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City of Wichita District II Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Pete Meitzner...
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With Councilman James Clendenin
in the State Capitol
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The State Legislative session is in full swing, and they have some major challenges to address. Many will impact you, as citizens, and some could have impact on local governments, such as the City of Wichita, which can ultimately have impact on you as a citizen. I have been in Topeka a few times already, and City officials have been invited often to weigh-in on various issues. I am pleased that our City is being asked for this input, and we will continue to monitor.
I also had the chance to meet State Representative Roger Elliott (District 87 which is in east Wichita). Published in the Wichita Eagle on February 15, Rep. Elliott shared some impressive national rankings for the City of Wichita in his
Letter to the Editor.
As Rep. Elliott states:
"Even with the cyclical nature of the aviation and aerospace industry, Wichita's claim as the Air Capital reigns on. Here are some national rankings for Wichita:
▪ No. 1 in manufacturing jobs (as a percent of all jobs) among 100 top U.S. metro areas
▪ No. 3 in engineering capital (based on number of engineers per 1,000 employees), behind only Silicon Valley and Houston
▪ No. 3 in percent of manufacturing classified as "very high tech"
▪ No. 22 in percent of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM occupations) among 100 top U.S. metro areas
▪ No. 3 in innovation partnership funding between business and academia
Also, the state-of-the-art Wichita Eisenhower National Airport will enplane more than 1.6 million passengers in 2017."
Much of the success of the City can be attributed to the many successful public-private partnerships that have been established over the last few years. Whether it's new development and improvements in downtown Wichita, or attracting new businesses and jobs, or helping existing businesses expand, these partnerships have created jobs and opened up opportunities and are bringing a higher quality life for the benefit of everyone in Wichita and Sedgwick County.
Enjoy the beautiful spring weather, even though it's still February!
Pete Meitzner
Wichita City Council
District II Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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East Kellogg Improvements Update
The Kellogg & Webb Project is nearing the end of the second phase of construction at the east side of Webb Road and the south frontage road, east of Webb, are essentially complete. The next major work will be the north frontage road and the west side of Webb.
The second East Kellogg improvement project, between Greenwich and K-96, began in September and is administered by the KTA. The first phase of the project, utility relocation, is nearing completion. Major work on Kellogg, between Zelta and K-96, will begin soon with the installation of two large drainage boxes and reconstruction of the eastbound bridge crossing the Turnpike.
Traffic impacts include:
Beginning
Monday, February 20, three major traffic changes will take place to allow for the construction of two major storm water structures under Kellogg and the reconstruction of bridges on Kellogg, which cross over the Kansas Turnpike.
- The ramp from eastbound K-96 to westbound Kellogg will close for the duration of the project.
- Kellogg traffic between Zelta and K-96 will be reduced to one lane each direction through late March and then switch to one westbound and two eastbound lanes through fall 2018.
- With the goal of improving safety, 127th Street connection to East Kellogg will permanently close. A new connection from 127th Street to Zelta is part of the improvements.
Temporary lane closures on Zelta for utility relocation and intersection improvements.
Kellogg speed limit reduced to 40 mph between Cypress and 143rd Streets, and Webb Road speed limit reduced to 30 mph in the construction zone for the remainder of the project.
Individual lane closures along Greenwich north of Kellogg.
Construction on the southwest quadrant of Webb and Corporate Hills, north of Kellogg, for intersection improvements.
Access to and from the Kansas Turnpike at the Kellogg toll plaza remains open, however is via eastbound Kellogg only. All left turns at Webb Road are prohibited, so drivers will need to use U-turn lanes ½ mile east of Webb on Kellogg and the U-turn lane at Rock Road. This is a result of the demolition of the KTA bridge over Kellogg near Webb Road.
Click here to stay up-to-date on East Kellogg construction or via Twitter at @E54ict.
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Councilman Pete Meitzner, Col. Albert Miller and Councilman BryanFrye
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District II
Community Breakfast
We had a great turnout for the District II Community Breakfast on February 4!
McConnell Air Force Base Commander, Col. Albert Miller, gave an excellent PowerPoint presentation showing the significant impact McConnell has on Wichita and how they impact the nation and world!
Thank you to the staff at
The Regent for hosting such a wonderful breakfast!
