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District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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School affects us all, whether we have children in school or not. Everyone needs to prepare for the increase in traffic in the mornings and afternoons. There is also an increase in sporting practices and events and shoppers buying up school supplies and clothing. USD259 will be back in full swing on August 24th, and half-day orientation for the 6th and 9th graders on the 23rd. Keep this on your radar so, even if you are not having to get your own kids ready, you can be prepared for more parents and children out and about going to and from school. Be aware of school crossings and SLOW DOWN!
Expenses this time of year can be overwhelming for many families. For those that need some additional help, come to the
Convoy of Hope event this Saturday. Shoes, haircuts, supplies, medical and dental screenings, and more will be available for FREE. There will be thousands showing up for this event, so you might want to carpool to help ease the traffic congestion. For additional information on the Convoy of Hope, see the article below.
In addition, the
KAKE School Supply Landslide
will once again be distributing school supplies to qualified families on August 9, 10, and 11 at three Salvation Army locations. For information about eligibility, call 263-2769. If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, donations will be accepted until August 8th at any Credit Union of America branch in the Wichita metro area or at KAKE-TV. Click
here
for more information.
Good luck, be safe, and know that we are all in this together and want the children of this community to get the best care and education available so that they will be prepared to be our future leaders and decision makers.
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Visit over 100 vendors under one roof at
2301 S Meridian
The Village Flea Market has been the state's largest indoor market for 41 years. They are currently home to over 90 locally owned retailers and have hosted over 2500 in the last four decades. Their vendors sell everything from antiques and collectibles to brand new shoes, clothes, speakers, toys, and just about everything else one might want. There are places to get electronics fixed, fine jewelers, and several Makers and crafters.
It is the hub for shopping local, and a great place to start your own business or just host a garage sale. At 100,000 square feet of air conditioned space, it's also something to do for the whole family that won't cost anything to visit. They
feature a coffee and drink shop right up front. The Snack Bar has elote (roasted corn ears), burgers, fries, and a full Mexican menu. They also have food trucks out front, and one of the vendors roasts almonds, cashews, and pecans right in the main aisle. A vendor in the southwest corner has popcorn, too.
For those of you that just want to try out a business before jumping in all the way, they do not require set length of contract - it's week to week. They also hold monthly events on Saturdays and Sundays for special rates. And just when you think you have seen it all, Their North Hall features a kitchen, restroom, 2 smaller rooms, and over 6400 square feet of space for weddings, parties, and your other event needs. So visit this weekend under one air conditioned roof, or call 942-8263 for additional information. This isn't your grandmother's flea market!!
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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27TH ANNUAL BASEBALL 'ROUND THE CLOCK
August 5th - August 7th
One of the best parts of summer is the NBC World Series that is here in Wichita from the last week of July through the first two weeks of August. This is sports camaraderie at its best. And for those that can't get enough, Baseball "Round the Clock" is the ultimate treat. This is when us baseball fans get to spend all day at the stadium watching teams vie for the trophy including the games that begin at midnight or later on Friday and Saturday night. Every year there are over 100 fans that camp out at the stadium, including entire families, that spend all three days at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. These fans can register now and check in according to the rules. And if they can last the entire time, they also get recognition and prizes. Click
here for the registration form. I
f you can't spend 60 + hours competing for these bragging rights, the entire series goes on each night through August 13th with a fireworks finale and awards ceremony.
In addition, one big attraction this year is a team of former baseball major leaguers, which is a huge credit to the 82-year legacy of the NBC Tournament and to Wichita.
There will be an entire team comprised of former Major Leaguers; Roger Clemons, Chipper Jones, J.D. Drew, Adam LaRoche, Nate Robertson, Koyie Hill and many more! They are scheduled to play Saturday, August 6 at 9:30pm, Monday, August 8 at 7pm, and Wednesday, August 10 at 7pm.
Call Ticket Master at 1(800)653-8000 or visit the
NBC World Series website to reserve your seats. The NBC Staff has been working hard these past two months getting everything prepared for a fun and exciting 82nd NBC World Series. Let's play ball!
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CONVOY OF HOPE AT BETHEL LIFE CENTER
3777 S MERIDIAN
August 6th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
They will provide free groceries, health and dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, hot meals, career service training and much more for hard working families that are having a tough time making ends meet.
Traffic will be a problem in this area, so please be patient. Wichita Police Department officers, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, and EMS technicians will all be on hand to assist. If you need more information,
click here.
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AUGUST 13th is 2nd SATURDAY
For a list of local participating merchants and the discounts they offer, go
here!
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KIDS, COPS, AND CARS!
