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SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
COMMUNICATIONS

HEADLINE NEWS

SEDGWICK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS   316-660-9370  FAX:  316-383-7509


Sedgwick County eNewsSedgwick County Launches New eNews Subscription Service

Sedgwick County is improving the way we communicate with you.  Visit our new eNews Subscription Service to subscribe to county news.  Our new service allows us to send newsletters directly to your e-mail inbox.  And, you can now subscribe to receive news directly from your county commissioner.  Just check one or all of the commission districts you are interested in when you subscribe to the service.  Sedgwick County is working to keep you informed about government business, public events, and community issues.  NOTE:  This new system replaces our previous eNews service and if you desire to continue receiving Sedgwick County news through e-mail, you will need to re-subscribe.  We apologize for this inconvenience, but believe our new service will provide more options and better services to you.  Click here to subscribe to Sedgwick County's eNews service today!

Commissioners' Corner

What are the commissioners doing in the community? 

Visit "Commissioners Around the County" where you can see photos of the Sedgwick County Commissioners taking part in various community activities and read Second District Commissioner Tim Norton's "A Word in Edgewise" column.

The Commissioners recently visited the construction sites of the INTRUST Bank Arena and National Center for Aviation Training.  See more photos of the Arena construction and the NCAT construction.

2009 Legislative Platform

On January 28, the commissioners approved the 2009 Legislative Platform to be used as a guide between Sedgwick County, its citizens and legislators during the 2009 session.  Legislative priorities are issues of primary importance to Sedgwick County and may involve the county introducing legislation and/or taking the lead on guiding such legislation through the legislative process. Click here to read the 2009 Legislative Platform.

Keep Up with County News

News Releases

Sedgwick County departments are always working for you, so there are always new developments and information to learn about.  Use the link below to stay updated on what's taking place throughout the county.  Click here for a complete list of Sedgwick County news releases.

Around the County

Link 4 Life Run/Walk

The Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Task Force will host the 6th Annual ‘Link 4 Life’ Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

The Open 5K Run will start at 7:45 a.m., and the one-mile Zoo Tour Walk (all ages welcomed to participate) and special distance events for youth three to 18 years of age will begin at 8:30 a.m. The ‘Link 4 Life’ Run/Walk will be filled with exciting activities for all ages and will conclude with a celebration party with awards, entertainment, food, exhibits and hearty handshakes.

You can register for the ‘Link 4 Life’ Run by going to First Gear, 111 N. Mosley, March 20 - April 17, registering online (open now) at www.Active.com, or on race day beginning at 7 a.m. at the Zoo.  Fill out the registration form on this 2009 Link 4 Life Run/Walk poster!

Excellence in Public Service Awards

This program, sponsored by the DeVore Foundation, is an opportunity to highlight the work of dedicated public servants.  One person from Sedgwick County, the City of Wichita and the Wichita Public Schools will be selected to receive this award.
 
The DeVore Foundation has generously sponsored this program for the past 20 years.  By doing so, they help place a spotlight on the role of a public service employee and the delivery of quality public service in our community.  Each award recipient will receive a $2,500 check and a reception in their honor.

Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's winners!

2009 Severe Weather Safety Program

Springtime in Kansas brings the likelihood of severe weather and tornados.  Whether you've lived in Kansas all your life or are new to Kansas storms, you need to know the danger signs when threatening weather approaches and how to react to keep yourself and your family safe.  Peak months for tornados to occur in Kansas are April through June.  Now is the time to plan.  Sedgwick County Emergency Management is offering a Severe Weather Safety Program throughout the county during the months of February through April.  The program is FREE.  We encourage you to come and join us to learn more about severe weather. Click here to find the program closest to you.  Be prepared in case of an emergency; click here for emergency information and instructions to prepare your emergency plans and kits.

Sedgwick County Fire Camp2009 Fire Camp Essay Contest

Applications and essays for Sedgwick County Fire District #1’s second annual Fire Camp are being accepted now through April 17.

Fire Camp 2009 will take place at the Kansas Coliseum on May 9. This camp is open to currently enrolled eighth grade students only and participants will be selected through an essay contest.  At Fire Camp, students will interact with firefighters, participate in firefighter activities, learn how to become involved in the Fire Explorer or Fire Reserve programs, and find out why firefighting is the “toughest job you’ll ever love.” The camp is free and all participants will receive free T-shirts, certificates, prizes, and much more.  Access the Fire Camp 2009 application and essay form.

Environmental Tip

Sedgwick County Environmental Resources

Spring Lawn and Garden Care

As the weather warms, Sedgwick County residents will begin to tend to their lawns and gardens.  The Sedgwick County Environmental Resources Department encourages residents to be mindful of lawn-care practices that are less harmful to the environment.

