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from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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There is so much development going on in Wichita right now that there's not enough time, or room, to list it all, so I will give you a quick summary of just District IV. There is the excitement of the Star Bond project that includes a new baseball stadium that will remain in our District. The best part? It will be paid for with future sales tax generated by new business. I am currently working on finalizing plans with Park & Recreation to improve Pawnee Prairie Park, the largest municipal park in Sedgwick County, and we are in the initial planning stage to start improvements to South Lakes Park. And of course we must not forget the Kellogg & I-235 interchange that will not only move more traffic safely, but will add aesthetics to west Kellogg.
On the private side of the economy we have Lange Real Estate constructing the Ironhorse Manufacturing Park at Seneca and MacArthur.
Then there is Christian Ablah's development on West Street, just north of Kellogg. I'm sure you have noticed that the old Rowdy Beaver building is gone, as is the tattoo shop that was north of there. A new Verizon store has gone in, and be on the look out for what will be replacing the Rowdy Beaver site.
We have a District IV company that is looking to expand into the transloading business. For those of you that are not familiar with the term, transloading
is the process of transferring a shipment from one mode of transportation to another. It is most commonly employed when one mode cannot be used for the entire trip, such as when goods must be shipped internationally from one inland point to another.
I will keep everyone updated on new developments as I hear about them, and meanwhile the ground hog, Punxsutawney Phil, said that there are 6 more weeks of winter to endure. But we can always get warmed up with Valentine's Day!
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THE COTILLION: NOT JUST ANOTHER VENUE
11120 W. Kellogg - 316-722-4201
The Cotillion is a special events facility that hosts concerts, dances, comedians, and stage shows featuring nationally known artists and performers. This special events facility is available to rent for concerts, dances, banquets, corporate events, wedding receptions, trade shows, and private parties.
Built in 1960, The Cotillion is a 28,500 square foot building with a maximum concert capacity of 2000 persons. The unique circular design of the building has large wooden beams supporting a 24 foot high domed ceiling over an 11,000 square foot floating hardwood maple dance floor and a stage that features a distinctive neon lit band shell.
- The early years of The Cotillion featured a gallery of great artists and sold out shows - Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Si Zentner, and Norman Lee.
- As the times changed, so did The Cotillion, bringing rock n roll and a new generation of fans to see the Everly Brothers, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Yardbirds, Ted Nugent, Bonnie Raitt and Pat Benatar.
The Cotillion now hosts everything from Roller Derby to Country stars, Rap musicians, Tex-Mex, Bluegrass, and more. My favorite was last year's concert featuring George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic. You can't have more fun than that! The Cotillion is a family owned business since it's inception and continues to be operated by the Richard Leslie family. Check out their upcoming entertainment
here. And if you want to "wow" your future in-laws, the Cotillion is a great venue for your daughter's wedding reception.
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| The original sign greets you |
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| Opening night, December 7, 1960 |
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| Richard Leslie and Councilman Jeff Blubaugh in front of the band shell |
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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HEAD TO DELANO FOR 2nd SATURDAY ON FEBRUARY 4th
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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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Start Planning Now for your
Neighborhood Cleanup!
The City of Wichita neighborhood cleanup applications for 2017 were sent out to neighborhood associations and home owner associations this week. If we missed your association, please give us a call at 316-268-4197. The cleanups start the 1st Saturday in April and conclude the last Saturday of November. There is much preparation involved when planning a neighborhood cleanup, so now is the time to get with your association to set a date, fill out and submit your application, and recruit volunteers.
The work is fun, rewarding, and a great way to get to know your neighbors! We all live in a great city, and it's everyone's responsibility to take care of it.
Click
here to view the application and instructions.
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Tired of renting?
Learn how you can own a Wichita Habitat for Humanity home!
There are lots of benefits to owning a safe, affordable home! Come to a meeting at Wichita Habitat for Humanity and find out more! We have meetings at 5:30 p.m. on February 15 and March 2. 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.
Don't miss out on a great opportunity to own a home AND have a great experience!
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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.
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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 District Advisory Board (DAB) meeting scheduled for February 6th has been cancelled due to no agenda items. The next DAB meeting for District IV will be held on March 6, 2017.
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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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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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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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CENTURY II
WABA HOME SHOW
FEBRUARY 9 - 12
Adults $8.00, Seniors $6.00, Children $3.00
Children 6 and under are FREE
Thursday, February 9th 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, February 10th & 11th, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 12th - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
FREE Parking and Shuttle Bus to and from
Lawrence Dumont Stadium!
For more information call 265-4226, or click
here!
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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 02/15 - Urban League, 1:45-3:45 pm (2418 E. 9th St N.)
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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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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| CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENTER THE CONTEST! |
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KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL CONTEST
(Deadline to enter is February 14th)
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.
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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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1000 Books Before Kindergarten!
The Wichita Public Library is challenging parents and caregivers across Wichita to read 1000 books to their babies and toddlers! It's the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge. Stop by any of the eight public libraries in the City to pick up a 1000 Books folder which includes a tracking sheet that gets colored in each time a book is read.
After reading the first 100 books, each child will receive a book bag and will mark his/her progress at the Library.
It's a lot easier than it sounds!
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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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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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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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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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
In January, Mayor Jeff Longwell took his first Walk-A-Longwell, a program that aims to promote healthy habits for employers and residents in Wichita. He plans to continue these walks the last Wednesday of every month, 2 to 3 pm.
Citizens can meet up with Mayor Longwell at 1:55 at 455 N. Main in front of the law enforcement memorial to begin, or can phone 268.4331 for the route of the day.
Mayor Longwell launched this initiative to bring attention to health and fitness in Wichita. The monthly walk also serves residents to meet the Mayor and to discuss their ideas and opinions about the future of Wichita.
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February 3rd
February 4th
National Homemade Soup Day
February 5th
National Weatherperson's Day (Who is your favorite?)
February 6th
National Frozen Yogurt Day
February 7th
National Send a Card to a Friend Day (Great idea!)
February 8th
February 9th
National Pizza Day (So many to choose from)
February 10th
February 12th
Abraham Lincoln's birthday - born in 1809
February 13th
In 1959, a single snow storm that lasted 6 days produced 189 inches in Mount Shasta, California!
February 14th
February 15th
National Gumdrop Day
February 16th
National Almond Day
February 17th
National Random Acts of Kindness day
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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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