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WICHITA DISTRICT V NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Bryan Frye...
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Small businesses account for 65% of all new jobs created. Therefore, it's important that local government provide a supportive environment for our local companies and entrepreneurs that allow them to expand and grow. To that point, I'd like to share a great success story happening in District 5.
Earlier this week, Village Tours & Travel broke ground on a new headquarters location at K-96 and Ridge Road. Founded in 1980 in Wichita, this family-owned business began with one motor coach before opening a facility in the middle of wide-open fields at 21st & Tyler in 1987. It now has offices in seven cities and operates over 100 charter coaches.
The new facility will be 48,000 square feet and house the corporate functions for all three Village brands - Village Charters, Village Tours, & Village Travel. Jeff Arensdorf, Village President, anticipates the construction & move to be complete by August of next year.
We congratulate Village Tours & Travel on this exciting project and look forward to their continued growth. As an added benefit, not only will the new location make it easier for their customers to find and use their charter services, it will move their large buses out of the 21st and Tyler area putting less demand and stress on traffic and road pavement.
Thank you Village Tours and the Arensdorf family for continuing to invest and grow in Wichita!
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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Fund Established for For Firefighter Curt Mohr
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with one of our firefighters and his family. Firefighter Mohr, currently stationed at Station 21 (2210 N. 135th St.), has dedicated nearly 24 years to the City of Wichita and the Wichita Fire Department. He was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous brain tumor. As a family, the Wichita Fire Department is coming together to raise funds for him, his wife and their three sons (ages 13, 17 and 19). These funds will assist the family as needed.
If you are able to contribute financially, the following fund has been established:
MOHR FAMILY FUND, c/o the Wichita Federal Credit Union (addresses below). In person, you may contribute by cash, check, debit or credit, or you can mail a check in. Please include MOHR FAMILY FUND in the memo/for line if writing a check:
WFCU 9835 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67206
WFCU 3730 W. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67203
WFCU City Hall Offices, 455 N. Main, Rm 410, Wichita, KS 67202
If you prefer to donate online, a GoFundMe account has been established. There is a standard payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation to allow for credit card processing and safe transfer of funds. (There is no fee through the Wichita Federal Credit Union account.)
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Road Construction Updates
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
Traffic Impact:
The eastbound US-54 Ramp to northbound I-235 is I-235 is CLOSED for reconstruction. Eastbound US 54 is reduced to two lanes from Dugan to West Street. The westbound US 54 exit ramp to northbound I-235 is CLOSED to construct a new ramp. The Northbound I-235 ramp to WB US-54 is CLOSED. The south clover leaf ramps are CLOSED.
Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3)
The City of Wichita's paved street network is comprised of more than 5,100 lane-miles of residential, collector and arterial streets and expressways, representing a total paved area of more than 325 million square feet. In order to cost effectively maintain this vast network of assets, the City supplements the critical preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance efforts of its internal staff by leveraging the resources and expertise of private contractors. Each year outsourced pavement maintenance efforts are proposed and submitted for approval in the Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3).
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.
The website adjusts to the type of device being used - a computer, a tablet or a smartphone - and can be bookmarked on a smartphone so that it performs similarly to an app. A short video showing how to bookmark any page from the site can be viewed at
KDOT's YouTube page.
WICHway shares information that is gathered from 55 roadside cameras and 63 traffic sensors. Messages are displayed on 25 electronic message signs, shared on the website and can now be sent to subscribers so that travelers, commuters, freight operators and others using Wichita's highways can make informed decisions about their route.
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Wichita District V Facebook Page 
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Steve Degenhardt
Construction Division Manager
Public Works & Utilities/Engineering
Steve has worked for the City of Wichita since 2003. After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Steve began his career as the City's Materials Lab Engineer, supervising quality control testing on construction materials before moving to project management.
As a project engineer, Steve's most unique projects include reconstruction of the Minisa Bridge and construction of the Lincoln Street Bridge and Dam. He currently oversees the Engineering Construction Division, including a staff of project engineers, inspectors, survey crews, and materials testing technicians. The Division is responsible for construction management and administration of all public infrastructure projects. These projects construct assets owned and maintained by Public Works and Utilities, Park, and Transit; and include coordination with outside state and federal agencies.
