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WICHITA DISTRICT II NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Pete Meitzner...
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Pictured at the NBC First Pitch Reception: General Manager/Tournament Director, Kevin Jenks; Shirley Rogers; Relations Manager, Ellise McGowan; Micha Mohr and Council Member Pete Meitzner
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It wouldn't be summer without NBC Baseball!
This year's
National Baseball Congress World Series tournament at historic Lawrence Dumont Stadium (LDS) runs from July 27 - August 11. It is one of the nation's largest and longest continuous sporting events and has a tremendous impact on the Wichita economy.
The NBC World Series creates a financial ripple effect with people from in and out of town staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants and taking in the city's attractions. According to estimates from Visit Wichita and the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission, the 2016 tournament created an economic impact of $2.5 million. Businesses in the Delano District and Old Town are among those that benefit most from the NBC Tournament because of their proximity to Lawrence-Dumont. But hotels, restaurants and retail stores all over town see an upswing in business during these two weeks.
Perhaps one way you may want to get to LDS is by taking advantage of our
Bike Share ICT program
16,776 trips taken. This program has been an awesome addition to our community. Launched on May 4, 2017, as part of National Bike Month, with 105 bikes and 21 stations, the program has exceeded expectations. Data collected from the first year of the program includes:
- 7,855 members joined
- Highest utilization day was Open Streets ICT (September 24, 2017 - 196 rides)
- 12,424 hours of bike riding generating that otherwise wouldn't have occurred in Wichita
- That's an estimated 8 million calories burned! (650 calories burned per hour of continuous riding)
- 43 mins median trip duration, that means folks are doing it mostly for recreation and wellness purposes
- Top rider has almost taken 200 trips
- Vast majority of riders are under 30
- Bike Share ICT is receiving more trips and members per capita than our vendor's largest municipal fleet (per 1000 residents, 19.9 trips)
- 85% local, 5% in state and 11% out of state
Bike Share ICT was funded through a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Knight Foundation Fund through the Wichita Community Foundation. Currently, all stations are located downtown, with the exception of one station in Sedgwick County Park. But that is about to change. Because of the huge success, they will be adding 100 more bikes and additional stations. This expansion will be completed by August.
Bike Share programs are a national and international trend. Riding a bike is fun, easy, affordable, and a great way to tour Wichita. Learn more about this great program and download the
Zagster app by visiting their website
bikeshareict.com.
Don't forget you can also use the highly successful
Q-Line for free to get to and from the tournament!
Play ball!
Pete Meitzner
Wichita City Council
District II Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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DISTRICT II NEWS & EVENTS
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East Kellogg Improvements
Kellogg and Webb Interchange:
Kellogg will be improved to a six-lane freeway with an interchange at Webb Road. The project improvements include the following: one-way frontage roads on the north and south sides of Kellogg; Webb Road Bridge over Kellogg; new traffic signals at Webb and at Corporate Hills; six-foot sidewalks; aesthetic enhancements; waterline, sanitary sewer, and storm water improvements; and landscaping following construction. KTA exit 50 will remain open but with modified access from the frontage road and not directly from Kellogg.
Traffic Impact:
- Short-term lane closures on EB and WB Kellogg west of Webb during the last week of July to allow for work on storm water drainage
- Speed limits are reduced to 40 mph on Kellogg and 30 mph on Webb throughout the construction zone
- Kellogg traffic is shifted to the frontage roads
- No left turns at Webb for any direction
- For eastbound traffic wanting to go north on Webb, proceed to the U-turn traffic light ½ mile east of Webb
- Access to and from the KTA
- The ramp from KTA Plaza 50 to the south frontage road on Kellogg west of Webb Road is open. Stay alert, as KTA traffic merges with eastbound Kellogg traffic just before Webb.
- Northbound and southbound right lanes of I-35/KTA are closed between K-96 and East Kellogg toll plazas to accommodate construction of two overhead bridges. The speed limit is reduced to 65mph in this area.
- The direct access ramp from eastbound Kellogg to the KTA Kellogg Toll Plaza has been removed. The plaza remains open, however, access to it is from the south frontage road (west of KTA.) Eastbound local traffic can use the south frontage road to reach the Kellogg toll plaza. Eastbound Kellogg traffic is detoured to the K-96 toll plaza. Westbound Kellogg traffic will continue to use the U-Turn at Rock Road to reach the south frontage road and the toll plaza.
