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from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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At the April 10th Board Of Park Commissioners, the main agenda item was the proposed Pawnee Prairie Park March 2017 Plan that allows dedicated paths for bicycling at Pawnee Prairie Park in District IV. There was much controversy over this proposal and many misconceptions. After public comments that took almost two hours, the members of the board voted to adopt the changes to areas B & C (north part of plan), and to form a committee of current park users (equestrians and hikers), bicyclists, and nearby residents to come to a compromise for the south side of the park (area A). This ad hoc committee will have until the June meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners to reach a compatible solution or the plan, as it currently stands, will be adopted by default. The entire project, including Areas B & C are to limited to a $1 million budget.
There are approximately 15,000 residents that reside on the west side of this park that are without any public space, playground, or designated bike paths for their enjoyment. And as Pawnee Prairie Park is the largest park in Wichita, it is only right that we provide amenities to these families.
These changes will bring more structure to a treasured park that is deserving of care and respect. By establishing and implementing Rules of the Trails with new and more visible signage, taking different preventive measures in discouraging and prosecuting poachers and other unlawful activities that are occurring in this park, and removing more undesirable red cedars... all of us TOGETHER can become the stewards and eyes of this park land. In protecting the flora and fauna that represents this area of Kansas, we can teach our children and others the rules, respect, and reverence for the abundance of natural beauty that makes Pawnee Prairie Park so special.
If you are not familiar with this park, you can visit by clicking
here
or simply drive to 2625 S Tyler. Please note that until these changes are implemented
bicycles are currently not allowed in this park.
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3801 W JEWELL ST, WICHITA KS 67213
This wonderful company gives a whole new respect of how important the recycling business can be for the economy and resources that impact the entire nation.
D
avid Kapaun, General Manager of Arrow Recycling Solutions Inc has managed to take "re-purposing" to a whole new level. Arrow Recycling partners with industrial clients for industrial recycling. Arrow deals in ferrous, non-ferrous, all high temp metals and exotic metals. Arrow outgrew their previous location and found a larger and more convenient location in southwest Wichita in which to allow the storage and complicated procedures in which to amass, weigh, package, and load clean scrap metals that are shipped to nationally known manufacturers who can make use of these resources. While visiting and touring Arrow Recycling Solutions, Councilman Blubaugh had the pleasure of speaking with Ricardo Perrotta, President of Ecodesign out of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Perotta was in town to visit with Mr. Kapaun on the possibilities of doing business with Arrow Recycling Solutions Inc, and was later joined by Victor Comino of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
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| L to R: Councilman Jeff Blubaugh, Ricardo Perrotta, and GM David Kapaun |
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Solid aluminum pucks awaiting shipment to a national contractor who will use the aluminum for new product.
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Titanium that requires special procedures before shipping. This is where Arrow Recycling's custom programming is especially helpful in proper handling.
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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LOAD 'EM UP AND GET 'EM OUT
Sedgwick County is offering
free tire disposal for
residents on April 14 & 15. Load up all those tires before the mosquito season gets here. Tires stacked outside tend to hold water and make for an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. And if they are in your garage, spiders and other insects will find them a handy place to lay their eggs.
Just take them to the Sedgwick County Waste Yard at 4701 S West St.,
but be prepared to wait in line just a short while. This is a very popular event. Click
here to read the details, or to have a printable poster.
For additional information on recycling and trash disposal, read more.
Thank you Sedgwick County!
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IT MIGHT BE WET, BUT THERE IS STILL A BURN BAN FOR THE ENTIRE 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 breathe cleaner air. Only barbecue grills are allowed to be used. You can click here to view an informative video on this subject.
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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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CRIME STOPPERS OF WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY INTRODUCES NEW MOBILE APP
The new software will allow submission of tips by phone, the web, and by way of the new free P3 Tips mobile app available on the iOS and Android platforms, greatly enhancing the mobile tip submission process. Still completely anonymous, tips submitted through the P3 mobile app, unlike SMS text tips, have no length limitations and allow images, video and documents to be uploaded with the tip. Anderson Software's sophisticated encryption processes obscure any and all identifying information and provides assured anonymity for tipsters.
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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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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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Is
your
home
ready
for
a
fresh
coat
of
paint?
This program provides assistance to homeowners to update and preserve their property with a fresh coat of paint. The paint is free and homeowners can choose the color of paint from a wide selection. The paint is available on a first-come, first-served basis, between April 1 and September 15, subject to funding availability. To qualify for the free paint the house must be located within the city limits of Wichita.
- Eligible household income must not exceed eighty percent (80%) of median income.
- The house must be owner-occupied, and real estate taxes must be paid current.
- The owner must apply the paint to the structure within six months of receiving it.
- Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, may qualify for labor grants, provided they are owner-occupants and provided funding is available.
For more information or to apply for paint, call (316) 462-3713 during the paint program period.
