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WICHITA DISTRICT IV NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Councilman Jeff Blubaugh...
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The Wichita Wagonmasters is a family friendly organization that gives back to the community. |
The month of September kicks off the notorious season of events that lead us into the upcoming holidays. And what better time of the year than when the weather starts to cool a little and the air becomes a little crisper. The City Council Office has been busy with lots of events from ground breakings to ribbon cuttings, conferences, and the recent announcement of a new multi-purpose stadium. It's also a great time of the year to volunteer for events such as the recent annual Downtown Wichita Cleanup and the
ICT SOS Fresh Start Bags or Clean Start Basket Drive. This Saturday, September 21, you can find me in my Wichita Wagonmasters gear helping at the
Downtown Chili Cook-Off that raises money for the Good Life Grants that benefit the quality of life for people in the Wichita area. And at
Open Streets ICT on Sunday, September 22nd, you will have the opportunity to put me in a dunk tank with proceeds going to the United Way of the Plains.
If you haven't volunteered lately, there is no end to the possibilities in Wichita. We have neighborhood cleanups going on every Saturday, multiple food banks and pantries,
Meals on Wheels with Senior Services, and hundreds of other services that can be reached through various organizations. Almost all schools are now requiring their students to volunteer in the community several hours each month, and the majority of those on probation are required to fill hundreds of community service hours. Many organizations will allow an entire family to volunteer together, and what better example for your children then to give back to your community through volunteerism. It's easy to get just what you want by simply calling
United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1, or you can click on their
link for over 300 different non-profit organizations. But don't forget your elderly neighbors that might need help with yard work, house maintenance, or an occasional meal. Or the single parent who needs help with their kids so they can attend a class or a meeting. National statistics show that about 25% of Americans volunteer, but when broken up into states, Kansas boasts over 33% of residents who volunteer. Let's keep that momentum going and contribute a little of our most valuable commodity... time. It really does come back to you ten fold and it can begin on your own block; September 28 is
Good Neighbor Day!
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MORE DISTRICT IV NEWS & EVENTS
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DO YOU HAVE AN AX TO GRIND? THEN TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATIONS OUT AT THE NEW BLADE & TIMBER IN HISTORIC DELANO, 535 W DOUGLAS
Councilman Jeff Blubaugh helped with the ribbon cutting on Friday at the new Blade & Timber. The owners, along with their staff of expert ax-throwing instructors, gave lessons to those interested in taking aim at their very safe targets. They even had "cutting edge" cookies! Interestingly, the women were better at it than the guys! Just sayin'....
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| This themed sports venue has wood just about everywhere |
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Councilman Blubaugh, 2nd from left, is seen here with the staff of expert ax throwers
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| Councilman Blubaugh was quick to pick up the skill of ax throwing |
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| Axes and bullseyes were the theme of the ribbon cutting |
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| L to R: Vincent Hancock and Chris Parisho from the Delano Neighborhood Association |
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| For pricing and specials, it's best to book online or simply call. |
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| Here is an actual photo of the massacre site at "Hay Meadow" |
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ATTENTION KANSAS HISTORY BUFFS!
If you are a fan of Kansas history, the Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian, has an upcoming program that you will enjoy. This year is the 130th anniversary of the
Hay Meadow Massacre, a true, Old West gunfighter shootout story. Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Dean of Liberal Arts at Panhandle State University in Oklahoma will be at Alford on Saturday,
September 22nd
to present her research on this bloody event that escalated the war between the towns of Hugoton and Woodsdale to determine the county seat of Stevens County, Kansas in 1888.
The presentation begins at 2 pm on Saturday, September 22nd. The event is free and no registration is required.
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Get registered now |
ON YOUR TO-DO-LIST!
Tex Consolver Golf Park
in Wichita will be offering FREE golf lessons on
September 16
and
October 21
,
3:00 pm
. All ages are encouraged to sign up, so get registered now.
Get hands-on instruction to improve your game by learning the basic techniques, terminology and etiquette of golf. Clinics are designed to help novice or experienced golfers with their game! Space is limited to 25 golfers and registration is required. Call Tex Consolver at 316-337-9494 to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 25 golfers
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SEPTEMBER 28
FINAL FRIDAY IN
DELANO - WICHITA
For all listings and locations, click HERE!
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At one time only the brave went into Delano on the west side of the Arkansas River. |
Take the Wichita History Walk Into Historic Delano
Meet the rowdy characters of the old West and the Chisholm Trail, as well as the engineers and artists that have called Delano home over the years.
