City of Wichita

District V

Newsletter 

City of Wichita Website

May 13, 2016
A Message from Council Member
Bryan Frye...
For most families, next week is the last day of school. This message is about the first day of school in the fall. Now, you're probably already thinking... "What??!! Is he crazy? Summer hasn't even started and Councilman Frye is already talking about next school year?" 

Please, allow me to explain.

Our public works department recently opened bids on a project to make the Maize Road entrance to the Maize South campus safer. Construction will take place over the summer to add dedicated turn lanes and stoplights at 34th & Maize Road. With good weather, the project should be completed in time for the start of the 2016-2017 school year.
 
Having a dedicated light at 34th and Tyler on the east side of the Maize South 
campus has made a world of difference for safety and improved traffic flow. 
With Maize Road being a busier street, this improvement is sorely needed. So forgive me for being a little excited already about the first day of school later 
this year. My apologies to the small Fryes. 
Have a great weekend!

Bryan Frye
District V City Council Member 
DISTRICT NEWS & EVENTS
Bike Walk Wichita Website
Woodchuck Bike Trail Opening Celebration

Tuesday, May 10, was a perfect evening to celebrate the completion of the Woodchuck Bike Trail! It is one of seven recently completed projects throughout the City. The project was one of the top ten projects identified in 
the Wichita Bicycle Master Plan endorsed by the City Council in February 2013.

The completed project is a 4.5 mile route beginning at the Sedgwick County path near Ridge and Westport and continues south and west through residential neighborhoods ending at University Aven...ue, south of Maple. 
Two new signalized pedestrian crosswalks were installed; one at Ridge Rd. and Westport and one near Central & Redbarn.

A big thank you to project contractor, Pearson Construction, and the following people: Scott Wadle (Planning Dept.), Paul Gunzelman (Assistant City Engineer), Greg Baalman (Public Works & Utilities Field Engineer), Steve May (Public Works & Utilities Inspector on the project), Bike Walk Wichita and everyone who turned out for the ceremonial ribbon cutting event! 
Wichita District V Facebook Page
Stay up-to-date with news and events in our District.  Click here to visit our Facebook page.  Send us a message or request or simply "like" our posts.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Monday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week  in which that date falls 
as Police Week. 
 
During National Police Week, we honor all law enforcement officers who 
serve our country, our communities, and our citizens. I encourage each of 
you to remember and honor the men and women who are called to serve in 
law enforcement, and pay tribute to those (including their families) who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We owe them so much, as they serve on the front lines and protect our nation and communities each day.

City Fleet Operations Named a "Notable Fleet" by the American Public Works Association (APWA) & Government Fleet Magazine


The City's fleet section in Public Works & Utilities was recently recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and Government Fleet magazine.  The fleet section maintains nearly 2,400 vehicles and pieces of equipment for all departments other than Airport and Transit.  This includes police patrol vehicles, fire apparatus, heavy equipment, light/medium vehicles and small equipment like chainsaws and mowers.  Wichita's fleet section  was recently named as a "Notable Fleet" as part of the 2016 Leading Fleets program.  Each year, the APWA and Government Fleet magazine recognize the top 50 fleet shops in the country - these comprise the Leading Fleet award recipients.  They also name "Notable Fleets" that 
fall outside of the Top 50 but deserve recognition for their efforts and accomplishments.  According to APWA and Government Fleet, recognized fleets such as Wichita's are "performing at a high level, particularly in fleet leadership, competitiveness and efficiency, planning for the future, and overcoming challenges." 
 
There is one significant initiative ongoing in the fleet section aimed at planning for the future.  This involves a comprehensive management study being completed by WSU and the development of a decision support tool to minimize total lifecycle costs while maintaining service levels.  These projects are identifying how 
the fleet section can optimize its replacement intervals and maintenance/repair activities to minimize costs over 30 years.  
 
There will also be findings about customer communications and governance structures to better engage fleet users in annual planning.  The fleet section is moving toward a more business-based approach to management, and the WSU study will provide 
a blueprint for how to get there.  The report is being finalized, 
and staff is planning to present the findings in a City Council workshop at the end of June.

Counterfeit Money 
Showing  up at Garage Sales

According to the Wichita Police Department, counterfeit money is being used at local garage and yard sales.  It was advised that if you are having any type of sale that takes cash, that you purchase a counterfeit money detector pen. These can be purchased at office supply stores for usually around $12.00 and can save you possibly hundreds.  

