November 2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from my family to yours!

Courtesy: Pandessa Photography

Public Works projects underway in south Sedgwick County

Crews are working hard on two large projects in District 2. A drainage channel just south of the Country Lakes Addition in Haysville will alleviate flooding that often happens after big rainstorms. County Engineer Lynn Packer expects the project to be completed next March, if the winter weather cooperates He says residents will see improved drainage for the area of far southwest Haysville to 87th St. South and from Meridian Ave. to West St.

On Monday, Dec. 4, a $4.5 million project to replace the 151st St. bridge over the Ninnescah River near Clearwater will begin. The bridge was built in 1955, and recent inspections categorize it as "structurally deficient and in poor condition." The new structure will be built to meet current standards and capacity requirements. Construction is expected to last through the summer of 2024. Watch the video below for more information on the area affected and alternate routes for traffic.

City of Haysville sales tax question fails by one vote

The vote whether to continue a 1% sales tax in Haysville was so close in the Nov. 7 election, the City of Haysville paid for a recount; yet the bipartisan group that counted the actual paper ballots confirmed the election day tally - 473 NO votes to 472 YES votes. The tax has been in place since 2014 to fund road and park improvements in Haysville. It will now expire in June 2024.

KDADS & Sedgwick County Town Hall Meeting

on the Mental Health Hospital

Sedgwick County honors Veterans Day 2023

Commissioners, other elected leaders and staff participated in the annual Veterans Day Parade through downtown Wichita on Nov. 11.

Two days earlier, Sedgwick County leaders attended a special Veterans Day ceremony hosted by Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Leadership Corps cadets from several Wichita schools. Around 2,000 students performed drills and were reviewed in formation. Very fitting, since the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) had declared Nov. 9, 2023, as Wichita JROTC Leadership Day!

Sedgwick County employees share stories of military service

November was National Veterans and Military Families Month. In appreciation to all who have served and supported our Armed Forces, the video below highlights two employees and the sacrifices they made.

Solar Power Town Hall gathers feedback for the future

Sedgwick County hosted a public forum to discuss land-use regulations for commercial-scale solar energy systems, after the BoCC imposed a temporary moratorium on solar applications in September. About 200 people attended the public forum. Their input will help county leaders decide if any changes to existing solar power policies are needed.

Learn more and see information from the event at sedgwickcounty.org/solar.

Fraud Awareness Week videos warn of scams

During Fraud Awareness Week Nov. 12-18, the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office released a series of short videos to educate people about common scams, the warning signs and how to protect yourself. Click here to learn about romance scams, phishing, identity theft, imposter scams, and gift card/cryptocurrency scams.

Native American Heritage Month highlights local ancestry

Sedgwick County proudly celebrated Native American Heritage Month in November by highlighting the contributions and traditions of longtime employee, Bobbi Meairs. Watch the video below to learn about her family's rich history in Wichita.

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 openings on the Solid Waste Management Committee.

Out and About with Commissioners

An awards ceremony recognized three inductees into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, and Commissioners were on hand to congratulate the winners - Lt. General Frank Petersen, Tom Salter (Cessna VP) and Herb Pello (Prairie Air Service).

Sedgwick County Commissioners and the Greater Wichita Partnership welcomed Lockheed Martin Space Executive Vice President Robert Lightfoot to a reception at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT).