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District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
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Southwest Wichita on April 26, 2016
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I was really impressed with the way Wichita citizens handled the severe weather that hit the city this past Tuesday. Several businesses closed early in order to give their employees a chance to get children picked up from schools and get home before the worst of it struck. Other employees simply stayed put knowing the dangers that come from hail and high water on certain streets. And as we all know, south Meridian, where there is currently construction, is one of the worst areas to navigate during a rainstorm. Thank goodness we are addressing this problem and by this time next year it should no longer be the site that news channels rush to in order to get film footage of stranded vehicles. If you don't remember, one of the reasons this project was delayed was due to solving the issue of disposing of rainwater, especially during a "gully-washer" like the one that came in Tuesday afternoon. Thanks to our wonderful City engineers, a very well-thought-out engineered storm drainage system was installed that empties into the Arkansas River after the storm water has been filtered of trash and other debris. I am still marveling at the size and complexity of the storm water drains that were installed. So bear with us as we spend another year in completing the south Meridian Street construction. It's long overdue, but the wait will be worth the final results.
And for those of you with a basement sump pump...be sure to have a battery backup in case your power gets knocked out by a lightening strike. As always, a little preventive maintenance can save you thousands in repairs. Stay safe and keep heeding the storm warnings!
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| CM Blubaugh with CEO Bob Aldrich |
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Wichita Railway Services LLC
Wichita Railway Services, LLC is a small business with big sales owned and operated by CEO Bob Aldrich. Their service and support speak volumes in their repeat business, and they are able to ship parts nationwide to the railroad companies that keep our country moving. Mr. Aldrich is able to describe each part, what it does, and the exact weight. But Bob is not just knowledgeable about his company. Just bring up baseball and you will see his face light up! You see, Mr. Aldrich is a big supporter of the Wichita Wingnuts. In fact, he makes sure that at-risk kids get to attend Wingnuts games during baseball season. And Bob's involvement in the community doesn't stop at baseball. He also is a contributor to the Wichita Children's Home, Wichita Thunder Hockey, and other worthy organizations. Mr. Aldrich has served on the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the District VI Advisory Board, and being the humble man that he is that is I am sure that there is much, much more. We are proud to have this company and their wonderful staff as members of the District IV family, and we look forward to hearing about his future endeavors.
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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Support The Arts In Wichita
April 29th is Art Day of Giving (ArtDOG) in Wichita and is a 24-hour charitable giving campaign designed to support area nonprofits related to the arts. Participating organizations have the opportunity to both increase their donor bases, as well as bring awareness to not only their nonprofit, but the arts in general. But you can also support the arts by attending all of the great art venues in
Wichita.
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District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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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
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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.
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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NEW! MASSAGE BUSINESS ORDINANCE
EFFECTIVE APRIL 29th
A new law governing massage businesses takes effect 4/29/2016. The law is part of an effort to combat human trafficking. To raise public awareness about the new ordinance and educate local businesses, a news conference was held Friday morning at City Hall. The City of Wichita also posted information related to the new law at
www.wichita.gov
. The information includes fact sheets, application forms, the ordinance, a summary of the ordinance and a video of the news briefing will be posted later today. Information will also appear on City7 on Cox Cable Channel Seven.
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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.
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BUY LOCAL
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Beginning April 2 and running through the end of October the Kansas Grown Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 7:00a.m. until Noon at the Sedgwick County Extension Building.
Every week you can find produce, plants, meats, jams, salsas, honey, baked goods and a variety of crafts.
SATELLITE MARKETS:
Green Acres Market- Tuesdays 3:00p.m.-6:30p.m. Opening day- April 12, 2016
Derby Market - Saturdays 7:00a.m. -Noon. Opening day- May 7, 2016
For additional information, click
here
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CELEBRATE MOM in the Gardens at Botanica, 701 N Amidon, 9 am - 5 pm
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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.
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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!
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RIVERFEST BUTTONS - BUY THEM ON SALE
THROUGH MAY 5TH
Click
here for more information
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L
LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts and entertainment is Downtown.
Read More
for a schedule of days and times of events!
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One lucky family (why not yours?) will win airfare from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport this summer, up to seven days of free parking at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport, and a $500 Visa gift card. That's in Florida, folks. Sun and fun. NASA. Disney. SeaWorld. Beaches. Good times. It's easy to enter our photo contest. And here's a tip on how to win: just be yourself, but a tiny bit more fun. The winner will be announced on May 25.
Contest rules and more information
here
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DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
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TO SEE
THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON
WICHWAY
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Controlling dust on unpaved streets |
DUST MITIGATION NEAR SCHOOLS
Public Works & Utilities - Street Maintenance division has begun the first of eight dust control treatments to unpaved streets that are within 100 feet of a school. A magnesium chloride treatment is applied following regularly scheduled, unpaved-street grading. Streets near the following schools received the first treatment on April 21, 2016:
Cessna Elementary, Dodge Edison Elementary, Earhart Elementary, Isely Elementary, Kelly Elementary, Little Early Childhood Center, L'Ouverture Elementary, and Sedgwick County Christian School.