Last year KAKE News reported this problem, too, so be on the lookout for these fakes.
 
Police say not to put yourself in any danger, but if you can write down a description of the suspect and a vehicle tag and description of the vehicle, call 911 and report immediately.
Spring Cleaning?
The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility is a place Sedgwick County residents can dispose of old chemicals and household hazardous waste free of charge. It offers a way to get rid of old chemicals and materials to help prevent them from getting into the waste stream and polluting the environment.
 
Where is the HHW facility located?
801 Stillwell
Wichita, KS 67213
(316) 660-7458
South of Kellogg off of Seneca (at the corner of Osage and Stillwell)
 
What are the HHW facility's hours?
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

CLOSED SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Saturday, May 14th marks the 24th anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp-Out Hunger Food-Drive. 
 
Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect food donations.  These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people most in need.  The food drive's time is crucial, as food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the holidays.  By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need. 
 
When giving, please consider providing healthy options.  Food insecurity 
often means that healthy choices are out of reach.  When filling your bag for your letter carrier, please select canned fruit in juice, not syrup; low-sodium canned soups and vegetables; tuna in water, not oil; brown rice and whole-grain pasta.  
Participating in the Letter Carriers' Stamp-Out Hunger Food-Drive is simple 
by leaving  non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox on May 14th and your letter carrier will do the rest.  I invite the entire community to 
join in a great day of giving and help in the fight to end hunger.
Summer Activities Guide
Park & Recreation 
Summer Classes

Online registration began Monday, May 9, and classes start the week of June 6 unless otherwise noted.

View the online c atalog and Register Now!
Swim Lesson Registration

1. Attend any Wichita Park & Recreation class, athletic
league or special event and take your best selfie!

2. Follow @WichitaParkandRec on Instagram.

3. Post your selfie using #ICTSummerSelfie .

4. Be sure to check often and "like"
your favorite photos.

5. The photo with the most likes
will be featured in the 2016
Fall Activities Guide.

Winner will be notified on
August 1st through Instagram.

All photos are subject to City of Wichita
guidelines and will be removed if in violation.
Bike Month Events Calendar

H elp Celebrate Bike Month this May!
There are many different activities for you to enjoy, follow this link for a listing of events coming up. 
Summer Reading Program
Wichita Public Library to Enroll Thousands of Youth in Summer Reading Program
The Wichita Public Library announces that the 2016 Summer Reading Program will begin May 25. This annual program for area youth regularly enrolls more than 10,000 children and teens who commit to reading throughout the summer months. 

The Summer Reading Program was designed to fight the "summer brain drain" that causes children to suffer a measurable learning loss over their summer break from school. Research shows that students who don't engage in learning over the summer get lower test scores. 

The program has three tiers to address different age ranges of participants. Youth entering grades 6 through 12 will enroll in the Teens Read portion of the program and children ages 3 through the 5th grade will participate in the Kids Read portion. The 
kids and teens in these programs will track how many days they read for at least 20 minutes. Parents with babies and toddlers under the age of three can enroll in the 
Baby Bookworm program, which provides learning activities that promote early 
literacy skills.

Parents can enroll their children at any of the eight Libraries across Wichita. Printed reading logs will be available for children and parents to track their reading. And for 
the first time, this year parents and children can enroll in the program as well as track reading progress online through the Library's website www.wichitalibrary.org

Language Software


Summer travel season is almost here. If you're planning to catch a flight out of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to a place where you don't know the language, you can quickly learn the basics with a FREE language software program! http://wichitalibrary.org/Research#m

Mango Languages is a great interactive, online learning tool - and all you need to access it is your Wichita Public Library card. ¡muy bien!
Walk at Work Day
2016 Walk at Work Day
Walk at Work Day has been celebrated in Sedgwick County on the third Wednesday 
in May since 2006.  This year the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita, along with multiple partner organizations, plan to continue the tradition.  Join us on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 as we encourage employees to boost their energy with a walk!  

Working Well Award
2016 Working Well Award Application
The Working Well Award is sponsored by the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita and has been established locally since 2005. This community award is a local grassroots award that does not require purchase of products or advertising. The 
winner is selected by local professionals.

Award Categories
This year, area businesses will have the opportunity to apply for one of four award categories:

Small Business Award (1-100)
Medium Business Award (101-500)
Large Business Award (501 & up)
Byron Stout Passion for Wellness Award

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27.

