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District I 
Newsletter

 
February 3, 2017
What would change the quality of life in District I?
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The District I Breakfast on February 4, 2016 will be held 9 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club located at 2400 N. Opportunity Drive.

Please plan to attend and enjoy a full breakfast for $2 and discuss how to enhance District I.    

From the desk of Lavonta Williams...
I would like to congratulate Partners of Wichita for starting a Safe Streets Prescription Drug Task Force to begin to look at strategies to keep our 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:
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.  

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City Announcements & Activities
S tay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines 
by reading our daily News Releases
DISTRICT I-CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS 

1. Oliver, 17th Street N. to 21st Street N.: Utility relocation work is in progress in preparation for a future project that  will reconstruct the intersection of 17th St. & Oliver in 2017. 

2.  37th, Oliver to Woodlawn : The project will widen 37th Street from a two-lane to a three-lane roadway with curb and gutter, and an underground storm sewer. The project also includes on-street bike lanes and sidewalk along both sides of the street.
     

Click here to find up-to-date information regarding street maintenance in your area.
The Kansas Recreation & Park Association (KRPA) on Thursday awarded Vice Mayor Janet Miller with the 2017 Distinguished Board Member Award and Council Member Lavonta Williams with the 2017 Distinguished Elected Official Award.

The Distinguished Elected Official Award is for an elected official at any government level, including local, state or federal, who has served at least one complete term of office and who has rendered service to any phase of the recreation and park movement at a local, state and/or national level. 

"We are blessed to have two passionate advocates for Park & Recreation on the City Council," said Troy Houtman, the Park & Recreation Director for the City of Wichita. "Vice Mayor Miller and Council member Williams have had a significant impact on the quality of life of Wichita residents."

Excellence in Public Service nominations
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.
Keeper of the Plains 
Upgrades Complete

Upgrades at the Keeper of the Plains are now complete. Upgrades and repairs began in October 2016 and required that certain areas be cordoned off. The barricades have now been removed and the area is entirely open to the public. Upgrades and repairs include:
  • Construction of a barrier along ADA accessible pathways to prevent wheelchairs and other assistive mobile units from sliding off the path.
  • Upgrading of the fire pot sensors for enhanced safety and efficiency
  • Replacement of chain barrier with decorative fence to prevent visitors from approaching the fire pots and also from entering the fountain
  • Enhanced signage for better visitor flow
  • Replacement of mulch at the lower viewing plaza with the addition of decomposed granite to reduce maintenance and to have a more usable (mud free) space for visitors.
  • Repair of broken stone pavers throughout the premises
Have you scheduled a ride along with the Wichita Police Department? 
¨    Complete Form at the Police           Station of your choice
¨  Provide a copy of your ID/Driver's License
¨  Receive approval
¨  Schedule at least 3 days in advance
¨  Wear business casual attire  (no jeans, shorts, sweats or open-toed shoes)

Visit your nearest Patrol Station to sign up:
Patrol North:3015 E. 21st St.,350-3400
Patrol East: 350 S. Edgemoor,350-3420
Patrol South:211 E. Pawnee,350-3440
Patrol West:661 E. Elder,350-3460
 

Neighborhood Nuisance Reporting
 
Residents are encouraged to report neighborhood nuisance problems via phone or email due to technical difficulties with the online portal. To submit a report, please call the main number (660-9220). A voicemail can be left if the call is made after business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, an email may be sent to KeepWichitaClean@wichita.gov or residents may contact the Dial Wichita! Call Center at 942-4482.  

Check out what's happening 
by  clicking here

 
What is a Heart-Healthy Diet?
6:30-7:30pm, 
Thursday, Feb. 9th 
Rockwell Branch Library-
5939 E. 9th St.


The American Heart Association has long been known for its dietary recommendations for a healthy heart. In honor of American Heart Month, learn more about what it means to eat heart-healthy foods and how changing some habits at the grocery store can make a long-lasting impact on your overall health and well-being.  A nutrition specialist will share tips, strategies and recipes to put you on track for life.  The program is free but registration is required; call 688-9361 or register online - http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=2957

Credit Reports 101: 
2:30-3:30pm, 
Monday, Feb. 13th, 
Central Librar-
223 S. Main
Financial experts recommend you check your credit report for accuracy at least once a year.  It costs nothing to review your credit, but it can be difficult to know what to look for in these reports.  A representative from Consumer Credit Counseling will walk you through the details of how to read and understand these documents.  They'll also talk about how credit scores affect your ability to borrow money and how to improve your credit score.  Please bring a recent copy of your credit report so they can answer specific questions you might have about what it contains.  If you don't know how to access your credit report, library staff are available by appointment to help you find this information online; call 261-8506 to schedule an appointment for this.  The program is free but registration is required; call 261-8510 or register online - http://wichita.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?EventId=2956.

