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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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Wichita has a great Housing and Community Services Department with wonderful programs that include public housing, Section 8 Housing, Home Repair programs, Housing First that assists in helping the homeless, and then there are the programs funded by federal assistance such as the following CDBG that Wichita supports. At our last District Advisory Board meeting (December 5th), a City of Wichita Housing Manager gave a presentation for the proposed allocations in the coming year. Below is a description of the current programs. If you know of residents in need, please share this information with them. Learn more
here!
Programs funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
Emergency Repair provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to resolve an emergency health or safety condition in owner-occupied homes, where household income is 50% or less of the Area Median Family Income (AMFI). The assistance comes in the form of a 0% interest loan, payable upon transfer of ownership of the property and forgivable after five years.
Direct Loan
provides up to $35,000 in financial assistance to completely rehabilitate an owner-occupied house, and bring it into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code. Zero percent loans are available to households with incomes of 50% or less of the AMFI; loans to households from 51- 80% of AMFI are at 4%.
Home Improvement Loan Program provides funds to reduce the interest rate on home improvement loans to 2%, for owner-occupants of housing located within the Redevelopment Incentive Area. Household income cannot exceed 80% of the AMFI, and the homeowner must meet bank lending criteria, including having enough equity in the property for collateral.
Historic Loan Deferred Loan provides zero percent interest deferred loans to income eligible owner-occupants of structures that have some historic value or are located within a historic district. Maximum amount of assistance is $5,000.
Historic Revolving Loan provides loans at four points below the current prime lending rate to eligible owners of a historic structure (residential or contributing).
Paint Grant provides up to $200 for exterior paint to eligible homeowners. Owner-occupants who are elderly or have a physical disability and no other resources (family, friends) to apply the paint may also receive a paint labor grant.
Rental Rehab Loan provides 4% loans to eligible investment-owners to completely rehabilitate rental properties located within the Local Investment Areas (LIAs). Properties must be residential containing no more than seven units and the tenant's household income cannot exceed eighty percent of median.
Voluntary Demolition provides self-amortizing loan to eligible owner-occupants to remove detached, vacant buildings that are creating a blighting influence within the Local Investment Areas (LIAs).
Exterior Improvement Grant provides funds for exterior improvement on owner-occupied property and 0% loans for investor-owners for correcting exterior deficiencies of properties that have front, or side yard frontage on the streets identified for program participation within the Local Investment Areas (LIAs).
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It was great fun delivering Small Business Saturday proclamations to some of our District IV retail shops on November 26th! If we didn't get around to your retail business, let us know so we can pop in next year.
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| Mike Hampton at Rolling Hills Wine and Spirits |
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| The savvy and beautiful staff at K-Lane's |
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Shannon Heinly at Freedom Road Cycles
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The great Jack Kellogg a/k/a Hatman Jack
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| Gerard Wellemeyer of Black Pearl Aquatics |
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Max Wiesner of The Bullet Stop
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Devin Meadows of Wizards Asylum Comics & Games
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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| Debbie, Jolie, and Isaac Uwizeye |
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Meet Your New Neighbors, the Uwizeye Family!
Jolie and her two children, Debbie and Isaac, fled their village in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 2008 civil war that ravaged their country. They lived as refugees in Uganda until they resettled in Wichita two years ago. Jolie has since learned English and is working at Episcopal Ministries as a case worker. She also works a part time job on the weekends in order to build up her savings while her two children are in high school.
Owning a home became Jolie's goal after moving here. She wanted her children to have the stability that comes from having their own home. When she learned about Wichita Habitat for Humanity she knew she had found the path to achieve her goal. Jolie has completed 250 hours of sweat equity and has taken classes in financial literacy. She is well-prepared to become a homeowner!
On December 7th there was a home dedication ceremony where Jolie and her children were given keys to their beautiful new home in the Delano neighborhood that they helped build. There was a house full of supporters that included her new neighbors who presented her with a basket of gifts, and refreshments were served. Wichita Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful community partner with the City of Wichita. For more information you can go to their website at www.wichitahabitat.org or call them at 316-269-0755. The Uwizeyes are a lovely family.
