Local Government Archives – The Wichita Beacon

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Aerial shot of the Wichita Greyhound Park

Local Government

A greyhound track without greyhounds featuring slot machines that aren’t slots

by Marco Schaden September 30, 2022September 30, 2022

When Sedgwick County voted down a proposal to allow slot machines at billionaire Phil Ruffin’s dog racing track in 2007, the Wichita Greyhound Park shut down. For 15 years, it sat dormant while Ruffin tried to bring it back to life in some shape or form. He repeatedly — and without success — lobbied the […]

Gennieve Floyd, Cedric Lofton’s cousin, and Mark Teetz, Lofton’s brother, kneeling beside candles at a vigil for Cedric.

Local Government

One year later, Wichita works through 60 recommendations to avert another tragedy like Cedric Lofton’s

by Trace Salzbrenner September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

Poll worker helps voter during election

How to research federal, state and local candidates on the November ballot in Wichita

by Marco Schaden September 14, 2022September 14, 2022

Portrait of Sheriff Jeff Easter. Easter is wearing his uniform and the background is blue.

Local Government

Suicide is the leading cause of death in Kansas jails. The Sedgwick County Jail is struggling to combat this trend.

by Gretchen Lenth August 19, 2022August 26, 2022

Keith Dockter stands in the hall of Holland Pathways, which has walls that are decorated with celebrity quotes about their addiction recovery.

Local Government

‘Much more death now than there was’: How fentanyl changed opioid addiction treatment in Wichita

by Gretchen Lenth August 9, 2022August 9, 2022

Marl Sandoval holds a microphone and reads a paper script while his wife, Valerie Sandoval, watches him.

Local Government

Drug overdose deaths caused by fentanyl are skyrocketing in Wichita. Here’s what you need to know.

by Gretchen Lenth August 1, 2022August 7, 2022

Man in green shirt talks to a man sitting in the driver's seat of a city bus. Both of them are smiling.

Local Government

Wichita spent nearly $8 million on overtime compensation in 2021. Here’s where the money went.

by Gretchen Lenth July 25, 2022August 7, 2022

La oficina de eleciones primarias es Kansas.

Lea en Español

¿Votará en las primarias de Kansas? Esto es lo que puede esperar al emitir su voto

by Miranda Moore July 18, 2022August 7, 2022

A red sign welcomes guests to the Sedgwick Election Office for a story about the Kansas primary

Voting in the Kansas primary? Here’s what to expect when casting your ballot

by Miranda Moore July 12, 2022August 7, 2022

La oficina de registro para votar en Kansas.

Local Government

Cómo registrarse para votar en las elecciones del 2 de agosto en Kansas

by Miranda Moore July 8, 2022August 7, 2022