County announcements: notary fraud alert, zoo accreditation, new tag satellites and other local updates

County staff delivered several public announcements at the Oct. 15 Sedgwick County Commission meeting covering new services, recent recognitions and upcoming events.

Register of Deeds: Ken Leysering, chief deputy in the Register of Deeds office, said Sedgwick County launched a free notary fraud alert service—the county said it is the first in Kansas to offer the option. Notaries can sign up online to receive notifications when documents they notarize are filed in the register’s office, a step the office said will help detect misuse of signatures or seals.

Sedgwick County Zoo: Scott Nuland, president and CEO of the Sedgwick County Zoo, announced the zoo received reaccreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for five years. Nuland said Sedgwick County Zoo has had AZA accreditation since 1981 and described the inspection as a rigorous peer-review process focused on animal care, well‑being and guest experience. He also noted the zoo’s four juvenile elephants and promoted the zoo’s ‘‘Wild Lights’’ festival running Oct. 15–Dec. 21.

Tag offices: The county treasurer opened two new tag office satellite locations—one at the Ruffin Building (100 N. Broadway downtown) and one at Haysville City Hall—adding to existing satellite and mega-site locations. Staff said longer waits at tag offices have been driven largely by an in-person requirement every five years for personalized plate renewals; county staff encouraged residents to check required paperwork before visiting.

Public services and events: Environmental Resources announced coupons for free mattress disposal (two mattresses or box springs per residence while supplies last) at Brooks Landfill. Election officials noted advanced mail ballots were being sent and listed key dates for in-person advanced voting and satellite locations ahead of the 2025 general election. The county also announced a groundbreaking for the CommCare Crisis Center scheduled for Oct. 20.

Officials encouraged residents to use the county website for details and sign-ups for services.

No formal commission action was required for these announcements.