Sedgwick County recognized by Evergy; officials promote Battle of the Badges blood drive

Nicole Gibbs of Sedgwick County Strategic Communications introduced several recognitions and upcoming community events.

Lieutenant JT Kristofferson of Fire District 1 urged residents to donate blood during the Wichita–Sedgwick County "Battle of the Badges" from Dec. 8 through Dec. 31 at the Red Cross building, 707 N. Main. He said appointments can be scheduled by phone, the Red Cross app or at redcross.org and noted local donations generally remain in the area. "We're trying to get not only Sedgwick County Fire District, Sedgwick County government, the community, all to pitch in," Kristofferson said. He said the local goal is about 1,600 donations.

Kristin Aberle of Evergy presented Sedgwick County with a Community Savers Award, and Andrew Dale, director of facilities, accepted on the county’s behalf, recognizing facilities manager Kendall Ewing for extra support during events.

Strategic Communications also highlighted recent finance department honors from the Kansas Government Finance Officers Association and other organizations: Brent Shelton received a Lifetime Achievement Award; Director of Budget Lauren Showalter Airy and Principal Budget Analyst Lee McCray received an Innovation Award; Hope Hernandez earned a CPFO credential; and Cassandra Sandusky received a Women in Public Service Spark Award. Commissioners congratulated staff and planned brief recognition photos after county announcements.

These items were presented as county good news and required no board action.