District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

March 18, 2016

Seize the day with your family!
A MESSAGE FROM
 JEFF BLUBAUGH
 
Clocks have sprung forward, Spring Break is almost over, we've all had our corned beef and cabbage, and income tax forms are due in 4 weeks.  The south Meridian construction is moving along at a fast pace, as well as the KDOT construction, and the park restrooms and services will be opening soon.  The City of Wichita offers so much in the way of activities that it's sometimes hard to make a decision.  Some of these great activities occur close to our homes in District IV.  For example:  Free Wine Samples  at  Auburn Spirits every Friday from 5 pm - 7 pm, 135th St. W and W Maple.  Do you like what you taste?  Receive 20% off during the sampling time. (must be 21+)
The Wichita Ice Center is another great venue that might not have sounded so great in January, but now is the perfect time to start learning the benefits and thrill of gliding over ice.
In the mood for the good 'ol days?  There is Seneca Bowl, 1909 S. Seneca, that offers Cosmic Bowling on Saturday nights from 10 pm - 12:30 pm.  They also offer Texas Hold'em free poker on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am - 1 pm.
Another great venue is Roller City, 3234 S Meridian, that offers skate nights, birthday parties, and other fun family activities.  And parents will be happy to know that a decent dress code is enforced.
Do you need to release a little tension after filling out those tax forms? Then The Bullet Stop range at 2625 W Pawnee is the destination for you!  And they have lots of specials and classes for the entire family.  Throw in a golf game at Auburn Hills or Tex Consolver golf courses, a bicycle ride on some of the newly installed bike lanes, dinner at your favorite local restaurant, and you have a tired, but happy, family!  Let's get out and enjoy our wonderful city!
P.S. Also, check out all there is to do in the Spring edition of Wichita Park & Recreation!
FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY
President Chris Squires and Councilman Blubaugh

Founded in 1953, Carlson Hydraulics is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.  They are dedicated to manufacturing welded hydraulic cylinders. Over the years Carlson Hydraulics has gained the reputation for quality, cost efficiency, and exceptional service to the customers that we serve.
Although their roots began in the agriculture market, they have grown to become a major supplier to OEM accounts such as oil field equipment, construction machinery, mobile equipment, material handling equipment, and many other types of manufacturers that require hydraulic cylinders in their applications.   Read More
DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
The District IV Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at the Lional Alford Library,  3447 S. Meridian, Wichita KS 67217. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For a listing of the 2016 meeting schedule, click here.   
To find DAB IV agendas and minutes click here   
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District IV's neighborhood associations, click here
District IV and the City of Wichita are looking for board members!  To see what's available, click here


District IV Breakfast with
 WPD Chief Gordon Ramsay

WICHITA DISTRICT 4 FACEBOOK
Do you ever wonder what District IV is currently up to?  Click here to join the action, leave a request, or simply "like" our posts.
DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS

IT'S TIME TO ENROLL FOR THE 2016 CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY
The dates for the 2015 CFA are Tuesday, April 19th through Tuesday, July 5th.
Classes will be held at the Regional Training Center every Tuesday, class times will be 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Cpt. Dan Easter
Patrol West
SPRING PREVENTION TIPS
- by Captain Dan Easter
Watch for bicyclists. Drive focused, using your eyes and your ears for all traffic (cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians). Scan both the roadway and the sidewalk to the left and right, before proceeding.  Distraction on the part of all road users (motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians) can be an underlying cause or influencing factor in almost all crashes. Distracted driving, bicycling, and walking is an ongoing threat to everyone's safety. The simple solution is to always stay focused and alert to traffic and the roadway.
 
Keep doors locked at all times. If you are working in the backyard, keep your front door and garage door closed and locked; and lock your back door when you are in the front yard. Always lock your doors when you leave, even if you only plan to be gone for a few minutes.
 
During the spring weather, many people open windows or sliding glass doors while they are at home. Always remember to close and lock your windows and sliding doors when you go to bed or leave the house.

Install motion-activated lights in your front and back yards, so when someone approaches your home, the lights automatically come on, illuminating that person.

(Be on the lookout for more Spring Prevention Tips in our next newsletter)
THE WICHITA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS YOU COVERED!

