The views expressed by Commissioner Ryan Baty in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
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Plan now to have a safe and fun Independence Day!
Fireworks can be fun, but also costly - causing thousands of fires and injures each year. Watch the video above for important safety tips.
Sedgwick County Government offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the holiday, but emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 9-1-1. To report fireworks and noise complaints June 30-July 6 from 6 p.m.-3 a.m., call the non-emergency line at 316-290-1011.
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Voter registration deadline nears for Aug. 6 primary election
Make your voice heard in this important election year and cast a ballot in the Aug. 6 primary election! The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, July 16, 2024. If you're already registered but have moved or changed your name, you need to update your information on file. Visit Registration | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
To make voting quick and convenient, the Sedgwick County Election Office has added 28 new polling sites. That means one in three voters has a new assigned polling place. Check the voter ID card you get in the mail or go to the Kansas Secretary of State's VoterVew website at Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView (voteks.org). Watch the video below for more details.
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You are invited to Sedgwick County's public budget hearings! | |
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If you missed the budget roundtables held in May and June, you can still weigh in on Sedgwick County's proposed spending for 2025. Mark your calendar for these public hearings:
- Wednesday, July 10 - County Manager Tom Stolz will present the recommended budget at the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the lower-level auditorium of the Ruffin Building, 100 N. Main, Wichita.
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Wednesday, July 31 - The BoCC will hold a special hearing in the Ruffin Building auditorium at 6 p.m. to take public comment.
- Wednesday, Aug. 21 - The BoCC is expected to adopt the 2025 budget at its regular 9 a.m. meeting.
If you cannot attend these meetings in person, watch the live stream on Sedgwick County Government's Facebook and YouTube pages. KPTS-TV will also broadcast the July 10 and Aug. 21 meetings.
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Zoo Boulevard Bridge reopens ahead of schedule, under budget
Kudos to Sedgwick County Public Works for finishing the Zoo Boulevard Bridge rehabilitation three months ahead of schedule! The project also came in about $200,000 under budget, in large part because the underlying deck was in better shape than expected. Motorists in west Wichita can now enjoy a smooth, safe drive for years to come.
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Sedgwick County employees named Hometown Heroes
The Wichita Wind Surge and KAKE-TV honored Julie Stimson, Director of Sedgwick County Emergency Management and retired Air Force veteran, as a Hometown Hero, at the June 15 home game! Lyle Skeen and Rebekah Martling, who both work in Sedgwick County's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, also earned this honor in April and May, respectively.
The Hometown Hero award celebrates our military, law enforcement, firefighters and medical workers who exhibit selfless leadership, bravery and dedication to our community. Recipients get a commemorative Wind Surge jersey and four tickets to a Saturday home game where they are recognized on the big screen. Congratulations to all of them!
If you would like to nominate someone, visit www.kake.com/HometownHeroes.
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Sedgwick County firefighters encourage pool safety
Swimming is a favorite summer pastime for many kids of all ages. Unfortunately, drowning is the number one cause for unintentional deaths in children ages 1 - 5. With many pools now open, follow these six tips from Sedgwick County Fire District 1 to keep you and your family safe.
- All pools should be surrounded by a fence at least four feet high.
- Cover and secure pools and spas when not in use.
- If possible, install alarms on doors, gates and in the water.
- Swimming lessons are encouraged for everyone.
- When swimming, children need constant supervision.
- Get out of the pool if there is thunder or lightning.
Watch the video above for more summer safety information.
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Sedgwick County helps kick off Wichita Riverfest 2024
Sedgwick County played a big part in the opening day parade of this year's Wichita Riverfest. Several Public Safety vehicles from Sedgwick County Fire District #1, the Sheriff's Office, EMS and Emergency Managment excited the crowd with flashing lights and sirens, while Commissioners and other elected officials greeted people along the way.
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Wear Blue Day highlights men's health issues
Sedgwick County employees had the blues on June 14 - at least with their clothes! National Wear Blue Day is designed to raise awareness of the health issues that disproportionately affect men. Many guys avoid getting checkups and are unaware of the ailments that can affect them for years to come. From testicular cancer, stroke and diabetes to cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and other illnesses, preventative healthcare and early detection are keys to recovery.
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Corrections staff hosts special event for female clients
Sedgwick County Corrections held its first-ever Women's Fair! Not only did female clients get to explore substance use support, education and job opportunities, but they also discovered more community resources available to them from local organizations and businesses. Attendees were treated to a free lunch, swag bags and a chance to win fun prizes. This is just one of the many ways the Department of Corrections supports the people they serve!
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Commissioners helped with the groundbreaking of Exploration Place's Destination Playscape - 10 themed play areas that explore the wonders of Kansas. It's expected to open in the fall of 2025. | |
Sedgwick County Commissioners bid a fond farewell and best wishes to Executive Secretary Carol Cole who retired after 44 years in public service. She worked 30 years for Sedgwick County - first, in Emergency Communications and then, with the BoCC. | |
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Contact Commissioner Ryan Baty
316-660-9300
Ryan.Baty@sedgwick.gov
100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202
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Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
