District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

September 16, 2016

MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
During the past two weeks we have heard from many of our District IV citizens regarding flooding in their neighborhood.  My assistant and I were out at many of the locations taking photos and relaying information to our Public Works Department who were quickly working to help alleviate the worst areas.  In addition, we have been working several areas during the past month to find long-term remedies in order to avoid future flooding.  We are all aware of the devastating effects of flood waters and cannot stress how important it is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

To give you an idea as to why this year has been particularly bad, we checked statistics for September 1-15 with the National Weather Service which collects data from Eisenhower Airport: 
  • In 2013,
    there was .33"
  • In 2014 there was .16"
  • In 2015 there was 1.21"
  • In 2016 there has been OVER a 10" of rain, most of which occurred on the 8th and 9th
Thankfully, this is very unusual, but it showed us several areas that can be improved and we are currently working with Public Works to make those improvements.  The safety of our citizens is paramount and we are listening to what you are telling us!

Thank you for your information and ideas. You are what makes Wichita so great! 
FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY

It's All About Family at Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank is committed to providing exceptional service to all of their customers. As the second largest locally owned financial institution in Wichita, Kansas and a growing presence in Oklahoma City and Overland Park, they provide customers with a wide array of quality financial services.
The forerunner of Fidelity Bank--The Fidelity Investment Company - opened its doors for business in Wichita in 1905 as a mortgage lender. In 1942 Homer C. Bastian, Kansas' first director of the Federal Housing Administration, recognized Wichita's growth potential as a trade area. He left the FHA and purchased one-half interest in Fidelity Investment.
Homer Bastian's son, Marvin, after serving in the Army Air Force during World War II, joined his father at Fidelity as a mortgage counselor in January 1946. Homer and Marvin Bastian purchased the company's remaining stock in 1947. Using their government loan experience, they set out to meet the heavy postwar demand for housing and home loans.
The company's leadership expanded with the addition of Marvin Bastian's sons-Clark in 1976 and Clay in 1980. Clark is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Fidelity Bank. Clay is president of the holding company, Fidelity Financial Corporation. In 2009 Clark's son, Aaron Bastian, became President of Oklahoma Fidelity Bank. Aaron was named president of Fidelity Bank in 2014.
Recently on September 13th, Fidelity Bank broke ground on a new concept bank located at 3128 S Seneca.  This new bank will be a wonderful addition to the Fidelity Bank family and District IV!
L to R:  Clark Bastian, Clay Bastian, and Aaron Bastian posing at the site

Elected Officials and Bank Officials breaking ground together (Mayor Longwell is right in the middle!)
Aaron Bastian, Commissioner Tim Norton, and Councilman Jeff Blubaugh at new concept Fidelity groundbreaking

DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
At the top center is Maple St & Maize St.
NEW GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
 SITE REPORTED BY KDHE

At a public meeting held on Tuesday, 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.
Deputy Chief Salcido is 2nd from left.
CONGRATULATIONS TO D.C. SALCIDO!

Former Captain of the Wichita Patrol South Police Station, José Salcido made history on September 7, 2016 - twice. He was promoted to deputy police chief, the first Latino and formerly first undocumented person to hold that position. "I have been getting ready and working hard for this promotion for 10 years," Salcido told NBC Latino. "I have been trying to do everything right and hit the books. It has been a long road to this promotion." Salcido was formally promoted Wednesday afternoon.
Salcido, 45, was born in Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua, Mexico. When he was 9 years old, Salcido, his mother and two sisters migrated to Wichita. Thanks to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, Salcido became a legal permanent resident.
In 1995, Salcido became a U.S. citizen, and soon after signed up with the Wichita Police Department, where he has stayed ever since.   As Deputy Police Chief, Salcido will now be responsible for recruitment strategies in the police force. About 7 percent of the police force is Latino, and he hopes to double Hispanic presence.
BARRY THE BISON'S MOBILE RECREATION STATION LOCATION


Join us Thursday, Sept. 22 from 6 pm - 8 pm at Aley Park, 1803 S Seneca,
 for Barry's Mobile Recreation Station 
The Mobile Recreation Station has everything from board games to lawn games, tennis rackets, sidewalk chalk and more ! We also have over-sized checkers and Jenga for the whole family to enjoy, plus prizes to give away throughout the evening. We will be located in the center of the park. We hope to see you there!
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.
WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIMES ARE BACK
 AT THE ALFORD BRANCH LIBRARY!
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

