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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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And thank you for a wonderful 2016!
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THIS COLUMN WILL RETURN IN 2017!
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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CITY OF WICHITA HOLIDAY HOURS & CLOSURES
Due to the Christmas holiday, the City Council workshop scheduled for Dec. 27 has been canceled. Also, in observance of Christmas (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan.1), City of Wichita facilities and operations will be closed or open special hours on the following days:
Saturday, Dec. 24:
Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, Great Plains Nature Center, Old Cowtown Museum, CityArts, Mid-America All-Indian Center, and Botanica and Riverside Tennis Center will be closed. The Animal Shelter will be open 1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25:
Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, OJ Watson Park, Old Cowtown Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Wichita Art Museum, Animal Shelter, Botanica, Riverside Tennis Center, and municipal golf courses will be closed.
Monday, Dec. 26:
City Hall, Neighborhood Resource centers, Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, Great Plains Nature Center, CityArts, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Century II administrative offices, Transit administrative offices, Wichita Art Museum, Animal Shelter, WATER Center, Brooks Landfill and Environmental Health will be closed. There will be no Wichita Transit or paratransit bus service. Riverside Tennis Center will be open 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 31:
Park & Recreation centers, Great Plains Nature Center, Old Cowtown Museum, CityArts, Mid-America All-Indian Center will be closed. The Animal Shelter will be open 1 to 5 p.m.; Wichita Public Library locations will close at 5 p.m. Riverside Tennis Center will be open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Botanica will be open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1
: Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, OJ Watson Park, Old Cowtown Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Wichita Art Museum, Animal Shelter, Botanica, and municipal golf courses will be closed.
Riverside Tennis Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 2:
City Hall, Neighborhood Resource centers, Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, Great Plains Nature Center, Old Cowtown Museum, CityArts, Mid-America All-Indian Center, Century II administrative offices, Transit administrative offices, Wichita Art Museum, Animal Shelter, WATER Center, Brooks Landfill, Environmental Health and Botanica will be closed. There will be no Wichita Transit or paratransit bus service.
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And just in time for the cold temps:
Free Firewood and Mulch from
Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar Energy and the City of Wichita are teaming up to give away firewood and mulch this winter. The firewood and mulch is provided from Westar Energy's ReliabiliTree tree trimming program and the City of Wichita's forestry tree pruning and removal operations. Sedgwick County Zoo is proud to be part of a program that benefits our citizens, reduces waste and conserves our natural resources.
Public can pick up the free firewood and wood chips, to use as mulch, now through February 2017 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the north parking lot of the Sedgwick County Zoo. The wood is normally delivered between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily.
Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar Energy and the City of Wichita ask that anyone picking up firewood please refrain from using chainsaws, splitters or any mechanical equipment.
Questions about wood delivery: call 261-6581.
And if you are needing to "recycle" your live Christmas tree, click here for disposal locations!
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WINTER BREAK AT THE LIBRARY
FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
KIDS PROGRAMS
DECEMBER 19th - JANUARY 3rd
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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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The first 2017 District Advisory Board (DAB) meeting for District IV will be held on January 9th, 2017!
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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CYBERSECURITY -
EVEN SANTA GETS STUMPED!
Passwords Are Your First Line of Defense.
Don't Compromise Them.
1. Hiding password notes near your computer or even somewhere in your home or office is the same as not having a password at all.
2. Never allow others to use your passwords or access codes. 3. Use a unique password for every service you use. Hackers depend on you to recycle the same password to make it easier to compromise the rest of your accounts. 4. Anytime a service like Facebook or Gmail offers "two-step verification", use it! 5. Don't disclose your password via e-mail or over the telephone. 6. Change your password often. The more important the data your password protects, the more often you should update it.
Test your Password Strength by going
here
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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!
To track the snow plows in Wichita, click on the photo of the snow plow!
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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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| 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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Wichita Art Museum:
25-cents will buy a reproduction!
