Note from Commissioner Meitzner: | All too often as commissioners, our job is to react to sudden news we didn't create or can't control, like COVID-19, and to try to help our residents through it as best we can. But right now in Sedgwick County, many GOOD things are happening that are no accident. They are long-term projects coming to fruition because of planning and a proactive approach. In the near future, our citizens will see exciting developments in mental healthcare, housing, education and workforce development, including: | |
- Construction of a new regional mental health hospital with 50-100 inpatient beds.
- Groundbreaking in the spring on the Wichita Biomedical Campus to establish a hub for healthcare, education and research. The rendering of Phase One (shown here) just came out.
- Development of a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) to address homelessness at its roots.
- Increased research and development at Wichita State University, ranking second in the nation for industry-funded engineering research. Click here for more details.
- Legislation backed by the Governor and the Senate to expand passenger rail service by extending the Heartland Flyer route into Kansas.
These are just a few examples of what can happen when local and state leaders in government, business, education and social services collaborate for the better good. Instead of reacting, we are leading, and I'm excited to see where these positive changes take us.
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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. | |
Severe weather classes prepare residents for spring storms
Sedgwick County Emergency Management is offering free classes prepared by the National Weather Service to educate residents about severe weather and how to stay safe. No registration is required. Watch the video below and click here for the full schedule.
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Free help available to apply for Homestead Refunds by April 15
If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, you might qualify for a significant property tax refund through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead Refund program. Contact the Sedgwick County Clerk's Office for free help determining if you are eligible and filing the forms. For more information, watch the video below and visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Sedgwick County recognizes Mental Health Awareness Day
Commissioners called attention to the prevalence of mental illness in children and adults by proclaiming Feb. 10 as Mental Health Awareness Day. With a new psychiatric hospital on the way and the expansion of COMCARE Community Crisis Center, Sedgwick County is working to increase accessibility to mental healthcare for all residents.
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Town Hall addresses questions about mental health hospital site
Many Sedgwick County residents attended a public forum Feb. 26 to discuss the new site chosen for the South Central Regional State Psychiatric Hospital at MacArthur and Meridian. County leaders and staff from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) provided information and answered questions about the timeline and impact of the project. Once complete, the hospital will provide 50-100 beds for adults in a mental health crisis or who are unfit to stand trial. It is also expected to bring new jobs to southwest Wichita. To learn more about this project, click South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital - Greenbush.
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Black History Month honored in many ways
The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) declared February as Black History Month, and Denise Sherman, President of The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) accepted the proclamation. In addition to events at TKAAM throughout the month, Exploration Place also projected the images of Black scientists on the outside of the science center, and several galleries displayed the works of Black artists. Watch the video below as we celebrate the accomplishments of more trailblazers who have shaped our great nation.
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Sedgwick County staff hams it up for heart disease awareness
On the first Friday of February, during American Heart Month, county commissioners and employees rocked their red for Wear Red Day! It's designed to call attention to the number one health-related killer in women – heart disease.
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County engineers highlighted for bridge and road work
The engineers who design, build and maintain Public Works projects in Sedgwick County are often unsung heroes. Few people who drive across a bridge realize all the planning and precision that go into its construction. During National Engineers Week Feb. 18-24, the county highlighted the important work of our civil engineers, with the video below.
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One month left in voting sticker design contest
There is still time for local students to take part in Sedgwick County's new contest! The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to submit a design for the 2024 "I Voted" sticker contest is March 29 at 5 p.m. A panel of judges will choose first, second and third place entries, and the winning design will be used during this year's elections. For contest rules and required forms, visit Voting Sticker Contest.
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce shared its vision for the future of the business community at the 2024 Chamber Chair’s Lunch. | |
A town hall on homelessness invited the public to share their opinions and questions on how to move toward functional zero homelessness. | |
Bombardier launched its inaugural apprenticeship program that works with WSU Tech to guide students who want to learn airframe and power plant mechanics. | |
Community, business and military leaders attended the 2024 McConnell State of the Base to learn more about McConnell's role in local and global communities. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
