Wichita
District 4 Newsletter
February 19, 2021
|
|
A message from Council Member Jeff Blubaugh |
|
On February 2nd, Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog emerged from his warm burrow, saw his shadow, and went back to bed after declaring there would be six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil was not kidding.
We have seen some brutal winter weather as of late complete with rolling energy blackouts and over-worked roadside assistance that could take hours before they get to you. It is winter in Kansas and if you have lived here as long as I have, you think we would be prepared each year for the crazy month of February whose weather can fluctuate more than your heartbeat during the Super Bowl.
The comfort we can take from this is that Daylight Saving Time begins in about 3 weeks and Spring officially begins a month from now. Gardeners are already ordering seeds in anticipation of warmer weather, and were it not for the current pandemic we would be scheduling pleasure trips for the upcoming Spring Break. But there are many things we can do now to prepare for Spring, the season that never seems to last as long as we would like.
Once the snow has melted and the lawn dries, gather up fallen limbs and rake up dead grass, twigs, and leaves. This will help your lawn get the light and air it needs to stay healthy. It’s also a great time to check your yard maintenance equipment. Change the oil and sharpen the blades on your mower. While you’re at it, sharpen those pruning sheers. Late February and March is an excellent time to re-seed your lawn and trim your shrubs and trees while they are dormant. Don’t be surprised if some of your shrubs don’t bounce back after the recent sub-zero temperatures that we experienced. If they haven’t started to bud by mid-May, then you will probably need to replace them with a hardier variety. Don’t forget to clean out and restock bird feeders and birdbaths as many of our favorite feathered friends begin to build nests. And as much as you would like to put away those coats and boots, you might want to wait until the official last frost date is behind us that could be as late as April 26. After all, we do live in Kansas.
The poet Anne Bradstreet said it best: If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.
|
|
New Poll on getting rid of waste: |
|
|
WHAT ITEMS BELOW DO YOU FIND THE MOST DIFFICULT TO DISPOSE?
|
|
OLD FURNITURE AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD GOODS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Or you can direct email your response to rfields@wichita.gov to provide a more precise answer!
|
|
Poll results from the February 5 Issue:
How do you have your income taxes prepared?
- I do my own taxes on line - 55%
- I take my information to a tax preparation service - 23%
- I have my taxes prepared by a volunteer - 10.5%
- My CPA takes care of all that - 10.5%
- I don't make enough money to file for income tax - 1%
|
|
District IV News & Events |
|
Historic Delano making more history |
|
Museum at Riverfront Stadium – The team of Eby, SJCF and CambridgeSeven were selected to complete the design and build-out of the museum space located within the Team Office/Museum building at 225 S. McLean. JE-Dunn/Eby had shelled out the museum space with the design-build of the stadium. The Eby team will design and construct the final finishes of the space and design and fabricate the exhibit displays. Staff will work with the Eby team, NBC Foundation, and Windsurge staff to gather artifacts and content to have interactive and static displays within the museum. The museum is to be completed and ready prior to opening day of 2022.
|
|
Sycamore Street – Improvements to Sycamore Street between Douglas and McLean are well underway. The drainage improvements have been completed as well as paving of the on-street parking areas. The street paving is anticipated to be completed this week with sidewalk and streetscape improvements to follow. The completed project will include: improved drainage, new pavement, approximately 75 on-street parking spaces, and streetscape/lighting amenities. These improvements will compliment and provide access to the newly constructed Hutton Office, Home2Suites Hotel, the EPC development site and the Advance Learning Library.
|
|
Multimodal Facility – The site for the multimodal facility has been cleared of buildings. The site is located west of Riverfront stadium and is bounded by Sycamore, Oak, Burton and Texas. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been advertised to hire an architectural/engineering firm to design the facility. Proposals are due back to the City on February 26, 2021. The facility is proposed to contain space for Wichita Transit staff, intercity bus staff, bike share/storage areas, multilevel parking garage to accommodate approximately 500 vehicles, charging stations for electric vehicles/buses, and possible retail areas.
