Note from Commissioner Meitzner: | |
 |  | I recently returned from the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas – one of the world’s largest gatherings of general aviation manufacturers, government officials and business professionals, and I’m proud to say the Air Capital of the World made an impressive showing! Congressman Ron Estes and the Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP) led a delegation of businesses and economic development partners that included WSU Tech, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Wichita Airport Authority, City of Wichita and more. Together we promoted Sedgwick County’s robust workforce and extensive industry infrastructure. Our group hosted and attended several receptions featuring Yingling Aviation, Bombardier, Textron and several local suppliers. Cessna also unveiled its latest Citation CJ4 at the convention and gave us an up-close look at this beautiful jet, inside and out. It was two full days of non-stop events, making connections and building valuable relationships we hope will expand our existing companies, while attracting new business opportunities to the Air Capital in the future.
| |
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. | |
|
Twenty early voting sites now open for 2024 General Election
Voters now have more options than ever to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 General Election. In addition to advance mail ballots, the Sedgwick County Election Office and 19 satellite polling sites are now open for early in-person voting. Click here for locations and hours. Registered voters who want to cast a ballot on Election Day must go to their assigned polling place. Find your polling station and view a sample ballot at Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView. For other election information, visit www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections/.
| |
Sedgwick County Corrections is changing lives! | |
|
October was an exciting month for staff and clients of Sedgwick County Corrections. Goodwill Industries honored the department with the Kansas 2024 Community Partner of the Year Award. Click here to watch a video produced by Goodwill to show how the collaboration is changing lives in our community.
Corrections' Evening Reporting Center (ERC) also held a quarterly graduation ceremony (shown below), celebrating 10 juveniles who are learning how to make better choices and form healthy, lasting habits. Commissioners and Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau attended the event to congratulate the graduates.
| |
|
EMS "in the pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During October, Sedgwick County EMS wore pink t-shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shamrock Graphics, which designed the shirt, donated part of the proceeds on behalf of EMS employees, in a check for $1,180 to Victory in the Valley, a local cancer support nonprofit. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer!
| |
|
Fire Prevention Week combines safety and fun for kids
During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, Sedgwick County Fire District #1 focused on smoke alarms and their lifesaving potential. The video above explains where smoke alarms should be installed and how to get a free one for your home!
County firefighters also shared a safety message with hundreds of fifth graders by partnering with other first responders for a day of hands-on learning at the Sedgwick County Zoo (shown below).
| |
Construction progresses to expand Household Hazardous Waste Facility
New concrete is now in place, as crews work to double the size of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 801 Stillwell. Even though the Swap & Shop inside is temporarily closed, customers can buy 5-gallon buckets of paint in white, tan or gray for $25 each - cash only, please! Call ahead to check what is currently available.
Residents can also continue to drop off unwanted chemicals and cleaners outside HHW. Signs and orange cones will direct traffic to the south gate entrance ONLY. Here is a map of the traffic flow. To learn more and to watch for construction updates, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/.../household-hazardous-waste-facility/.
| |
|
City and county agencies practice emergency response policies
Several Sedgwick County departments and their community partners participated in two emergency exercises in October to test their response strategies and collaboration. Sedgwick County Emergency Management coordinated a simulated activation of the Emergency Operations Center (shown above), and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center staged an airport disaster with injuries (below). Both exercises involved extensive planning and execution. This training enhances teamwork among emergency crews and government officials at the local, state and federal levels, plus hospitals and other community groups, to ensure they are well-prepared for real emergencies.
| |
|
Health Educators honored for providing free classes
Oct. 21-25 was National Health Education Week, recognizing the importance of teaching healthy habits and preventive care to people of all ages. Watch the video above to learn about the many free classes offered by the Sedgwick County Health Department.
| |
|
County employees awarded and rewarded for service and values
With more than 2,900 employees in 40+ departments, Sedgwick County's workforce provides vital services to residents year-round. In gratitude and appreciation for their hard work, the County honored staff at an Employee Recognition Ceremony at Intrust Bank Arena (shown above) and treated them to a free day at the Sedgwick County Zoo (below) with their families!
| |
Out and About with Commissioners | |
The 45th Annual Kansas Economic Outlook Conference brought together city and county elected officials and business leaders. Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty moderated a panel discussion that featured Sheriff Jeff Easter. | |
City, county and community leaders gathered at the Evergreen Community Center to discuss the upcoming creation of the Multi-Agency Center (MAC). The City of Wichita recently purchased the former Park Elementary building, marking a significant step toward developing a hub for services helping the unhoused. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