For the full schedule and all library locations, go to www.wichitalibrary.org

Friends University ready
 to  implement new
 FAFSA date change

Students attending college will now be able to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) much earlier than in the past using earlier income tax information for its completion. FAFSA information can be submitted as early as Oct. 1 compared to the previous date of Jan. 1.  
"Friends University is fully prepared for this change in policy, and we welcome it. We are excited that students will be able to make well-informed decisions about the cost of college earlier," said Tony Lubbers, director of financial aid at Friends University. "It should give students and families more time to explore their financial aid options."  
Families can use their previous year's tax information for the FAFSA. For example, students intending to enroll for the Fall 2017 semester can submit their 2017-18 FAFSA forms starting Oct. 1, 2016, using tax information from 2015.  
"Our financial aid representatives would love to sit down and talk with students about their financial need and this gives us a chance to do it earlier," Lubbers said.   
He noted that at Friends University 100 percent of traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid, many students graduate with less student debt when compared to other national public and private universities, and Friends University has earned a high ranking (#44 in the nation) in risk/reward, meaning many graduates earn a good salary for their investment upon graduation.
 
For more information, contact financialaid@friends.edu or call 316-295-5200.
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.
DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
TO REPORT A MISSING OR DAMAGED STREET SIGN, MALFUNCTIONING SIGNAL, OR OTHER PROBLEM WITH TRAFFIC,

 CALL 316-268-4501.


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!!
Nextdoor's mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods.  Click here for more information.
Wichita Police Dept
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.
Cars and bicyclists both need to be vigilant
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!

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!
  GET TO KNOW WICHITA POLICE 
CHIEF GORDON RAMSAY

We invite you to keep up with the Wichita Police Department on Facebook at Facebook.com/WichitaPolice and on Twitter @WichitaPolice  
Chief Ramsay can be found at Facebook.com/WichitaChief and @Chief_Ramsay .
COMMUNITY EVENTS
September 17 & 18
at O.J. Watson Park
Focus on family fun and taking time to PLAY! Enjoy kayaks, inflatables, disc golf, pedal boats, mini-golf, music, face painting, footgolf and much more!  Click here for more information...




HELP THE HOMELESS
 AND
 INTER-FAITH MINISTRIES
 BY GOING OUT TO EAT


What could be more fun than a meal with friends at a great restaurant? What about a meal with friends at a great restaurant with some of the proceeds going to help the homeless?
      
Dine Out Help Out returns to Wichita on Tuesday, September 20. More than 35 restaurants have signed up to donate a portion of their proceeds from the day to Inter-Faith Ministries three homeless shelters.   Pick a restaurant - or a different one for breakfast, lunch and dinner - and join in the fun.
 
(link for list of participating restaurants)

Book Sale
Senior Expo
September 22nd, 9 am-3 pm at three fantastic locations in Wichita. 
Visit Senior Expo at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 N. Amidon; Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Boulevard and The Wichita Art Museum, 1400 West Museum Boulevard. 
Entrance to Senior Expo and admission to the museums is complimentary to anyone age 55 and older and to caregivers of all ages. Visit Senior Expo to find valuable information, access free health screenings, discover new opportunities and find unique items, all for today's seniors and caregivers. 
"Senior Expo is the biggest tradeshow in the state of Kansas geared toward seniors, caregivers and their interests.  This is a must see event that highlights resources, interesting vendors, opportunities and products for this growing population," said Annette Graham, Director of CPAAA.
Over 130 exhibitors will distribute resources, conduct hands on demonstrations, and offer valuable information for attendees. A variety of free health screenings and health information will be provided in the health screening pavilion at Exploration Place on a first come, first served basis. 
At Senior Expo you'll find: 

Lunch at all locations - $6.00, and ...