|
|
Delano Path – Final plans have been completed for the portion of the path between Sycamore and Osage. The ten foot path between McLean and Sycamore has been constructed as part of the Home2Suites project, with landscaping to be completed this spring when the weather is warmer. The construction of the path west of Sycamore to Osage Street will begin in the next couple of weeks beginning at Sycamore and work west as the EPC site gets completed. Staff is currently working with TranSystems and LK Architecture to complete final design of the path from Osage to Exposition after receiving input from Delano United, Bike/Ped Advisory Board, Park Board, and District Advisory Boards.
|
|
Wind Surge Job Fair
Over 300 seasonal jobs available!
|
|
The Wichita Wind Surge, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, will host a job fair from February 22 through February 25 at Riverfront Stadium. The Wind Surge will utilize the four-day job fair to fill over 300 seasonal positions for their inaugural 2021 season.
Anyone interested in applying for a seasonal job should visit www.windsurge.com to fill out an online application and to schedule an interview time. Due to Covid-19 protocols, all applicants must use the online system to preschedule their interview. Walk-ins will be turned away.
Available positions include ushers and fan hosts, cooks, bartenders, merchandise assistants, receptionists, ticket takers, parking attendants and many more. If you are interested in part time work with the Wind Surge, please go to the website and fill out an application. No calls, please.
For more information please contact:
Jared Forma, SVP / GM
|
|
Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines will fly nonstop from Wichita to Las Vegas beginning March 8, 2021. The service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, two days when Wichita currently has no nonstop service to Las Vegas. Service is year-round and frequency and times are subject to change. Please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule and to book your flights.
|
|
Would you like to
know what is going on
in your district?
The next District 4 Advisory
Board meeting will be
March 1, 2021.
During the pandemic we will continue to meet on-line in a virtual format. The March agenda will have the necessary information should you decide to join this meeting.
To find previous DAB IV Agendas and Minutes, click here.
To see a listing of the District IV Home Owner Associations and neighborhood associations, click here.
|
|
City Snow and Ice Crews work tirelessly |
|
The latest winter storm brought with it record breaking temperatures, significant amount of snow and challenges for Snow and Ice crews.
Since the early morning of February 6, Wichita’s hourly temperature has not risen above freezing levels, and it is not expected to do so until February 20. During this time, Wichita endured 42 consecutive hours of recorded temperatures at or below zero. This followed the onset of 5.6 inches of accumulating snow the City received. This storm broke many Wichita records, including, the record high-cool temperature of 10 at Wichita Eisenhower Nation Airport (ICT) on February 6, record low temperature of -17 on February 16 and record low of -8 at ICT on February 15.
Through it all, Snow and Ice responders worked nights, weekends and the President’s Day holiday, often under arctic conditions. Their hard work did not go unnoticed. In addition to many thank you messages through social media, community members contacted the City to show their appreciation. One person in particular stated “thank you to the City of Wichita and all the workers doing an outstanding job in keeping our streets safe for motorists”. Public Works and Utilities Administration join in thanking responders for their dedication through this record-breaking storm.
Overall crews have applied approximately 15,000 tons of 50-50 salt-sand mix this winter season and continue to be prepared for future winter weather.
|
|
Paid high school internships at Textron |
|
Textron is taking applications now through Monday, April 26, for paid, part-time internships for high school students 16-19 years old. The internship program will be from June 7 through Friday, July 16, 8 am - noon. You can apply here. |
|
Another sign that Spring is coming... |
|
Registration for Spring classes begins Monday, Feb. 22 and classes start mid-March. Hard copies of the guide will be available to pick up from CityArts, City Hall, Wichita Public Libraries, Wichita Recreation Centers, Riverside Tennis Center, Watson Park and various local retailers around March 1. Click here to see what's available so you can begin planning now.
|
|
Bike-Walk-Wichita brings us the MOTHERLODE! |
|
A growing body of research suggests that spending an increasing amount of time indoors, and on screens, is making us unhappy and unhealthy. Connecting to nature is a fundamental part of the human experience; MOTHERLOAD explores how cycling enhances this connection, while driving cars severs it.
