Honoring Veterans Day - November 11th

The veterans of our country, from the very first militia back in 1607 to our current day armed forces that are scattered across the globe, must be honored in order to respect and understand the sacrifices made for the land we now know as the United States of America.  It can be a somber day of honoring all those who sacrificed their lives, and the families that suffered from the loss of loved ones.  And it is also a day of celebrating the freedom that America maintains for its citizens of all races and genders.  I ask that all residents and companies fly the American flag on the 11th to show support of our veterans and country, and find a way to tell someone in the armed forces "thank you" for serving and protecting these rights and freedoms.  We should never forget!

THE FOLLOWING CITY SERVICES WILL BE CLOSED IN HONOR OF

• Wichita Transit bus service and Paratransit service will not operate on Friday. 
• Mid-America All-Indian Center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. 
• The Animal Shelter will be open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. 
• Brooks C & D Landfill, Riverside Tennis Center and municipal golf courses are open regular hours on Friday.

The Animal Control Advisory Board reviews existing animal control regulations and makes recommendations for changes; seeks constructive solutions to the concerns of community members regarding animal control regulations, and assists in providing education to the community. One of the purposes of this board is to enhance the ability of Animal Control officers to communicate with the community and determine operating policies, which further its mission of both public safety and the humane care of animals.

Judy will be the Chairperson for a new subcommittee, Trap Neuter Return (TNR), and she would like to know your thoughts on feral cats in our community.  She would also love to hear about any issues or ideas you might have regarding the Wichita Animal Control department and procedures.  You can e-mail Judy at jhandley.wacab@gmail.com with your comments.

And please thank Judy for her time and hard work that she has committed to this board!

A DUAL PURPOSE POND IN SOUTHWEST WICHITA

At the corner of W 45th St South, and South Clarence, you can visit this beautiful little pond that is maintained by the Stormwater Division of Wichita Public Works.  This is known as a retention pond (or holding pond) that takes in water from the west and east.  The water then drains to the south and eventually gets to a pumping station at 63rd Street South where it is pumped into the Floodway.  But the ducks and geese only know that's it a great place to stop for food and rest. As a bonus, the nearby residents get to see a wonderfully maintained parcel of land that serves a purpose for all of District IV and some interesting wildlife.

2017 WATER & SEWER RATE CHANGES

The City Council is considering a proposal to increase water and sewer rates next year.  The proposed water rate increase of 4% and sewer rate increase of 5% are lower than the 2016 increases, which were 5.6% and 5.1% respectively. The combined increase would be 4.4%, compared to 5.4% last year. This approach is in line with the City Council's priority to reduce rate increases when possible, phase them over many years, and more fairly balance between residential, commercial and industrial customers. This allows the City to invest in its water and sewer infrastructure in a way that is mindful of the impact to ratepayers.  Wichita continues to compare favorably to other municipal utilities.   Black & Veatch's 2016 Fifty Larges Cities Rate Survey ranked Wichita as the 10th lowest provider of mid-range residential water and sewer service.  Wichita's proposed 2017 rate increases are below the national averages of 5.9% for water and 5.8% for sewer, according to the survey.  The vote is scheduled for early December.  If approved, the new rates will become effective January 01, 2017.

So Where Does the Money Go?

Water and sewer revenue is money that comes straight from ratepayers to fund the system that provides clean drinking water and the system that collects and treats wastewater.  Planned infrastructure improvements over the next 10 years account for 74% of the increased revenue needs.  Some of these improvements are necessary for regulatory compliance, like projects that focus on treatment plant processes, as well as projects focused on replacing old water and sewer pipes. 

(Now through December 9)

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

NURSERY RHYME TIME

(2 years and under) - 10:30 am - 10:50 am - Tuesdays

 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.

NOVEMBER 12th IS WICHITA'S NEXT "SECOND SATURDAY"

Support local merchants, and save money! Simply purchase a re-usable 2nd Saturday shopping bag or keycard for $5 and receive discounts at any of our participating merchants. Click HERE to see a list of participating merchants where you can save!

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

PROVIDING HELP AND HOPE TO THE WORKING POOR

During the holiday season, one of the best ways to help people in need is through the Share the Season program. A 16-year program, Share the Season is a joint effort of The Salvation Army, The Wichita Eagle, and the Wichita Community Foundation.  Here are a few facts about Share the Season (STS):

• STS is a special program providing help and hope to the working poor during the holiday season
• Families who do not qualify for other indigent programs apply for assistance and are screened carefully by the Salvation Army personnel to verify needs
• Each family can receive one-time assistance for needs such as utilities, paying medical bills, etc.
• Payments are made directly to vendors, such as the bank or utility company
• Best way possible to get charitable donations directly to those in need
• The Wichita Eagle donates ad space and runs daily stories on families in need
• The Wichita Community Foundation handles all donations and issues receipts to all who contribute
• STS works in the best possible way, reaching those in need and encouraging our community to be charitable
• Program began in 2000, raising $72,069.59 and helping 100 families the first year
• 3161 families have been helped with $2.9 million in donated funds since inception

Last year $218,000 was raised that benefited 145 Wichita families.  To apply, or to donate, click here .

KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL CONTEST

This year, National Park Trust is once again hosting the Kids to Parks     Day National School Contest! The purpose of the contest is to empower students to create and plan their own park experience. This national contest is open to all under-served schools across the country and in all U.S. Territories. Students can submit proposals for a Kids to Parks Day event at a park in their community. National Park Trust will award grants up to $1,000 to winning entries . Grants will be used by the winners to implement their Kids to Parks Day event during the month of May 2017.

Contest entries will be accepted beginning on Monday, November 7, 2016. Deadline for entries is on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 via our website.

AIR CAPITAL COMICCON

NOVEMBER 12 - 13

Century 2 Convention Center

This convention focuses on family-friendly comic books, culture, and all things geek that brings you comic book creators and the wonderful artistry of cosplay and gaming in all its forms.  So what are you waiting for?  Dress up as your favorite character and join the fun all for $5.00 for youth up to a $15 VIP Weekend Pass.  Click HERE for hours and tickets.

Senior Wednesdays are great, but...

Family Promise of Greater Wichita addresses the needs of homeless families

Being without a safe, warm place to sleep, eat, and care for children; living without the security of familiar people and belongings-that is homelessness. The loss of one's home, the most basic element of stability, is a profound crisis for anyone, but especially for families. Parents endure the heartache of being unable to provide a secure environment for their children. And children, who now make up 25 percent of our nation's homeless population, are deprived of a fundamental requirement for healthy development-a safe, permanent home.

What Can We Do to Help?

People of faith want to respond to the needs of their homeless "neighbors," but this can be an overwhelming task for one congregation. What do we do? How do we become part of the solution? Family Promise of Greater Wichita is part of a national program that responds to the growing need to provide shelter, meals and comprehensive support services to families without homes. The program unites the congregations from area churches to assist the homeless families.

For more information, contact Carrie Corliss at 316-204-9997, or e-mail:  carrie.corliss@familypromisewichita.org