Statement of Condolences from the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners:
It is with heavy hearts the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those lost in the tragic collision involving an American Airlines flight and a U. S. Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside of Washington, D.C.
As we come to terms with this devastating event, our thoughts are with the crew, passengers and their families. This includes not only the dedicated military personnel aboard the Black Hawk, but also the individuals who were aboard the plane, including figure skaters, their families and coaches who participated in last week’s Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. We are profoundly affected by the loss of these vibrant members of our community, and we share in the grief of all who are now facing this unimaginable pain.
As recovery efforts continue and the families wait for answers, we stand in solidarity with them, offering support, strength and comfort. Please know that we grieve with you, and we are here to assist in any way we can during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the loved ones of all those lost, and with the first responders involved in the recovery efforts.
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Note from Commissioner Howell: Reflections on CAB5,
Time to Simplify Government and Focus on What Works
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Four years ago, I established the Citizens Advisory Board for Commission District 5, or CAB5. The idea was simple: create a platform to engage constituents, gather feedback on Sedgwick County Government’s performance and explore solutions for the challenges we face. I hoped this initiative would spark interest and foster meaningful interaction with district residents. While CAB5 has had its successes, it is time for an honest evaluation.
The board, made up of 11 members representing the district’s diverse perspectives, contributed significantly. Members worked on the county’s legislative platform, testified on bills in Topeka, and made thoughtful recommendations on issues ranging from traffic concerns to advancing the K-15 Corridor Study with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They even presented to the full commission and provided input on various county projects.
One reason CAB5 achieved so much was its ability to focus on broad, impactful issues. Unlike other district CABs, CAB5 wasn’t bogged down with property rights cases, which often dominate discussions elsewhere.
Despite these accomplishments, CAB5 fell short of one of its primary goals: organically connecting with district residents and fostering citizen-led engagement. Attendance dwindled over time. We struggled to fill vacancies on the board, rarely had visitors at meetings and occasionally failed to meet the required quorum to vote.
These challenges were not the fault of any board member; rather, they reflect a disconnect between the idea on paper and the reality in practice. Additionally, CAB5 incurred small but notable costs and added administrative work for county staff.
As a proponent of limited government, I believe it’s time to streamline. Formal, quasi-governmental meetings are not always the best way to foster communication. Instead, I want to refocus on simpler, more direct ways to hear from you.
That’s why I’m making myself more accessible than ever in 2025. You'll find below and on my commissioner webpage at www.sedgwickcounty.org/commissioners/5th-district-jim-howell/ more than 40 opportunities to meet with me, including three citizen town halls. I’m also just a phone call away and ready to hear your thoughts about any county issue anytime.
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By eliminating unnecessary layers of government and returning to direct communication, we can save taxpayer dollars while focusing on what truly matters: the issues you care about. Let’s keep the conversation going. I look forward to hearing from you. | |
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. | |
Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | |
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Feb. 10, 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, Feb. 18, 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, Feb. 28, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
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Sedgwick County elected leaders take Oath of Office
During the 2025 Oath of Office ceremony, Sedgwick County swore in new County Commissioners Jeff Blubaugh (District 2) and Stephanie Wise (District 3), along with re-elected County Treasurer Brandi Baily and County Clerk Kelly Arnold. Re-elected Register of Deeds Tonya Buckingham was also sworn in at a ceremony in her office.
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Sedgwick County Clerk offers free help with Homestead Refunds
If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, you might qualify for a significant property tax refund through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead Refund program. Contact the Sedgwick County Clerk's Office for free help determining if you are eligible and filing the forms. For more information, watch the video below and visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Register of Deeds launches new software upgrades Feb. 3, 2025
The Elected Sedgwick County Register of Deeds, Tonya Buckingham, is implementing new software on Monday, Feb. 3, that changes the land records management system and property activity alert program.
The new land records system is fee-funded and operates on two search platforms:
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Laredo is a subscription -based search engine that offers five monthly packages priced from $50-$150.
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Tapestry is web-based and accessible by computer, phone or tablet. Customers pay $8.75 per use, plus $1 per page of documents downloaded.
The Register of Deeds Office will continue to offer free help at its two locations to customers who come in person to search for a document. Printed copies will cost $1 per page.
Although the new system charges modest fees, the enhanced search capabilities in the new software make it quick and easy for the public to find land records on file. By requiring payment for remote online access of documents, the system establishes a traceable record for each transaction.
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The Register of Deeds is also upgrading its online system to warn property owners of possible fraud. The free service, Property Fraud Alert, will notify subscribers each time a document, like real estate deeds, mortgages, liens and easements, is recorded with their name on it. While this does not prevent fraud from happening, it provides an early warning system for property owners to take action as quickly as possible. All too often, victims of mortgage fraud or identity theft are unaware their home or identity has been stolen.
Since Property Fraud Alert is replacing the current notification service, citizens will need to subscribe and customize how they want to receive their alerts - by email, text or a phone call. Visit Property Fraud Alert to sign up.
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Regional Forensic Science Center investigators honored
Sedgwick County observed 2025 Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week from Jan. 19-25, recognizing the people who investigate deaths. Each year, the Regional Forensic Science Center evaluates more than 4,000 cases through the teamwork of medical investigators, forensic scientists in the toxicology lab, forensic pathologists and pathology assistants.
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USD 259 bond election set for Feb. 25, 2025
Registered voters who live within the boundaries of USD 259, Wichita Public Schools, can cast a ballot in the special bond election Feb. 25. They will decide whether to spend up to $450 million to build and renovate school facilities as outlined in Step 1 of the district's Facilities Master Plan. Click here to learn more about the ballot question.
Voters must be registered by Feb. 4 to cast a ballot. Watch the video below to learn more.
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One month left for "I Voted in Sedgwick County" sticker contest
The deadline for students in grades 6-12 to submit design entries for the "I Voted in Sedgwick County" sticker contest is Friday, Feb 28. A panel of judges from the community will pick a winner in March, and that design will become the official sticker, worn by thousands of voters during the 2025 elections. For contest rules and forms, visit "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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HHW expansion update
Construction to expand the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 801 Stillwell is ahead of schedule and on track to finish in April. Now that the new structure is fully enclosed, with metal siding in place, crews will install the wiring and hang the sheet rock inside. To learn more, visit Environmental Resources | Sedgwick County, Kansas and stay tuned for grand opening details!
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Firefighters win Battle of the Badges
For the sixth consecutive year, Wichita and Sedgwick County firefighters have claimed the trophy in the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges. It's a friendly competition with EMS and local law enforcement - Wichita Police and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, to see who can bring in the most blood donations. If you couldn’t join us, your donation is still needed. Schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org via the Blood Donor app, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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EMS crews serve Sedgwick County in many ways and places
January was a busy month for EMS, sending its teams all over Sedgwick County. One crew delivered a healthy baby and earned a stork coin, while several others provided medical support at major events, like the PRCA Rodeo at Hartman Arena in Park City (above) and at the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in INTRUST Bank Arena (below). Thanks for your dedication. We appreciate our first responders who serve in good times and bad.
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Commissioners attended the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Agricultural Association Legislative Luncheon to learn more about issues affecting farmers and ranchers. | |
The Sedgwick County Association of Cities (SCAC) meeting featured a presentation by HumanKind Ministries on the Emergency Winter Shelter. | |
As long-time supporters and patrons of INTRUST Bank Arena, Commissioners attended the 15th anniversary celebration. Here's to many more years of exciting entertainment for Sedgwick County! | |
The City of Derby celebrated the groundbreaking of Morgan's Steakhouse Jan. 2. The owner hopes to open by September. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