Walk around Wichita while learning about our City's rich past! Download the free
PocketSights App
through Google Play or the App Store and take one of three Wichita history tours. While on your tour, you will receive alerts to sites along Douglas Avenue route that have historic significance. Images from the Wichita Public Library's archives and other local sources will be featured, along with audio narration.
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District IV Advisory Board
Next Meeting is October 1 at 6:30 pm
The District V Advisory Board (DAB IV) meets the first Monday of the month unless changed due to holiday weekend, or other circumstances,
at Lionel Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS . Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2018 meeting calendar
,
click here
. To find DAB IV agendas and minutes,
click here
.
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Road Construction Updates
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
The first phase of the Kellogg/I-235 Interchange rebuild (dubbed the Red Project) began on November 10, 2015. Improvements, current traffic impacts and upcoming project activities can be seen at
www.235red.org. Completion is planned for the Summer of 2019.
- On June 11, EB US 54 west of I-235 will be reduced to two lanes for 120 days
to finish bridge work over the Wichita - Valley Center Floodway, the EB US 54 Ramp to NB I-235, overhead signs, and other project work.
(about 60 days or less to go!)
- On June 12, WB US 54 Ramp to NB I-235 will be CLOSED for 120 days
to finish reconstruction of the ramp. A detour will be signed.
(about 60 days or less to go!)
Stay up-to-date with construction of the improvements to the Kellogg/I-235 interchange. KDOT has established and is maintaining a website to keep citizens informed.
Kellogg & 111th Street Signal Removal
:
This project will extend the north frontage road west of 111th Street and include pavement improvements that will accommodate westbound to eastbound U-turns at 119th Street. Following pavement improvements, the signal at 111th Street will shut down for approximately six months as a trial period to monitor traffic patterns.
Traffic Impact:
The speed limit on westbound Kellogg is reduced to 50 MPH during construction.
Estimated completion: Summer 2018
WICHway traffic alerts available by text or email
WICHway, the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) on Wichita's highways, offers a new feature sending subscribers texts and/or emails that share special traffic alerts created by operators at the WICHway Traffic Management Center. The alerts are created when a traffic problem such as a major crash, a highway closure or a similar event causes a significant disruption on a Wichita highway. The alerts are an extension of the WICHway website (
www.WICHway.org), an informational resource the public can consult before traveling on Wichita's highways.
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Wichita District IV Facebook Page
S
tay up-to-date with news and events
in our District.
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FREE ADMISSION TO
WICHITA MUSEUMS!
SEPTEMBER 22
Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
Tickets are available for the public to download. In Wichita, the following museums are participating: Museum of World Treasures, Old Cowtown Museum, Ulrich Museum of Art (always free), Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (always free), Wichita Art Museum (always free on Saturdays), Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, and The Kansas African-American Museum. If the museum you want to experience is not on the list, then just give them a call to see if they are participating.
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SEPTEMBER 22 & 23
WICHITA FLEA MARKET
CENTURY II, 225 W DOUGLAS AVE.
Admission: $3/person for a 1 day pass. $5/person for a two day pass. Children 12 and under are free. You can purchase tickets at
www.wichitatix.com or at the Century II box office.
Hours: Saturday - 9am to 5pm & Sunday 9am to 4pm
WHAT WILL YOU FIND?
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OPEN STREETS ICT
SEPTEMBER 23, 12 NOON - 5 PM
(And an opportunity to dunk Councilman Blubaugh)
A four-mile stretch of Douglas Avenue from College Hill to Delano will be closed so pedestrians and bicyclists can enjoy an afternoon of music, art, street vendors, food vendors, demonstrations and performances. Wagons and Big Wheels are welcome. Free for all ages! The dunking tank will be near the Regional Chamber of Commerce, Douglas Ave. & Waco. And it gets better! The FREE Q-Line is running on 1st and 2nd Streets. So park anywhere on the 4-mile stretch and pick up the Q-Line on 1st or 2nd Street to get close to the area or event you want. Easy!
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NATIONAL FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK/RUN
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
25,000 WALKERS RAISED OVER $3.1 MILLION IN 2017
The Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run began as a national program with the purpose of providing local Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Conferences and Councils the additional funds to help support their special works projects. Today, that philosophy continues, with Conferences and Councils using the funds from this event to help people living in poverty. The Wichita walk/run will be held at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Wichita Cathedral, 430 N Broadway, 9 am - 11:30 pm. Use this
link to get signed up or donate.
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BIG READ WICHITA
KICK-OFF PARTY
SEPTEMBER 29 - 1 pm - 4 pm
WICHITA PUBLIC LIBRARY, 711 W 2nd STREET
This year, the book selection is Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This event will showcase area talent with chamber music, an art project, a Shakespeare preview, and Reader's Theater. Doors open at 1, program starts at 1:30. Learn all about what to expect from the rest of the Big Read and celebrate literacy! Free copies of the book will be distributed following the program. This is a must read for all the sci-fi fans out there!