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Mark Stump of United Way of the Plains took 81 books donated by United Way of the Plains to Patrol West for the little kids living in domestic violence shelters this holiday season. |
WPD needs your donation
violence shelters
Imagine having to hide out to avoid a violent situation. You have been uprooted from your home, your friends, and the holidays are coming. The Police Officers at Patrol West have been helping to meet the needs of these children for several years. This year they are asking for children's clothing and gifts (newborn through 19), shampoo, soap, baby wipes, toiletries, pillows, batteries, books, board games, blankets, and diapers (sizes 4,5, and 6). You can drop off any donations to Patrol West (661 N Elder), Midwest KIA (8725 W Kellogg Dr.), or Rusty Eck Ford (7310 E Kellogg Ave).
Please help these kids get through the holidays.
The deadline is December 18th, so don't delay!
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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 2017 meeting schedule,
click here
To find DAB IV agendas and minutes
click here
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District IV's neighborhood associations,
click here
District IV and the City of Wichita are looking for board members! To see what's available,
click here
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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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| Do you have a nuisance neighbor? |
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THE NEW CHRONIC NUISANCE ORDINANCE EXPLAINED
City of Wichita Ordinance 50-357
This ordinance will allow police to assess property owners for the department's cost of responding to "chronic nuisance properties."
Chronic nuisance properties are defined as those where a shooting occurs or a search warrant has to be executed by police. Also, properties where there are at least three "trigger events," including violent crimes, prostitution, gambling, drug crimes, alcohol or tobacco violations, noise violations, littering, gang activity and violation of building or health and safety codes.
Neighborhood leaders have pressed for a crackdown on properties where police seem to be there frequently, and the Police Department states that
there are about 1,000 properties in Wichita where they have had to respond 11 or more times this year. Not all those properties would fall under the definition of a nuisance property because of the nature of crimes committed.
Domestic violence crimes are excluded to avoid discouraging victims from filing complaints in retaliation only.
This ordinance will be reviewed in 18 months and the findings will be reported to the Manager, Mayor and Council.
Financial Considerations: The cost to respond to nuisance calls would depend on the number of officers required to respond and amount of time on the call. Depending on those variables, the cost of nuisance calls vary in cost. The assessment of police service cost would be determined by the actual hourly wages, including overtime, of all law enforcement personnel that responded. An event where two officers responded for one hour is estimated to cost $100 not including any applicable overtime cost.
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Don't be left in the
dark
If
you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
Westar Energy's website
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City of Wichita Snow and Ice Removal Plan
Are you ready for the winter weather? The City of Wichita is! Crews have been preparing snow plows and training new drives ahead of the storm. You can watch the highlights from Mayor Longwell's regular media briefing, December 1st, discussing snow and ice removal. You can watch the entire briefing including news of the future Cargill headquarters
here!
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Bicycle easier and safer by knowing the rules.
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Anonymously report a crime tip. You could get a cash reward and no one will ask your name.
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Learn how to report nuisance cases and neighborhood issues by clicking on the photo above.
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Contact the Wichita Police Department here.
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FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
NOW
THROUGH DECEMBER 17th: NOON UNTIL 4 PM
Carriage rides in Old Town Square are back for the holiday season! Rides are free and the carriage departs from the plaza located at 1st Street and Mead. Bring your family for a fun afternoon of holiday entertainment sponsored by Old Town Association.
Read More
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VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
AT OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM
DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, and 10
From 6 - 9 pm for regular admission prices
Visitors will enjoy seeing Cowtown decked out for the holidays, and if we're lucky, covered in a blanket of snow. There will be popcorn stringing, wagon rides, strolling carolers, crafts and activities for the kids, and more. Make this event part of your family tradition. And don't forget to stop at the gift store for unique holiday gift giving!
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| Century II Concert Hall - Morning & Evening times. Click on the photo above for tickets and more information. |
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December 16, 17, and 18 - Century II Concert Hall
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December 17, from 9:30 am - 11 am
Kids ages 6 - 12 can have breakfast with the Grinch
at the Linwood Recreation Center.
Click on photo for registration information.
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| A Victorian Christmas Presentation Tea & Coffee - December 15th at 2:30 pm at Downtown Senior Center, 200 S Walnut. Call 267-0197 for reservations. |
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Breakfast With Santa at Cowtown
December 17th, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
A perfect holiday tradition for little ones and their families, at the Cowtown Visitor's Center.
While waiting for Santa to arrive by stagecoach, guests can make some fun Christmas crafts and send a personalized telegram to the North Pole. Breakfast includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and fruit salad.
Tickets are $7.95 for children ages 4 - 15, and $12.95 for Adults age 16 and older.
