District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

June 10, 2016

MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...

Flag day is June 14th, and I hope to see lots of American flags throughout District 4.  I thought now would be a good time to review some simple "Flag Codes":
  • The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
  • The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
  • The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
  • The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
  • The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
  • The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

  • The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
    When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
  • The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
  • When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

When displayed with other flags, the size of the American Flag should be larger than the other flags or relatively equal to the size of the largest flag.
Other flags should not overshadow the American Flag in any way.  In addition, the American Flag should be flown higher than lesser flags.  If the flags are displayed on the same level, the American Flag should be flown to the (flag's own) right of all other flags.  The right is a position of prominence.  (if you are looking straight at the flags, the American Flag will be on your left)
 
FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY

2626 S Sheridan Ave.
Wichita, KS  67217
Back in 1957, Mr. Claude Balzer founded Balco in downtown Wichita with the purpose of supplying architectural products to the commercial building industry.  The primary product manufactured at that time was expansion joint covers.  Later, entrance mats, trench covers, and stair nosing products were added to the Balco line.  The company was officially incorporated in 1959.  In 1978 the company moved to south Wichita and continues to be Balco's Kansas manufacturing campus and home to their company headquarters.
38 years and numerous awards later, Balco is owned by Capital Southwest Corporation and is one of five other companies that joined forces to form Capital Southwest Industrials, a separate publicly traded company (NASDAQ:CSWI).  Read on...
From left to right:  Councilman Blubaugh, VP Steve Cooper, and President/CEO Ronnie Leonard standing near The President's "E" Award (for excellence in exports) presented to Balco Inc on May 16, 2016.
Balco, Inc. employees 53 in their Wichita location and is increasing their customer base in leaps and bounds. Today their products are in 49 countries and growing. The impressive list of projects is way too big to list here, but you would recognize many of them scattered around the globe.  And the best part of Balco is whether you are a small independent business owner in Wichita, or constructing the next tallest building in the world, you will be treated as a valuable customer and given the same respect thanks to their tremendous staff. Balco invents, manufactures, and even train contractors on how to properly install their products all at one location.  Next time you are in the mall, a parking garage, or highrise building, chances are you are surrounded by Balco products and don't even realize it. But their products are designed to keep you safe, and that's what counts.
Thank you Balco for being part of Wichita's fantastic family of manufacturers and exporters.
DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
Friends University's Health Care Leadership program receives two national rankings!
Friends University's Master of Health Care Leadership (MHCL) degree was recently named one of the top 30 Master of Healthcare Administration programs in the nation by healthcareadministrator.org. Earlier this year, onlinecolleges.net ranked Friends University's online MHCL program No. 22 in the nation.
Friends University's MHCL program is the only Kansas program included in both lists. Programs were evaluated based on quality, types of courses offered, faculty strength, student aid support, awards and overall reputation. The master's program prepares students for a variety of health care industry leadership positions and covers a wide range of subjects including management, leadership, law/ethics and marketing. Students come from a variety of health care areas, including allied health, emergency medical services, health care administration, hospital non-nursing, nursing and pharmaceutical.
Congratulations Friends University for your commitment to higher standards!  To find out about the Master of Health Care Leadership degree and other fine programs, click here.
Youth Education Summer Socialization
YOUTH EDUCATION  
SUMMER SOCIALIZATION
Youth Education Summer Socialization Program (YESS) is a 10 week summer program serving students ages 5-21 with developmental disabilities.  The program offers a half day of education in classroom settings; half day of recreation in the community Monday through Thursdays; and Friday day trips throughout the state. The program is designed to help students retain what they have learned during the school year while developing improved communication and socialization skills.
The YESS program offers opportunities that no other program can.  Through the unique collaboration between The Arc of Sedgwick County, Wichita's USD 259, The Wichita Department of Park and Recreation, The United Way of the Plains, and Sedgwick County, YESS can provide education, recreation, and socialization in a community setting.  There is no other program like YESS in the nation.  What YESS offers students, families, and the community is a chance to develop friendships, build self esteem, independence and personal growth.
As one parent simply stated, "The Arc and the school district have been great.  You go above and beyond the call of duty.  You make a life for our children where they feel included and they are happy!  That in turn helps our families to be happy ones."
We want to to thank The Arc of Sedgwick County for their hard work and wonderful contributions to our community.  They are a non-profit agency established in 1953 to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For more information on the YESS program and other services provided by The Arc, read more
COMING SOON TO OSAGE PARK, BARRY'S (THE BISON) RECREATION STATION - JUNE 16TH

In addition to the activities  from the Recreation Station, be sure to visit the Interactive Fountain and playground at Osage Park, 2121 W 31st St South, from 6 pm - 8 pm, on June 16th, or any time!

