Week urged families to prepare
Kansas is now in severe weather season, and Sedgwick County Emergency Management urges residents to "Make a Plan, Get a Kit, Be Informed." During Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 6-10, 2023, SCEM highlighted the dangers of possible high winds, hail, lightning, tornadoes and floods in Kansas. Learn more by visiting their website on sedgwickcounty.org.
Emergency Management launches Civic Ready Alerts
Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) rolled out the first phase of a free service called Civic Ready Alerts. This notifies residents by phone or email of emergencies or important news in their community. Initially, the public can sign up for notifications from only two test cities – Wichita and Mt. Hope, but eventually a dozen more cities across Sedgwick County are expected to participate.

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
Four of the world's oldest Thunderbolt sirens now have permanent homes across Sedgwick County. One of the outdoor warning devices will be used in a traveling exhibit, shown behind the Commissioners. Another is mounted outside Sedgwick County Fire Station #32 in Park City, where a ribbon-cutting event was held.
The return of the Paddy Day Parade in the Delano District brought out a big crowd, including some Commissioners and their families, sporting plenty of green and smiles! The St. Patrick's Day event had not been held since 2019 because of the pandemic, and thousands of people braved chilly weather this year to celebrate.
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Contact Commissioner David Dennis
316-660-9300
100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202