Sign up now for classes at  City Arts by clicking here!
View Park and Recreation Classes by clicking here!
Updates from District I & 
Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center
District I Advisory Board, Breakfast and Neighborhood Association Information
February breakfast will be held at the Boys and Girls Club
The District I Advisory Board meets on the 1st Monday of the month at the Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC), 2755 E. 19th St. N., Wichita, KS 67214.  Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. 

The District I Breakfast is held on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Atwater NRC, 2755 E. 19th St. N. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. 

For the 2016 meeting schedule, click  here .


Like us on Facebook: Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center
 
Neighborhood Association Updates...

 

Click here for the 2017 Neighborhood Clean-up Application


Neighborhood Associations are encouraged to participate and walk with your Community Police Officer in this parade.
Education, Employment & Job Training
KANSEL Construction Class
Career Job Training

The Union Rescue Mission has a new program to prepare men and women for rewarding careers in the food service industry.  KitchenPrep is an eight-week course taught at the Mission's life transformation center (2800 North Hillside).  The curriculum involves 128 hours of classroom and kitchen lab work spread over 24 days.  Trainees complete both written and practical assignments taught by Union Rescue Mission staff and guest instructors.
 
At the conclusion of the eight weeks, students who pass a culinary proficiency test will receive a certificate of course completion, plus assistance in securing employment. 
 
Tuition is $285 total ($200 in student fees and $85 for course materials and tools).  There is a $40 non-refundable application fee.  A limited number of scholarships are available for men and women who are currently unemployed or under employed.
 
Additional information is available at http://urmwichita.org/food-service-job-training or by calling the Mission at (316) 687-4673 (Ask for "Cesar").

Community Activities & Services
Senior Wednesday at The Kansas African American Museum. It's FREE!!! Senior Wednesdays are informational and entertaining sessions, designed for active seniors and offered by a collaboration of ten institutions. Come and join us every third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. January - November


 





WHO ARE WE?
Click on the picture for more...

The link below will take you to the City of Wichita/Arts & Cultural Services/CFC funding applications for Fiscal Year 2018. Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2018 are available here.

Please note that the Developing Arts and Artist Access grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 24. 2017.  The applications for Cultural Funding are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017. 

Tired of renting? Learn how to own a Wichita Habitat for Humanity Home!

Come to a meeting at Wichita Habitat for Humanity and find out how you can own a safe, affordable home.
 
We have meetings Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. on February 15th, Saturday, Feb. 25th at 10 a.m.  and Thursday, March 2nd at 5:30 p.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 269-0755 or Katharine@wichitahabitat.org.

 
Senior Wednesday: January-March 2017
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.
 
To view upcoming events for January through March-Click 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. Downtown Event Calendar



Helpful Information
Project Access and its community partners serve patients in many locations.  Eligible uninsured patients are enrolled for limited periods of time to address immediate medical needs.  Once enrolled, patients have access to a variety of specialists, as well as prescription medication, durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.

Eligible patients can be referred by participating physicians throughout Sedgwick County.

Additional key partners are community clinics and the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Patients who receive primary care at certain community clinics may be referred to Project Access and enrolled by an onsite DCF eligibility specialist.
Eligible patients are referred to Project Access by providers at the following sites:
For more information call
3 16-688-0600

Connect 2 Compete with COX
Get Internet at home today for a better future tomorrow
The Internet is essential for success. See how you can get connected.
 
DOES MY FAMILY QUALIFY?

1. At least one child eligible for free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program

 

2. No outstanding Cox bills or unreturned equipment.

 

3. Have not subscribed to Cox High Speed Internet service for the last 90 day 


 

4. Call 1-855-222-3252 for more information

Street Light Out? Click Here to report your findings to  Westar Energy



 
Website
Links  
City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video link

Environmental Court dockets and dispositions

    

The program encourages citizens to call Crime Stoppers if they have information about a felony crime, and wish to remain anonymous.  This means that they have not directly contacted law enforcement.  Crime Stoppers always encourages cooperation with law enforcement, but in those cases where citizens do not want to call police, they are encouraged to provide the information they have anonymously through Crime Stoppers by one of the following ways:  

Call (316) 267-2111 or 1-800-222-TIPS

Text TIP217 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) or


If you would like more information on the program or you are interested in volunteering you may call the Wichita Crime Commission at 267-1235 or click here
Have questions or concerns?
City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-303-8016 |
2755 E. 19th St. N.  Wichita, KS 67214
or call 316-268-4331