But the fun doesn't end there.  There are great parks all over Wichita and summer is the perfect time to go exploring.  Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita has events all summer including the ever popular Chalk Art at the Park where everyone who participates will receive a pack of chalk and an assigned sidewalk square to compete for prizes.

To find out all the special events throughout the Wichita Parks, click here.
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 FACEBOOK PAGE

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.
BOOK A LIBRARIAN AT THE WICHITA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Get free one-on-one technology help with computer, iPad or other tablets, a variety of software, searching and applying for jobs, downloading e-books, learning about social media and much more.
Call 316-261-8506 to set up a session at the Central Library or contact your local branch (Alford, Evergreen, Rockwell, and Westlink branches).
Reservations are required with at least one day advanced notice, and a library card in good standing is also needed.
DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
DON'T GET $TUCK WITH
 COUNTERFEIT MONEY AT YOUR $ALE!

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 the same, 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.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS.  ONE CUP AT A TIME.


June 11, 2016
Time: 8:30am To 12:30pm
Location: Meads Corner
Address: 430 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202

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
 June 11th is "2nd Saturday"!

Support local merchants, and save money! Simply purchase a re-usable 2nd Saturday shopping bag or keycard for $5 and receive discounts at any of the participating merchants in Delano, Old Town, Downtown, and the Douglas Design District.  Check out the website for the list of merchants in your area.
TOWN HALL MEETING
 FROM THE BEACH?

Join us for the Social Media Town Hall (from anywhere) about the 2017-2018 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, June 14 from 2:00-3:30 pm. In 2015, there were over 3,000 comments, likes, and shares on Facebook. The feedback that was received last year about topics such as illegal dumping and planting trees was used to build the budget.

You can look at the current 2016-2017 Adopted Budget here to get ideas for the 2017-2018 budget.


Follow us on Twitter @CityofWichita,
OR on Facebook at City of Wichita-Government  


Wichita Logo Seal
HOUSING EXPO 2016

Join Mayor Jeff Longwell, City Council Members, City Manager Robert Layton, and Housing Director John Hall for a FREE expo at Century II Exhibition Hall.
Everything you need to know about community services, maintenance, buying/renting a home!

S ATURDAY, JUNE 18th
10 am - 3 pm 
SPONSORED BY CAPITOL FEDERAL AND OTHER FINE COMPANIES.
  FREE RESOURCES AND WORKSHOPS!

 
KID POWER CAFE

FREE lunches this summer!
Kid Power has teamed up with Wichita Public Schools to be the mascot of the Federal Summer Food Program. Kansas is ranked 48 out of 50 states for participation. Since Kid Power Cares, Inc. was formed to help Give Kids the Power to Feel Great we think this community coalition with WPS will be an opportunity for the 50,000 students in the school district to have more knowledge about the program through a new name and logo.  If you know of any children, ages 1 thru 18,  that need breakfast, lunch, or snack this summer, click  here   to view the list of sites that are safe places  to eat and socialize.   No paperwork needed ...just show up and have a nutritious summer!

 

Ready for a great summer of reading and fun at your library? This year, the library will have three reading programs available for youth from birth through grade 12: Baby Bookworms, Kids Read, and Teens Read. 
between May 25 and July 20. Prizes will be awarded through July 29. The earlier you start reading and the more days you read, the more prizes you'll win. Make your summer better with a daily reading habit!
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JUNE 14th - Cord loss... it's not inevitable! Prevent your charging cords from taking a walk by covering them in distinctive washi tape or crocheting them a little cozy. Bring your charging cords of any type - phone, games, etc. and let us upgrade you. For teens ages 12-17. 
JUNE 21st - Podcast Star!  Podcasts are radio shows that anybody can make and download using lots of free apps and tools. Learn how to make a podcast worth listening to and discover a new favorite to download. For teens ages 12-17.
Registration is required at  this link  or call 261-8512.
Click here for the Wichita
 Bicycle Master Plan


Attend any Wichita Park & Recreation class, athletic league, or special event and take your best selfie!  Follow@WichitaParkandRec on  Instagram .  Post your selfie using #ICTSummerSelfie.  Be sure to check often and "like" your favorite photos.  The photo with the most likes will be featured in the 2016 Fall Activities Guide.  Winner will be notified on August 1st through  Instagram.
LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts
and entertainment is Downtown.  

Read More  for a schedule of days and times of events!
COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
On the heels of our successful July 4 Block Party in 2015, the Wichita Parks Foundation will host Red, White & BOOM! 2016
Monday, July 4th
5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Downtown on the Hyatt Lawn,
 the Lewis Street Bridge, and Water Street
TRAVEL
Honor Flights Schedule
Mark your calendars so you can participate in the welcome home celebrations for our Honor Flight veterans at the Dwight D Eisenhower Airport.
Friday, June 17 @ 11:45 am
Friday June 24 @ 11:45 am
All flights are on Southwest Airlines.
Free parking and shuttle service are available at the Best Western Airport Inn, 6815 W. Kellogg.  Shuttle service starts at 10 a.m.
More information is available at www.kansashonorflight.org .