  • Free parking
  • Free shuttle between all locations
  • Complimentary admission at all sites
  • Entertainment
  • "Fashionable Fifties: Glamour, Casual and Fun" Fashion show 1pm at Botanica's Lotus Room
  • Educational information and presentations
  • Games and interactive exhibits
  • Programs and Resources
  • Sales and unique gifts
  • Photo booth and Pop Noggins
  • Interactive booths
For your convenience, Senior Expo participants have many parking options. It is recommended that attendees utilize Exploration Place and the overflow parking lot across from Wichita Art Museum. Worry-free transportation will be provided between the Senior Expo sites and the overflow parking lot. Transportation services begin at 8:30 am and end at 3:30 pm. The Party Bus will provide free transportation along with Sedgwick County Department on Aging's accessible bus for your convenience. In order to cut down on traffic congestion we highly recommend utilizing the free transportation available at Senior Expo. 
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging is proud to present Senior Expo to the community for the past 30 years. In addition to this and other special events targeting seniors and caregivers, CPAAA is available to assist seniors and caregivers through life's transitions with various levels of support. For information about Senior Expo, available services and resources contact 1-855-200-2372 or visit www.cpaaa.org.
Chili Cookoff
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST ATTENDED EVENTS IN THE CITY!  SAVE YOUR APPETITE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 24th DOWNTOWN CHILI COOKOFF.
 
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.
The fountains at night.

LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts
and entertainment is Downtown.  

for a schedule of days and times of events!

COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
Walktober

  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.  Stay tuned for more to come....
Over 35 exhibitors to help you see, experience, and answer your questions on how to be as mobile as possible

OCTOBER 7, 2016
2 BLOCKS SOUTH OF KELLOGG ON TYLER ROAD
CALL 722-4291 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES


Community Baby Shower
Safe Sleep

Zombie Shoot



Online Surplus Auction
 
The City of Wichita is holding an internet-only auction of surplus vehicles and equipment. The online auction closes at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29. Items include street sweepers, trucks, vans, cars, etc.  
 
Inspection times are from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Central Maintenance Facility (1801 S. McLean).
 
Items are offered "AS IS" and "WHERE IS," without warranty or guarantee. For an item listing or to place bids, please visit www.purplewave.com
 


TRAVEL
 Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.   Check it out!
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
DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

  TO SEE  THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON  WICHWAY
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!
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.
BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE
 
  • West Street, Macarthur to Bolin Drive:  This project will perform street repairs along West Street, south of I-235 in preparation for a surface treatment that will be placed later this fall.
Traffic Impact: Temporary lane closures with flagmen will be encountered during the street repairs. 
Contractor: Kansas Paving   City Contact: Kyle Kerns (268-4044 / kkerns@wichita.gov )   Estimated completion: Fall 2016  
  • 55
    th Street South, Seneca to Charles Street
    This project will perform street repairs along 55
    th 
Traffic Impact: Temporary lane closures with flagmen will be encountered during the street repairs.
Contractor: Kansas Paving   City Contact: Kyle Kerns (268-4044 / kkerns@wichita.gov )    Estimated completion: Fall 2016
Buffalo Bur Nightshade
INVASIVE WEEDS IN WICHITA
Noxious 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

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


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.  
kANSASWORKS
KANSASWORKS helps with job seekers, employers, training/education, and resources.
MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
271 Building (former IRS building downtown)
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.
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
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
STAY FIT TIPS
Fall is a great time for walking & biking

Now that school is back in session, tell us how you feel about your student biking or walking to their school.  The link below will take you to a short survey that is being conducted  that will help provide a quick snapshot of how households are adjusting to the Wichita Public Schools' new busing policy (2 1/2 miles or more from their assigned school)

Bike Walk Wichita is a group of volunteers who urge attention to children's and teens' safe, daily physical activity!


FUN FACTS ...
September 16
FULL MOON (This is the harvest moon!  Click here to learn more)
September 17
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
September 18
Wife Appreciation Day!  (Pay attention husbands)
September 19
Talk Like a Pirate Day (arrrr)
September 20
National IT Professionals Day (be kind to those that have to fix your computer)
September 21
National Pecan Cookie Day (take a bag of Pecan Sandies home)
September 22
Autumnal Equinox (First official day of Fall)
September 23
National Great American Pot Pie Day
September 24
National Family Health and Fitness Day USA
September 25
National Comic Book Day
September 26
National Pancake Day
September 27
National Voter Registration Day
September 28
National good Neighbor Day
September 29
National Coffee Day
September 30
FINAL FRIDAY IN WICHITA!  
DISTRICT IV PLACES
 OF INTEREST
MORE
 HELPFUL LINKS
3447 S. Meridian

433 S. 135th St. West

1931 S. Tyler

2625 S Tyler

City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video  link
  


  

Click  here to find up-to-date information 
regarding street maintenance and street sweepers in your area.
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 FALL Classes by clicking here!
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 Jblubaugh@wichita.gov or call 316-268-4331