Oct. 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.

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).

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.

Walking Tour highlights turn-of-the-century homes on Topeka St.

Five historic homes on north Topeka Street will open their doors on Nov. 9-10 for public tours. Visitors can learn about the architecture, previous homeowners and what was happening in Wichita when these houses were built. Proceeds from the tour will support nonprofit initiatives by the Historic Midtown Citizens Association, including preservation of other historic addresses, as well as a yearly scholarship for a student living in Midtown. Click here for tour times, addresses and tickets.

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!

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 and county leaders cut the ribbon on the new Wichita Northwest Water Facility, a state-of-the-art treatment plant that will supply 120 million gallons of drinking water per day for several local communities in Sedgwick County.

Contact Commissioner Ryan Baty

316-660-9300

Ryan.Baty@sedgwick.gov

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