|
|
Hello!
The month of February is nearly over but we've survived record low temperatures and... fabulous springtime weather?!? Check out this month's all-staff updates and be sure to take a look at the MANY events coming up in March as there are a lot of great things happening across Wyandotte County.
|
|
The following individuals joined the Unified Government family in the January 2025 - welcome! |
|
- Rodericko Agee, Sheriff's Office
- Bronte Baze, KCKFD
- Michael Belancio, DA's Office
- Cole Blake, KCKPD
- Luke Burkholder, KCKPD
- William Crum, Parks & Rec
- Irvin Diaz Cordoba, Sheriff's Office
- Jonathon Fletchall, Public Works
- Emmalee Foya, KCKPD
- Emily Hand, Public Works
- Ashley Hutton, Legal
|
- Brock Jones, KCKFD
- Jeremy Monslow, Public Works
- Charlie Moore, Public Works
- John Myers, Community Corrections
- Aalayah Norwood, Aging
- Emely Palacios Arrendondo, Finance
- Tatyhanna Peach, KCKPD
- Gavina Ramirez, Procurement
- Reginald Shields, Sheriff's Office
- Kyle Vicker, KCKPD
|
|
In Appreciation
 Please join Sheriff Soptic in honoring Information Systems Coordinator Tim Weiss and Juvenile Detention Officer Robby Fennix for their many years of services to this agency. We wish them all the best in their retirement! Join us for a celebration on March 13 from 3-4PM in the Sheriff's Office Training Room.
Parks & Recreation Dept Earns Top Honors
In late January 2025, the Unified Government Parks & Recreation Department took top honors at the recent Kansas Recreation & Park Association annual awards for Outstanding New or Innovative Park Project of the Year Award. Recognized for their excellence in delivering not one but THREE parks projects, funded by a Community Development Block Grant, the UG Parks & Recreation Department once again exceeded expectations. Read more about the $2.1M in investments in three parks east of I-635: Klamm Park, Kensington Park, and Clifton Park. Congratulations to the entire Parks team!
|
|
|
Save the Date! UG Community Clean-Ups |
|
|
The first UG Volunteers: Community Clean-Up is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22 from 11AM-1PM.
Starting in April 2025 with Earth Day, UG staff are invited to volunteer to make a difference together. We will be hosting four community clean-ups for UG staff to connect, have some fun and make an impact. We will be targeting "hot spots" for litter in the county as part of our overarching effort to reduce blight and beautify our community. Please stay tuned for more updates - including a registration form - to get started. Join us for one or all four events!
|
|
March 2025 Appraisal Info Sessions
On Friday, the Office of the Appraiser will begin mailing residential property appraisal information with update valuations. If you have any questions about the property appraisal process or how to file an appeal, consider joining one of our upcoming Appraisal Information Sessions throughout the month of March and let your neighbors know! Learn more here.
|
Tax Rebate Program Hours Extended
Due to high demand for appointments, the UG Clerk's Office has extended hours for seniors and persons living with disabilities to apply for their property tax rebate, sales/utility tax rebates, and BPU PILOT relief. More information of what is required is available on our website. Call 3-1-1 to schedule an appointment and even arrange for free transportation!
|
 The Wyandotte County Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP) is a bold initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes in Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County. Funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant, this plan uses crash data and public input to identify high-risk areas and develop safety strategies for all road users.
Your Voice Matters! Help shape safer streets by dropping pins on our engagement map to highlight your safety concerns. Get involved today!
 |
|
Hollywood Casino Grant Opens March 1
Local nonprofits are invited to apply for the Hollywood Casino grants - open on March 1. We will be hosting a virtual information session on the grant opportunity next Tuesday, March 4 at 10AM. If you know an organization working to improve our community health, please share this opportunity with them. Applications due by April 21, 5PM.
|
Are You Ready for Severe Weather?
Next week, March 3-7, 2025, is the Kansas Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Be sure to check out our social media channels for tips and tricks to help you prepare for flooding, tornadoes, wind and heil, and lightning. On Wednesday, March 5 at 11AM, there will be a statewide tornado drill which coincides with our regular siren testing. This statewide drill, however, will last three (3) minutes so be sure to take steps to identify and head to your designated shelter-in-place location.
|
Reminder: Trash & Recycling Customer Service Change
Effective February 1, 2025, the Unified Government has transitioned all customer service inquiries for residential trash and recycling services to WM. This change will improve service efficiency, reduce delays, and provide residents with faster, more reliable assistance.
Under the new process, residents will report missed collections and access service information directly through WM. Residents are encouraged to use one of the following options to contact WM:
-
Visit WM.com: Sign up for 24-hour access to your account. WM will mail a letter with your Customer ID and step-by-step registration instructions in January 2025.
-
Download the My WM Mobile App: This app is available on Android and iOS for 24-hour access to your account. Use the Customer ID provided on the postcard to register.
-
Call WM: 1-800-796-9696.
After February 1, calls to the Unified Government’s 3-1-1 Call Center regarding trash and recycling services will be forwarded to WM. If you have not received your Customer ID by February 3, contact WM at 1-800-796-9696 for assistance.
|
New Bike Hubs Introduced in 2025
The UG bikeshare program, in partnership with RideKC Bike, once again achieved double digit growth in 2024. Utilization of the electric bikes (e-bikes) increased by 12% in 2024. There was also a significant rate of cross traffic, with KCK bikes traveling to other local municipalities, such as Westwood, as well as neighborhoods throughout Kansas City, Missouri.
KCK bikes have one of the highest trips per bike rates in the region, second only to Kansas City, Missouri. In response to increased demand, the UG studied usage across Kansas City, Kansas with our partners at BikeWalkKC and will redeploy new bike hubs and docking locations to optimize access in Wyandotte County. Read more.
Give it a spin! In the meantime, don't forget we have a membership for all UG staff which provides, for free, up to 80 minutes daily for use of the system. Email communications@wycokck.org for more information.
|
|
|
Tips & Tricks
Discover our new mental health resource at the Road to Wellness clinic. This new service will further complement the Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
Road to Wellness
The UG is a self-insured employer which means all claims and expenses are paid for by us, the employees. This is why you hear such a strong emphasis on well-being and prevention. This year, there are exciting changes to our wellness program - including the addition of Mental Health Counselor Erin Bass to the Road to Wellness Clinic team at 800 Ann Avenue. Be sure to check out the presentation below which outlines several key health resources for the UG team and our dependents.
|
|
|
|
Starting this Saturday, KDOT will begin work to replace the US 69 / 18th Street Bridge over the Kansas River. The new bridge is expected to open by Fall 2027. Learn more about the planned detour here.
|
|
 Interested in joining us for an inspiring virtual forum on Wednesday, March 5 from 10AM-1PM? Please email Ashley Z. Hand for the calendar invitation and join us at the Health Department Auditorium for a group viewing and discussion.
|
 Memorial Hall turns 100 this year!! Volunteer to help us with our upcoming community celebration September 11-13, 2025!
|
|
|
|
|
