I was surprised to learn that our current day Memorial Day, initially named Decoration Day, all began by honoring the deceased Union soldiers that participated in the Civil War. A ccording to  historian David W. Blight,  the first recorded act of honoring deceased Union Civil War soldiers occurred in Charleston, SC on May 1st, 1865. The Charleston Daily Courier reported at the time that former slaves - African Americans - honored 257 dead Union soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp.

They reburied the bodies and gave them each a proper burial as gratitude for giving their lives for freedom. A parade, led by several thousand African American children followed. Thousands of people marched, sang and celebrated. Although the  fact of this extraordinary event is undisputed, there is no agreement that this event led to today's Memorial Day.  After World War I the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.  Memorial Day was generally observed on May 30, the date Logan had declared for the first Decoration Day, until 1968 when Congress passed the  Uniform Monday Holiday Act , which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May; the law went into effect in 1971 and legally declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. Official Memorial Day ceremonies call for the President of the United States to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery and "Taps" is played.

Throughout America not only are Veterans honored, but it is still "Decoration Day" in which millions of people clean up the grave sites and take flowers to cemeteries in honor of loved ones who have passed on.

FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY

On May 12th, Councilman Jeff Blubaugh was one of many that attend the VIP Open House at TriMet Group, 10012 W York Street. Visitors were met with music, barbecue, lots of homemade foods, and beverages.  All the smiling owners and staff were on hand to give tours, explain equipment, and show off the new plans for the upcoming expansion.  The TriMet Group also includes Eilerts Enterprise LLC, Precision Metals LLC, TriMet Metrology LLC, TEK properties & Consulting LLC, and Smash My Trash LLC.  The total list of capabilities include manufacturing, metrology, and consulting. All are specialists in their fields and guests were made to feel welcome. We wish them much success and look forward to visiting again.  For more information, click  here.

ALEY PARK SWIMMING POOL

OPEN MONDAY, MAY 29th

Just in time to wind up the Memorial holiday weekend with a leisurely swim, the pool at Aley Park, 1800 S Seneca, will be opening on May 29th, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm.  Children 17 and under pay $2.00 a day, and adults are $3. Or you can get a family rate (6 people or less) for $8.00. However, one of the "family" must be an adult.  Cash only will be accepted. Normal hours for the pool are 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Tuesday thru Sunday.   For information on season swimming passes,  Read More

TWO MORE YEARS TO GO, SO HANG IN THERE!

• The entrance ramp from northbound West Street to EB US 54 is OPEN. No access yet for southbound West St. traffic to the ramp.
• The EB US 54 Exit Ramp to West Street is CLOSED until late 2017 to complete the new ramps from I-235 to EB US 54 and to West Street.
• Maple Street under I-235 has reopened to two lanes in each direction.
• US 54 from Hoover to West Street, has been reduced to two lanes in each direction (until October). These lane closures will allow the ramp bridges over US 54 to be constructed.
• The SB I-235 Exit to WB US 54 is CLOSED until late summer for the construction of the ramp bridges over the Wichita-Valley Center Floodway -- one for SB I-235 to WB US-54 and one for NB I-235 to WB US-54.  A signed detour sends SB I-235 traffic to K-42 then onto NB I-235 to the exit ramp for WB US-54.

• Click on the "Government" tab and then "Police;"
• Click on the "Forms" button and a drop down menu will appear; and
• Click the last item on the drop down menu and fill out the Neighborhood Night Out registration form.

RAKING, SWEEPING, OR BLOWING GRASS AND LEAVES IN TO GUTTERS OR DRAINAGE DITCHES....

THIS IS A BIG NO-NO

According to Wichita's Municipal Code, Sec. 10.04.030 - It is unlawful to rake, sweep, or otherwise move leaves, grass, dirt, paper, debris, or any other material into the streets, gutters, drains, or drainage ditches along the side of any street or alley in the city.  Why?  Not only does it look messy, but more for  the simple reason that it will end up in the city's storm water drains, eventually clogging the drains that allow storm waters to drain off the city's streets during downpours. So remind those who mow that this is against the City ordinance and perpetrators can be charged with a misdemeanor.  Storm drains and drainage ditches help move water away from properties and divert possible property damage.  Keep your neighborhood on track so your property or vehicle does not become a statistic. To report a violator, you can call 268-4498. 