Steve and his wife, Kellie, have been married 11 years. They have four young children; three daughters and an infant son. The girls are involved in more activities each year and this past summer Steve ventured into assistant coaching on one of his daughters softball team. The family enjoys fishing together and Steve likes to hunt and play an occasional round of golf when away from work.
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800 Block of S. San Pablo, before
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800 Block of S. San Pablo, after
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Hyatt Proceeds: Neighborhood Street Improvements
On September 25, 2016, the City Council approved the sale of the Hyatt Regency Wichita to Phillip G. Ruffin. The sale price was $20 million. Subsequently, the City Council approved the allocation of $10 million of those proceeds to the improvement of approximately 207 lane miles, or 41%, of the City's then poorest condition residential asphalt streets, over a two year period.
Since then, Public Works & Utilities has employed a two-step process to improve designated neighborhood streets. This "mitigation" approach includes an initial repair of structural failures, in order to provide a solid foundation for an ensuing micro-surfacing treatment. To date, 107 lane miles have been fully completed, and 49 lane miles are fully prepared for micro-surfacing later this year. The remaining 51 lane-miles are in various stages of active preparatory repair, and all on schedule for full completion this fall.
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WPD Lip Sync Challenge Video Released
We would also like to thank the following for their support and participation in this project:
WPD continues to believe in change and building relationships with the community! This project speaks to the unity we have in the ICT!
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Neighborhood Night Out Celebrations
The City of Wichita will celebrate Neighborhood Night Out (NNO) from 5:30 to 9 p.m. this Tuesday, August 14.
Neighborhood Night Out, formerly celebrated as National Night Out and Celebrate Safe Communities, is in its second year. It's an annual event that promotes neighborhood safety and combats crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one other through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts and other social gatherings over one designated evening. This year, we received 90 party registrations for this great community event!
Police Officers, Firefighters, elected officials and other City staff will attend as many of the neighborhood parties as possible and they are looking forward to meeting the citizens they serve.
Have a fun evening!
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Beeatrice the Bee and Senior Environmental Scientist, Baylee Cunningham
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2018 Ozone Season Update
The 2018 Ozone Season is winding down and we're happy to report that air quality has remained good throughout the past several months, despite hot and at times, dry weather. On May 30, the Wichita air quality monitor, located at 1900 E. 9th St recorded an 8 hour average of 70 parts per billion, the National Ambient Air Quality Standard, but the city has not exceeded the standard during the 2018 Ozone Season.
This year, Public Works and Utilities rolled out the Be Air Aware campaign, an initiative to encourage community members to pledge to take actions to improve air quality. Over 50 community members have made a pledge to take multiple steps to improve air quality in the Wichita region. The Be Air Aware campaign launched in May with a brand new website,
beairawareks.org, as well as radio advertisements, Wichita Transit advertisements, digital and social media ads, and introduced the Wichita community to a new member of the City's mascot family, Beeatrice the Bee. You can find Beeatrice buzzing all around the city as she is featured on a new full Wichita Transit bus wrap. The new bus wrap is intended to remind community members that it is not too late to go online and take the pledge. The Beeatrice bus will stay in circulation the remainder of ozone season (through October 31st) and will make an appearance at the Mayor's News Briefing next Thursday, August 16th, attached is a sneak peek.
Community members can go to
beairawareks.org to take the pledge. Don't Bee a Buzzkill, Bee the Difference!
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Wichita Fire Training Facility
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Firefighter's Training
There is no such thing as a typical day for a firefighter. During any 24-hour shift, firefighters may respond to a number of different calls: fire, medical assistance, rescue, vehicle crash, and more. Due to the emergent and unpredictable nature of the fire service, fire departments and firefighters must be ready to solve any problem at a moment's notice.
How does one prepare for such a demanding expectation? Training.