August 13th: 11 am - 2 pm at
4808 W 9th St N
Patrol West Bureau is hosting a neighborhood cookout to show their appreciation for the community! They
will have food, bouncy houses, dunk tanks ( you can dunk an officer!) and other activities. There will be a lot of officers to come hang out with! The Bomb Unit will have their truck out and the Mounted Unit will have their horses present.
*Bring folding chairs if you have them. And a swimsuit for water events!
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HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS, AND FUN ...OH MY!
August 13th from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S McLean
Captain Salcido has invited you to a community picnic hosted by Patrol South at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S McLean. The officers of Patrol South and Wichita Police Department staff will be on hand, and hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. There will also be park staff from O.J. Watson Park to provide several fun activities. Grab the kids and join in on the free food and activities!
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DON'T LET A TEENAGE MISTAKE
HAUNT YOU FOREVER!
Face Forward is a program that provides a free expungement of juvenile records as well as offer other supportive services to assist you in meeting your future goals. If you are interested, please join them during their walk-in appointments
every Monday in August from 9 am - 12 pm
. Call 316-290-8896 to get the location and what you will need to bring.
Take advantage of this program while you can!
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Friends University named to
Colleges of Distinction
Friends University has been selected once again as an excellent place to learn, grow and succeed by the Colleges of Distinction college guide.
Colleges of Distinction is a tool for prospective students, counselors and parents to dive deeply into what the guide considers the most important factors when it comes to successful outcomes:
- Nationally recognized by education professionals as an excellent school.
- Strongly focused on teaching undergraduates.
- Home to a wide variety of innovative learning experiences.
- An active campus with many opportunities for personal development.
- Highly valued by graduate schools and employers for outstanding preparation.
According to the Colleges of Distinction website, all universities listed "share excellent reputations among high school guidance counselors and education professionals, not to mention employers and graduate schools. Their classrooms are among the most exciting in the country; their programs are some of the most innovative."
"Friends is honored to once again be listed among the Colleges of Distinction. We focus our attention on students' individual needs and overall growth. We not only provide a pathway to their profession, but we also provide them with many opportunities to serve others," said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president. "Our goal is well-rounded students who care about others and work to improve their communities and their world every day."
Friends University is one of only five Kansas colleges listed on the site. For more information about the University's listing, visit the Colleges of Distinction web page.
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LOTS of parking at new location |
SEDGWICK COUNTY TAG OFFICE -
NEW LOCATION IN DISTRICT IV
Last month the Sedgwick County, Kansas Tag Office opened up a new headquarters at 2525 W Douglas where a Dillon's grocery store had set vacant for many years. The hours are from 8 am - 5 pm, and a $3.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the tag offices. There are still the Tag Office Substations located at 2120 N Woodlawn and 2330 N Maize Rd. You have three ways to reserve your spot in line. For more information,
read more.
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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 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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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.
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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Hot Cars 'Cooking' More Kids and Pets
The biggest increase in interior car temperatures occurs in the first 30 minutes. Compared to the image below, there is a small difference noted for rising temperatures due as it's not an exact science. However, the dangers of leaving kids and pets inside parked cars even for "just a minute" is unmistakable.
DON'T BECOME HEADLINE NEWS THIS WAY!
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HOW TO BUILD A SAFER NEIGHBORHOOD
Nextdoor.com is the free private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free!
Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home.
And it's only for you and your neighbors!!
People are using Nextdoor to:
- Quickly get the word out about a break-in
- Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group
- Track down a trustworthy babysitter
- Find out who does the best paint job in town
- Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog
- Find a new home for an outgrown bike
- Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name
Nextdoor's mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. Click
here for more information.
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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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GET TO KNOW WICHITA POLICE
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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 r
eport a tip online
here!
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SAFE STREETS ICT:
Rules and Guidance for
Safely Sharing Wichita Streets
With the bicyclists out and about this summer, it's a good idea to know the proper way to pass a cyclist if you are in a car, and what all the street markings indicate. If you are a bicyclist, it's a good idea to know proper traffic etiquette, and the rules that apply to all. To see a well diagrammed brochure that highlights tips and rules for using and sharing city streets,
click here
. And when in doubt, err on the side of caution!
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| The free Wichita Public Library is now coming to YOU at the Pop Up Park in downtown Wichita. |
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Wichita's hub for arts
and entertainment is Downtown.
for a schedule of days and times of events!