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You can simply click on this photo to find out about tickets and cost for this wonderful family event.
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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
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Senior Services at 200 S Walnut in Delano |
SENIOR SERVICES IN DELANO
Senior Wednesdays are great, but...
Did you know that the building in Delano at 200 S Walnut has activities, exercise classes, a quilting club, pool tournaments, grand slam bridge, and so much more going on every week.
To see the ongoing activities that are too numerous to mention here, click on the photo to the right. You will be in for a treat!
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| CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENTER THE CONTEST! |
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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
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a 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 east side of Meridian is now underway, but remember that Harry is closed at Meridian. 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 CLOSED
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.
KDOT - I-235 & Kellogg (U.S. 54) Interchange
The first phase of the Kellogg/I-235 Interchange rebuild (dubbed the Red Project) began on November 10. Improvements include a one-lane flyover ramp for NB I-235 to WB US 54, A two lane flyover ramp for SB I-235 to EB U.S. 54, Removal of loop ramps in the SW & NE quadrants, loop ramp for EB US 54 to NB I-235 (SE quadrant) will be reconstructed, US 54 bridge over West St. will be widened to accommodate new auxiliary lanes from I-235. Auxiliary lanes on I-235 constructed from US 54 to Central Ave. NB I-235 ramp to EB US 54 braided with the new ramp lanes from SB I-235 to EB US 54.
Traffic Impact:
Southbound I-235 ramp to WB US 54 is CLOSED - for up to one year. An official signed detour uses SB I-235 to K-42, then NB on I-235 to WB US 54 ramp. The West St. Entrance Ramp to EB US 54 is closed. West St. traffic from Irving to Taft is single lane each direction. Saturday, December 10, West St. at US 54 will be closed (7am - 7pm) to install bridge beams over West St. Bridge widening on I-235 above Maple St. continues and traffic on Maple is reduced to one lane in each direction. Elder St. at Maple is closed for reconstruction of a short section of Elder. Bridge work at US 54 & Hoover continues and Hoover is closed under US 54. The new West St. ramp to WB US 54 is open. KDOT Contact is Tom Hein - hein@ksdot.org
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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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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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H2O Care Fund
The City of Wichita recognizes that there are many residents who are struggling during these difficult economic times, especially during the holidays. This voluntary program provides a simple way to directly help others. Even small donations can add up and provide a way for people to maintain their water service. There are three ways to help, and you can find out how by filling out the City of Wichita H2O Care Fund Program Donation Form here.
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Be on the lookout for ice!
Not to be negative, but we all know that it's just a matter of colder weather and precipitation before we have to deal with ice. And how many of us go rushing out the door only to find out too late that ice has formed on the steps. I got on line and looked at some pet-friendly and eco-friendly ways to guard yourself from slipping.
Wild bird seed, especially sunflower seeds in the shell, was a popular way to sprinkle "grip" to the sidewalk and provide food for the birds and squirrels. But I'm not sure if that is the best thing to use on steps.
Another suggestion was to mix equal amounts of Epsom salts and sugar (yep, the white "death") which does not hurt plants, birds, dogs, or cats. Sprinkle the mixture on steps and walkways just like you would rock salt. But I would be sure and wipe feet before tracking that inside the house.
Physically removing as much snow as possible is the best, most effective way to keep your sidewalks and walkways safe. And dry powdery snows can just be swept away. Regardless of what you use, get prepared NOW so you won't be caught without anything to help prevent falling. (Not to mention that stores always run out of deicer quickly when a storm is predicted)
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December 9
National Pastry Day
December 10
December 11
UNICEF Birthday (The United Nations Children's Fund)
December 12
Gingerbread House Day - AND - Poinsettia Day
December 13
National Cocoa Day (with marshmallows please)
December 14
December 15
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (do you have one?)
December 17
National Maple Syrup Day
December 18
In 1865 the 13th Amendment, prohibiting slavery, went into effect
December 19
December 20
National Sangria Day
December 21
Winter Solstice (the darkest day of the year)
December 22
National Date Nut Bread Day
December 23
TGIF!! Finish up your holiday shopping & wrapping.
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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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CT SOS is a project-based human trafficking organization that acts as a liaison between specific local professional groups who work with trafficked youth and the Wichita volunteers who seek ways to be involved in finding solutions to fight sex trafficking. You can help in so many ways. For additional information, read more.
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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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