Kansas sits on the verge of building its first new state mental hospital in more than a century, even as officials acknowledge the original plans may not meet the region’s needs. The $40 million 50-bed facility planned for a spot at Meridian Avenue and MacArthur Road in southwest Wichita is planned for completion in 2026 […]
County Commission
Posted inCivic Engagement, Local Government
Did a cost-cutting move reduce voter turnout in 2022?
Is Sedgwick County doing enough to ensure voting in elections is accessible to all? Nancy Brown, a leader of the Wichita League of Women Voters, doesn’t think so. She and other voting rights advocates believe people who have difficulty going to the polls were harmed by the Sedgwick County Commission last year. In the 2022 […]
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 inLocal Government
Five out of five Sedgwick County commissioners agree: Employee pay a top budget priority
It’s budget season for Sedgwick County. This year, that means that the county’s five commissioners must grapple with how to run the local government as nationwide economic challenges, including rising inflation and an increasingly tight labor market, prevail. The Wichita Beacon asked each commissioner to list their top three budget priorities for this year. All five […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
Have your voice heard: How to participate in Sedgwick County government meetings
A $484 million annual budget. $45 million in annual capital improvements. Over $100 million in COVID relief funds. These are the dollars a Sedgwick County resident can influence by participating in Sedgwick County Commission meetings. Here’s how. Where to find Sedgwick County meeting times and locations The county posts meeting dates, times and locations up […]