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COWBOY POETRY FROM THE TRAIL
THURSDAY, APRIL 20: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
CENTRAL LIBRARY, 223 S MAIN ST, WICHITA, KS
Cowboy poet Ron Wilson comes from the historic Lazy T Ranch near Manhattan, Kansas. He appears regularly on television, radio and in the Grass & Grain newspaper. Ron scored in the top 5 at the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, won the Horizon Award from the Kansas Chapter of the Academy of Western Artists, and was proclaimed Poet Lariat (NOT Laureate) by the Governor of Kansas. He is the only cowboy poet in the history of this state to present a cowboy poem at a Governor's inauguration. He presents all-original cowboy poetry in full costume, complete with audience participation. Ron says: "The poetry is fun, family-oriented, patriotic, relates well with people, and most of the time, it even rhymes." His presentation will use verse to describe cowboy life along the historic Chisholm Trail which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2017.
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EARTH DAY EVENT - APRIL 22
The annual Arkansas River Trash Roundup is a great way to engage your friends and family in a fun event that helps to improve the entire community. This year the volunteers will meet at the parking lot at 1st Street & Waco (151 N Waco), and registration begins at 8:00 am. Volunteers receive free T-shirts and food.
Speed up check-in by filling out the Registration Form early and bring it with you. You can access the individual waiver here, or the group waiver here.
After registering you will receive trash bags and gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Sunscreen, a hat and bug spray are a good idea too. After you fill a few bags, enjoy a post-cleanup cookout
with the City of Wichita, Cargill, Spirit AeroSystems and Ducks Unlimited back at check-in (151 N Waco).
For more information about the River Trash Roundup, contact Cindy Le at 316-350-3386 or email at cle@wichita.gov. Like them on Facebook!
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Tickets: Regular admission prices
The club was formed to bring circa 1870's baseball experience to Old Cowtown Living History Museum and its visitors. Two teams, the "Red Stockings" and the "Bull Dozers" plan a full season of baseball games, exhibitions and demonstrations for the entire family. The Red Stockings and the Bull Dozers play per the rules of the National League of 1876 or the National Association of Base Ball Players from the early 1860's.
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Cable & Cable Alternatives: Which is best for you?
There are more choices than ever when it comes to viewing entertaining and educational programs at home. To help you decide which options are best for you we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of both cable service and the ever growing number of alternative viewing options. This lecture-style class will include information on cable service, digital antennas, smart TVs, and a description of other devices to get free and paid programming through your internet connection.
Tuesday, April 25
6:00 - 7:30pm
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
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SENIOR SERVICES OF WICHITA, 200 S WALNUT
This valuable resource in Wichita not only has multiple senior centers that have many amenities for recreation and classes, but can also help with senior employment, senior mentors, Meals on Wheels, Roving Pantry, In-Home Respite Care, In-Home Support Services, lots of information and outreach, and more. Do you alive alone, or not knowing who to call for a particular service? Worry no more. Just pick up the phone and dial
316-267-0302.
Help is just a phone call away.
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IT'S TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING
AND MAKING SOME EXTRA CASH!
Only two sales are allowed in a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) for a maximum of three consecutive days. A minimum of six months must have passed since your last sale.
Holding more than two sales per household in a calendar year and/or not allowing six months between sales is punishable by a maximum fine of $100 PER DAY OF VIOLATION. (City Code Chapter 3.44) (Penalty Section 3.04.110)
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Sidewalks provide people with space to travel within the public right-of-way that is separated from roadway vehicles
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Pilot Project to Slow Down Traffic and Make Neighborhood Improvements
Don't miss this chance to help make your neighborhood even better. The City of Wichita is accepting applications for a pilot project to calm traffic, improve safety, and improve quality of life at an intersection or along a block.
Dubbed The People First Neighborhood Pilot Project, the project provides a neighborhood with the opportunity to work with City staff and design professionals in order to design temporary physical changes. Examples of possible improvements include curb extensions, sidewalk improvements, high visibility crosswalks, bike lanes, mini-roundabouts, public seating, landscaping, and more.
The project boundaries are limited to the following: 21st Street to the north, Hillside Avenue to the east, Mt. Vernon Road to the south, and St. Paul Avenue to the west. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to complete the online application by April 21, 2017. The application and more information about the project can be found on the City of Wichita website (link below).
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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 will have meetings at 5:30 p.m. on April 27 and May 10. We will have a meeting on Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m. A meeting in Spanish will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20. 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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COMMUNITY SURVEY ON FERAL CATS
Please take a couple of minutes to help out the Animal Services Advisory Board that is seeking input from the community on the issue of feral cats. A feral cat is any cat that is not socialized to people, or a stray cat that has lost their domestic home. (These cats live outside 24/7)
You can take this survey by clicking
here.
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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WICHITA RIVER FESTIVAL
IN THE TOP 25 FESTIVALS IN THE COUNTRY!