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Wichita District II Facebook Page
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Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week this year runs from March 5-11, with the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Tuesday, March 7th at 10:00 AM. Please note that we will not have our normal siren test at noon on Monday that week, but will instead plan to sound them at 10:00 Tuesday. If the weather doesn't cooperate for the Tuesday test, the backup date is March 9.
The Severe Weather Awareness Week packet produced by the National Weather Service can be found by clicking here. It contains a lot of great information about what we went through last year, and how to be prepared for it this year.
As reported in the Wichita Eagle, one local private weather enterprise issued their spring severe weather outlook over the weekend that said, in part, the severe weather season across the Great Plains could start in March this year because the dominant weather pattern of the winter appears poised to linger into spring. They are referring to the record number of heavy storms moving into California this winter which, as they move east, will be interacting with increasingly warm, moist air coming up from the Gulf of Mexico.
Stay alert and be prepared!
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Council Members and Park & Rec Staff Receive Awards
Staff from both divisions of Park and Recreation attended the annual Kansas Recreation and Park Association state conference earlier this month. Twelve staff members attended the event that was held in Manhattan, KS at the Hilton conference center. The three-day conference included educational sessions, a trade show, and multiple awards ceremonies that showcased seven (7) award-winners from the City of Wichita. These awards included two City Council Members. Congratulations to all the award winners!
* Lavonta Williams-Distinguished Elected Official Award
* Vice Mayor Janet Miller-Distinguished Board Member Award
* Jim Mason-Outstanding Park Professional Award
* Alan Taber-Outstanding Recreation Professional Award
* Jan Long-Distinguished Service Award
* Bike/Walk Wichita-Distinguished Public Service Award
* Healthy Initiatives Award-Chapin Park Playground
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Recognizing Excellent
Public Service Employees
Beginning February 1, residents are encouraged to nominate public service employees for the annual Excellence in Public Service Award. The award, in its 29th year, recognizes City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools employees who exhibit the highest standard of service.
The nomination process continues through 5 p.m., Feb. 24. Nomination forms are available in the City Manager's Office, the County Communications Office and Wichita Public Schools Marketing & Communications Office.
Nomination forms can be printed from this link
and turned in at the City Manager's Office - City Hall 13th Floor, 455 N. Main, Wichita, KS 67202. Nominations will also be accepted online from the following link:
The Excellence in Public Service Award honors public employees who go beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the following:
- Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest;
- Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery;
- Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities; and
- A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations.
Honorees will be selected by a committee comprised of nine public and private sector representatives. Honorees will be surprised at work by their supervisors, colleagues, selection committee members and media. The winners will receive $2,500 and will be honored at a reception attended by family, friends, co-workers, previous honorees, the selection committee and members of the DeVore Foundation. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN.
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Starbuck's Towne East Mall Food Court
Saturday, Feb. 25
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The United States Honor Flag will be in attendance as well! The Honor Flag responds to line-of-duty deaths. When we lose a hero they respond to honor them.
Coffee With A Cop brings the citizens and police officers together with a cup of coffee and conversation to see what they do on a daily basis!
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MARKING THE HISTORIC MULBERRY TREE
FEBRUARY 28th - 2:00 PM
KANSAS MASONIC HOME, 402 S MARTINSON ST.
There were very few trees on the grasslands of Kansas beyond the river banks. This mulberry tree served as a marker for Indian trails and later the drovers following the Chisholm Trail. It is estimated to be over 200 years old.
After the dedication of the plaque for the Mulberry Tree, the group will go inside. There will be a talk about Wichita's history and the Chisholm Trail by Dr. Jay Price. Tours of the building and the history of it will be given. Refreshments will be served.
Free event.
To RSVP or for questions, call (316)269-7721.
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Partners For Wichita Creates Safe Streets Prescription Drug
Task Force
Congratulations to Partners For Wichita for starting a Safe Streets Prescription Drug Task Force to begin to look at strategies to keep our opiate/opioid drug abuse numbers low in Sedgwick County. Some of you may wonder what we as a community can do to avoid the epidemic that is taking place around the country.
Listed are a few ideas - Focusing on prevention and education:
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Increase public awareness by all available means. We need to spread the information about the dangers of prescription painkillers and the lethality of heroin and other illicit opioids.
