Board of County Commissioners 

• The BoCC approved the minutes of the regular meeting on Feb. 21, 2024.
• Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
• The BoCC approved the reappointment of Dr. Michael Birzer to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
• Commissioners approved the appointment of Kevin McWhorter to the Emergency Communications Community Advisory Board.
• The BoCC approved a resolution determining the advisability of and creating a benefit district for road improvements in Bluestem Estates at 47^th St. South and Cypress St. 
• Commissioners approved a resolution determining the advisability of and creating a benefit district for road improvements in Brinley Estates at East 69th St. North and North Webb Rd.
• The BoCC set the public hearing date of May 1, 2024, for the proposed adoption of the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code with local amendments.
• Commissioners voted to defer a proposed policy for Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts (RHID) until the April 10 BoCC meeting.
• The BoCC approved Item 1, Road Improvements (R370) – Public Works, from the Board of Bids and Contracts’ Feb. 29 meeting.
• Commissioners also approved the recommendations of the Board of Bids and Contracts’ March 14 meeting.
• No binding action was taken in executive session.

Governing Body of Fire District 1  

• The Governing Body of Fire District 1 approved the minutes of the regular meetings on Feb. 21, 2024.

March is Women’s History Month – a chance for us to highlight the incredible women who work for or have served Sedgwick County. It seems four is the magic number as District 4 has been the seat to four of our female Commissioners including, Melody McCray-Miller, Carolyn McGinn, Lucy Burtnett and Lacey Cruse.

Melody McCray-Miller was the first Black women elected to the Board of County Commissioner (BoCC) and served from 1994 – 1998. After serving in Sedgwick County, she was the Kansas Representative for District 89 from 2005 – 2013 and recently won a seat on the USD 259 school board. Her legacy as an inspiring advocate for the Black community and women in Sedgwick County will forever be cherished.

Carolyn McGinn first became active in local politics through grassroots landowners' rights advocacy and Sedgwick County Public Schools, where her children attended. She served on the BoCC from 1998 – 2004, serving one full term and one half one as she was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2004 and still holds this position today. We thank her for her dedication at the County and now State levels.

Lucy Burtnett was elected to fill the District 4 seat after Carolyn McGinn took her senate seat. She served on the BoCC from 2005 – 2007, finishing up the rest of the two-year term. Before becoming a County Commissioner, she purchased her family’s print shop, Der Printing Haus, and is a local rental properties owner. During her term she was advocate for the people's voice and utilized her experience with the community.

Lacey Cruse is the most recent woman to represent District 4 on the BoCC, serving from 2018 – 2022. Before entering politics, her professional career spanned more than a decade and included work as an accomplished singer/songwriter and senior living management experience in marketing, advertising, branding and consulting. While on the board, she was elected as the Chair Pro Tem for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021, and she focused on social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, senior citizens and criminal justice reform.





Visit our social platforms throughout the month to discover the many extraordinary women highlighted.

Michelle Waughtal serves as Technology Supervisor for the Sedgwick County Election Office, managing the polling sites, voting process and data. She has worked for the county almost 12 years and says she absolutely loves her job and her co-workers!

Women's History Month is important to Michelle because it honors the past and present women who strive to mold and help this great country. She says every individual should be empowered to contribute equally and diligently in a fair process. Michelle hopes her passion, positivity and drive for perfection will influence other women to pursue whatever career path they choose with pride and confidence.



When Michelle is not working, she loves to spend time with her two daughters, watch Seattle Seahawks football and take road trips.

Women's History Month is here, and we're highlighting some of Sedgwick County's remarkable women, like Marilyn Maye. This Wichita-born singer, musical actress and masterclass educator has definitely made her mark on the music industry. She was discovered in 1963 on the Steve Allen Show and then went on a 76-episode run on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This led to Maye signing a recording contract with RCA Victor, where she recorded a series of albums between 1965 - 1970.

After more than eight decades in cabaret, jazz and pop, Marilyn Maye’s career continues today. At the age of 95, she is still performing!

2024 Severe Weather Safety Program

Severe weather season is almost here! Sedgwick County Emergency Management wants to help your family prepare now so you can stay safe. March 26, 27, 28, join us for a FREE severe weather safety class exclusively for Sedgwick County residents.

For the full schedule, click: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/media/66091/2024-severe-weather-class-flyer.pdf.

EMPAC - Employee Assistance Program

Sedgwick County’s EAP program, EMPAC, can help. When you or a household member need trusted professional help, EMPAC, is just a phone call away. For more than 40 years, EMPAC has been helping employees thrive in their personal and professional lives by providing caring and compassionate support.

Free and confidential EMPAC services include 12 phone, video- or in-person sessions per year for personal and professional needs such as:

• Stress, depression, anxiety
• Family and parenting concerns
• Marital and relationship challenges
• Workplace conflicts
• Alcohol or drug dependency
• Grief and loss

Get started. Make your free appointment today. 316.265.9922 | 800.234.0630 | empac-eap.com