TALL GRASS AND WEEDS?

Don't put up with your neighbor's lawn that has tall grass and weeds.  Just pick up the phone and call 660-9220, or email deana.spears@sedgwick.gov at MABCD to report any grass that has reached 12 inches in height.

According to Municipal Code 8.01.135:  ....all property owners, representatives and tenants of property located within the city limits of Wichita, Kansas it is unlawful to allow the excessive growth of weeds, grass, and uncultivated plants.  Excessive growth means more than twelve (12) inches in height.  Violators will be subject to prosecution and assessment of cots for abatement of such violations.

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

With all the recent rain, remember to activate your headlights when you have to use your windshield wipers, especially on the highways and interstates.  It's the law!  According to Wichita's municipal code 11.60.030... Every vehicle (except motorcycles that are required to have headlights on at ALL times) upon a highway within this city shall at all times display lighted head and other lamps and illuminating devices as required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exception with respect to parked vehicles... (3) When windshield wipers are in continuous use as a result of rain, sleet, or snow.

The cars in front of and behind you will see you much better and hopefully avoid a collision.

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.

Even without the app, there is still an easy and secure option for submitting tips from any PC or mobile browser by going to http://www.wichitasedgwickcountycrimestoppers.com and clicking the "submit a tip" icon.  Of course, tips are still welcomed through calling our hotline (316) 267-2111. Using whichever method, once a person submits a tip, they will be given a TIP ID and password. With this information they can login at p3tips.com and submit follow-up information, engage in real-time chat/two-way dialogue, be informed of the outcome of the tip, and access any pertinent reward information.

To further show our value of tipsters' contribution to the community, tips leading to an arrest will result in a cash reward.

FINAL FRIDAY AND THE START TO A HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Find a parking space and then take the Q-line so you can make the most of a Final Friday in Wichita. There are multiple galleries complete with paintings, pottery, hand-blown glass, jewelry, and well, you might be surprised at all there is to see.  For Final Friday Q-line routes, click here.

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STEAMPUNK DAY AT OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM

 MAY 27, 10 am - 5 pm

1865 W MUSEUM BLVD.

When visitors travel to the days of future past!

Encounter the spectacle of pirate comedians, live steampunk music, and performers of the steampunk variety.  Gentlemen, shine your fancy facial hair for the beard and mustache contest. Ladies, now is your time to strut your wardrobe fantasies with an "anything goes" imagination.  This event grows every year with more participants and fabulous attire. 

WICHITA VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK TO HONOR

 THE VETERANS OF WW II ON  MAY 28 - 3:00 PM

At Wichita's Veterans Memorial Park, just west of 2nd Street and Waco St., the directory for the 1,500 WW II veterans has been installed.  On Sunday, May 28, 2017, there will be an official celebration commemorating the completion of this memorial.  It officially began in July 2010 and has taken many hours of volunteers marking this event.  The celebration of completion will include The Bill Harshbarger Ensemble playing WW II-era music prior to the program, color guard from McConnell AFB, Patriot Guard assisting at the entrance, and end with a Stearman bi-plane flyover and wreath laying.  The event is free and will last one hour.  Please bring your own chairs. 

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JUNE 2 - 10

GET READY FOR THE LARGEST PARTY IN WICHITA!

Make your plans, grab the lawn chairs and the kids (but leave the dog at home) for the big kick-off of the Riverfest with the ever popular Sundown Parade on June 2nd.  The parade starts at 6:30 pm and the route starts at 3rd Street and Main, down to Douglas, west to Waco, and back to 3rd Street.  This is usually THE largest parade of the year with lots of entertainment.  You can go here to get the entire Riverfest schedule of events along with maps and details.