Take advantage of the Wichita Art Museum's free admission on Saturday and explore the collection of American art spanning three centuries at the state's largest art museum. One of several current exhibits is "386,552: Art for Wichita" - named for the 2016 census-bureau population of Wichita and showcasing the art and artists that have helped shape the city. Along with objects from the permanent collection, "386,552" showcases a rotation of local artists. For 25 cents, visitors can purchase reproductions of the local artists' work from two art-vending machines.
The museum, 1400 Museum Blvd., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed on Christmas Day and Dec. 26. The Muse Cafe will serve lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, lunch/brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and will offer drinks and dessert from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is always free on Saturdays; other days, it ranges from $3 to $7, ages 4 and under free. If your guests are staying into next week, plan on attending the museum's free Winter Art Mania from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27-29.
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30th Annual Kansas Racers & High Performance Auction, Trade Show, and Swap Meet
December 31st
Century II Convention Center, 225 W Douglas
Doors open at 8 am and auction starts at 9 am
Read More
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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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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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SMALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL - A FAMILY FUN FILM FEST
On Saturday, January 14th, experience a day full of specially-curated feature and short films for the young and young at heart. Be the first to see Exploration Place's newest dome theater firm,
Titans of the Ice Age. Plus, enjoy hands-on activities and all exhibits including the national traveling exhibit
Discover the Ice Age, presented in partnership with Tallgrass Film Association.
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OLD HISTORY WILL BE MAKING NEW HISTORY IN 2017
WITH THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE CHISHOLM TRAIL
The year of 2017 will be a year-long celebration of the Chisholm Trail. The Wichita - Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S. Main - Wichita KS will be celebrating Kansas Day on Sunday January 29th - 2:00 - 3:00 pm - Kansas History in Song
with a tip of the Hat to the Chisholm Trail - a live music program presented by a cavalcade of cowboy troubadours. Come and see many items from Wichita and the Chisholm Trail. Visit with Wichita historians and learn about how Wichita became a booming town in part because of the cattle drives and the Chisholm Trail. Stay tuned for the upcoming cattle drive.
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FEBRUARY 11th & 12th - Century II Concert Hall
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
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| APRIL 23rd - Century II Concert Hall, Wichita Grand Opera presents Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty |
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.
Check it out!
And save big with Allegiant; deals start at $43, but must book by December 27th.
Also, flights on sale through Southwest Airlines, but must be booked by December 29th.
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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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January 6th is National Bean Day!
Beans are comparable to meat when it comes to calories, but they really shine in terms of fiber and water content, two ingredients that make you feel fuller, faster. Adding beans to your diet helps cut calories without feeling deprived.
Our diets tend to be seriously skimpy when it comes to fiber (the average American consumes just 15 grams daily), to the detriment of both our hearts and our waistlines. One cup of cooked beans (or two-thirds of a can) provides about 12 grams of fiber -- nearly half the recommended daily dose of 21 to 25 grams per day for adult women (30 to 38 grams for adult men). Meat, on the other hand, contains no fiber at all.
This difference in fiber content means that beans are digested slowly, keeping you satisfied longer. Plus, beans are low in sugar, which prevents insulin in the bloodstream from spiking and causing hunger. When you substitute beans for meat in your diet, you get the added bonus of a decrease in saturated fat.
Still not convinced? In a recent study, bean eaters weighed, on average, 7 pounds less and had slimmer waists than their bean-avoiding counterparts -- yet they consumed 199 calories more per day if they were adults and an incredible 335 calories more if they were teenagers.
So don't wait until January 6th to eat beans. Add some kidney or black beans to a salad, make some sauteed fresh green beans, or eat some hummus before or with your meal. Many new studies are out claiming that beans may be one of the secrets to longevity. Now that's a win-win!
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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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December 23
Festivus (yes, the one that is a topic of a Seinfeld episode)
December 24
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
December 27
National Fruitcake Day
December 28
December 29
No Interruptions Day (Last Work Day of the Year)
December 31
New Years Eve and National Champagne Day (A timely pairing)
January 1
New Years Day and National Hangover Day (Not a good way to start the year)
January 2
National Personal Trainer Awareness Day
January 3
National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
January 4
National Trivia Day
January 5
National Whipped Cream Day
January 6
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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 WINTER 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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