Notes from Commissioner Howell:
Proud moments for Sedgwick County
There are times as an elected official when I feel especially proud that I'm changing the landscape of government and improving the quality of life for the citizens I serve. Two of those moments happened this month.
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On Sept. 22, Sedgwick County, with the support of its commissioners, implemented a Veterans Treatment Court, offering qualified veterans convicted of certain felonies related to mental illness or substance abuse the option of serving time in treatment, instead of prison. Help, instead of punishment. Much like Drug Court, this specialized program aims to break the cycle of recidivism by getting at the root of the problem. As a veteran myself, I know many who returned from combat suffering from addiction, PTSD or some other mental health condition related to their military service. The effects are often devastating, to the veteran and his/her family. Through peer counseling and treatment, Veterans Treatment Court seeks to return vets to a crime-free and productive life - the kind of life they fought to protect. I'm proud to have played a small role in providing this help to other veterans. direct and compelling headline
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Another proud moment this month came at the 80th anniversary celebration at Spirit Aerosystems' Plant 2, when employees delivered their 12,000th Boeing 737. It's an incredible milestone to wrap my mind around! Not only does Spirit and its team produce state-of-the-art aircraft, but the company enhances our economy and our reputation as the Air Capital of the World. Like a proud parent, I love telling visitors to Sedgwick County that the global leader in aviation is right in my district.
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Thank you for allowing me to serve District 5. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have, so together, we can continue to make good things happen. | |
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. | |
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Upcoming events with Commissioner Howell:
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The District 5 Citizens Advisory Board meeting, normally held on the first Friday of the month, is CANCELED for October due to scheduling conflicts involving the BoCC Chair and Vice Chair.
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Oct. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr.,
Wichita, 67218
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17, 7-9 a.m.
- The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave.,
Mulvane, 67110
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.
- Friday, Oct. 27, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. E Enter at the glass doors on east side a at 1 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
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Get ready to vote in the 2023 General Election!
If you are not sure of your voter registration status, now is the time to make sure you can cast a ballot in the 2023 General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Click here to see if your registration is up to date. An online or paper application is available at Welcome - Kansas Online Voter Registration (ks.gov). Early voting begins Nov. 2.
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Zoo Boulevard Bridge repairs will impact traffic for a year
Major rehabilitation work is underway on the bridge that spans the M.S. Mitch Mitchell Floodway, commonly known as the Big Ditch, between 1-235 and Windmill Rd. For the next year, drivers should expect long-term lane closures and no-left turns at the intersection of Zoo Blvd. and Windmill Rd. The video below shows the affected area. Regular commuters should consider taking an alternate route.
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Sedgwick County raises awareness of mental health resources during Suicide Prevention Week in September | |
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The BoCC declared Sept.10–16 as National Suicide Prevention Week. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, with an average of 135 deaths by suicide a day. About every 3.5 days, someone in Sedgwick County dies by suicide.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the 24-hour COMCARE Community Crisis Center at 316-660-7500.
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Asst. County Manager wins Women in Business award
Tania Cole was honored by the Wichita Business Journal (WBJ) for her career accomplishments as Asst. County Manager for Sedgwick County and for her dedication to empowering other women. Her daughter and husband accepted the award on her behalf, with county commissioners and leaders by their side. Watch the video below to learn more about Tania Cole's achievements.
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Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates culture & community
Dozens of local Hispanic leaders gathered for the BoCC's proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2023. As we celebrate the people in our community who contribute to our diversity, Sedgwick County is also thanking its employees who enrich our lives by sharing their culture, cuisine and civic leadership. Watch the video below that honors our workforce.
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Fire Prevention Week aims to reduce cooking fires & burns
"Cooking Safety Starts with You" is this year's theme of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14. Nearly 49% of all home fires involve cooking equipment like grills, fryers and stoves. To prevent these fires, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 has put several safety tips on its website.
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Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee! | The Board of County Commissioners values input from its citizens and encourages you to consider serving on an advisory board or committee in one of the five districts. Sedgwick County currently has two openings on the Solid Waste Management Committee. | |
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Sedgwick County hosted the Central Plains Quad-County Planning Forum at Exploration Place. Commissioners enjoyed a presentation on Kansas’s premier science center and what's in store for the future. | |  |
At Hotcakes for Hopecare, commissioners and local celebrities served up breakfast to benefit GraceMed. All of the proceeds help Wichitans who otherwise could not afford healthcare. | | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