For example:

  • Place and point sprinklers in a manner that is most effective - toward the grass or garden and not the street or driveway.
  • Check sprinkler heads for leaks.
  • Water lawns and gardens in the morning to maximize this resource - this can save 50 gallons a week.
  • Use fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides sparingly and not before a rain storm.
  • Don't bag leaves or grass clippings. Instead, mulch mow or create a compost pile.

Visit Environmental Resources for more energy-saving tips.

Recreation in Sedgwick County

Sedgwick County Exploration Place

For just a few months, beginning February 28, you will join the unseen world of the awe-inspiring whales of the South Pacific at Exploration Place with the international traveling exhibition, Whales ׀ Tohorā. Exhibit highlights include:

  • Encounter two life-size sperm whale skeletons, and several other whale skulls, models and more.
  • Listen to haunting whale voices.
  • Crawl through a model of a blue whale heart.
  • Become a whale as you dive to the depths in search of a giant squid.
  • Learn about the history of whaling - including the Whale People, whale riders, authentic artifacts, and the current efforts that center on preserving the species. And more!

For more information, visit EP online, call 263-3373 or visit the ticket counter in the main lobby to purchase tickets.


Summer hours begin March 1!
  Spring is near and that means summer hours at Sedgwick County Zoo.  The Zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week through October.  And, don't forget, the Slawson Family Tiger Trek will be open for all to see May 22!  Memberships are available by visiting www.scz.org.


Health Alerts

World TB Day - Tuesday, March 24 is World TB Day. 2009 marks the 10th year for World TB day.  Each year the day falls on the 24th of March; this day was selected because it commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis.  Sedgwick County will acknowledge World TB Awareness day with a conference on Thursday, April 9. The conference's topic is “Managing Complex Tuberculosis Patients” and it will be held at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita.  If you're interested in this conference, access the brochure at this link. To learn more about TB, click here to see a health fact sheet.

Shigella Outbreak - The Sedgwick County Health Department is currently investigating a shigella outbreak. Twenty-three cases were reported to the state from the Sedgwick County area since January 1, 2009. Shigella is a bacterium that causes diarrhea. Click here for more information about shigella

Syphilis Outbreak - The Sedgwick County Health Department is currently investigating a syphilis outbreak. Twenty-four syphilis cases were reported to the state from the Sedgwick County area for 2008. During 2007, there were only three cases of syphilis in Sedgwick County.  Click here for more information about syphilis.

Flu Vaccines - Flu season is upon us and the Health Department is ready with multiple ways you can get vaccinated against the seasonal flu:

  • FREE FluMist doses, while supplies last at the Health Department's West Central location (2716 W. Central). FluMist is a nasal spray that offers protection against the flu.
  • The Health Department's West Central location (2716 W. Central) also offers traditional flu shots during hours of operation.
  • Mobile Clinics throughout Sedgwick County are offering the flu shot.

The Health Department Clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. The cost for shots is $30 for adults and $15 for children under the age of nine. Check out the Health Department's Web page for more information on the seasonal flu, including downloadable educational posters and a list of who's most at risk.

Healthy Recipes - Need an idea for a healthy dinner option? Try this Rigatoni with Beef & Eggplant Ragu recipe. At less than 400 calories per serving, this recipe is great for the whole family!

Digital TV Conversion

DTV technology is more flexible and efficient than the current analog system.  By law, full-power television stations nationwide must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format by June 12, 2009.  The U.S. Congress approved an extension of the deadline, which was originally set for February 17. 

The DTV converter box coupon program has reached its funding ceiling.  However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled when funds are available from expiring coupons or from recent Congressional legislation.  If you would like to apply for a coupon, you will be placed on a waiting list and will receive a coupon on a first-come-first-served basis.  Click here to apply for a converter box coupon.  If you have questions about the switch or how to install and use your converter box, visit dtvanswers.com.

DTV Switch Assistance for Seniors

The switch to digital broadcasting will go unnoticed for many individuals throughout the country, but many citizens who will be affected require assistance before, during and after the transition.

 

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) is one of many agencies across the country chosen to receive funding from National Telecommunication Information Administration to assist older adults with the DTV transition.
 

The purpose of the program is to ensure older adults who currently rely on over-the-air television signals are provided the education and one-on-one assistance to successfully make the conversion to digital programming.  Education efforts include community and one-on-one presentations.  The individualized assistance includes the following: 

 

  1. Assessment to determine the need for a converter box
  2. Assistance in applying for the coupon, completing the application and tracking its status
  3. Assistance in securing the converter box, arranging pick-up, delivery or accessing them at a reduced bulk price
  4. Assistance with installing the converter box and training the recipient to use the new technology
To schedule a presentation or to inquire about the program, contact 316-660-5120. 

 

Sedgwick County... working for you


 

 

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