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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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In case you are not aware, there is a wonderful app and website available that is one of my favorite new tools,
Nextdoor.com. The service was first launched in October of 2011 and is the quickest way to interact with your entire neighborhood. Sign up is a breeze and it's free! By putting in your name (a first initial is fine) and address, you will be immediately set up with the neighborhood boundaries in which you reside. Once you get signed up with
Nextdoor.com you can report any crime in your neighborhood so everyone will be on alert, report a lost or found pet, send out notices for the next neighborhood meeting or garage sale, and many more benefits. There are currently several neighborhoods in Wichita that have over 300 residents in their Nextdoor neighborhood group that communicate all the latest news going on in their part of Wichita. And you also have the option of knowing what all of the surrounding neighborhoods are doing. So look for the app with the little green house. It's one of the best ways to get the word out to all of your neighbors, even if you don't know them by name! And you will also receive news reports from the City of Wichita Fire and Police Departments!
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How a Dead Cow
Became International
Westport Airport, located at 2558 S Kessler, was founded back in 1946. Back then, Westport was just a few run-down hangars and a landing strip stiuated in the middle of pasture land on the homestead of Earl V Long II. Cows commonly grazed there. To scare off any bovine traffic, it was standard procedure to do a low pass over the runway. Late one afternoon, a plane landing, forgoing the low pass, struck a cow hitting it in the back of the head. The pilot, not knowing he had hit the cow went about his business. Several days later, the cow was discovered dead. Friends started teasing Mr. Long about Westport being a "Dead Cow" airport. The name stuck, only upgraded to "Dead Cow International" Airport to reflect the global character of the establishment.
Today, the airport is run by Earl Long III who maintains the 2500 ft. of paved runway and has a great crew of mechanics working for him. (Does anyone remember the comedy series "Wings"?) The crew is familiar with all sorts of makes and models, but a common size to land is a Beechcraft Model 18. Little known though, the airport has seen a DC3 land there at one time, and several Blackhawk helicopters. And then there was the time that Earl and a buddy flew to New Zealand from this airport, but that's another story for another time.
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| Making you feel right at home at Westport! |
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Jessica Hendricks is working on a wing.
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| A great t-shirt from Westport Airport! |
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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OPENING NIGHT IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30!!
It's here - Watson Park's infamous Wicked Island is back and more WICKED than ever! Once you brave the eerie sights and sounds of the Wicked Island your nights alone will never be the same!
Open Fridays & Saturdays and Halloween night.
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Cox Farm Wichita
6059 S Seneca
316-524-8062
Store Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
Open Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
If making arrangements for a group to attend, go to
this page, or contact Cox Farm at the above number or
here.
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Cox Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 2016
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| Over 35 exhibitors to help you see, experience, and answer your questions on how to be as mobile as possible |
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OCTOBER 7, 2016
2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF KELLOGG ON TYLER ROAD
CALL 722-4291 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES
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October 8th is the Friends Falcons
University Homecoming Parade & Game!
The parade starts at 1:00 pm at University & Martinson and continues west on University to Hiram Street where the parade will then circle to the south around the campus. There will be candy, Halloween-themed floats, classic cars, and a pep band! Also, special guest star Councilman Jeff Blubaugh!
From 1:30 - 3 pm, the public is invited to join the tailgate party just north of the Adair-Austin Stadium for food, games, and more.
The football game kicks off at 3 pm where the Falcons take on the Kansas Wesleyans. For more information, go to the Friends University website page.
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Friends University ranked
#37 in the nation for
low student debt
Friends University has been ranked No. 37 in the lowest student debt, as assessed by Best Value Colleges. Friends University is one of only two Kansas institutions included in the list of "Top 50 Universities with the Lowest Student Debt."
Best Value Colleges compared all four-year institutions in the United States (online, private, public and for-profit), with the exception of specialty institutions. The rankings were based upon the students' average total debt upon graduation. Data from the 2013-14 school year was used.
Friends University came out substantially lower than the national average student loan debt of $28,110 according to usnews.com. Graduates of Friends University have an average debt of $15,289, which is approximately $9,000 less than graduates of other private, four-year colleges in Kansas, according to Best Value Colleges.
"Friends University provides its students with a quality education at an affordable price, especially when compared to other universities across the nation," said Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University president. "Around one fourth of our graduates have no student debt, and approximately 69% of our undergraduates have their needs fully met. Need-based grants, Pell Grants, work-study grants and scholarships help students pay for college."
Earlier this year, Friends University was ranked No. 44 in the nation by LendEDU's 2016 College Risk-Reward Indicator (CRRI), which compared the students' loan debt (risk) and median early career salary (reward). Friends University was the only Kansas institution placed in the top 250.
For more information, go to the Friends University website, or call 316-295-5000.
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WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIMES ARE BACK
3447 S Meridian
(September 12 through December 9)
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
(3 years to 6 years) - 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Mondays
NURSERY RHYME TIME
(2 years and under) - 10:30 am - 10:50 am - Tuesdays
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At the top center is Maple St & Maize St. |
NEW GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
SITE REPORTED BY KDHE
At a public meeting held on September 13th, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials informed us of a newly detected area of groundwater contamination. Homeowners in the area have been notified, but others that are close by are also being encouraged to contact the department for testing of their wells or perhaps a location to have a monitoring well installed.