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Saturday, May 6, 2017 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sedgwick County Extension Education Center
7001 W. 21st Street North, Wichita, KS 67205
Sponsored by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Herb Society of South Central Kansas.
The 23rd Annual Herb Day will be held on Saturday May 6,2017 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in 4-H Hall at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center at 21st Street North and Ridge Road in Wichita. You will learn about selecting, planting, maintaining, and cooking with herbs! The National Herb of the Year for 2017 is Cilantro / Coriander, which will be featured in the demonstrations and seminars.
The featured chef is Charlott Knapic of Beautiful Day Café.
In addition, seminars by members of the Herb Society, Extension Master Gardeners, and Extension Agents will cover topics relating to growing and cooking with herbs. Plant vendors from around the region will have herbs and other plants for sale.
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MAY 11th
Vote for Wichita's Best Bloody Mary
Stroll the beautiful gardens at Botanica and taste Bloody Mary's and small bites from local restaurants. Also, enjoy local beer from some of our favorite breweries in town. Help celebrate Botanica's 30th Anniversary and drop by the WOW Cakes table and sample some delicious birthday cake.
To purchase tickets, click
here.
701 Amidon St, Wichita
316-264-0448
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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.
Check it out!
And are you looking for a get-away?
HOT FARES can help you get there.
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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 completion this coming summer!
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 OVER THE ARKANSAS RIVER
Pawnee Bridge over Arkansas River
. The existing bridge will undergo structural repairs. The project will also include bike path improvements along the west side of the Arkansas River.
Traffic Impact:
Pawnee is closed at the Arkansas River. Traffic is detoured to 31st St. at Broadway and McLean.. Northbound
McLean is reduced to one lane at Pawnee.
Estimated Completion: Summer 2017
KDOT - I-235 & Kellogg (U.S. 54) Interchange
Five Bridge replacements on I-235
:
Project will create two crossovers between Zoo Blvd. and the I-235/Meridian area.
Traffic Impact:
SB and NB I-235 from south of the big ditch to north of the Wichita/Valley Center Floodway is single lane, head to head on the west side of I-235. Access to and from 25th St. is CLOSED. Speed is reduced to 50 mph.
Contractor: Dondlinger Construction KDOT Contact: Tom Hein (660-4990 /
hein@ksdot.org
)
Estimated completion (1st phase): Late 2017
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VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS
Starting Saturday, April 1, and going through the first Saturday of November, neighborhoods around the City of Wichita will be having their annual area cleanups on Saturday mornings. To find out if you are having one in your area, contact your local Neighborhood Association or Home Owners Association (HOA). If you are interested in volunteering at a cleanup, contact Rebecca Fields, Community Services Representative with the City of Wichita, for more information at: rfields@wichita.gov Let's keep our City looking it's best!
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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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WATER CONSERVATION 2017
REBATE PROGRAM PLAN
Homeowners, renters of single-family homes, owners of multi-family rentals and owners of businesses who are City of Wichita water customers will qualify as participants. Consistent with the previous years of the program, rebates will be available to people replacing fixtures in existing buildings. Customers will continue to be limited to five rebates annually, and the program will continue until the funding is exhausted.
Qualifying HE appliance and fixtures
Eligible for Up to:
- $100 on Low flow Toilets: WaterSense qualified using 1.28 gallons per flush or less
- $100 on Low flow Urinals: WaterSense qualified using 0.5 gallons per flush or less
- $100 on High Efficiency Dishwashers: Energy Star or Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)
- $100 on High Efficiency Clothes Washers: Water Factor of 4.5 gallons or less (CEE rated)
- $100 on Smart Irrigation Controllers: Labeled as approved by WaterSense©
- $100 on Rain Sensor-Shutoffs: Set to shut off irrigation after ¼-inch of rain is received
- $75 on Rain Barrels: 45 gallons or larger
- $50 on Dual Flush Toilet Conversion Kits: Change inefficient toilets to using 1.6 gals. per flush or less
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HOW TO GET RID OF THOSE
UNWANTED NEWSPAPERS UPDATE
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. You can also go to this website http://www.wichitaks.anscustomerservice.com/ and fill out the short form and submit to discontinue delivery.
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THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION SAYS...
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)
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SUPPORT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PARADE ON APRIL 8 IN DOWNTOWN WICHITA
A good time was had by all at the recent parade and block party that was held in front and south of City Hall. The weather cooperated, and in fact got really warm as the day wore on. Here are a few shots taken while attending the parade.
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April 14
Good Friday
April 15
National Take a Wild Guess Day (about doing your taxes??)
April 16
April 17
National Ellis Island Family History Day
April 18
Income Tax Day deadline 2017 (traditionally April 15)
April 19
Revolutionary War began in 1775
April 20
National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day (when was the last time you had a piece?)
April 21
National Picnic Day (head to your favorite park with lunch)
April 24
April 25
National Hug a Plumber Day
April 26
Administrative Professionals Day
April 27
National Take our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
April 28
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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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