Local Services Face Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown

WELLINGTON — The federal government shutdown is affecting multiple Sumner County agencies, forcing temporary closures and program disruptions across the area.

The Sumner County Conservation District announced Tuesday its offices are temporarily closed due to the shutdown. Despite the closure, district operations will continue, according to a statement posted on social media.

Residents needing to contact the conservation district can reach Kacie at (620)218-4762 or sccdbu@gmail.com.

The shutdown is also impacting essential nutrition services in the county. The Sumner County Health Department reported the local Women, Infants and Children program will face significant disruptions.

KDHE estimates the WIC program will maintain operations for approximately 10-11 calendar days based on current available funding, according to the health department. When those funds are depleted, WIC operations will be forced to cease until additional federal funding is received from the USDA.

"We are sorry it has come to this," the health department stated. "We will continue to communicate as we receive updates."

The WIC program provides nutrition assistance and education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers and young children.

Both agencies emphasized they are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available from federal authorities.