Government | Residents | Business | Visitors | Search | Directory | Feedback | HOME

Quick Click and Go To > County Departments Accounting - Finance Aging Animal Control Appraiser's Office Arena Budget - Finance Clerk's Office Code Enforcement COMCARE Communications Community Development Conservation District Corrections County Commission County Manager Developmental Disabilities District Attorney Economic Development Election Office Emergency Communications Emergency Management Employment - HR Partners EMS Environmental Resources Exploration Place Finance Fire District #1 Forensic Science Center Geographic Information Services Health Department Homeless Programs Housing Human Resources Human Services Information & Operations Kansas Coliseum Lake Afton Park Metropolitan Medical Response System Medical Reserve Corp National Center for Aviation Training Planning - (MAPD) Public Works Purchasing - Finance Register of Deeds Risk Management - Finance Sedgwick County K-State Research and Extension Sedgwick County Park Sheriff Suicide Prevention Task Force Tag Office Tax Department Treasurer Zoo

Search our site:

The Kansas Open Records Act guarantees any person the right to inspect and obtain copies of all public records, unless the records are closed consistent with specific provisions of law.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes and protects the civil rights of people with disabilities.  Sedgwick County strives to make our facilities and services available to all citizens including those with disabilities.
Sedgwick County ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan

Privacy Policy / Legal Disclaimer

Notice of Privacy Practices pertaining to protected health records of care provided by Sedgwick County and its employees, staff and volunteers.

Fast Facts About Sedgwick County

Population: 466,061 2005 est.
 Founded: 1870
 Area: 1008 Square Miles
 Named for:  John Sedgwick, United States Army Major-General.
 Abbreviation:  SG
 County Seat:  Wichita
 State:  Kansas
 Area Code: 316
 Sales Tax: 6.3%

525 N. Main  ●  Wichita, KS 67203  ●  Tel: (316) 660-9000
!  Welcome to Sedgwick County, Kansas

• Government
• Residents
• Businesses
• Visitors
• Employment
• Directory

Fireworks in Sedgwick County

It is illegal to possess, manufacture, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use, handle, or explode any fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Sedgwick County.  Several cities in Sedgwick County including the city of Wichita allow certain consumer fireworks.  The types of fireworks allowed and the dates and times the shooting of fireworks is allowed is regulated by each city.  The best rule to follow is to shoot the fireworks in the same jurisdiction where you purchase them.  Sedgwick County Fire District #1 offers answers to frequently asked questions about fireworks.

Please remember to handle all fireworks safely and enjoy our nation's Independence Day. 

Extreme Heat Reminders

The Sedgwick County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) reminds you to be aware of extreme temperatures this week and into the summer months. As temperatures rise, so do the number of individuals at risk for heat exposure, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses.

Click here to learn the signs that may be indications of dehydration or heatstroke and helpful tips to staying cool.

Legal Notices

Sedgwick County Government is required to post legal notices in the official newspaper, The Wichita Eagle. As an extended service, Sedgwick County is providing these notices on the Sedgwick County Web site. Click here to view official county notices.

Economic Stimulus Tracker Now Available

Sedgwick County is working to keep you informed about projects that have the potential or have been approved to receive federal stimulus funds. Track the progress of these and other community projects, read the full federal stimulus bill or read the minutes from the Stimulus Task Force meetings by clicking here.

Around the County

Sheriff's Office is looking for exceptional men and women for volunteer service in the Sheriff's Reserve

Have you ever thought you would like to help people as a law enforcement officer? If so, Sedgwick County Sheriff Robert Hinshaw is looking for men and women with a strong commitment to community service to become a part of the Sheriff's Reserve. If you are 21 years of age or older, are in good physical condition and have no criminal background, you may qualify for appointment to this exceptional volunteer organization which has been serving Sedgwick County citizens since 1957. Visit the Reserve Bureau Webpage to find out more. To apply for the Sheriff's Reserve, please pick up an application packet at the Wichita/Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Center located at 37th Street North and Meridian. You can also call 660-3793 and leave a message for a return call from a member of the Sheriff's Reserve.

New Location for Appraiser's Office

The Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office has relocated to 4035 E. Harry St. in Wichita.

Two customer service representatives will remain on site in the Sedgwick County Treasurers Office on the first floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse to assist citizens with all appraisal-related matters. Citizens also may visit the Appraisers Office Customer Convenience Centers at 940 N. Tyler in Wichita and the Derby Tag Office at 212 W. Greenway for assistance.

Emergencies in Sedgwick County

When an emergency effects the Sedgwick County area such as severe weather, flooding, and other disasters, Emergency Management will have spotters and units in the field reporting the latest information and developments to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). You can monitor these reports via Sedgwick County's Online Emergency Log.  Sedgwick County Emergency Management also encourages citizens to invest in a NOAA weather alert radio and to tune into local television and radio stations for information on emergencies effecting Sedgwick County.

Commissioners' Corner

Commissioners Declare Support for the Aviation Industry 

During the March 25, 2009 and June 10, 2009 Board of Sedgwick County Commission meetings, commissioners declared their support of the aviation industry by sending a message to all federal officials in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. from the hard-working citizens of the Air Capital in Sedgwick County, KS to strengthen, not weaken, our crucial aviation industry. Read the March 25 proclamation. Read the June 10 proclamation.