Read More
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It is an exciting adventure not for the faint of heart; the Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival pays tribute to the olden days of yore when kings commanded large armies to protect castles from enemies, and knights in shining armor worked to woo fair maidens. You can be a part of a time when danger was met with bravery and chivalry was still alive right here in Wichita.
The medieval village returns to take visitors on a journey to the middle ages, to celebrate all beings in the realm - even those dirty pirate scoundrels. Your festival ticket includes admission to the Wichita Highland Games where you'll learn about Scottish and Celt history watching competitors battle in the joust and caber toss.
Sedgwick County Park is located at 6501 W 21st St N in Wichita. (north of the Sedgwick County Zoo)
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WHAT ELSE IS GOING
Whatever your status or interest, there is plenty that Wichita has to offer. In fact, there is way too much to list in our newsletter. Click on this link to get a complete rundown of all the events and special days that you didn't even know are celebrated. So next time you hear "there is nothing to do in this city", show them this list and ask them how much time do they have? Wichita is a wealth of cultures, parks, interests, and destinations. So get out there and enjoy!
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AND CLICK
HERE FOR THE WALKABILITY AUDIT WHERE YOU CAN RATE YOUR OWN BLOCK ON THE ABILITY TO WALK SAFELY.
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COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
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OCTOBER 4 - 7
Century II Expo Hall
225 West Douglas
Premier Party:
Thursday, October 4, 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Frosty Friday: Friday, October 5, 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.
General Admission:
Friday, October 5, 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
Saturday, October 6, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Sunday, October 7, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
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16th ANNUAL
TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 17 - 21
Mark your calendars now and follow
TFF on Facebook. There are movies being shown day and night for five straight days in and around downtown Wichita, and always lots of fun!
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This hydrant is fully functional and can be seen clearly from the street. |
Can you landscape a City fire hydrant?
The Wichita Fire Department recently went out to check out an inquiry from a nearby resident that was concerned about a corner resident landscaping around a City owned fire hydrant. Deputy Chief & Fire Marshal Stuart Bevis went by to investigate and offers some good advice on this subject.
The City is often asked about what a homeowner can do when it comes to landscaping around a hydrant in their yard. The main point is the hydrant must remain visible from the street and fully accessible. This means we cannot allow shrubs or other materials to block view or access to the hydrant, and it cannot be behind a fence or other obstacle. At 3:00 in the morning a firefighter might be trying to use the hydrant and we cannot waste time trying to find it behind pampas grass, or having to tear out fencing. We ask the property owners to keep a three foot radius clear around the hydrant. This space allows firefighters access and allows for the full turning of the wrench which is used to operate the hydrant. The property owner should also understand landscaping around a hydrant can and probably will be damaged when the hydrant is used or tested. A fully equipped firefighter with a large diameter hose trying to get a water supply operational for an emergency tends to tear up mulch and small plants. The hydrant shown in the attached picture is fully functional and can be seen clearly from the street, so the landscaping utilized here would be acceptable. The WFD would caution the homeowner because the solar lights and mulch could be torn up and some of the potted plants may be disrupted if crews had to use this hydrant.
Property owners have also inquired about painting the hydrant, even adding some artistic flair to the red and silver color scheme. The Fire Department requires the hydrant to remain in the set color scheme, with variations only occurring which have significance to the functionality of the hydrant (yellow caps mean it does not drain fully). Citizens can report hydrants which may need attention to the Department of Public Works (219-8921). Conversely, if someone owns an old, out of service hydrant, we ask the hydrant be painted completely different from the normal scheme, and be placed in locations where they cannot be mistaken for actual hydrants. There have been instances when fire crews have tried to get water from a yard ornament!
Great advice Deputy Chief Bevis.
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DON'T LET THE PAST
RUIN YOUR FUTURE
Kansas Legal Services is having a 2018 Fall Expungement Drive! What is an expungement? An expungement is the sealing of criminal conviction, diversion, or even an arrest. After an expungement, qualifying criminal convictions can only be discovered by certain individuals, and only has to be disclosed in certain situations. An expungement basically removes a conviction from your record. To find out if you can qualify, click here. We think that ALL Wichita residents have the right to work, so don't let your past hold you back. Read More ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30!
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HAVING A HEALTHY MIND IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HAVING A HEALTHY BODY
Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and "happen to someone else." But, mental disorders are common and widespread. Studies show that 1 in 5 adults suffer from mental illness and an estimated 54 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of mental disorder in any given year. So don't despair because you are not alone and there is help. Are you or someone you know dealing with a mental disorder? Then give the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas a call.
