One notable change is Sedgwick County has launched a pilot program embedding mental health workers among the 911 emergency response team. On the opposite side, Sedgwick County has decided to not include “Stand Your Ground” law reform in its legislative agenda.
Trace Salzbrenner
Trace Salzbrenner is the former community journalist for The Wichita Beacon. Follow him on Twitter @RealTraceAlan.
Posted inHousing
At least 49 unhoused Wichitans died in 2022
The amount of homeless deaths reported in 2022 in Wichita was more than double than it was in previous years. Since 2006, Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness (AECH) has organized a memorial service to ensure that people who die while unhoused are not forgotten.
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, How To, Local Government, Watchdog
Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita
Want to protest to make your voice heard? Before you organize a protest, it is important to know what rights you have and how to use them. It’s also helpful to know what can and won’t get you in trouble with the law. Here is a quick guide on how to protest in Wichita.
Posted inEconomics, Housing, How To, Kansas State Government
Can’t pay your utility bill? There is help for keeping the heat on this winter
Kansas’ “cold weather rule” is in effect from Nov. 1 to March 31. Nov. 1 until March 31. During this time, certain utility companies must do two things: Offer a 12-month repayment plan for those behind on their payments and not shut off any utilities if the temperature drops below 35 degrees.
Posted inLocal Government, Watchdog
Cedric Lofton’s missing headstone and the slow road of justice
In a Wichita cemetery, an unmarked grave is decorated with flowers, pictures and stones that say, “We miss you.” This is where Cedric Lofton is buried. This weekend, as on most holidays, Lofton’s brother Mark Teetz will visit and remember his baby brother.
Posted inHow To, Local Government
Wichita has 44 square miles of food deserts. Here is a way to help.
Government officials are currently recruiting members for a Food and Farm Council to guide a master plan to address problems within the community’s food system.
Posted inEducation, Elections
Historic change comes to Wichita school board representation, and more may be coming still
After decades of push, USD 259 is changing their school board elections after two-thirds of voters voted to do so.
Now, each of six districts will vote on their own representative. A seventh board member will still be elected at-large.
However, more change may be on the way.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Lea en Español, Local Government, Watchdog
Un año después, Wichita trabaja en base a 60 recomendaciones para evitar otra tragedia como la de Cedric Lofton.
En respuesta a la muerte de Cedric “CJ” Lofton, de 17 años, hace un año, el condado de Sedgwick pidió a 23 miembros de la comunidad que formaran un grupo de trabajo para explorar qué problemas sistémicos en el cuidado temporal de menores, la respuesta de emergencia y la aplicación de la ley contribuyeron a […]
Posted inElections
Early voting prompts long lines in Wichita. What will Election Day look like?
Wichita voters will cast ballots on a wide range of federal, state and local candidates, two proposed state constitutional amendments and one ballot initiative that could change how Wichita school board members are elected. Be sure to use the bathroom first, come dressed for the weather and make any other preparations needed for a long wait in line.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Education, Elections
How did we get here? School board ballot initiative has roots in century-old fight
On Nov. 8, Wichita voters will get another pass at an issue they last voted on 28 years ago – how Wichita school board members are elected in USD 259. The central issue, however, goes back a century.
The concern is the same now as then: Does allowing the entire city to elect school board members from each part of the city disenfranchise certain groups? Would it be better to allow voters from a smaller geographic district to choose their own representative?