The award application can be found by clicking here.  For more information, contact Shelley Rich at  [email protected] or call (316)683-9441.
Downtown Wichita Website
Life Happens Here!

From year-round to seasonal events, Dow
ntown is the preferred 
location for Wichita to celebrate throughout the year. A variety of 
events cater to the diverse interests of Wichita residents and many visitors from Kansas and throughout the regional area.
VOLUNTEER & JOB POSTINGS

The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, in partnership with the Wichita Workforce Center and KANSASWORKS, will be hosting a Public Safety Job Fair. 
 
Date: Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
 
Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
 
Location:
Wichita Workforce Center
2021 N Amidon, Suite 1100
Wichita, KS 67203
 
Details: Multiple employers will be recruiting for various levels of public 
safety positions. Some positions include, but are not limited to:
Kansas Works Website
  • Law Enforcement / Police Officers
  • Corrections / Probation Officers
  • Firefighters
  • EMS / Paramedic
  • Emergency Dispatch
Currently Registered Employers:
  • City of Wichita
  • Sedgwick County
  • City of Derby
  • City of Andover
  • City of Bel Aire
  • City of Arkansas City
  • Sumner County
  • City of Hutchinson
  • City of Newton
  • City of Dodge City
  • City of Liberal
Instructions: Please have applicants register for a KANSASWORKS plus account on KANSASWORKS.com prior to the event.  Applicants are encouraged to bring copies of resume and dress appropriately. 
Riverfest 2016 Needs You!

Mark your calendars now for Riverfest 2016 June 3-11 . We will need lots of 
Volunteers for Button Sellers, Paddle Boats, Kansas Health Foundation RiverRun, Parade, Welcome Centers, and more!
 
 Why should you Volunteer?
  • Volunteers receive a special Collector's Cloisonne Volunteer Pin. Your 'free ticket' to Riverfest
  • Special invitation to our Volunteer Appreciation Party
  • Build pride in your community
  • Connect with 300,000 of your closet friends
  • Get to work behind the scenes of the biggest party of the year
  • Great team-building for businesses and groups
  • Churches and Schools get those volunteer hours all in one session
  • Perfect exposure for businesses! Wear your logo apparel and have over 300,000 people see your business
  • Pride in the community that you live in!
  • Lots of shifts to fit different days and schedules
  • First 300 Volunteers get a Free Riverfest Volunteer Shirt
More info and to sign up visit the Wichita Festivals Volunteer Hub
Library Teen volunteer sign up
WANTED: Teen Volunteers

Every summer the Wichita Public Library provides a great way for teens to learn new skills and receive volunteer time. More than a hundred teenagers are needed to help 
us with our Summer Reading Program. The volunteer program requires at least a 
6-week commitment, and openings are available at all of the Library locations across Wichita. 
 
Visit any Wichita Public Library to learn more or click this link for more information.
JOBS are here in Wichita!
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a job board with local, Wichita area, jobs only! A free service for job seekers, it will save you the time of searching through dozens of jobs outside of the area. Create a free account here  and you will be automatically signed up for all Wichita area updates and can customize the search further if you wish.
 
   
Check out the latest information on job fairs and training courses.  Click here. 
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Kellogg/I235 Updates

Stay up-to-date with construction of the improvements to the Kellogg/I235 interchange.  KDOT has established and is maintaining a website to keep citizens informed.

Click here for more information...

Don't be Left in the Dark!
 
Help deter crime and keep our communities safe by reporting street light outages.  If you notice outages within your neighborhood, fill out this simple form on Westar Energy's website.


 
  Sign up now for classes at CityArts by clicking here!
                
More Helpful Links
City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video link
  

Environmental Court Docket and Dispositions
   
     Click here to find up-to-date 
     information regarding street
     maintenance in your area.
Become part  of the solution and tell us what's on your mind. Visit Activate Wichita today!
Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
 
Check out what's happening at the Library by clicking here!
District V Activities
Westlink Branch Library 
8515 Bekemeyer
 
Southwest of Central and Maize
 
1011 N. Maize Ct.
District V Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
The District V Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21 at 2110 N. 135th St W. Wichita, KS 672235.  Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2015/16 meeting schedule, click here.
To find DAB V agendas and minutes click here.
  
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District V's neighborhood associations, click here .
City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-352-4886
[email protected] | http://www.wichita.gov
City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS  67202
Have questions or concerns? E-mail [email protected]
 or call 316-268-4331