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PART 3
For the first six (6) months of 2018, Neighborhood Inspectors received 6,455 complaints. Of these, 1,337 were unfounded. Unfounded why? Many times a complaint is given on a property by a neighbor or family member with a personal vendetta. Other times a violation is taken care of before the inspector has the opportunity to visit the property.
ABATEMENT PROCEDURES
Nuisance Cases - Abatement action is initiated for cases where the owner has failed to correct code violations after being notified by Certified Mail *
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- A violation notice is sent by certified mail to the owner/responsible party (usually 30 days compliance time-frame)
- An inspector may give a one-time extension on request if work is progressing or if there are extenuating circumstances
- If the violation notice has been claimed by the property owner/responsible party abatement paperwork is drawn up and submitted to the supervisor for approval on processing
- If the violation notice was unclaimed, an abatement notice must be published in the paper and a copy posted on the property
- The property is re-inspected to verify the conditions still exist
- Bids are prepared and sent to Purchasing
- Work orders are drafted and the job is awarded to the lowest bidder (there are 2 abatement contractors on contract with the City)
- Once work is completed, the property is re-inspected to ensure the work is done per instructions on the work order and in accordance with the contract
- An invoice is sent to the property owner - if unpaid, it becomes a special assessment against the property
- Tall grass and weeds Cases - This program is operated with temporary, seasonal staff
- In April, a notice is published in the paper notifying the public that only one notice will be issued for tall grass and weeds complaints
- A violation notice is sent by certified mail to the owner/responsible party (2 weeks compliance time-frame)
- A supervisor may give a one-time extension on request, if work is progressing or if there are extenuating circumstances
- If the property has not been mowed at the time of the recheck inspection a work order is issued to one of the 4 mowing contractors under contract with the City
- Once work is completed, the property is re-inspected to ensure the work is done per instructions on the work order and in accordance with the contract
- An invoice is sent to the property owner - if unpaid, it becomes a special assessment against the property
* In some circumstances Neighborhood Inspectors will seek an administrative search warrant through District Court in order to abate a serious nuisance - this action is only undertaken if there is no legal access to the property to abate (if it is fenced, no-trespassing sign posted, owner ordered contractor off property)
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Just one of many ways to make a nuisance report |
An easy way to report issues throughout the City
Download this Apple/Android app to report issues in your neighborhood such as potholes, broken street lights, damaged signs, illegal dumping and more. You can even attach a photo! Click
HERE to get the free app on your mobile device.
If you want to call in problem properties in your neighborhood (code and housing violations, trash, tall grass, etc), you can file a nuisance report online
HERE, or call 660-9220.
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The booklet is designed to provide you with important tips and information on a variety of community issues.
By working together, we can help prevent and solve crimes, improve and make neighborhoods safer, resolve conflicts and enhance our quality of life. You can download the booklet for future references
HERE
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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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Now is the time to find your holiday destinations at great air fare rates!
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HOUSING NEEDS?
Wichita has lots of advantages, and housing is affordable here. Even for those with low income. There are lots of agencies here that can help you find the right place for the right budget. Check them out...
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| A job board with local, Wichita Area jobs only! |
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JOB SEEKERS, TRAINING & EDUCATION, RESOURCES, AND PROGRAMS |
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CLICK ON ANY OF THE THREE AGENCY LINKS ABOVE TO FIND A JOB THAT WILL SUIT YOUR NEEDS!
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EVERY DAY IS A
DAY
TO CELEBRATE
Click on the provided links
to learn more about each day!
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District IV Places of Interest
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3447 S Meridan
2625 S Tyler
9500 W Kellogg
1803 S Seneca
2121 W 31st St South
2211 W 47th St South
3201 W Douglas
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2277 Eisenhower Airport Pkwy
433 S 135th St West
1931 S Tyler
3405 S Meridian
West of the river on W. Douglas
2100 W University Ave
3100 McCormick
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Click to find up-to-date information
regarding
or street sweepers
in your area.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily
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Garage Sale Information
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Use the link below to filter sales by area or by items of interest. Read descriptions of the sale submitted by the host, and in some cases, pictures are provided. View a map that provides pinpoints for where garage sales are being held. A report of sales based on search criteria can be printed or downloaded into an Excel sheet.
SEARCH FOR GARAGE SALES
Permits can be obtained online; simply set up an account (username and password) and purchase a permit ($2.50/day). The online system allows you to post a description of your sale and upload up to five photos.
PURCHASE A GARAGE SALE PERMIT
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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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