Hot deals for summer travel
DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

  TO SEE  THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON  WICHWAY
MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The contractor is working as diligently as they can to repair potholes after each rain.  This is an issue contractors have to mitigate with every project.  The pavement in this area was obviously in bad condition already due to poor drainage that has existed in this area for years.  The combination of heavy rainfall and all traffic driving on one side of the road makes it difficult for the patch material to stay in place, especially along the curb lane. We will continue to monitor the situation. The good news is the project is currently on schedule despite the rain.  With some cooperation from mother nature, the first half of the road will be complete this fall, and traffic will be on new pavement.
HELPFUL INFORMATION 


IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI OR ILLEGAL DUMPING, PLEASE SEND AN
 E-MAIL 
TO:


WICHITA IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY!  LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY BY REPORTING NUISANCES SUCH AS THESE!


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

WICHITA PROMISE
CLICK HERE 
FOR MORE INFORMATION.  THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL THIS YEAR, OR FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS!
Teen Volunteers
YOUnited Teens
YOUnited Teens is a volunteer program designed by students for students.
MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION


2015 City Accomplishments

Learn about the City's many accomplishments and find out more about the exciting projects slated for 2016!

You can check out the exciting news here
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

THE HIGH CO$T OF ORAL CARE

Like most older adults, I have started experiencing a few dental problems.  My gums are receding, my teeth seem to be repositioning, and I have had more than one root canal.  And other than my twice a year cleaning, dental care has become extremely costly.  So I have become a stickler for flossing.  In fact, a dentist told me once that he would rather that I floss more than I brush because it is so beneficial to your gums as well as your teeth.  A toothbrush works by physically removing plaque -- a sticky, bacteria-laden film -- from your teeth with its soft bristles. Toothpaste enhances the effect of the toothbrush, and kinds that contain fluoride help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. But brushing has one big drawback: A toothbrush's bristles can't adequately clean between the teeth or under the gums.
That's where floss comes in. It's a tool specifically made to remove plaque from the tight spaces between the teeth and under the gums. The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that flossing before you brush also helps make brushing more effective: With less plaque caught between your teeth, the fluoride in toothpaste can get to more parts of your mouth. Think of floss and a toothbrush as a detail paintbrush and paint roller, respectively. You could paint your living room walls with just one of the tools, but using them together will provide a much more satisfactory result; not just for your teeth but also your wallet.  And the sooner you instill this habit in your children, the better off they will be for life.
FUN FACTS ...
June 10 
National Herbs and Spices Day (A great time to visit the Spice Merchant)
June 11
National Rose Day (the kind you drink, not the kind you grow)
June 12
National Loving Day (named after a court case - Loving vs Virginia)
June 13
National Weed Your Garden Day (and mine will take all day)
June 14
National Flag Day (wear a pin, or fly one from your home)
June 15
National Photography Day (great photos help to record our history)
June 16
National Dump the Pump Day (to encourage people to ride public transportation)
June 17
National Eat Your Vegetables Day (this one is easy)
June 18
National Go Fishing Day (I love to fish!)
June 19
FATHER'S DAY
June 20
American Eagle Day (honoring our national symbol)
June 21
National Daylight Appreciation Day
June 22
National Onion Rings Day (what is your favorite place to order onion rings?)
June 23
National Pecan Sandies Day (hmmm)
June 24
National Pralines Day (I see a pecan conspiracy going on here)
A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RIVERFEST SUNDOWN PARADE 2016
City Council Members lining up with Mayor Longwell for the parade
The City Council is lining up with Mayor Longwell
Meghan Blubaugh with daughter Harper

Mayor Longwell with Commissioner Norton

The Blubaugh family in the surrey and Council Member Lavonta Williams behind (left)

Former mayor Carl Brewer is now a Wagonmaster
Former Mayor Carl Brewer 

Mike Greene - volunteer and Wagonmaster

Councilman Meitzner coaching the Mayor's Youth Council about the surrey

The Asian Society preparing to walk the parade route

Parade participant and reenactor of
days-gone-by

We hope that everyone who came out on this beautiful evening enjoyed it as much as we did!
Swim Lesson Registration
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 and street sweepers in your area.
Sedgwick County Extension Building, 7001 W 21st St North
Saturday from 7 am until noon
Every week you can find produce, plants, meats, jams, salsas, honey, baked goods and a variety of crafts.

SATELLITE MARKETS:
Green Acres Market- Tuesdays 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Derby Market - Saturdays 7:00 am - Noon


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 [email protected] or call 316-268-4331