KDHE officials are busy updating their website (
click here) with information concerning this new area and we will keep you posted with new information as we receive it.
The map at the left is hard to see, but if you live south of Maple Street between Stoneypoint and/or Lark to Seville Street, please feel free to contact KDHE officials through their website, or call them at 785-296-1914. The plume has not reached Kellogg (US Hwy 54), and is being quickly contained as it is very slow moving. This site is known as the Miller Dry Cleaners site, but please note that this is
NOT
from any wrong doing by this company. The chemical identified is PCE that evaporates when aerated during outdoor use (lawn & garden watering, etc.) but is not safe for human consumption.
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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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TO REPORT A MISSING OR DAMAGED STREET SIGN, MALFUNCTIONING SIGNAL, OR OTHER PROBLEM WITH TRAFFIC,
CALL 316-268-4501.
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LOOK FOR THIS DECAL WHEN
HIRING
A
COMPANY TO HAUL YOUR JUNK/BULKY WASTE
Don't become the victim of an illegal trash or junk hauler. Unfortunately there have been several complaints about paying an individual to haul off large items or junk from houses and garages, and the items end up in a ditch, behind a company, or a country road. If there is anything that identifies you, the owner of these items, you will receive a severe ticket and fine from a City or County inspector. If you respond to an ad of someone that will haul your junk, make sure they are licensed to do so. They will have this decal on their trailer or truck! Don't let a mistake cost you double.
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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, 8am - 5pm.
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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| Cars and bicyclists both need to be vigilant |
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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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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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GET TO KNOW WICHITA POLICE
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The Final Friday Art Crawl is a free Wichita event held on the last Friday of each month that allows the public to enjoy artwork and light refreshments at galleries, museums, restaurants, and other venues all over Wichita. All participating venues are free and open to the public on Final Friday. Hours may vary from location to location, but most are open 7-9 p.m. You'll be amazed by the diverse art being made by Wichitans, and you might be surprised at how many galleries we have and how active the arts community is in Wichita. Of course, if you see something you love, buy it if you can! You'll be purchasing directly from the artist, and in most cases, your new art piece will be one-of-a-kind.
For trolley routes and venue listings
, click here!
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Walktober is a free, community-wide physical activity initiative, encouraging you to engage in the recommended 30 minutes of activity five or more days of the week and walking is a perfect way to meet that goal. Go here to register for Walktober!
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DOWNTOWN LIVING TOUR
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2nd
The Downtown Living Tour on Sunday, October 2 will showcase the current and upcoming residential offerings in Downtown Wichita. Several unique properties in the district will welcome the public to view furnished and unfurnished units, property amenities and will have representatives available to discuss living the urban, walkable lifestyle in Downtown. For more information go
here
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Saturday, October 8, 2016,
located at Union Station, 701 E. Douglas, in downtown Wichita. Predicted to be the biggest and best free community event in the ICT! We want Bloktoberfest to be the cap that will completely enhance the day of downtown fun and awareness to local arts and culture.
Bloktoberfest will have food, music, a "SAUSAGE CONTEST" where local businesses will compete for the crown of KING WIENER, and of course the best in local and seasonal October beers, all within a one block radius!
- Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Emerson Biggins
- Wiener Dog Contest: Best Dressed
- Weenie Dog Races Sponsored by Buddyrest Dog Beds
- Local Business Compete in "King Wiener"
- King of October: Battle of the Local Beers
- Adult Yard Games: Giant Chess, Mega Jenga, Corn Hole
- Beer Belly Contest: Show 'em off fellas
- Local Music / Band
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The 14th annual Tallgrass Film Festival features more than 190 of the best independent films from 33 countries around the world.
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ICTrees is planning their fall plantings
which will occur from mid September through the week before Thanksgiving this year.
Last year they planted over 750 trees and engaged more than 400 community volunteers who committed over 1,000 hours of there time to accomplish this.
This year they would like to plant 1,000 trees. They are looking for suitable planting locations. If you know of an organization in your district such as a church, homeowners association, civic club, etc. that would benefit from trees planted on their property; please encourage them to contact ICTrees. Email
trees@ictrees.org
or call 316-302-6633 for more information.
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SENIOR WEDNESDAYS IN WICHITA
Senior Wednesdays are always fun and there is something different to do; someone new to meet. There are also many senior activity centers in Wichita and the surrounding areas, so be informed. Be entertained. Be active.
To see the upcoming events for October's Senior Wednesdays,
read more...
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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HALLOWEEN FAVORITES ARE STILL TO COME...
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Hay, Hooves and Halloween - October 29 - 30
Old Cowtown Museum: 4 - 8 pm
Tickets: $5/person of all ages
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Pumpkins at the Park at Tanganyika Wildlife Park - October 21, 22, and October 28, 29 |
6 - 9 pm, Admission: $12
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.