The crowdsourced documentary explores our cultural shift toward isolation and disconnection, how this may affect our future, and whether the cargo bike could be the antidote. Join us for a virtual screening Feb 27-28th followed by an online panel of local bike commuters the evening of March 2nd. Purchase your $10 ticket to receive your documentary link on February 27th! Facebook Event
|
|
The City is now accepting applications for its next virtual session of the Civic Engagement Academy scheduled to start March 31.
CEA is a free 8-week class for community members who are interested in learning more about interacting with their local government and expanding their civic engagement opportunities and skills.
|
|
Nominate a public employee! |
|
Residents are encouraged to nominate public service employees for the annual Excellence in Public Service Award. Now in its 33rd year, the award recognizes employees from City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools who exhibit the highest standard of service.
The nomination process continues through 5 p.m., Feb. 26. Nomination forms are available in the City Manager’s Office, the County Manager’s Office and Wichita Public Schools’ Strategic Communications Office. Nomination forms can be printed from Wichita.gov and turned in at the City Manager’s Office - City Hall 13th Floor, 455 N. Main. Nominations will also be accepted online at https://lfforms.wichita.gov/Forms/Excellence.
The Excellence in Public Service Award honors public employees who go beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the following:
• Exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest;
• Innovative problem-solving skills that have improved service delivery;
• Adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities;
• A record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations; and
• Significant contribution toward COVID-19 response in the workplace or community.
Honorees will be selected by a committee comprised of nine public and private sector representatives. Due to the cancellation of last year’s awards, the DeVore Foundation will honor up to six winners (two per organization) should those nominations meet the criteria. In August, they will be surprised at work by their supervisors, colleagues, selection committee members and media. The winners will receive $2,500 and will be honored at a reception attended by family, friends, co-workers, previous honorees, the selection committee and members of the DeVore Foundation in September. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN.
|
|
City of Wichita job listings |
|
The City of Wichita has a variety of positions with the opportunity for advancement. Keep your resume updated, and fill out the on-line application for the position(s) in which you are interested.
Still not sure? Check out the City's benefits here. |
|
Report illegal dumping, potholes and more |
|
Access Wichita is your one-stop shop to report crimes, stray and dead animals, non-injury accidents, street light maintenance, street issues, and so much more. It's also a great way to track your report and receive feedback. To report an issue, click here.
|
|
HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SITUATIONS,
SO DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
|
|
WHERE ARE CRIMES
HAPPENING IN WICHITA?
|
Have you wondered why the Police are down the street, or in other neighborhoods? Just go to this link and enter the city's name and up pops the crimes you select in the side column drop-down menu. You can also find out if there are registered sex offenders nearby.
|
|
Be prepared and stay informed by knowing the current crime trends in your area. |
|
The City of Wichita libraries are a wealth of information when it comes to obtaining information on just about anything. Looking for a grant, needing to repair your vehicle or toaster, and even learning a new language can all be obtained by going straight to Research Tools at the Wichita Library website here.
And if you are experiencing problems with what you are trying to find, or maybe you just need help with understanding an issue, you can also ask a librarian for assistance. It's that easy! |
|
Virtual tours & online recreation |
|
Suffering from winter boredom? The City of Wichita Park & Recreation has a wealth of online activities to benefit everyone in the family including tours, readings, exercise, and sport tips and instructions.
One of our favorites is from the Great Plains Nature Center... Birds of Prey.
Park & Recreation will also be bringing more e-gaming tournaments, so stay in touch with all that's offered here. |
|
Kansans struggling to cover rent and utility payments due to COVID may qualify for up to 12 months of emergency assistance thanks to new federal relief. The initiative, funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, provides the state of Kansas with $200 million to support housing stability and prevent evictions and homelessness. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the City of Wichita will administer the funds.
