February 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Less than 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.

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 join this career field in 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.

Contact Commissioner Ryan Baty

316-660-9300

Ryan.Baty@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202

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