Approximately, 10,000 square yards will be addressed with this method of dust control. Most of the treatments will be completed during, and in preparation for, the school year to address the amount of dust stirred up by buses and increased traffic.
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| Do not put these items in your trash bin! |
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ARE YOU SPRING CLEANING?
The 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
What items will the HHW facility accept?
They will accept almost all chemical items from a residential house, such as: paint, aerosols, batteries, used oil, gasoline, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, garden chemicals, household cleaners, fluorescent bulbs, propane, and
old, unwanted medication (no controlled substances)
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For additional information, read more.
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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!
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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....
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Want to help your community, but don't know how? Try the Library this summer!
You'll meet other teens, help kids sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and assist staff with important tasks. It's a fun way to get experience that looks good on a college application or resume! If your school or club requires community service hours, volunteering at the Library could help you meet your goals.
What do volunteers do at the Library?
- Help other young people enroll in summer reading and collect prizes
- Tidy library areas and assist with shelving (must be able to alphabetize!)
- Help staff with special events and programs
- Type and do data entry
- Prepare crafts, cut paper and organize items
What you need to know
- To volunteer, you must be entering grades 8-12 in the fall
- You need to be dependable and show up for your shifts. Make sure you have a ride worked out!
- Ask your parents or guardians for permission
- Make sure you can commit to at least six weeks of volunteering 2-6 hours per week
- Be available to work between May 25 and July 29 (let us know if you have a camp or vacation scheduled)
- You can indicate which library location(s) where you'd prefer to volunteer. Different branches have different methods of selecting teen volunteers - call if you have questions about the application and selection process!
For more information, click
here
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TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.
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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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Support Local Law Enforcement
Community Parade Highlights
If you were at the parade on April 23rd, then you already know what a beautiful day that was for a parade. My family and I had a blast and it was wonderful to see the turnout from all over the State. We have posted a few of our favorite photos. Hope you enjoy them.
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| Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay |
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| The Kansas Honor Guard proudly supporting |
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| The future of our law enforcement! |
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| Tribute at the Law Enforcement Memorial |
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Don't miss out next year!
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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...
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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.
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STAY FIT TIPS
- Becky Fields
I saw this montage and thought I need this as a constant reminder to focus more on destressing. I don't know about you, but I am lucky if I get any more than 6 hours sleep a night. And I am a firm believer that a good night's sleep can solve a lot of problems. But like the proverbial doctor as a patient, I don't often take my own advice. Nonetheless, we should always be striving for ways to escape from the everyday rat race. I usually stretch for several minutes after waking each morning, and also if I am stuck at my desk for more than 3 hours. But time is money (in my case, taxpayer's money) so I am very self-conscious about my use of time. But I always take time to walk in the late afternoon or early evening, even if it's only for 15 minutes. Everyone needs to remember that your blood supplies oxygen to your entire body, and activity increases your circulation and intake of oxygen. So every few hours, take some time for a quick walk/jog/stretch. As for sleep, I need to remember that the more tired I get the more my body requires in the way of fuel. Fuel = food = calories = weight. It's better to strive for an earlier bedtime than an early grave!
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April 29
National Arbor Day (read
more)
April 30
National Hairstylist Appreciation Day (I certainly appreciate them!)
May 01
Law Day (maybe have a Law & Order marathon?)
May 02
National Truffle Day (visit your local confection shop)
May 03
National Teacher Appreciation Day (God bless them all)
May 04
National Star Wars Day (May the Force be with you!)
May 05
Cinco de Mayo (great food and music all over Wichita)
May 06
National Nurses Day (a/k/a Angels of Mercy)
Join Hands Day (read
more)
May 08
Mother's Day & National Coconut Cream Pie Day (great combo)
May 09
National Women's Check-Up Day (read
more)
May 10
National Shrimp Day (I think they mean the crustacean)
May 11
National Receptionists Day (they are the first impressions of most companies)
May 12
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (read
more)
May 13
National Apple Pie Day (my personal favorite is made with McIntosh apples)
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FREE MEDICINE
Many Americans are not aware that there is free medicine available which can decrease the risk of dying by 19-30%. This medicine helps prevent Alzheimer's dementia, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and decreases colon and breast cancer risk. This medicine can be obtained through a doctor's prescription, but is also available "over the counter." What is this wonderful medicine?
WALKING!
If a drug company could sell it, they'd probably name it "Walkitor" and charge an arm and a leg! However it is FREE. Just 30 minutes of exercise daily can bring you these benefits. Even 15 minutes daily is beneficial to you. Walking is an easy way to get exercise in your routine.
Give it a try! You won't find a cheaper medicine on the market!
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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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.
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F
ind out about Park and Recreation SPRING Classes by clicking here!
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DISTRICT IV
PLACES OF INTEREST
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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 |
Click here to find up-to-date information
regarding street maintenance in your area.
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-268-4197 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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