Note from Commissioner Blubaugh: | | |
March has been a busy and exciting month in Sedgwick County! In true March Madness spirit, we welcomed fans from across the country for the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Intrust Bank Arena, celebrated St. Patrick's Day a little early with the Delano Paddy Day Parade and honored our veterans during the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration.
Meanwhile, the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office has been hard at work processing property valuation appeals. As of Friday, Appraiser Mark Clark has received 4,915 appeals, and today (March 31) is the deadline to submit yours. If you believe your property valuation is incorrect, be sure to complete the back of your valuation notice, sign it, and mail it today. As long as it's postmarked by March 31, it will be accepted for an informal appeal hearing. Ensuring accurate appraisals is a top priority!
As I continue to settle into my new role as District 2 Commissioner, I want to share with you what I’m learning along the way. In the video below, I sat down with my fellow commissioner, Pete Meitzner, who also served with me on the Wichita City Council, to discuss the similarities and differences between city and county government. I plan to continue these videos each month so we can all get to know our county staff and commissioners better.
Hope everyone has a great April!
| | The views expressed by Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
Haysville installs new sidewalk
Thanks to a Cost Share Grant of nearly $891,000 from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the City of Haysville is laying a new sidewalk from the M.S. Mitch Mitchell Floodway south for 1.35 miles to connect with East Berlin Street. Haysville is pitching in 30% of the costs, or nearly $382,000, as part of the South Broadway Pathway Project. Work on the eight-food-wide sidewalk should be finished by this summer, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians.
| |
Sedgwick County bans most open burning in April
During the month of April, many counties in Kansas - including Sedgwick County - have burn bans in place. Watch the video above to find out why the ban exists and what that means for Sedgwick County residents.
With this spring’s dry, windy conditions elevating the fire risk in our region, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 demonstrates some preventive measures in the video below that residents can take to protect their property from the threat of wildfires. For more information, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire.
| | |
Advance voting is underway in USD 261 & 263 bond elections
Registered voters who live in USD 261 (Haysville) and USD 263 (Mulvane) can now cast a ballot in bond elections to decide whether to approve funding for school improvements. Advance ballots started mailing March 19, and early in-person voting begins April 1 at the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N. Main St., Suite 101. Polls will be open on Election Day, April 8, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. To see a sample ballot or check your polling place, visit Special Election Information | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
| |
Health Department plans measles vaccination clinic
Even though Sedgwick County has NO reported cases of measles at this time, the Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) is responding proactively to a measles outbreak in other parts of Kansas and the nation. As part of its Healthy Babies Community Baby Shower already planned for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., staff will provide a walk-in Measles (MMR) Vaccination Clinic at 1900 E. 9th St. No appointment is necessary, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to residents. Adults should bring identification, vaccination records and insurance information, if applicable. Visit Measles Vaccination Clinic | Sedgwick County, Kansas for more information.
| |
Deadline to apply for 2025 Homestead Refunds is April 15
If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, time is running out for you to apply 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.
| |
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in the spotlight
The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is proud to partner with the Wichita Police Department and Wesley Children's Hospital to provide free gun locks to residents - no identification required, and no questions asked. To get one, simply stop by the jail lobby, any WPD station or ask a deputy on patrol.
Also in March, the Wichita Metro Crime Commission named Deputy Nathaniel Trout "Officer of the Year" (below on left with Sheriff Jeff Easter) at its 71st Annual Awards Dinner. Deputy Jamie Converse (below on right) was honored as "Willard Garvey Crime Prevention Officer of the Year."
| |
Dispose of old tires at free event April 10-12, 2025
Sedgwick County residents can get rid of old tires at a three-day collection event hosted by Environmental Resources at its West Yard, 4701 S. West St., April 10-12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Each load is limited to 50 tires, and no tires will be accepted from businesses.
Environmental Resources is also preparing to unveil its newly expanded Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 801 Stillwell, after months of construction. The photos below show the final stages of work in progress. Fittingly, the grand opening will be on Earth Day - April 22 at 10 a.m.! The public is invited to check out the new space, including a bigger Swap and Shop, to see firsthand how our staff will be able to offer improved services. To learn more, visit Environmental Resources | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
| | |
American Legion honors Sedgwick County EMS, firefighters
Congratulations to EMS Col. Shannon Reed, who was named "Paramedic of the Year" by American Legion Post #408. The veterans group also honored Paramedic Jacob Oswald, Lt. Paramedics Matthew Pike and Jewel Yoder, Lt. Firefighter/EMT Arlan Spexarth, and Firefighter/EMTs Brian Allen and Stephanie Swope for rescuing a man with a spinal cord injury last fall.
| | |
Sedgwick County celebrates Women's History Month in March
In honor of Women's History Month, some Sedgwick County leaders reflect on their careers in public service and the role models who inspired them. Watch the video below to hear their stories.
| | |
Emergency Management coordinates emergency exercise
Sedgwick County first responders participated in an active shooter exercise at Century II, hosted by Emergency Management and supported by FEMA. The scenario simulated an emergency response involving local law enforcement, fire departments, medical teams and the media working together to secure the scene, provide medical care, inform the public and ensure the safety of everyone involved. This training helps responders prepare for real-life emergencies to protect and assist our community.
| | |
Sedgwick County wins IT Innovation Award
Congratulations to Sedgwick County Information Technology (IT) for receiving the 2025 Wichita Business Journal (WBJ) Innovation Award for the Community Dashboard they created on our website, Sedgwick County Community Dashboard | Sedgwick County, Kansas. These annual awards recognize individuals, teams and companies that have developed innovative solutions in the workplace. Commissioners attended to congratulate the IT team and express their appreciation for all their hard work.
| | Out and About with Commissioners | | Sedgwick County painted the Delano District green during the Paddy Day Parade March 15! Commissioners and their families, the Sheriff's Office and EMS joined in the fun. | | Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
