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Headline News

Quality of Life - Health Survey

The Sedgwick County Health Department announces a quality of life survey, and they want every person in Sedgwick County to participate! The purpose of the survey is to learn the public’s perceptions of quality of life, with an emphasis on health topics. Survey results will help the health department and other health partners identify the biggest areas of concern for Sedgwick County citizens.  The brief survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and can be found at this link. Thank you very much for participating and providing your valuable input!

2009 Recommended Budget

On July 16, 2008 the County Manager released the recommended 2009 budget of $401,553,853 converting strategic plans and community needs into a one-year spending plan. The recommended budget includes a reduction in the property tax rate, expressed as mills, for Sedgwick County of 1.0 mill, bringing the proposed property tax rate to 30.315 mills for 2009. The recommend property tax, expressed as mills, for Fire District No. 1, remains unchanged for 2009 at 18.482 mills. The recommended budget will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners for adoption after holding two public budget hearings scheduled for July 23 and August 13.

Summer Safety Series

• Week 1: School's Out Safety - As summer approaches, the days grow longer, the weather warmer and children are at play in our communities.  Since the majority of children are not attending school over the summer, it is important to establish rules that will help keep them safe while they are enjoying their summer activities. Click here for more information.
• Week 2: Boating & Camping - Sedgwick County reminds its citizens to take precautions when engaging in summer activities to ensure a safe and fun season.  Boating and camping are popular summer activities among Sedgwick County citizens. While it is never a good idea to boat or camp alone, there are other safety measures to consider.  Click here for more information.
• Week 3: Swimming Safety - Swimming in community and private pools is a popular summer activity. However, pools can be potentially dangerous places for children and adults alike. Click here for more information.
• Week 4: Heat Safety - Since extreme or prolonged exposure to summer heat often can have adverse effects on our bodies, it is important to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and injury.  Click here for a list of heat safety tips and ways to stay cool this summer.
• Week 5: Grilling Safety - Outdoor grilling and picnics are favorite summer pastimes for many families. Just remember, outdoor grills with open flames are different than the stoves we use indoors, therefore require special attention. Click here for details about safe grilling and summer cooking.

Around the County

• Fire Station 32 Ribbon Cutting
  The Sedgwick County Fire District #1 is officially open for business after a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new station 32 in Park City.  The new station will serve parts of northeast and north central Sedgwick County.

  For more information about the station relocation project and photos from the ribbon cutting, visit Fire District #1 online.

Environmental Tip

You've always been told to flush excess medications down the toilet when it's time to get rid of them.  But, now we know better.  The sewage treatment plants are not designed to remove the medications, and we don't want those substances in our rivers.  Instead, take them to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 801 Stillwell in Wichita.  This way, there's no expense to you and no expense to the environment.  The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Narcotics or high-powered pain killers like morphine or Lortab are not accepted.  If you are not able to use the HHW facility, dissolve the pills in a liquid and add it to kitty litter or coffee grounds; then, put it all in a closed, unmarked container and throw it out with the trash.  Click here for more easy ways to make a difference in our environment.

Health Alerts

• Salmonella - The Sedgwick County Health Department is collaborating with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials in several states, to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul.  Multiple cases have been reported in Sedgwick County and linked to the multi-state outbreak and investigations are underway to determine the cause. To learn more about Salmonella, click here to view a fact sheet.
   
• Recreational Water Illnesses - Swimming season is here and healthy swimming behaviors are more important than ever. Health departments across the country, including Sedgwick County’s, investigated more Recreational Water Illness (RWI) outbreaks in 2007 than ever before.  To remind those who frequent your pool of  proper pool health behaviors, click here to download the pool operator flier.  To print your own healthy swimming tips poster, click here.  To request a laminated poster, please call 316-660-7345.
   
• Healthy Recipe - Need an idea for a healthy recipe to make for yourself or your family?  Visit the Health Department's nutrition page to find a recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream. With approximately 200 calories per serving, this recipe is a better alternative to many store-bought ice cream treats!

Recreation in Sedgwick County

Tickets are on sale now for Zoobilee!  Musical entertainment and wild animals will greet you as you arrive for this annual fund raiser. Bring your appetites for delicious delicacies from more than 70 of our community’s favorite restaurants.  To receive a special invitation or to purchase tickets, visit scz.org or call 266-8APE (8273). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
 

The cutting-edge exhibit Our Body: The Universe Within goes "under the skin" to reveal the mysteries of the human anatomy through a riveting presentation of actual human specimens. This incredible exhibit allows you to explore the human body and the way its components work together to make human life possible. The exhibit is open now at Exploration Place. Purchase tickets at www.exploration.org or by calling 263-3373.

Digital TV Conversion

Beginning Tuesday, January 8, millions of $40 government-issued coupons will become available to help citizens purchase a converter box for their older television sets that might not work after the switch from analog to digital broadcasting.  Viewers who have satellite or cable service will not need a box, but viewers who rely on antennas, for example, will need to purchase a converter box before February 18, 2009.  To request a coupon, visit www.dtv2009.gov or contact the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).