Steve McIntosh

5 days ago | audacy.com | Steve McIntosh |Ted mornings

At Wednesday's meeting, the Sedgwick County Commission will consider a proclamation of Garden Plain Can Brothers Day. Commission Chair Ryan Baty tells KNSS News the organization gathers and sells cans to finance Honor Flights for veterans. Baty calls it "am incredible deal" for vets. Baty says the annual Wichita River Festival contributes a great deal to the local "quality of life" in the community. He says "there's a lot that we can be proud of here".

6 days ago | audacy.com | Steve McIntosh |Ted mornings

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu tells KNSS News the annual Riverfest is not only a "great community building event," but it also attracts visitors to the city's core area. Wu says Wichita restaurants see an uptick in business during the River Festival. The Wichita City Council meets at 6 pm Tuesday to discuss one item: the property tenants code. Mayor Lily Wu says the Council hasn't looked at this issue since 2023.

1 week ago | audacy.com | Steve McIntosh

As Sedgwick County Commissioners work on next year's budget, they face increasing expenses for day-to-day operation. Commission Chair Ryan Baty tells KNSS News "the needs are growing, the costs of government are growing." He says the biggest growth in expenses comes for public safety. As an example, Baty sites Emergency Medical Service. Baty says since he has been a commissioner, for 4 years, ambulance calls have gone from 150 a day to more than 200.

2 weeks ago | audacy.com | Steve McIntosh

No weekly meeting for the Sedgwick County Commission Wednesday. Commission chair Ryan Baty tells KNSS News commissioners are staying busy. The commission has been hearing spending proposals from the county's 46 departments the past two weeks, as it writes a budget for next year. Baty says there is pressure to maintain services while holding down taxes. Baty says the county government is only responsible for 20% of the local property tax. Baty says "we have the lowest mill levy in 27 years".

2 weeks ago | audacy.com | Steve McIntosh

At Tuesday's meeting, the Wichita City Council will consider an amended parking ordinance. Mayor Lily Wu tells KNSS News the previous plan included Delano and Old Town, but the new plan includes only the downtown area. Wu says the ordinance is expected to generate about $2.2 million in its first year. Wichita River Festival begins in just a few days. Mayor Lily Wu is encouraging everyone to attend the annual party of music, food, and family fun.