April 2025

Note from Commissioner Howell:

Civility Isn’t Weakness: We Need Leaders AND Advocates Who Can Disagree Respectfully

Here in Sedgwick County, our commission has largely managed to work together with professionalism, even when we don’t always agree. That may not make headlines, but it’s something our residents can be proud of—and something we should protect.

Unfortunately, what we see at other levels of government paints a different picture. At the federal level, partisan gridlock has made working across the aisle almost impossible. Even at the local level, we’re beginning to see troubling signs. Recently, controversy erupted when a city council member’s voting record was called into question, and some within her own political party advocated for a formal censure—not because of misconduct, but because of disagreement over a policy vote. Censure should be reserved for unethical acts or grievous misconduct.  

There’s no doubt that a political party or council has the authority to censure one of its own. But the more important question is: Should they? When censure is used as a political weapon to punish those with dissenting views, it sets a dangerous precedent. Policy disagreements should be addressed through debate and voting—not by threatening or silencing those who think differently.

At the same time, we’ve seen public discourse around policy decisions become increasingly toxic. Protests and public meetings have sometimes devolved into shouting matches, name-calling, and even threats. What might begin as passionate advocacy often turns into angry bullying. That’s not an effective way to promote change—it’s a surefire way to shut down conversation.

This climate of hostility has real consequences. Many public officials have significantly reduced their appearances at community events, town halls, and open forums—not because they fear disagreement, but because they have no reason to subject themselves to an atmosphere of bullying disguised as civic engagement. And when leaders disengage, everyone loses. The public has less access, less transparency, and fewer opportunities to be heard in meaningful ways.

Civility does not mean we all agree. It means we hold our convictions without abandoning our respect for one another. If we want to be taken seriously—whether as elected leaders or as advocates—we must show that we can debate with dignity and lead with integrity.

Let’s lower the volume, raise the standard, and create space for real dialogue. That’s how we move our communities forward.

The views expressed by Commissioner Jim Howell in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Monday, May 12, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Tuesday, May 20, 7-9 a.m.
• The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane, 67110

Cuppa Jo with Jim is canceled for May because of a scheduling conflict. Please join Commissioner Howell in June for this informal discussion. Coffee provided.

• Friday, June 27, 7-9 a.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037

COMCARE invites children and families to free event

In celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Sedgwick County COMCARE is inviting all area children and their families to Circus Spectacular: Life, The Greatest Show on Earth! This free event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. will feature carnival games, face painting, crafts and snacks at COMCARE’s new Children’s Services building at 1938 N. Woodlawn St. Parents and guardians can talk with COMCARE staff at the event and get information about mental health resources available to help children.

Mental health issues among our youth continue to increase, both locally and across the U.S. In 2024, the national nonprofit Mental Health America reported that one in five children, or 20%, suffered at least one major depressive episode. Here in Sedgwick County, COMCARE Children’s Services served more than 2,400 youth last year, an increase of more than 100 children from 2023. To learn more about therapy and other mental health services available at COMCARE, visit Youth Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Emergency Management Director honored for public service

Friends, family and colleagues surprised Julie Stimson, Director of Emergency Management, with a party in her honor, after she was selected as Sedgwick County’s recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award! Julie earned this recognition for her outstanding leadership, professionalism and vision for her department. The DeVore Foundation presented her with a check for $3,000 in prize money.

Free gun locks available to Sedgwick County residents

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Wichita Police Department (WPD), Wesley Children’s Hospital and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center have teamed up to provide free gun locks to residents – no ID required, and no questions asked. The gun locks are available at any WPD station, the jail lobby or from a SCSO deputy on patrol. Call 316-660-3900 for more information or email askadeputy@sedgwick.gov. 

Prescribed burns remove overgrowth at zoo and park

On April 7, Sedgwick County Fire District #1 (SCFD1) conducted prescribed burns at the Sedgwick County Zoo and Sedgwick County Park. These controlled fires are part of a vital effort to clear overgrowth and weeds at 14 sites across the properties. Class 2501 recruits also participated, gaining valuable hands-on experience and improving their skills. By managing vegetation, these burns help restore native habitats, reduce wildfire risks and improve the health of the ecosystem.

Zoo family grows by three!

The Sedgwick County Zoo is celebrating a baby boom, with three births happening just days apart in April. First came Kyansa (top left), a tiny but adorable female chimp. Then, African elephants gave birth to Bomani (upper right) and Kijani (lower right). All the babies are doing great, bonding with their mothers and learning how to feed, play and interact with other animals in their habitat.

Sedgwick County pays tribute to 9-1-1 dispatch team

For National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 13-19, Sedgwick County encouraged residents to remember the "first" first responders who are behind the scenes. 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers remain calm in the chaos and are the voice on the other end of the phone when someone needs help and every second counts. Watch the video below to see how Sedgwick County Emergency Communications (SCEC) connects us to safety and keeps our community running smoothly.

Out and About with Commissioners:

City and county leaders helped Bloc Digital cut the ribbon on its new location in the Wichita Epic Center. Bloc Digital is a global leader in 3D visuals and digital tools.

Sedgwick County Commissioners attended the 2025 Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Honors Night to celebrate this year’s outstanding honorees.

Happy 25th Anniversary, Exploration Place! To celebrate, community leaders watched a documentary highlighting EP’s achievements.

Commissioner Howell and other elected leaders visited the Kansas Aviation Museum to see the opening of the Robin Spurrier Military Exhibit.  

Commissioner Jim Howell gave the keynote speech at the ribbon-cutting for Octapharma Plasma near Harry and Oliver. The company is the world's leading plasma collection and human protein product manufacturer, with more than 180 facilities in the U.S.

Sedgwick County offices will close on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 911.

Contact Commissioner Jim Howell

316-660-9300

Jim.Howell@sedgwick.gov

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