Note from Commissioner Meitzner: | |
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This month I'm happy to share a couple important business notes for Sedgwick County.
1 - Congratulations go out to Textron Aviation, who recently celebrated the grand opening of its Global Parts Distribution Center at its Wichita headquarters. With 180,000 square feet of space, this state-of-the-art facility is now better equipped to provide parts and customer service for thousands of aircraft all over the world built and designed by Textron Aviation.
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2 - Plans are moving forward to improve the K-254 corridor between east Wichita and El Dorado. Just over a week ago, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) held another public meeting to share details of the transportation and land-use strategy planned for the 22-mile stretch. The improvements are designed to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently as more development occurs around this highway, including a proposed new Integra Technologies plant on Rock Road. Click here for more information on the K-254 Corridor Management Plan. | |
The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
Biomedical Campus breaks ground in downtown Wichita
Construction on the new Biomedical Campus is officially underway! On May 8, Commissioners and other local leaders participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility, which is a collaboration between Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas.
The Biomedical Campus will be in downtown Wichita, near Broadway and William Streets. This eight-story building will feature a three-story pavilion, classrooms, offices, student success center and lounges.
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Budget Roundtables gather public input for 2025 spending
Commissioners and County staff held the first Budget Roundtable May 20 to discuss core services and priorities for the 2025 budget. Several citizens attended to share their opinions and comments. Watch a recording of that meeting at Budget Roundtable 1.
Another roundtable will be held Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Campus High School, 2100 W. 55th St. South. To learn more, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/finance/budget/budget-process/.
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Police Week highlights sacrifices, hard work of law enforcement
On May 15, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to law enforcement heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Elected officials, Wichita Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies gathered at the Law Enforcement Memorial to honor their memory and express gratitude for their service. Let us never forget their courage and dedication.
Also, in honor of Police Week May 12-18, the video below highlights our dedicated Courthouse Police who keep our buildings and courtrooms safe.
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National Correctional Officers Week recognizes dedicated staff
The Sedgwick County Adult Residential Facility and Juvenile Detention Facility celebrated National Correctional Officers Week May 5-11, with games, pizza, ice cream and fun activities outdoors for its employees. Thank you for your diligence in keeping our detention facilities safe.
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County Counselor wins award
Congratulations to Justin Waggoner on receiving the 2024 Benson-Batt Award! The Wichita Bar Association (WBA) Law Day and Awards Luncheon honored Waggoner and others for their exceptional efforts in law. The Benson-Batt Award celebrates volunteers, whether they are lawyers or not, who have made a significant impact in law-related education.
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Excellence in Public Service Award honors Finance employee
The DeVore Foundation honored Michelle Stroot, the Revenue Manager in our Finance Department, as the Sedgwick County winner of the 2024 Excellence in Public Service Award! Michelle's supervisor, Brent Shelton, nominated her for her servant leadership, willingness to help others and dedication to her team and Sedgwick County.
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Picnics honor Sedgwick County EMS & Public Works employees
The week of May 19-25 held special significance for two County departments, recognized during EMS Week 2024 and National Public Works Week. Sedgwick County EMS held picnics on two different days (above) so employees from all shifts could attend one of the lunches. Public Works held its own picnic for staff (below), complete with remote-controlled bulldozers for employees to practice their driving skills on a small scale! Thanks to these great teams for working to keep us safe - at home, at work and on the roads.
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Sedgwick County salutes its third shift employees
All too often we forget that while we sleep at night, hundreds of people are still working. From 9-1-1 dispatch to Sheriff's deputies, Fire, EMS, Corrections, COMCARE and more, Sedgwick County recognizes these unsung heroes. Watch the video above, as we spotlight a few of those who work to keep us safe after the sun sets.
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COMCARE hosts party for Children's Mental Health Day
Kids and their families enjoyed games, clowns, therapy animals, face painting and food at a free party at Osage Park, in honor of Children's Mental Health Day May 9. COMCARE also provided information about resources available to kids suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD or behavior disorders. Learn more at Youth Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Let the Register of Deeds safeguard your military discharge form
Veterans can file their DD-214 discharge document and get five certified copies for free with the Sedgwick County Register of Deeds Office. Retired and active-duty military can also get a free discount card, good at businesses all across Kansas. Watch the video below to learn more.
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Commissioners attended the Wichita Prayer Breakfast, an annual gathering organized by Lead Wichita, where they enjoyed fellowship with other members of the community. | |
The 3rd Annual Spirit Memorial Day Observance thanked veterans, including Commissioners Howell and Dennis, for their military service. | |
Home Base Wichita hosted a breakfast honoring veterans and military spouses for National Military Appreciation Month. Home Base connects transitioning military, National Guard, reservists, military spouses, and veterans to employers in South Central Kansas. Commissioner David Dennis helped bring the concept to Wichita in 2018. | |
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