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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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There has been a lot of aviation news lately. Since we are the "aviation capital of the world", I am not surprised. In this week's Wichita Business Journal, along with other media, reports our new Eisenhower terminal continues to have increasing ridership and revenues. See this
link for details. And, we are now adding another airline,
Alaska Airlines. Beginning April 13, they will offer new daily non-stop service to Seattle, where you can reach over 100 destinations, from snowy Alaska to sunny Hawaii.
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Flight Safety East Wichita Learning Center Management Team |
Another fantastic aviation
support company in Wichita is
Flight Safety. Not only do they train pilots from all over the world, they also are a wonderful community citizen, exemplified by their employees giving a significant monetary donation to Officer Arterbrun to help support his rehabilitation from his accident while on-duty. If you know anyone at Flight Safety, please thank them for all they do for our local economy and for their commitment to our City.
And finally, the leader of McConnell AFB, Col. Albert Miller has just been notified that he is being promoted to Brigadier General in the US Air Force. This is a distinguished honor and well-deserved as Col. Miller has been a truly great leader at McConnell and in our community.
On a different note, last Tuesday the City Council saw a presentation from Marty Miller, executive director at
Botanica. His 20 minute presentation was eye-opening to realize how much has been accomplished. He gave a summary of where it was 10 years ago, and how much it has grown and the positive impact it has had on our City. You can see a summary of Marty's presentation by
clicking here and view his
PowerPoint presentation here. Botanica is a very special asset in our city, and one that you should visit and see, at any time of the year.
Lastly, I aw
oke this past Thursday
morning to hear about the passing of Linwood Sexton. I knew Linwood, as many did. My father, Paul, and Linwood, played sports against each other at North and East High
Schools. They became great friends for life.
Linwood's story
is capsulated very well by Paul Sullentrop at the Wichita Eagle. Linwood
left a tremendous legacy and one that all of us in Wichita are proud of. My personal thanks to Linwood, for being the person he was; he
will be remembered and missed.
Have a great weekend!
Pete Meitzner
Wichita City Council
District II Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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East Kellogg Improvements Update
In March, two large drainage boxes under Kellogg were installed. Reconstruction of the eastbound Kellogg bridge and construction of the new south frontage road, both which cross the Turnpike, also began.
Traffic impacts include:
- The ramp from eastbound K-96 to westbound Kellogg is closed for the duration of the project.
- Kellogg traffic between Zelta and K-96 is reduced to one westbound and two eastbound lanes through fall 2018.
- With the goal of improving safety, the 127th Street connection to East Kellogg is closed. A new connection from 127th Street to Zelta is part of the improvements.
- Kansas Turnpike travelers (I-35/KTA) should expect lane changes and closures both directions between mile markers 51 and 53 for reconstruction of the eastbound Kellogg bridge and construction of the new south frontage road, both which cross the Turnpike.
- Traffic entering the Kansas Turnpike's Kellogg toll plaza from eastbound Kellogg will travel through a work zone for construction of the south frontage road.
- Temporary lane closures on Webb, north and south of Kellogg.
- The westbound right lane of Kellogg from Greenwich to Webb will be closed beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, and Friday, April 7, weather permitting, for paving of the new north frontage road.
- East Gilbert Street at Greenwich will be temporary closed for utility work beginning Monday, April 3 for a period of about two weeks, weather permitting.
- Temporary lane closures on Zelta for utility relocation and intersection improvements.
- No left turns allowed at Kellogg/US 54 and Webb Road for any direction.
- 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.
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 1/2 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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Four Mile Creek Plant Expansion Begins
This past Tuesday, March 28, Public Works & Utilities held a public information meeting at Fire Station #20, to answer questions from citizens about the expansion of the Four Mile Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility on East Harry. Currently, it is designed to treat 3.0 MGD (million gallons per day) of wastewater and discharges into Four Mile Creek, which is a tributary of the Walnut River. The facility is performing biological nutrient removal creating an effluent that is low in phosphorus and nitrogen.
Four Mile Creek is at
or near capacity and expansion of the facility has begun. The planned improvements will increase the liquid treatment capacity from 3.0 to 6.0 MGD. It will also convert from a chlorine-based purification process to a process that uses ultra-violet light.
Improvements to the solid handling process will also convert liquid sludge, which is currently pumped to tanker trucks and hauled to the City's Plant 2 collection system to solid sludge, which will be transported via a dump truck loads to the Plant 2 facility. This will result in reducing truck traffic of 25 - 30 tanker loads per week to 2-3 dump trucks per week.
The Four Mile Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility and collection system along with the West Sedgwick County Sewer District were acquired by the City of Wichita from Sedgwick County in April of 2001.
This project is projected to take two years to complete.
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Troy Houtman
Director of Park and Recreation
Troy Houtman was hired as the City of Wichita Park and Recreation Director and started in November of 2014. With almost 2 ½ year on the job, he has made an impact on staff, programming and operations.