Firefighters are constantly training, both academically and physically, to understand the hazards they face and be able to perform the functions necessary to mitigate any emergency. Departments provide the first few months of basic training called "recruit academies" where firefighters learn the fundamentals and begin to understand the culture of the fire department. After firefighters graduate the academy they receive an assignment and begin to respond to emergencies with their new station crew. From the first day and first alarm, firefighters rely on their own experiences and the past experiences of crew members to develop their abilities and decision-making skills. As firefighters grow in their career, they develop a very wide and diverse skill set which allows them to react to any situation in a calm and professional manner. Continued training allows members to grow and perform as highly functional units even in very complex or physically challenging conditions. It is every firefighter's job to train and be prepared for any situation like their life depends on it, because it might.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals Extended
Through Sept. 29
605 S. Wichita St, Wichita
KAYAK and SUP (stand up paddle board) RENTALS Kayak: $10/hour (cash only); SUP: $15/hour (cash only) Saturdays, 12-3 pm
Receive basic instruction on kayak paddling techniques and safety. Then, you're off for a leisurely float along the Little Arkansas River.
Parking available at the lot south of Gander Mountain under Kellogg at 605 S. Wichita St.
Available on a first come, first serve basis. Preregistration not available.
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CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY TAKING APPLICATIONS
One night a week, for 13 weeks, you have the opportunity to find out what goes on in the life of a Wichita Police Officer. At the end of the training, you receive a certificate during the graduation ceremony. These sessions are exciting, informative, and loaded with tips for staying safe.
Apply NOW! The next class begins August 21, and the class fills up fast!
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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT CLASS!
The City of Wichita CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACADEMY is for community members wanting to learn more about interacting with local government!
Click here to watch testimonials from the most recent class of graduates.
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Join us in celebrating the wiles of a summer evening escapade at the Wichita Art Museum!
Thursday, August 16, 6 - 7 PM
View ancient craft with today's glass art in the remarkable WAM-organized exhibition Cameo Glass in Context: Charlotte Potter and April Surgent.
The night boasts live music by Wichita band
MariaElena. Reaching back to Americana roots, MariaElena incorporates traditional folk, country western, and bluegrass with dark, dissonant sounds reminiscent of earthy lullabies.
Galleries open until 9:30 pm.
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Senior Wednesdays in Wichita
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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At the Center of It All
Downtown is everybody's neighborhood, the nexus of activity and exploration for locals and out-of-towners alike. Explore the sights and sounds of local life around some of Wichita's favorite attractions, historic landmarks and public spaces. Plan a creative daytrip, find a green space to relax in, or unwind with an evening of live entertainment: Downtown's diverse scene has something for everyone.
Within easy distance of world-class entertainment, buzz-worthy dining, craft coffees, cocktails and microbrews, richly colored with street art and offering a full calendar of unique local events, Downtown is where you want to be.
Building on a thriving history of innovation and creativity as old as its signature warehouses and brick alleys, every city block offers a new adventure. Come down for a show, a casual afternoon or a meal with friends, and find yourself swept away by the colorful energy and Midwestern hospitality of our city's core.
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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 LINKS ABOVE TO FIND A JOB THAT WILL SUIT YOUR NEEDS!
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From National Parks to the Windy City
Where are you heading this summer? Maybe you want to experience nature in some gorgeous national parks. Where else can you see an active volcano or walk through a forest of stone? In this issue, we'll take you on a journey to two unique national parks and show you how to get there from ICT.
Maybe a city escape is what you're craving. Chicago boasts big city attractions and small town hospitality. Learn how to take in the Windy City like a local, from a local. From must-see landmarks to elegant dinner cruises to enjoying America's favorite pastime, this city has it all.
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 District V Advisory Board Information
The District V Advisory Board (DAB V) meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21, 2110 N. 135th W., Wichita, KS 67235. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
To see a listing of the District V HOAs and neighborhood associations, click here.
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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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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
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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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Safe Streets Starts With You
On any given day, you'll find Wichita streets filled with people walking, biking and driving. Crashes happen, and while the City of Wichita continues to improve our roads and paths to better accommodate everyone who uses them, preventing these crashes is a job for all of us. No matter how you roll, you can do your part by following these simple
Rules of the Road.
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CRIME STOPPERS OF WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY
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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EVERY DAY IS A
DAY
TO CELEBRATE
Click on the provided links to learn more about each day!
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8515 Bekemeyer
533 N Country Acres
Southeast of Central and Maize
965 N. Redbarn Lane
1851 N Keith
1011 N. Maize Ct.
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F
ind out about Park and Recreation Summer 2018 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 | 316-352-4886 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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