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Keep Officer Brian Arterburn
in your prayers
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from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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On Monday, February 13th, I attended the Park Board Meeting at City Hall where the draft plans to add bicycle trails, more walking paths, and a small playground/picnic area for Pawnee Prairie Park were presented. This created a big controversy between horse back riders, bicyclists, hikers, and nearby residents. The Park Board wisely voted to defer any actions and to have the planners go back to the drawing board and to form a group of citizen advisers that include advocates of all who are interested in using this park for their activities. We continue to get calls about this subject, and so I want to state some facts about the park:
1. Pawnee Prairie Park was originally formed by the City of Wichita purchasing land parcels over a period of several years with several recreation purposes in mind, not just horseback riding. Ideas that had been tossed around were to put in a lake, baseball fields, and soccer fields, none of which happened.
2. The new plans will not disturb wildlife, although a small clearing (as a fire buffer) will need to be completed on the west edge of the park so as not to endanger the nearby houses in case of fire spreading through the heavily wooded areas of the park.
3. Many of the current park users have been concerned with safety, and the new enhancements will aid in creating a park that is safer, as well as adding amenities that will aid in making the park more comfortable and family-friendly.
4. All future landscaping will have minimal concrete and should not affect the wildlife that we all enjoy supporting in this wonderful environment.
So moving forward, as new plans are being thoughtfully developed, you can rest assured that the recent speakers at the recent Park Board Meeting did not go unheeded. We appreciated the opportunity to hear all of the comments, and the new planning committee will take into account what is best for the City of Wichita residents, according to what the citizens want and need, and where many of their interests can co-exist. The new plans will be presented at a public meeting for more feedback and tweaking before the plan will be adopted by the Park Board and recommended to the Wichita City Council for their vote. The future of the Pawnee Prairie Park is in the hands of the citizens, and that's where it should be.
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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Wichita Airport
7230 W Harry - 316-942-2000
On February 9th, Councilman Blubaugh went to congratulate owner Mike Ladiwalla on building another successful hotel in the wonderful Hilton Hotels & Resorts family. The Ladiwalla family went all out and had several buffets of various foods including a dessert bar, live music, and tokens to take home. This newest addition to the hotels close to the new Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport Terminal boasts 125 rooms (complete with Wi-Fi and free hot breakfast), and a small meeting room that can also accommodate small parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. Pam Anderson, the Director of Sales, said that you can bring in your own food or they can arrange for caterers. Pam also states that the crown jewel of the hotel is the extra large fitness center and indoor pool. Their central commons room on the 1st floor is tastefully decorated and nothing says "Welcome to Wichita" better than seeing a cozy setting of chairs, tables, beverages, snacks, and free electronic charging stations. Thank you Mr. Ladiwalla for investing in our community!
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| The new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Wichita Airport |
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| Yukiko Hendrich, SCORE Wichita, chats with Councilman Jeff Blubaugh at the ribbon cutting and grand opening |
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| L to R: Armaan, Zeenat, Mike, and Zayaan Ladiwalla. Far right is General Manager Joanna Manalo |
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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FIND OUT HOW HOMEOWNERSHIP CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
When you own a safe, affordable home you and your family will feel more secure and independent. Your children will do better in school. Come to a meeting at Wichita Habitat for Humanity and find out how you can make this happen. We have meetings at 5:30 p.m. on March 2 and March 15. We will have a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 10 a.m. A meeting in Spanish also will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25. Meetings are held at our offices at 130 E. Murdock St., between Main and Market streets. Please RSVP to Katharine at 316-269-0755 or
Katharine@wichitahabitat.org
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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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HOW TO GET RID OF THOSE
UNWANTED NEWSPAPERS
The City of Wichita has recently received a large number of complaints regarding the free Wichita Eagle publications that are distributed to households that do not subscribe to the newspaper. Residents who do not want the publications, or who want to report vacant properties where the flyers are piling up should contact the Wichita Eagle by calling 268-6209
or by e-mailing
csrequest@wichitaeagle.com.
If there are areas where old publications have become a littering issue and need to be picked up, please contact Distribution Services Manager Keith Hansen at
khansen@wichitaeagle.com
or 268-6558.
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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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Wichita Report app
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WANT TO REPORT POTHOLES OR OTHER STREET ISSUES?
THERE'S A FREE APP FOR THAT!