Kellogg, Greenwich and I-35 Interchanges:
Kellogg will be improved to a six-lane freeway with an interchange at Greenwich Road and new interchange connections to I-35 (KTA). The connections to I-35 will allow access for EB Kellogg to NB & SB I-35, and for SB I-35 to WB Kellogg. The project improvements include the following: Kellogg bridges over Greenwich, Zelta, and I-35; interchange ramps to I-35; one-way frontage roads on the north and south sides of Kellogg; connection of 127th (south of Kellogg) to Zelta with a bridge over I-35; new traffic signals to replace existing signals at Greenwich, Zelta and the entrance to One Kellogg Place on Greenwich; ten-foot shared-use-path along Greenwich for pedestrians and bicyclists; aesthetic enhancements; waterline, sanitary sewer, and storm water improvements; and landscaping following construction.
Traffic Impact:
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Expect lane changes on Greenwich near Kellogg, if weather permits, beginning Monday, August 6. Traffic will be shifted (head to head with turn lanes at Kellogg) onto the newly completed west half of Greenwich so that construction can begin on the east half.
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Also, on Monday, August 6, the Greenwich entrance to One Kellogg Place (WalMart/Lowe's) will be closed until September to accommodate reconstruction of the entrance. Drivers wishing to enter one Kellogg Place will need to use the Elison or Zelta entrances (from Kellogg frontage road) to the shopping center.
- Greenwich is reduced to one lane each direction through the end of the year. Expect delays!
- Lefts turns are prohibited from southbound Greenwich to Walmart Drive. Left turns are allowed from Walmart Drive to southbound Greenwich
- Speed limit is reduced to 40 mph on Kellogg
- Westbound is reduced to one-lane at K-96
- SB K-96 ramp to WB Kellogg is closed for the duration of the project (until 2021).
- The direct connection between 127th Street East and Kellogg is permanently closed. Upon completion of the project, 127th will curve to the west and connect to Zelta
Click here to stay up-to-date on East Kellogg construction or via Twitter at @E54ict.
143rd Street Improvements
This project will widen 143rd Street to a five-lane roadway with two through lanes in each direction and a center two-way left turn lane. Additional turn lanes south of Kellogg are included, along with drainage and water line improvements. Sidewalk will be constructed, including a 10-foot wide multi-use path on the west side of 143rd Street and a pedestrian crossing signal at the north end of the project between Siefkes Street and the Kansas Turnpike Authority Bridge.
Traffic Impact: 143rd is one lane in each direction. Intermittent flagging of traffic may occur during work hours for utility installation.
127th Street Improvements
This project will widen 127th Street to a three-lane roadway with one through lane in each direction and a center two-way left turn lane. Six foot sidewalk will be constructed on the west side of 127th between 13th St. N. to Rocky Creek Parkway, and both sides of 127th Street north of Rocky Creek Parkway. The project also includes on-street bicycle lanes, a pedestrian crossing at the Red Bud Trail, and drainage improvements.
Traffic Impact: 127th Street is northbound only for the duration of the project.
Webb Road, 39th to 45th Street North
This project will perform asphalt street repairs along Webb, between 39th and 45th Street.
Traffic Impact:
Webb will be one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction.
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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Stryker Sports Complex Improvements in Full Swing
Construction work has been underway since February for $22 million in improvements to the Stryker Sports Complex. The improvements were split into six phases to complete the extensive project in 2018, with all phases managed by Engineering's design and construction divisions. The
Specific projects include field turf, grading and utilities, new indoor facility and stadium improvements, field lighting, and paving and landscaping.
All six phases were designed and bid within the $22 million budget, with all but the paving and landscaping now under construction. Once completed, the improvements will provide 11 artificial turf fields that can host a variety of sports activities including soccer, football, and lacrosse. The 116,000 square foot indoor facility will include a full size soccer field along with concessions and party rooms. Stadium enhancements include bleacher expansion to accommodate 1,800 additional spectators. Progress updates for the multiple phases are summarized below.
- Three fields have turf placed and four more are expected to have turf by the end of July
- Grading and utilities are nearly complete
- Footings for the indoor facility are in progress with structural steel on site and ready for installation
- Field lights are installed on half the fields
- Paving and landscaping are set to begin in early August
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Westar Energy Opens New Operations Center
Westar Energy celebrated the official opening of their new Wichita Operations Center in Northeast Wichita (4025 N. Toben) on Friday, July 20.