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| WARNING: THIS MOVIE IS RATED "R" DUE TO THE REAL LANGUAGE OF REAL SOLDIERS IN REAL SITUATIONS! |
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WICHITA'S NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OUT
August 9th - 5:30 - 9:30 pm
This night has been set aside to get to know your neighbors. Even if you couldn't get your block organized and registered, please take some time to get together with one or two of your neighbors to discuss issues that pertain to your area. It always helps to have someone watching out for you and your property. And you never know when you might find an excellent cook on your block! Take photos and send them to
[email protected]
We will be featuring photos from these events in our next newsletter. Have fun!
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONTACT STEVE GONZALES AT 316-640-8672
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EXPORTING? WORKING WITH OTHER CULTURES?
Don't miss out on the Kansas Global Trade Services CROSS CULTURAL SEMINAR on August 18th. This training will provide the tools to communicate more effectively in a global environment.
2 - 5 pm at 110 S Main, Ste. 101. (High Touch building)
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If your children attend the schools in USD259, the first day of school for all students is Wednesday,
August 24
with a half-day orientation for 6th and 9th grade students on Tuesday,
August 23. Be aware of heavier traffic and crossings on these days!
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Does your dog like to cool off and have fun with other dogs? On
August 22nd you can join other owners for the annual Dog Days of Summer at College Hill Pool. And for the first time,
dogs 25 pounds and under can have their exclusive time from 4:45 pm - 5:15 pm. Then at 5:15 pm dogs of all sizes can join in the fun up to 7:30 pm.
Don't forget to bring lots of towels!
Children are not allowed in the pool while dogs are swimming. All dogs must be leashed when not in the pool or participating in the Long Jump Contest, Frisbee Catch or Largest/Smallest Dog contests. There is a suggested donation of $10 per dog (limit of two dogs per owner) T
he proceeds benefit the Kansas Humane Society.
Read More on Facebook
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TAKE OFF TO HEALTH!
On
September 20
th
, the Wichita airport will host the
Kansas Public Health Association 1 Mile Walk and 5K Run - Take Off to Health!
Held in conjunction with the 2016 KPHA Annual Conference, everyone is invited to participate in this festive, unique opportunity to be active and walk or run an exciting course through the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport campus (safely out of the way of flight paths). The T
ake Off to Health Walk/Run
begins at 6:00 pm, starting at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2098 Airport Road, Wichita, KS.
The registration fee is $25.00 and you can participate in the race without attending the KPHA conference. The race is open to all ages, but register by September 2
nd
! Click
here
to register now!
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a new magazine just for you travelers. Check it out!
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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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MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The west side of Meridian is coming along nicely, and then they will switch to the east side. My advice... stay off Meridian when it rains, and for a day or two following a bad rain which gives the contractor a chance to repair the impending potholes that occur on the old part of Meridian. Wildcat Construction is now installing water mains and water service lines between Pawnee and railroad tracks on the east side of Meridian. And remember that left turns are prohibited from Meridian onto Harry. The construction is staying on course and we will all be glad when it's behind us. Plus, kudos to Greg Baalman, City of Wichita, for keeping this project on course and looking forward to May 2017!
PAWNEE BRIDGE SCHEDULED TO CLOSE AGAIN
Repair work on the Pawnee Bridge is set to resume after a month long delay due to active migratory bird nests under the bridge. The nests are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. United States Fish and Wildlife Service inspected the bridge on Monday with City staff and determined work could resume.
Due to the extent of repair work needed and to protect the safety of the traveling public, the bridge will close to thru traffic for the duration of the project.
Pawnee will close between Broadway and McLean Boulevard, beginning August 8, until spring 2017. Thru traffic will detour to 31st Street South at Broadway and McLean Boulevard. Local traffic on Pawnee will be allowed west of Broadway for access to residential streets.
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mature Johnsongrass - don't let this happen! |
NOXIOUS WEEDS IN WICHITA
When at Horticulture school, my professor told me the definition of a weed: any plant that you find undesirable or is in a bad location. This means that even those lilies that have been multiplying for years and taking over another part of your garden can be a weed. But then there are the NOXIOUS WEEDS. These are the plants that are dangerous not only to your desirable plants, but can spread quickly throughout an area. Johnsongrass is not only on the list for Kansas noxious weeds, but is one of the top ones listed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It spreads by underground rhizomes and has the ability to produce thousands of seeds each season that remain viable in the soil for several years. Its aggressive nature has allowed it to spread over the southern 2/3 of the United States and become a problem for gardeners and landscapers. It grows taller and faster than lawn grasses, ornamental plants and row crops, creating competition for water and nutrients and an unsightly appearance.