Troy brings over 20 years of experience to the job with previous working locations at the City of San Antonio and the City of Austin. His background includes working in many areas of Parks and Recreation to include aquatics, youth and adult sports, golf, park maintenance, CIP projects, and general recreation programming. Specifically, the depth of his experience involves development of partnerships, contract development, park development, budget management and employee development.
Troy received his bachelor's degree in business management with an emphases in accounting at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and also received his master's degree in public administration from Texas State University. He has attended the National Recreation & Parks Association Directors School and hold certificate as a Certified Public Manager from the state of Texas and Certified Parks and Recreation Executive from the National Recreation & Parks Association.
Several mentors have had a huge impact on Troy's management style and desire to become a Parks & Recreation Director. These influences have shaped his vision of public service and the passion for delivering quality service to the community. It's his belief that local government is the most important tool for creating and providing a high quality of life and it's the function of the parks and recreation department to enhance opportunities and develop pride in the community. To reach the goals and potential of the community the parks and recreation department is the most important department to reach the public and interact with their vision of what the community should be and what programs could be offered.
Troy's future vision for Wichita will include the completion of the Aquatics Master Plan, revision of the Parks, Recreation Open Space plan, and accreditation of the department through the National Recreation & Parks Association's Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Other goals include more exposure for the department, more partnerships, more interaction with the community, more programs offered, upgrades to parks and park amenities. All to increase the quality of life in Wichita.
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Wichita District II Facebook Page
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WPD K-9 Officer Rooster was killed in the line of duty on March 19th. A memorial service is planned for today, Friday, March 31st, at 1:00 pm, at Century II Exhibition Hall.
They will start seating at 12:30 pm.
Rest In Peace Rooster.
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 More info...
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BURN BAN FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL
Even though we have had lots of rain this past week, a burn ban will be in place for the City of Wichita for the month of April.
Fire Marshal Brad Crisp and Air Quality Specialist Baylee Cunningham discuss the April Burn Ban and air quality in Wichita and what you can do to help the community breath cleaner air. Only barbecue grills are allowed to be used during the entire month of April.
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Water-Quality Monitoring at Cheney Reservoir Helps Ensure Safe Water Supply
Since 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey and the City of Wichita have cooperated in water quality investigations at Cheney Reservoir, analyzing inflows, in-reservoir processes, and water quality changes. Water quality monitors in place since 2001 provide real-time information about the condition of water entering the reservoir via the North Fork Ninnescah River and ultimately used for Wichita's municipal supply. Current water conditions at the reservoir are available online by clicking here.
Data from continuous monitoring sites can also be used to forecast future water conditions. For example, warm weather may be a precursor to a future algae bloom. Bloom events can cause a Public Health Watch, warning against skin contact. However, access to real-time water quality data allows the City to anticipate necessary changes to treatment processes and ensure safe drinking water.
USGS will soon be publishing its newest study, which provides a numerical model predicting occurrence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), microcystin, and taste-and-odor compounds. This study, which has been funded through cooperation with the City of Wichita, will be available at the this website: https://ks.water.usgs.gov/cheney-reservoir
Cheney Reservoir is an important part of Wichita's water supply and it is vital that acceptable water quality be maintained in Cheney and the surrounding watershed. Suspended sediment, nutrients, pesticides and bacteria may have detrimental effects on reservoir water quality. Harmful effects to human health and aquatic organisms, decreased recreational value and increased drinking water treatment costs are potential results from unsatisfactory water quality. The City of Wichita and the U.S. Geological Survey have and will continue to work together to establish a detailed history of the reservoir, which will allow the City to better understand water quality changes that may occur in the future
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This report highlights the City of Wichita's 2016 accomplishments and provides
a look ahead at the City's 2017 goals.
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City Webpage Provides Link to Unsubscribe from Unwanted Newspaper Delivery
The City of Wichita has worked with the Wichita Eagle and American Newspaper Solutions (ANS) to create an easy way to stop delivery of the free Eagle flyers. There is now an option on the City's website where citizens can contact ANS directly.
Please note, the City's only involvement in this process is to provide an easy-to-find link where you can unsubscribe.
The City has no control over how ANS responds to the unsubscribe requests. Sometimes delivery stops, but then starts up again when there is a new delivery person. If this happens, simply go to the link and unsubscribe again.
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Animal Services Advisory Board
Seeks Public Input
The City of Wichita Animal Services
Advisory Board is seeking community input on the issue of feral cats. The Board wants to determine if feral cats are a problem in Wichita and if so, seek appropriate remedies. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.
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Old Town Farmers' Market
Opens April 1
Better for you. Better for Wichita.
Shopping at Old Town Farmers' Market safeguards your ability to source outstanding food and handmade products from producers you know and trust.
