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.
Local Government
The latest news about local government in Wichita and Sedgwick County, and how it affects your community, from The Wichita Beacon.
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 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, Local Government, Watchdog
Who’s behind the big-money push to retake Sedgwick County District 4?
Ryan Baty, the Republican, both outraised and outspent Lacey Cruse, the Democrat, by more than 2 to 1 during the reporting period, which covers July 22 through Oct. 27.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Sedgwick County District 5 represents SE Wichita, Derby and Mulvane. Where do commission candidates stand on key issues?
Jim Howell, a Republican, is the current county commissioner representing District 5. He is being challenged by John McIntosh, a Democrat. Where do they stand on key issues like marijuana, mental health and diversity.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Sedgwick County commissioner District 4 candidates give stances on fentanyl, mental health and marijuana
Lacey Cruse, a Democrat, is the current county commissioner representing District 4. She is being challenged by Ryan Baty, a Republican.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Local Government
Marijuana, mental health and diversity: Where do Sedgwick County commissioner District 1 candidates stand?
Pete Meitzner, a Republican, is the current county commissioner representing District 1. He is being challenged by Kelli Grant, a Democrat.
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government, Watchdog
Community members want fishing lake near toxic site tested, but state says it’s not necessary
The lake is directly north of a toxic site contaminated by a large chemical spill, which state officials estimate happened in the 1970s or ’80s.
Posted inLocal Government, Watchdog
Cedric Lofton’s brother wants accountability from Wichita police and Sedgwick County
One year ago, 17-year-old Cedric Lofton died after being held down for over 30 minutes by four workers in a juvenile detention intake facility. That wasn’t what was supposed to happen. His foster father had called 911 seeking help for Cedric, who was in a mental health crisis, expecting Cedric would be taken to a […]
Posted inKansas State Government, Local Government
A greyhound track without greyhounds featuring slot machines that aren’t slots
When Sedgwick County voted down a proposal to allow slot machines at billionaire Phil Ruffin’s dog racing track in 2007, the Wichita Greyhound Park shut down. For 15 years, it sat dormant while Ruffin tried to bring it back to life in some shape or form. He repeatedly — and without success — lobbied the […]