District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

February 19, 2016

Can you name this park in District IV?
A MESSAGE FROM
 JEFF BLUBAUGH
 
National Kids to Parks Day will be here in a few months, which gets me thinking about the parks located in District IV.  Although we serve a large number of residents, our parks are few and far between, and many of them are in need of updates. The City of Wichita has been working long and hard on the new Aquatics Master Plan before it comes to the City Council for approval.  But there is more to do, and of course decide how to fund. 
District IV can boast the largest park (Pawnee Prairie Park) in Wichita, and maybe even the smallest park (Glenn Village Park). Do you live near a park?  And if not, which park(s) do you enjoying visiting and for what reason?
I ask these questions so you will start thinking about what you would like to see in the parks near your residence or place of employment.  Do you and/or your children like the new splash pads? Would you prefer to see more basketball courts?  Playground equipment?  Perhaps more landscaping or trails.  And do you have suggestions for funding new additions or upgrades?
I would love to hear about your ideas and preferences, so please let us know.  You can e-mail me or Rebecca Fields and we will start tracking and processing responses.  Our e-mails are listed at the end of this newsletter, and we will release the results in a future edition of the District IV Newsletter. Thank you for your input!
FEBRUARY'S FEATURED COMPANY
Councilman Jeff Blubaugh (L) with Vice President Paul O'Neill at Omni Aerospace on February 4th
3130 W Pawnee St.

Councilman Blubaugh was recently taken on a tour of Omni Aerospace Inc. located in southwest Wichita. Upon his arrival he met with the founders/owners and staff of Omni Aerospace who proudly showed off their incredible facility. The company was founded in 1994 and boasts three value streams: Mechanical, electrical, and aircraft parts distribution, specializing in innovative design and manufacturing.  They currently employ a staff of 50, who can all recite their slogan "Whatever it takes!"
Keep your eye on this great company because it's..

"Where Challenge Meets Innovation!"
DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
Shorts begin February 20th thru February 27.   Check 
HERE 
for locations and films.

Think t-shirts are just for torsos? Think again. We'll show you some of the different accessories you can create with an old t-shirt and a pair of scissors, then we'll walk you through making one. Please bring your own scissors. Registration is required; call 337-9456 or register online.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2:30-3:30pm                  Westlink Branch Library
 
Grow some fun! How does your garden grow? With stories, songs, and fun! Join us for an interactive storytime.  For children ages 2-6.
Tuesday, Mar. 1, 6-6:45pm          Alford Branch Library

For additional event listings, 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
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.
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
CLEAN SLATE DAY - March 4th

Is your criminal past holding you back? Kansas law allows for people who have been convicted of some criminal offenses and completed all the requirements of their sentence to have their crime expunged.  If a crime has been expunged, a person can honestly answer "No" when asked if he or she has been convicted of a crime (under most circumstances). If you or someone you know is struggling to move beyond an old criminal case, expungement may be a good option.
On Monday, February 22nd, 3 pm at the Central Library, learn more in this free presentation by Kellie E. Hogan, Assistant Managing Attorney at Kansas Legal Services.  In addition, information about the Wichita Bar Association's Clean Slate Day on March 4 will be provided.
Recognizing Excellent Public Service Employees
This award, in its 29th year, recognizes City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public School employees who exhibit the highest standard of service.   The nomination process continues through 5 p.m., March 10. Nominations will be accepted online from the following link:

Nomination forms are available in the City Manager's Office, the County Communications Office and Wichita Public Schools Marketing & Communications Office. Nomination forms can also be printed from the City's homepage and turned in at the City Manager's Office - City Hall 13th Floor.    
 Nominees should demonstrate the following attributes:
  • Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest,
  • Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery,
  • Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities, and
  • A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations. 
Honorees are selected by an eight-member committee, comprised of public and private sector members. Winners are surprised at work by their supervisors, colleagues, awards committee members and the media in coordinated visits. 
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



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DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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

HELPFUL INFORMATION 
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
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

Get up and shake your booty...or just walk

While a brief period of sitting here and there is natural, long periods of sitting day-in and day-out can seriously impact your health and shorten your life. Prolonged sitting increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.  In fact, without proper circulation, your major organs can start to malfunction. Stand as much as possible, while working and during leisure activities, and try to walk 10,000 steps a day.  Music can be a great way to get yourself motivated. Afterall, who can sit still listening to the Manhattan Transfer or Meghan Trainor?

The Wichita Eagle had a great story on February 16th regarding the problems associated with too much sitting.  Read more

FUN FACTS ...
February 19
Thomas Edison received his patent for the phonograph, 1878
February 20
(Love Your Pet Day)
President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office, 1792
Astronaut John Glenn, became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard the Friendship VII Mercury capsule, 1962
February 21
The Washington Monument was dedicated, 1885
Black Muslim leader Malcolm X was assassinated, 1965
President Nixon visited Peking, China, 1972
February 22
President George Washington was born, 1732
February 23
The Battle at the Alamo began, 1836
February 25
(Chocolate-Covered Peanuts Day) - Yeah!
February 24
Supreme Court overturned United States law for first time, 1803
Fe bruary 26
The 22nd Amendment to United States Constitution was ratified, 1951
February 27
United States Supreme Court upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right of women to vote, 1922
February 28
Republican Party formed in Ripon, Wisconsin, 1854
The Territory of Colorado was organized, 1861
February 29
(Leap Year Day)
The Grammy Awards were first held, 1968
March 1
Congress authorized the first United States Census, 1790
March 2
(Dr. Seuss Day)
Puerto Ricans granted United States Citizenship, 1917
King Kong, the motion picture, premiered in New York, 1933
March 3
Star Spangled Banner adopted as National Anthem of the United States, 1931
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!
 
 
Find out about Park and Recreation Winter 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 [email protected] or call 316-268-4331