Experience more than the fresh flavors of the market; check out the c
lasses, demonstrations, tastings, music, competitions and more.
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When: Saturday, April 1
Time: 12 - 4pm
Where: Old Cowtown Museum
1865 W Museum Blvd | Wichita, KS 67203
Tickets: FREE admission
Come out to Cowtown to find out what we have planned for the 2017 Season! Where else can you find Santa Claus and the Headless Horseman together? There will be information on all of our upcoming events, volunteers to chat with, and membership info. Most of the action will be inside our Visitor's Center, but there will be access to the museum grounds!
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Fairy Tea Party at Botanica
You won't want to miss this tea party and ballet performance by Ballet Wichita!
Each child will receive their own fairy wings when they take a seat at one of the tables at our new Lotus Hall. We will provide strawberry tea, lemonade and water along with mini sandwiches and other treats offered by Blue Moon Caterers.
After the tea, the kids are welcome to explore different stations where they will create their own fairy tutu, make a fairy wand and plant a flower to take home. This will be a one-of-a-kind event you and your child won't forget.
Saturday, April 8
First Seating 10:00am - Noon,Tea from 10am - 11:30am, Ballet Wichita performance 11:30am - Noon
Second Seating 11:30am - 1:30pm, Ballet Wichita performance
11:30am - Noon, Tea from Noon - 1:30pm
$35 kids and $10 adults (150 per seating)
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Saturday, April 8, 10am - Noon
Gates open at 9:45 am
Watson Park - 3022 S McLean Blvd.
$5.00 per carload entry fee - CASH ONLY
For ages 2- 10: BYOB (Bring your own basket)
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Join Wichita Park & Recreation and Genesis Health Clubs for the 2nd Annual Get Fit Wichita - Spring Cycle Spectacular at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on
Saturday, April 8th.
Certified cycle instructors will motivate you through sprints, climbs and runs while cycling to great music! Choose from two classes, 8:30am and 10:00am. Pre-registration is required.
GET FIT WICHITA is a collaboration between Genesis Health Clubs and The City of Wichita Park & Recreation. In the past year, we hosted four free exercise events, promoting health and wellness to hundreds of participants while showcasing our City's great parks.
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Move More in April, says the American Heart Association
Outdoor walk-at-work events are in this spring. At your job, try out a "walking meeting" with a workmate or just enjoy the noontime fresh air. It's refreshing for mind and body to walk every day but you might see plenty of other pedestrians on some Wednesdays this spring:
- Move More in April, (Am Heart Assoc., heart.org)
- April 26, National Walk at Lunch Day (Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS, BCBSKS.com)
- May 3, Get Fit Don't Sit Day, (Am Diabetes Assoc., diabetes.org)
- May 17, Walk at Work Day, (Health & Wellness Coalition Wichita, hwcwichita.org)
Find your favorite time to walk: morning, noon, after supper. Walk tall. Do some backward shoulder rolls to relieve stress. Walking is an uplifting respite from the work day or home day.
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Wichita Public Library Young Artists' Exhibit
For the ninth year in a row, the Wichita Public Library has partnered with local early childhood programs to present the Young Artists' Exhibit. Displayed throughout the month of April, exhibits at libraries across Wichita recognize the Week of the Young Child, a celebration of early learning, young children, their teachers and families. Artwork created by hundreds of Wichita children based on a literary theme will be displayed at the Central Library as well as the Alford, Angelou, Evergreen, Rockwell, and Westlink Branch Libraries.
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LOAD 'EM UP AND GET 'EM OUT
Sedgwick County is offering
free tire disposal for
residents on April 14 & 15 (Businesses can dispose for free on April 13).
Get rid of unwanted tires before the mosquito season gets here! Tires stacked outside tend to hold water and make an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. If they are in your garage, spiders and other insects will find them a handy place to lay their eggs.
Take them to the Sedgwick County Waste Yard at 4701 S. West St. between 8:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m on April 14 and 15.
This is for Sedgwick County residents only!
Thank you Sedgwick County!
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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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Riverfest Needs You!
Volunteering is a fun way to get involved and get a behind the scenes look at a long-running Wichita tradition.
Volunteers are the heart and backbone of the Wichita Riverfest. Each year they need over 5,500 volunteers to work a total of 19,000 volunteer hours. An estimated 80 volunteer committees help plan and execute Riverfest. Volunteers work on committees, help with mailings, package buttons, answer phones and work onsite at Riverfest to make it successful.
Lots of positions are available with flexible days and times to fit your schedule.
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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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FRAUD ALERTS
from the OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
There are many scams and frauds going on now days, so be alert when answering your phone or responding to an email from an unknown sender. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, has all of the latest tips and reporting phone numbers if you suspect you have been a victim of a scam or some type of fraud. Be prepared and be aware! Learn more by clicking on their
link.
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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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Spring 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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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
May 20, 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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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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