In the past four years, the number of people who died from drug overdoses annually in Sedgwick County more than doubled, a dramatic increase attributed almost entirely to fentanyl. The rise in fentanyl overdoses is a recent, growing problem that’s required an urgent response from the city, according to law enforcement and forensic scientists. Fentanyl […]
Sedgwick County
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Kansas State Government, Lea en Español, Local Government
¿Votará en las primarias de Kansas? Esto es lo que puede esperar al emitir su voto
Las elecciones primarias de Kansas son el 2 de agosto, pero los votantes no tienen que esperar tanto tiempo para votar. Ya sea que vote el día de las elecciones, por correo o antes de las elecciones en persona, The Beacon ha creado una guía para ayudarlo a prepararse. ¿Cómo verifico mi información en el […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Kansas State Government, Local Government
Voting in the Kansas primary? Here’s what to expect when casting your ballot
The Kansas primary election is on Aug. 2, but voters don’t have to wait that long to vote. Whether you vote on election day, by mail, or early in person, The Beacon has created a guide to help you prepare for the Kansas primary. How do I check my voter registration information? When do I […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Kansas State Government, Lea en Español, Local Government
Cómo registrarse para votar en las elecciones del 2 de agosto en Kansas
Esta historia fue traducida por Claudia Yaujar-Amaro. Esta historia también está disponible en inglés. Lea aquí. Las elecciones primarias en Kansas son el 2 de agosto, dando a los votantes la oportunidad de decidir quién aparecerá en la boleta electoral de noviembre para puestos muy importantes, incluyendo el de gobernador, fiscal general del estado y […]
Posted inLocal Government
‘Beyond necessary’: Sedgwick County hires first-ever diversity and inclusion consultant
In an effort to improve recruitment, racial equity and community relations, Sedgwick County will begin surveying its employees this month on the state of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In February, the county signed a $102,000 contract with its first-ever diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, Hicks-Carter-Hicks LLC, which will work for nine to 12 […]
Posted inElections, LEA EN ESPAÑOL
Cómo registrarse para votar en las elecciones del 2 de agosto en Kansas
Esta historia fue traducida por Claudia Yaujar-Amaro. Esta historia también está disponible en inglés. Lea aquí. Las elecciones primarias en Kansas son el 2 de agosto, dando a los votantes la oportunidad de decidir quién aparecerá en la boleta electoral de noviembre para puestos muy importantes, incluyendo el de gobernador, fiscal general del estado y […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, Elections, Kansas State Government, Local Government
How to register to vote for the Aug. 2 election in Kansas
The primary election in Kansas is on Aug. 2, giving voters the opportunity to decide who will appear on the November ballot for several high-profile races including governor, state attorney general and the U.S. Congress. Also on the ballot is a constitutional amendment, which would alter the state constitution to say that there is no […]
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 inLocal Government, Wichitans You Should Know
‘Don’t treat them different’: One formerly homeless Wichitan on what the city needs
It started with a recipe he concocted on his own — Southern-style barbecue chicken spaghetti. But pretty soon, Joseph “J.W.” Harris was spreading the cooking gospel to his neighbors and friends at The Studios, a permanent-housing apartment complex for people experiencing homelessness. In April, he led his first cooking class at the complex on North Topeka […]
Posted inEducation
Kansas rural families, parents of toddlers face a shortage of licensed child care providers, report says
Kansas is facing a severe shortage of licensed child care providers, according to a recent report released by state and nonprofit agencies. Estimates show that less than half of the “potential demand” in the state is being met. The 2021 Supply Demand Report released Thursday covers the challenges child care providers have faced during COVID, the diminishing […]