Congratulations to their whole team, and thank you for continuing to invest in Wichita!
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Wichita District II Facebook Page 
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Getting to Know City Staff:
Scot Rigby
Assistant City Manager and
Development Services Director
City Manager's Office
Scot Rigby is currently serving as the Assistant City Manager, Development Services Director for the City of Wichita and provides oversight and management of administrative departments and offices that report to the City Manager's Office. He joined the City in 2015.
While Mr. Rigby was employed with the City of Mesa Arizona, he was responsible for Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion efforts. He was instrumental in the development of Mesa Gateway Area, a 32 square mile area which includes the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, hotel and eating establishments, as well as industrial, manufacturing, and technology based companies such as Apple, First Solar, Boeing, Cessna, and Gaylord Hotels. His employment experience also includes Acting Assistant City Manager, Project Manager, and the development of economic and community projects. Another notable accomplishment was the negotiation of the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics Sprint Training complexes which established the area as the mecca of professional preseason baseball.
In Wichita, Scot works closely with the development community, Greater Wichita Partnership and the City's development service departments in order to encourage new development in Wichita. Notable recent successes include Cargill, Textron, Bombardier, and Spirit job expansions, as well as new development investments like Uptown Landing, Spaghetti Works, and EPC.
Mr. Rigby belongs to the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA). He previously was active with the Arizona City/County Managers Association (ACMA).
Scot Rigby is a graduate of Arizona State University receiving a Master of Public Administration in 2003 and Bachelor of Arts, Political Science in 1995 from Brigham Young. He is married to Betsy and they have four children.
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City Hires Municipal Court Administrator
Nathan Emmorey, the former Chief Municipal Court Administrator for Mobile, Al, has been hired as the Municipal Court Administrator for the City of Wichita, He started Monday, July 16.
"We are excited about Nathan Emmorey joining the City's leadership team," Layton said. "Nathan's unique and diverse legal background should allow Municipal Court to continue its innovative practices."
Emmorey has spent his professional career in public service, most recently serving as Mobile's Chief Municipal Court Administrator from August 2014 through March 2017. He also previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Tallahassee, Florida and was deployed to Afghanistan and Bahrain as a Judge Advocate General with the U.S. Army. Emmorey earned a bachelor's in business economics from Grand Valley State University, a master's in business administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a juris doctorate from Ave Maria School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. He was selected by Mobile Bay magazine for the 2016 class of 40 under 40 and he has been recognized by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the U.S. Attorney Office as a leader in Municipal Court reform. Emmorey succeeds Assistant City Manager Donte Martin, who served as Municipal Court Administrator from 2010 through 2017.
"Having spent my entire career in public service, I am convinced that local government has the greatest power to impact people's lives for good," Emmorey said. "I am honored to have been appointed as the court administrator, excited to serve the residents of Wichita, and determined to continue the progress in Municipal Court."
As Municipal Court's top administrator, Emmorey will oversee a $10.6 million budget and 79 full-time positions for a city court that adjudicates approximately 30,000 court cases each year.
Municipal Court adjudicates cases that involve alleged violations of City ordinances. The Court works closely with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and citizens before, during and after the adjudication of court cases. The Court Administrator works closely with the Chief Judge to ensure effective operations of Municipal Court. Municipal Court also administers the Special Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs Fund, which finances counseling contracts with partnering agencies for prevention and treatment programs related to alcohol and substance abuse.
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New Pickleball Courts Open in Riverside Park
The free event was attend by over 150 people who enjoyed open play from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Those in attendance included community members who had never tried the sport, as well as U.S. Champion Pickleball Players from the Wichita area. Center Staff and players are excited to build programming and see Pickleball grow at Riverside.
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A Waste of Water?
There is no doubt fire hydrants come to mind when thinking about the fire service; you see them all over town. Hydrants are strategically placed throughout the City so fire crews are able to secure a constant water supply in the event of an emergency; in business districts and in residential neighborhoods alike. But have you ever seen a fire engine at a fire hydrant with no apparent emergency going on? Odds are you have and here are some reasons why.
The Wichita Fire Department works in conjunction with the City's Water Department to ensure all the metro fire hydrants are well-maintained and in proper working order. One reason you may see firefighters at a hydrant without an apparent emergency is because the Wichita Fire Crews flow test all fire hydrants in the city annually. They also lubricate the caps and even suction out hydrants that are not draining properly so they won't freeze. This is to ensure that when the hydrants are needed to aid firefighters in saving a family, a home, a business, or any number of emergencies, we know they will function properly.