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Reach children early, in and outside of schools. Children should be educated at the earliest possible age about the dangers of prescription painkillers and illicit opioids. Classrooms provide an excellent opportunity to do so.
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Advocate for opioid training in higher education. Students in health related undergraduate and graduate programs, in addition to those in medical, pharmacy, nursing and dental schools, should receive appropriate training on pain management and substance use disorders.
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Embrace the power of data and technology. Local leaders must recognize the potential of data and technology to advance efforts in fighting the opioid crisis.
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Facilitate safe disposal sites and take-back days. Cities and counties must ensure that there are a sufficient number of accessible, safe disposal sites within their jurisdiction so members of the community can dispose of unneeded opioids.
It is important that we reflect upon past policies and their impact on our communities as we formulate our response to an epidemic that threatens every community across the country.
Partners for Wichita was formed to help connect and coordinate the efforts of local congregations and organizations. Their goal is to help identify and assess the needs of our local community in Wichita and beyond, and mobilize neighbors, congregations, organizations, and businesses to resolve unmet needs.
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Spring is in the Air
It's hard to believe it's February and spring is right around the corner. In this issue you will find some fun ideas for Valentine's Day, spring break, and tips for summer vacation. There is also have an interesting article about one of Wichita's own, Karyn Page, who talks about her international travels. And you'll read about the phenomenal year Eisenhower National Airport had in 2016. Sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy reading this issue of Eisenhower Air, and if you would share this with a friend, we'd be grateful.
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Art galleries, museums, restaurants and retail shops around Wichita stay open late and welcome visitors. Recognizing that Downtown is the artistic and cultural center for the region, the Q-Line trolley service transports art lovers to the concentration of venues in Downtown. The ride is free and allows attendees to park once and visit several galleries.
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Academy Award Shorts
2017 marks the 31st year the Wichita Public Library will screen Academy Award-nominated short films, free and open to the public. Wichita is one of the first cities in the nation to provide a way for its community to see these films nominated in the animation, live action and documentary categories.
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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.
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Life Happens Here!
From year-round to seasonal events, Downtown
is the preferred location for Wichita to celebrate throughout the year. A variety of events cater to the diverse interests of Wichita residents and many visitors from Kansas and throughout the regional area.
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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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KANSEL Construction
Training Program
KANSEL has a great training opportunity for men and women interested in a career in construction. This
FREE program prepares students for entry level construction work. They are trained in power & hand tools, construction math, blueprint reading, and receive OSHA, physical fitness, and life management skills instruction.
Students who complete the course have an opportunity to interview with local construction companies. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, be legally employable in the U.S. and attend all session of the 7 week course.
Interested students should plan to attend one of the above information sessions to apply for the program.
Call 263-9620 for more information.
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JOBS are here in Wichita!
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a job board with local, Wichita area, jobs only! A free service for job seekers, it will save you the time of searching through dozens of jobs outside of the area. Create a
free account here and you will be automatically signed up for all Wichita area updates and can customize the search further if you wish.
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Check out the latest job fairs and
training courses. Click here.
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How to report...
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Don't be left in the
dark
If you notice streetlight outages within your neighborhood, fill out this
simple form on Westar Energy's website.
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Winter 2017
Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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| Comotara Branch Library
Inside Dillons Market, 2244 N. Rock
Rockwell Branch Library 5939 E. 9th Eastview Park Just South of Coleman Middle School Boston Park 6655 E. Zimmerly St. Cottonwood Park Located just East of Boston Park W.B. Harrison Park Located East of S. Webb, just South of E. Bayley St. |
District II Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District II Advisory Board meets the second Monday of the month at Fire Station #20 at 2255 S. Greenwich Rd. Wichita, KS 67207. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2017 meeting schedule,
click here.
The District II Breakfast occurs quarterly. The next breakfast is scheduled for February 4, 2017
at 8:30 a.m. at The Regent Senior Living Residence at 2050 N. Webb Rd. (In the theater on the second floor).
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District II's neighborhood associations, click
here
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Become part of the solution and tell us what's on your mind. Visit Activate Wichita today!
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Click here to find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
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Stay Connected
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