District IV is covered by two WPD substations that are accessible Monday thru Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.   Patrol South is located at 211 E Pawnee, and their phone number is 350-3440.  Patrol West is located at 661 N Elder, and their phone number is 350-3460.  You are free to walk in during those hours to record an incident report (minor traffic accidents, vandalism, larceny from your vehicle, stolen property, etc.)  Of course if it is a more serious offense that requires an officer on site, please call 911 as they are able to dispatch officers to the scene.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Is he the next Vincent van Gogh?
The 8th Annual Young Artists' Exhibit at the Wichita Public Library
Starting April 1st, the Wichita Public Library will display artwork created by hundreds of local preschool students. This is the 8th year the Library has hosted this unique exhibit. It occurs surrounding the Week of the Young Child, April 10 - 16, a national celebration of early learning, young children, their teachers and families.
Throughout the month of April, the Young Artist Exhibit can be seen at the Central Library and 5 library branches: Maya Angelou Northeast, Lionel D. Alford, Evergreen, Ford Rockwell, and Westlink.
Artist Receptions will be held at each of those locations for the artists and their families to enjoy a storytime and mingle with fellow artists. The public is welcome to attend. 
Are you wanting to write the story of your life?  Here is a hands-on FREE workshop that will show you how. You will be led through the simple process from "thinking about" to writing a short scene from your life, and then sharing it with other members of the workshop.  Charley Kempthorne, a former teacher, is the founder and editor of LifeStory magazine.  He also travels the country teaching journaling and memoir writing workshops through LifeStory Institute.  Registration is required; call 337-9456 or register online.

Saturday, March 26, 2:30-4:30pm
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
Mayor Longwell's 2016 State of the City
Mayor Longwell delivers his first State of the City Address. But he's skipping the traditional speech approach and inviting you to watch this video instead. A transcript of the video  is provided here
Summer of Discovery is a 10 week summer recreation program offered by Wichita Park & Recreation. This program is filled with exciting, fun and educational activities that will keep participants busy all summer. Designed to accommodate the working parent, fun is provided Monday-Friday from 7am to 6pm. Camp begins Tuesday, May 31 and ends Friday, August 5.
Summer of Discovery is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and is open to children ages 6-13 in a 1:15 staff to child ratio setting. 
  • Summer of Discovery is offered at three of the City's Recreation Centers: Edgemoor, Linwood, and Orchard. Program hours are Monday through Friday, 7am-6pm. Core activities take place between 9am-4pm.
  Register NOW to reserve your spot! 
L
LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts and entertainment is Downtown.

      Read More  for a schedule of days and times of events!
TRAVEL




DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TO SEE  THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON  WICHWAY

HELPFUL INFORMATION 
Crime Stoppers encourages citizens to call if they have information about a felony crime, and wish to remain anonymous.  This means that they have not directly contacted law enforcement.  Crime Stoppers always encourages cooperation with law enforcement, but in those cases where citizens do not want to call police, they are encouraged to provide the information they have anonymously through Crime Stoppers by one of the following ways: 

Call (316) 267-2111 or 1-800-222-TIPS
Text TIP217 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) or
Report a tip online here!
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN....

THE WICHITA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS A GREAT PUBLICATION THAT IS HELPFUL FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WICHITA, AND THEY HAVE BEEN GENEROUS IN GIVING US AN ON-LINE ACCESS.  SO NOW YOU CAN REFER TO THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME YOU HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN....



J OB & VOLUNTEER 
OPPORTUNITIES
TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.

MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM

The City dedicated another $100,000 to the Water Conservation Program this year. Beginning February 1, water customers became eligible to receive a rebate for switching to high efficiency appliances and other water efficient devices: such as HE washing machines, dishwashers, toilets and smart irrigation controls, rain sensors and rain barrels. In the first 30 days of the program, nearly $30,000 in rebates have been awarded.
Rain barrels are often an overlooked possibility for conserving water. Studies suggest that one inch of rain dumps 500 gallons of water on the roof of a 2,000 square foot house. EPA estimates that a rain barrel can save nearly 1,300 gallons of water usage during peak summer months. This is a cost effective solution for gardening and irrigation and also reduces the City's demand for treated water.  READ MORE...
DOWNTOWN CLEANUP
April 9th - 9:00 am
  Location: Wichita Downtown Development - 505 E. Douglas
Contact Email: andy@downtownwichita.org    Phone: 316-264-6005
 
Join the WDDC and City of Wichita Park and Recreation Department and Public Works, to help keep Downtown beautiful at Downtown Clean Up on April 9!
Cleanup projects include, painting the Douglas underpass, curb and parking stall painting, sidewalk sweeping, landscaping at Naftzger Park, landscaping at A. Price Woodard Park, graffiti and sticker removal, and trash pick-up
If you plan to attend, please register with your choice of task by Wednesday, April 6 to andy@downtownwichita.org or 316-264-6005. Choice of CleanUp task will be on a first come, first serve basis when registering. All other volunteers will be responsible for trash pick-up. Register now to get your choice of project!
Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves if you have them. In the event of rain, the Downtown CleanUp will be postponed for a later date. If applicable, cancellation notification will be provided via email, Facebook and Twitter.
A full event schedule will be sent to volunteers prior to Downtown CleanUp.