Another reason you may see a fire engine at a hydrant without an active emergency could be to refill the fire engine's on-board water tank. For example; once completing a call and having utilized all the on-board water, the fire crew may employ a nearby hydrant to replenish the water tank in order to be prepared for the next alarm.
Additionally, the Fire Department may use a hydrant to practice when they are not at an active emergency. Practicing "catching a hydrant" or "establishing a water supply" is a vital skill which each engine driver/pump operator must be extremely competent at completing within a timely manner. When a real emergency is at hand, the driver is prepared to get the job done. Repetition creates muscle memory and quickness which is vital in making sure the driver/pump operator's steps are correct and efficient as well as giving the family, home, or business the best chance at a positive outcome.
It is the Wichita Fire Department's goal every day, to ensure that WFD firefighters are well-prepared to protect the citizens of this great city and their property.
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PLAY BALL!
The 84th
National Baseball Congress World Series, powered by Westar Energy, is on deck for another great run of summer family fun beginning July 27 and running through August 11, at historic Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
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Start Planning Neighborhood Night Out
The City of Wichita will celebrate Neighborhood Night Out from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, and Mayor Longwell is encouraging residents to start their planning now.
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.
"Neighborhood Night Out is a great way to get to know your neighbors, so you can look out for one another and keep your area safe," Mayor Jeff Longwell said.
To encourage participation, the City will waive park fees for groups who want to hold their gathering in a neighborhood park. While supplies last, the City will also provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. The registration form for parties is available online, as well as information on how to plan a block party that includes the form for street closures.
It's up to neighborhoods to decide how to celebrate. The options are limitless; they can hold a block party, picnic, ice cream social, cookout, etc.
Police Officers, Firefighters, elected officials and other City staff will attend as many of the neighborhood parties as possible. For more information, please contact the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4165.
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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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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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HELP OUT AT THE POLLS ON
ELECTION DAY!
Play an active and important role in our community and earn extra money in the process!
The Sedgwick County Election Office is currently recruiting election workers for upcoming elections. Election workers are a critical part of the election process. What a great opportunity to serve our community! Please join us for this rewarding experience.
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Convoy of Hope
Aug. 4, 2018
Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian
and
McAdams Park, 1329 E. 13th St. N.
Local churches, businesses, and agencies will participate in the
Wichita Convoy of Hope to give tangible hope to families living in situations of desperate human need. You are invited to share in this united act of compassion. On this special day, thousands of guests from across our community will receive free groceries, health services, haircuts, family portraits, community services, prayer, live entertainment, lunch, games and activities for children, and more! Convoy of Hope will partner with local businesses, churches, government agencies, and nonprofits during a community celebration in Wichita, KS.
There are two locations:
Bethel Life Center, 3777 S Meridian, Wichita, Ks 67217, and McAdams Park, 1329 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67214.
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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 II Advisory Board Information
The District II Advisory Board (DAB II) meets the second Monday of the month at Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th St. Wichita, KS 67208. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2018 meeting calendar,
To find DAB II agendas and minutes,
The District II Breakfast
occurs quarterly. The next breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. at The Regent Senior Living Residence at 2050 N. Webb Rd. (In the theater on the second floor).
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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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Is Your Home in Need of Improvements?
The Housing and Community Services Department offers Low-interest home improvement loans to qualifying homeowners! Low-interest loan programs are also available for qualifying rental property owners for the improvement of rental properties. Contact (316) 462-3713 for additional information.
Improvement loans are also available for owners of historic homes. Contact Kathy Morgan with the
Metropolitan Area Planning Department for additional information regarding this program, at (316) 268-4392.
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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 by
clicking 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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You Can Rent a Beautiful Park Facility for Your Next Event
Rent a community facility, gazebo or open shelter for your next birthday party, reunion, picnic, wedding or baby shower. Call (316) 268-4361 today to check availability or to reserve!
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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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TO CELEBRATE
Click on the provided links to learn more about each day!
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5939 E. 9th
2999 N. Greenwich
Just South of Coleman Middle School
6655 E. Zimmerly St.
Located just East of Boston Park
Located East of S. Webb, just South of E. Bayley St.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily
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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.
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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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