What are the commissioners doing in the community? 

Visit "Commissioners Around the County" where you can see photos of the Sedgwick County Commissioners taking part in various community activities and read Second District Commissioner Tim Norton's "A Word in Edgewise" column.

The Commissioners recently visited the construction sites of the INTRUST Bank Arena and National Center for Aviation Training.  See more photos of the Arena construction and the NCAT construction.

2009 Legislative Platform

On January 28, the commissioners approved the 2009 Legislative Platform to be used as a guide between Sedgwick County, its citizens and legislators during the 2009 session.  Legislative priorities are issues of primary importance to Sedgwick County and may involve the county introducing legislation and/or taking the lead on guiding such legislation through the legislative process.

Keep Up with County News

Sedgwick County Launches New eNews Subscription Service

Sedgwick County is improving the way we communicate with you.  Visit our new eNews Subscription Service to subscribe to county news.  Our new service allows us to send newsletters directly to your e-mail inbox.  And, you can now subscribe to receive news directly from your county commissioner.  Just check one or all of the commission districts you are interested in when you subscribe to the service.  Sedgwick County is working to keep you informed about government business, public events, and community issues.  NOTE:  This new system replaces our previous eNews service and if you desire to continue receiving Sedgwick County news through e-mail, you will need to re-subscribe.  We apologize for this inconvenience, but believe our new service will provide more options and better services to you.

News Releases

Sedgwick County departments are always working for you, so there are always new developments and information to learn about.  Use the link below to stay updated on what's taking place throughout the county.  Sedgwick County News Releases.

Environmental Tip

Ozone Season is in Full Swing

As the weather warms, the potential for more ozone at the ground level increases.  Too much ozone at the ground level is bad for our health and the environment. Also, if Sedgwick County exceeds ozone standards, we could experience more costly gas, vehicle testing, and requirements for businesses that could prove more costly.

Here's how you can help keep ozone levels low in Sedgwick County:

• Fill your gas tank after 6 p.m. and stop at the "click"
• Tune lawn mowing equipment and don't spill gasoline; or better yet, use no-spill gas cans
• Carpool whenever possible or bike and walk short distances
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer

Watch a short video about ozone and the small changes you can make to help reduce it.

Visit Environmental Resources for more energy-saving tips.

Recreation in Sedgwick County

Exploration Place 

For just a few months, beginning February 28, you will join the unseen world of the awe-inspiring whales of the South Pacific at Exploration Place with the international traveling exhibition, Whales ׀ Tohorā. Exhibit highlights include:

• Encounter two life-size sperm whale skeletons, and several other whale skulls, models and more.
• Listen to haunting whale voices.
• Crawl through a model of a blue whale heart.
• Become a whale as you dive to the depths in search of a giant squid.
• Learn about the history of whaling - including the Whale People, whale riders, authentic artifacts, and the current efforts that center on preserving the species. And more!

For more information, visit EP online, call 263-3373 or visit the ticket counter in the main lobby to purchase tickets.

Sedgwick County Zoo

Summer is here and that means summer hours at Sedgwick County Zoo!  The Zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week through October.  And, don't forget, the Zoo has a line up of summer activites:

• Wet-n-Wild Days are back from 1 to 4 p.m. every Friday this summer!
• Twilight Tuesdays give visitors a chance to see the Zoo as night falls until 8:30 p.m.
• The Capitol Federal Summer Concert Series features a number of bands playing under the stars throughout the summer.

More information is available by visiting www.scz.org.

Health Alerts

Shigella

An outbreak of shigella continues in Sedgwick County: eighty-seven cases have been investigated by the Sedgwick County Health Department since January 1, 2009. During all of 2008, there were only 20 cases in Sedgwick County. Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea. People get shigella through direct or indirect fecal oral transmission and it is most common in toddlers: approximately two-thirds of the current cases are under the age of 14. Shigella can be spread through food contaminated by infected handlers who do not wash their hands or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water. This is of particular concern during swimming/kiddy pool season. There are things you can do to keep your family safe while enjoying swimming and water recreation. Remember these tips:

• Do not swim when you have diarrhea.
• Do not swallow pool water or get pool water in your mouth.
• Shower before swimming (children too!).
• Wash your hands. (Check out this hand washing "how to" fact sheet and download posters.)
• Take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often in a bathroom (not poolside).
• Only swim in pools with clean and clear water.

More information:

• Shigella fact sheet
• Shigellosis (en Espanol)
RWI Prevention Tips Poster
• Pool Owner Instructional Flier

H1N1/Swine Flu

Kansas has had one hundred thirty-four confirmed cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, including fifteen in Sedgwick County. While this is cause for heightened awareness of flu symptoms, it is not cause for panic. The illness is treatable; individuals who have acquired H1N1/Swine Flu in the United States are recovering. For more information on H1N1/Swine Flu, call 2-1-1 or click here for a fact sheet.

The fact sheet is also available in Spanish: H1N1/Gripe Porcina and Vietnamese: Cum Heo.

For more information on H1N1, check the Health Department's Web site.

Healthy Recipes

Need an idea for a healthy dinner option? Try this Grilled Pizza with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta Cheese recipe. At under 400 calories per serving, this recipe is great for the whole family!