The Sedgwick County Extension Office in partnership with K-State will have the help you need in combating Johnsongrass and other noxious weeds. You can even take in samples of plants that are not familiar and they will help you identify them and the treatment for eradicating. They are located at 7001 W 21st St North and open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday, with many events on the weekends. Give them a call at 660-0100 for more information.
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IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI OR ILLEGAL DUMPING,
PLEASE SEND AN
E-MAIL
TO:
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WICHITA IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY! LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY BY REPORTING NUISANCES SUCH AS THESE!
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TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.
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KANSEL is offering a free seven week construction training program from August 22 to October 6. This is an excellent opportunity for men and women who are considering employment in construction. Interested persons must attend an information/application session on Monday, August 8 or Wednesday, August 10. Call 263-9620 for information and program requirements.
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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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WEDDING AT PARK VILLA, RIVERSIDE PARK - NORTH
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HOW TO RENT A WICHITA COMMUNITY FACILITY,
RECREATION CENTER ROOM, OPEN SHELTER OR GAZEBO
Wichita's beautiful City Parks
are the perfect place for a wedding, birthday party, reunion or community-wide public event! With over 4,500 acres of parkland within Wichita, a variety of locations are available. Some locations have seating, electrical outlets, restrooms, playground equipment, and interactive water fountains.
Rentals may be made by phone with Visa or MasterCard. Cash, check, Visa or Mastercard is accepted at any Recreation Center or at City Hall, 11th floor. Full payment is required.
Find your perfect location
here
and start planning the event that everyone will
remember!
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APPLY
NOW
FOR
FREE
EXTERIOR
PAINT
The Housing and Community Services Department's Home Improvement Program is currently offering its Paint Grant Program to income-eligible, owner-occupant homeowners. Eligible applicants will receive a voucher for up to $250 worth of exterior paint, depending on the amount of paint required. Homeowners may choose from a wide selection of colors.
Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, may qualify for grants to have their homes professionally painted, provided they are owner-occupants and provided that funding is available.
Call 462-3713 for more information or to apply
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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.
Read More
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STAY FIT TIPS
MOSQUITO ADVISORY
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DEET continues to be the #1 ingredient in repellents for warding off mosquitoes! |
Wichita Public Works & Utilities continues collaborative efforts with Sedgwick County and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to help control mosquitoes and educate the public on bite prevention. Mosquito control efforts target Culex species that carry West Nile virus by applying larvacide to areas of standing water on public property where trapping data indicate higher levels of Culex species. Other mosquitoes such as Aedes species
that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever viruses, and other diseases, are best controlled through public education and efforts such as emptying water from containers like flower pots, frequently changing out the water in pet dishes, bird baths, etc. and cleaning up clutter and junk piles that can hold even the smallest amounts of water.
West Nile
West Nile was recently reported in a sick red tailed hawk in Riley County. The first human cases of West Nile were reported to local, public health officials August 2. One case occurred in Douglas County and the other occurred in Thomas County. Details are being investigated and a press release is expected this week.
Zika
The KDHE began conducting a 24-week long Zika Virus Mosquito Survey on May 18, 2016. Results of the survey will be published at the end of the study. It's important to note that the eight cases of Zika reported in Kansas were all travel related. State health officials are engaged in planning and tracking issues such as the newly emerged cases of Zika in Florida.
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August 5
NBC World Series at Lawrence Dumont - Baseball Round the Clock begins
August 6
National Mustard Day (Put this on your hotdog while at the NBC World Series)
August 7
Purple Heart Day (Let the wounded veterans know your appreciation)
August 8
National Frozen Custard Day (I know where I am heading on this day!)
August 9
National Book Lovers Day (Visit the Alford Branch Library)
August 10
National S'mores Day (I'd like some more please)
August 11
National Son's and Daughter's Day (Do we give them reprieves on this day?)
August 12
National Middle Child Day (Wow, my middle child's birthday is this day)
National Bowling Day (Hey - let's go bowling at Seneca Bowl!)
August 14
National Creamsicle Day (I still love the original orange creamsicle)
August 15
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day (Spears Restaurant makes a good one!)
August 16
National Airborne Day (Honoring the airborne of the Armed Forces)
August 17
National Thrift Shop Day (I LOVE thrift shopping)
August 18
FULL MOON
August 19
National Aviation Day (Thank all those who work for aviation!)
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DISTRICT IV PLACES
OF INTEREST
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MORE
HELPFUL LINKS
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3447 S. Meridian
433 S. 135th St. West
1931 S. Tyler
2625 S Tyler
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City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video
link
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Click
here to find up-to-date information
regarding street maintenance and street sweepers in your area.
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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 SUMMER Classes by clicking here!
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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
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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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