Check it out!
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AMERICAN AIRLINES is bringing back large jet service to the Wichita - Dallas market starting Tuesday, August 23. To reintroduce large jet service, American will operate two MD-80 round-trip flights between Aug. 23 and 30 and three round-trip flights between Aug. 31 and Oct. 5.
After Oct. 5, American will have one daily round-trip flight on mainline aircraft between ICT-DFW. In addition to the MD-80s, American will use 50- and 76-seat regional jets. The large jet service will reduce frequency from seven to six daily flights but provide more seats.
The MD-80 has 140 total seats, 124 coach cabin, (only one middle seat per row in coach class), and 16 first-class seats. The MD-80s are equipped with inflight Wi-Fi and DC power outlets in select rows. For further information, go to www.flywichita.com
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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 east side of Meridian is now underway. There is still water accumulating after a strong rain, but not as much and the main hindrance now is that the rain slows down the construction process. However, 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!
Traffic Impact:
Meridian is restricted to one lane in each direction between McCormick and Pawnee. Left turns are prohibited from Meridian onto Harry. Harry is one-way westbound, east of Meridian while intersection is reconstructed.
PAWNEE BRIDGE IS NOW CLOSED AGAIN
Repair work on the Pawnee Bridge has resumed now that the migratory birds have raised their families and moved on.
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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Seneca, 47
th to 55
th Street South
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This project will perform asphalt street repairs along Seneca Street, between 47th and 55th Street South.
- Traffic Impact: Seneca will be reduced to one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction.
- Contractor: Kansas Paving City Contact: Kyle Kerns (268-4044 / kkerns@wichita.gov) Estimated completion: Fall 2016
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Poison Ivy will start turning its fall colors soon. |
INVASIVE WEEDS IN WICHITA
Noxious and poisonous weeds are one of the greatest threats to the Kansas environment. They displace native plant species, interfere with the production of agricultural crops, increase erosion, destroy wildlife habitat and decrease property values. The Sedgwick County Extension Office in partnership with K-State will have the help you need in combating thistles and other noxious weeds. You can even take in samples of weeds 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 660-7464 for more information, or go on-line to
sedgwick.k-state.edu
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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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KANSASWORKS helps with job seekers, employers, training/education, and resources.
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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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| 271 Building (former IRS building downtown) |
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271 BUILDING TO HOUSE
WAMPO, MAPD, AND MABD
Just south of Wichita City Hall at 271 W Third St. is the former IRS building that Sedgwick County recently purchased in order to expand three joint city-county agencies.
- Wednesday, August 31, the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) offices closed to the public. WAMPO will open on Monday, September 12.
- Thursday, September 1, the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) closed to the public. MAPD will be open to the public on Monday, September 12.
- Beginning Wednesday, September 28, the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Division (MABCD) will close its Seneca office at 3 p.m. As of Thursday, September 29, its City Hall office will be closed to the public. On Monday, October 3, MABCD will be open for business.
Customers who regularly have business with these three agencies will find the new facility more convenient and easier to access.
A ribbon-cutting and open house event for the 271 building will be held at 1 pm on October 11th.
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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
- Rebecca Fields
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Stretch everyday! |
For those of you who exercise, how many have a
pre
-workout list? I'm just as guilty as the next person, but I do a series of stretches every morning before I begin the day. I can't begin to tell you how much it helps. But there are more pre-workouts that help you loosen up, relax, and be ready for more strenuous physical activity. Seven additional ways to get warmed up are 1) arm circles, 2) twist your upper body while taking deep breaths, 3) jumping jacks (after you have stretched), 4) walking for 5 minutes, 5) squats to warm up your abs and legs, 6) jumping rope for about 3 minutes, and 7) simply imitating the exercise that you are about to do (if you are preparing for a basketball game jump and extend your arms). Any or all of these will start supplying oxygen to your blood and elevate your heart rate slightly in preparation for your exercise/workout routine. And if you're not ready for the real deal, just go through a pre-workout instead. There is less stress and you're still helping your body to adjust for the day!
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September 16
FINAL FRIDAY IN WICHITA!
October 1
National Homemade Cookies Day (my favorite are Kansas Sunflower Seed Cookies)
October 2
National Name Your Car Day (Who has the best name for their car? Let us know)
October 3
National Techies Day (thank goodness for the techies in my life)
October 4
National Golf Lover's Day (And don't forget the new sport - FootGolf!)
October 5
National Walk to School Day
October 6
National Noodle Day (95 billion servings of ramen were eaten worldwide in 2011)
October 7
National Manufacturing Day (District IV has some of the greatest in the nation)
National Fluffernutter Day (click
here to find out more about Fluffernutter)
October 9
Clergy Appreciation Day (when at church today, tell him/her thank you)
October 10
Native American Day
October 11
National Sausage Pizza Day
October 12
National Farmer's Day (Yeah for farmers and all they do)
October 13
National Train Your Brain Day (do some logic puzzles, brain teasers, or riddles)
October 14
National Dessert Day (so many to choose from on just a single day)
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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 FALL 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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