“Home has never been more important,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC Executive Director. “Home has always been a place of shelter, but in the midst of the pandemic it’s also become our virtual workplace, classroom, and gathering space. Rental assistance protects Kansans’ access to home when they need it most.”
“In unprecedented times of hardship, it’s imperative that we step up to provide security to those in need,” said Sally Stang, Director of Housing and Community Services for the City of Wichita. “Everyone needs a little help now and then, and we want to ensure that families and individuals who need help to stay in their homes receive it.”
Tenants may qualify for assistance if they earn no more than 80 percent of their area’s median income, are experiencing documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic, and may be at risk of housing instability or homelessness without assistance.
|
|
Income Tax Preparation Assistance |
|
2820 S. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67210
(316) 303-8029
2700 N. Woodland, Wichita, KS 67204
(316) 303-8042
The Wichita Public Library is also offering the Tax Form Distribution Program, which will begin on February 1 and run through April 15. Tax form 1040 will be available at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 West 2nd St N, through the drive-up window.
The Library will also have available several other popular forms pre-printed for customers who request them-either by calling ahead or just showing up at the drive-up window including K-40s, Schedule S, Kansas Instruction booklets, and Kansas Homestead forms.
If residents need any other federal or state forms, they may request additional tax forms by calling the library at (316) 261-8500. Prints cost $.10 per page.
|
|
But wait, there's more.... |
|
Do you make less than $58,000? You can file fast and free through United Way. IRS-certified volunteers will prepare and file your taxes at no cost. They’ll even help find tax credits you’re eligible for – putting money back in your pocket. Sites available across Wichita and in Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Geary and Marion counties. Last year, we filed 5,087 returns that generated $5,604,312 in refunds! For virtual, drop-off or in-person appointments, dial 2-1-1. You can also file for free at myfreetaxes.com.
|
|
Sedgwick County Health Order |
|
What's the latest Health Order from the County listing restrictions due to the pandemic? Click here to view the order document that goes into effect on February 7.
In addition, to find out the latest schedules and news for the distribution of vaccines, click here.
|
|
2021 Applications for LIEAP |
|
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
-
The 2021 LIEAP application period is from Monday, January 4, 2021, through Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Applications must be received prior to 5:00 PM, March 31, 2021. Print application
The following summary describes basic LIEAP eligibility provisions. Additional information may be obtained by calling 1-800-432-0043.
The combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level according to the guidelines listed here.
|
|
The City of Wichita Community Services booklet is a wonderful resource for all residents. You can discover what to do if street lights are out, pet licenses that might be required, how to obtain a garage sale permit, and so much more.
Click this link to download and view the booklet.
|
|
|
|
United Way is able to hook you up to many Wichita area agencies that can assist with multiple emergencies. All you have to do is dial 2-1-1 on your phone or click on their link
|
|
This program is open to low income families that reside in Wichita or Sedgwick County. To be eligible for these services, the applicant must fall within the income guidelines and provide proof of residency.
|
|
|
ROAD CONSTRUCTION UPDATES |
|
Check out these resources for road construction updates in District 4 and around the city:
|
|
DISTRICT 4 PROJECTS....
I-235 between the K-42 junction and S Meridian
NOTE: A winter shutdown is in effect and work will resume in March 2021.
West Street from Kellogg to Harry St.
Traffic Impact: West Street is reduced to one lane in each direction. Harry is open in all directions at West Street. Left turns at Harry are prohibited for northbound traffic. Walker, east of West Street is CLOSED. Traffic is required to use alternate routes to access the area east of West Street.
|
|
|
|
Stay up to date with the latest District 4 and city-wide news, events, and resources!
Office of Community Services
(316) 268-4197
City Hall | 13th Floor | 455 N. Main Wichita, KS 67202
Have questions or concerns? Email Council Member Jeff Blubaugh or call
(316) 268-4331.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