Tentative event schedule:
9am-9:30am - Check-in at WDDC at 505 E. Douglas
9:30am-11:45am - Volunteers work on tasks
12pm - Lunch 

Thanks to the City of Wichita for their partnership in making Downtown Cleanup possible! 
Home Improvement program has funding
 available  for income qualified homeowners
 
The Housing and Community Services Department's Home Improvement Program now has funding available for interest-free, forgivable deferred payment loans of up to $5,000 for income-qualified (60% of median) owner-occupant homeowners.  Loans are provided for emergency needs, such as furnaces, water heaters, sewer lines, water lines, electrical system repairs and plumbing repairs.  Loans are also provided for minor home repair needs for senior citizens, age 62 and older.  Property taxes must be current.  Call 462-3713 for more information or to apply. 
STAY FIT TIPS
- Becky Fields

SPRING FEASTS!

It's that time of year when many religions from around the world celebrate a specific event by feasting. I'm not real big on feasting myself, as I am more of a grazer when it comes to dining.  I like to eat small amounts throughout the day, but I know that my sons can really pack it away, and I have seen my husband go back for thirds many a time.  Out of curiosity I researched as to what you can do to keep down the pounds if you are a "feaster". The Mayo Clinic provides a chart that breaks down how many calories are burned walking per hour. A person can further calculate the calories lost per minute by dividing the calories burned per hour by 60 minutes. For instance, Mayo Clinic notes that a person weighing 160 pounds burns 204 calories at a rate of 2 mph when walking. Therefore, a person can divide 204 by 60 to get 3.4 calories lost per minute.  But to keep it simple, another source states that a  person with a weight of 200 pounds can burn 638 calories every five miles. People with a weight of 160 pounds can lose 510 calories within the same distance. The number of calories lost during a five-mile walk depends on walking time, miles per hour walked, and weight.  So considering the average feast is about 3,000 calories, you will have hours of walking to fend off 30 minutes of dining.  Whether its worth it is up to you.  As for me, I like to cook, but stuffing myself doesn't get the kitchen cleaned up afterwards!  
FUN FACTS ...
March 19
National Chocolate Caramel Day (I will celebrate this one ALL day long)
March 20
National Ravioli Day (Angelo's Restaurant has reopened)
March 21
National Common Courtesy Day (Please and thank you)
March 22
National Goof Off Day (Appropriately, I will have this day off)
March 23
National Chip and Dip Day (Try hummus with pita for a nice change)
March 24
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day (And we wonder why we gain weight)
March 25
National Medal of Honor Day
March 26
Epilepsy Awareness Day (Wear purple)
March 27
EASTER!!  
March 28
National "Something on a Stick" day (Popsicles and corn dogs, right?)
March 29
National Mom and Pop Business Day
(Shop at your favorite independent business)
March 30
National Take a Walk in the Park Day (Visit Pawnee Prairie Park!)
March 31
National Tater Day 
April 1
National One Cent Day (What does this even mean?)
April 2
TGIF!!
Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases

Online Reporting for

Animal Control Problems

Wichita Animal Control has launched an online form to report non-emergency animal control problems as part of an ongoing effort to improve services. The form can be accessed here.

 
  
Sign up now for classes at CityArts by clicking here!
 
 F ind out about Park and Recreation SPRING Classes by clicking here!
DISTRICT IV
PLACES OF INTEREST
3447 S. Meridian

Auburn Hills Golf Course

433 S. 135th St. West

Tex Consolver Golf Course

1931 S. Tyler

Pawnee Prairie Park

2625 S Tyler


More Helpful Links
City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video link
  
  
Court docket and dispositions

 

  
   
Click here to find up-to-date information regarding street maintenance in your area.
City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-268-4197 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
Have questions or concerns? E-mail Jblubaugh@wichita.gov or call 316-268-4331