Or are you tired of electronics? Then contact the City of Wichita the old fashioned way. Simply pick up your phone and dial 942-4482 to get connected to the correct department/person. This number is operational from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
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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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| 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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IN PERSON
- Certified volunteers will prepare your taxes and even help you get tax credits you are eligible for putting more money back in your pocket.
- Services are offered by appointment. Locations across Wichita and in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley and Marion counties
- For more info and to find a location near you:
2-1-1 is United Way's toll-free 24-hour information line.
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ONLINE
- Visit myfreetaxes.com to file your taxes online for free
- It's easy, safe, and secure!
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FUND RAISER FOR OFFICER BRIAN ARTERBURN
& THE UNITED STATES HONOR FLAG
Coffee with a Cop Wichita and the Wichita Police Department are hosting a fundraiser dinner for the United States Honor Flag at Distillery 244 Old Town February 24th, 5-8 pm. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 per child 15 and under; $10 per adult 16 and over! You are more than welcome to donate more if you would like. 100% of the donations will go to Officer Arterburn's wife to help her out with anything she needs, and 50% of the money raised from the dinner will go to Officer Aterburn's recovery fund. The remaining 50% of the dinner proceeds will go to the United States Honor Flag to help support their mission to honor our Fallen Hero's around the nation! We hope to see you on Friday, February 24th at 5pm. Come hungry and learn about Officer Arterburn and the United States Honor Flag and what it stands for! For additional information please visit
www.ushonorflag.org
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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:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017eps
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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31st ACADEMY AWARD SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL
February 18th - 25th
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.
To qualify as a short subject for Academy Award consideration, films must be no more than 40 minutes in running time (including all credits). Shorts are typically not rated and may not be suitable for all audiences. Some nominated films may not be available for screening due to rights limitations.
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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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GET TO KNOW THOSE WHO SERVE AND PROTECT US
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, They will also be accepting donations at Coffee with a Cop To help Their mission Of Honoring Our Fallen Hero's!
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. Hope to see you Saturday Feb 25th 2017.
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Cooking Matters for Parents
Are you interested in learning how to shop, prepare healthy meals and, receive free groceries? Sign up for our free Cooking Matters classes for parents.
Participants must be parents or primary caregivers of children from low-income households.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
To register, please call Sara Sawer, Expanded Food and Nutrition
- Starts 02/28 - Maize Early Learning Center, 5:30-7:30 pm (535 S. James St., Maize)
- Starts 02/28 - Tabernacle Bible Church, 6:00-8:00 pm (1817 N. Volutsia)
- Starts 03/01 - Haysville Learning Center, 6:00-8:00 pm (150 Stewart Ave., Haysville)
- Starts 03/06 - Downtown YMCA, 6:00-8:00 pm (402 N. Market St.)
- Starts 04/11 - Lighthouse Community Church, 6:00-8:00 pm (3401 E. 47th St. S.)
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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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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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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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Plan on being there at 4:00 pm for
a great evening of music.
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Your tickets will cover a total of all seven (7) nights in the lower chairs by the third base line. Get yours before they are all gone! 
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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 and halfway completed, but remember that Harry is still closed at Meridian for all west bound traffic. Kudos to Greg Baalman, City of Wichita, for keeping this project on course and looking forward to May 2017!
Traffic Impact:
Meridian is complete on the west side, and the east side to Harry is almost completed. Hang in there everyone. The end is in sight!
PAWNEE BRIDGE CLOSED
Pawnee will close between Broadway and McLean Boulevard, beginning August 8, 2016 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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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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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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STAY FIT TIPS
Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas is a life changing, non-profit prevention program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade. Our mission: "We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running."
Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. We teach life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.
Start your children early in fitness programs and you give them a gift for life!
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February 17th
February 18th
National Drink Wine Day (AND it's a Saturday!!)
February 19th
Smokey Robinson's birthday (He will be 76 this year)
February 20th
President's Day (CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED)
February 21st
National Sticky Bun Day (not sure if I like the name of this "day")
February 22nd
National Margarita Day
February 23rd
National Chili Day
February 24th
National Tortilla Chip Day (I will take mine with some queso please)
National Clam Chowder Day
February 26th
Johnny Cash's birthday (born 1932)
February 27th
National Kahlua Day (I see lots of alcohol being served this month)
February 28th
March 1st
Ash Wednesday
March 2nd
March 3rd
National Anthem Day (Ohhh say can you see?)
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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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I
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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