The buttons can be purchased at several retailers for $10 each (adults), or  $5 each for children ages 6 - 12.  Children 5 and younger are FREE.  The button gets you in to over a hundred events over a 9-day period.  Now THAT'S a bargain!!

Find out how you can own a safe,

 affordable Habitat for Humanity home!

Families who live in safe, affordable housing are more independent and their children do better in school. Come and learn about owning a Wichita Habitat for Humanity home at a meeting on Wednesday, June 7, at 5:30 p.m. at our offices at 130 E. Murdock St., between Main and Market streets. We also will have a meeting on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m. at Century II, 225 W. Douglas Ave., at the Housing Expo.  Please RSVP to Katharine at 316-269-0755 or  Katharine@wichitahabitat.org

And here is your summer solution for kids....

AWESOME CAMPS FOR AWESOME KIDS! OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP Put down those video games and get out in the fresh air! Discover all the activities the great outdoors has to offer such as fishing, creeking, horseback riding and kayaking. Learn how to build a camp fire, cook lunch, ride the pedal boats, play miniature golf and other outdoor games. Registration deadline is the Wednesday prior to camp. Ages 10-14 | June 5-9     | 8pm-5pm | Code 13257 | $149 Ages 6-9     | June 12-16 | 8pm-5pm | Code 13256 | $149  Contact O.J. Watson Park at 529.9940 for more information.

POWER RANGER TRAINING CAMP It's Morphin' time! Create your own ranger identity and gear. Then, complete several training courses that focus on strength, balance, leadership and power. Defeat the villain and save the good guys! Registration deadline is 6/8. Ages 6-13 | June 13 | 8am-5pm | $25   Contact Boston Recreation Center at 688.9301 for more information.

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS CAMP Let's get ready to rumble! This is the ultimate sports party with a day of basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Kids will also be introduced to pickleball! Score big with both individual and team competitions. Registration deadline is 6/13. Ages 6-13 | June 16 | 8am-5pm | $25  Contact Boston Recreation Center at 688.9301 for more information.

SUMMER OF DISCOVERY Still looking for a safe and fun camp for your kids this summer? Then register for our Summer of Discovery Camp. This exciting camp features 20 different field trips, swimming weekly, onsite presentations and all sorts of games! The best part is that the weekly fee covers everything! Offered at Edgemoor, Linwood and Orchard Recreation Centers. Ages 6-13 | May 30 | 7am-6pm | $105 CLICK HERE for more information!

KANSAS HOUSING WEATHERIZATION

Low-income families pay an average of 18-percent of their annual income for energy, compared with five-percent for other households.  Weatherization services save customers an average of $358 annually.  For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns $2.51 to the household and society.  For the Wichita area, the State is having residents contact South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) at 316-262-7035.  For more information:http://www.kshousingcorp.org/weatherization.aspx, or download the application here.

ANNUAL BOB MARTZ BENEFIT TOURNAMENT

RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 16

Due to the inclement weather that occurred in Wichita on May 19th, the Bob Martz Benefit Tournament will be hosted at Auburn Hills Golf Course on Friday, June 16. This four person team scramble is a shotgun event and registration is $90 per golfer.

Help us give back to the community! This tournament raises money for Hook a Kid on Golf and the Bob Martz Scholarship Fund through Wichita Junior Golf. Enjoy lunch and warm-up on the driving range starting at 11am. Each golfer receives a gift bag and an 18-hole gift certificate to any Wichita Public Golf Course. Devour pizza and beer during the awards presentation.

Help further our initiative and be a sponsor! Businesses or individuals that sponsor a hole at this tournament will have signage at the hole along with an ad in the Golf Wichita mobile app!

HOUSING EXPO

At a recent meeting we learned that aggravated assaults are up by 60%.  And just having a gun pointed at you (loaded or not) is an aggravated assault.  So if the driver next to you, or in front of you, loses his/her cool, just stay calm and remember you have no idea who might have a loaded gun laying next to them.  Even if something is not your fault, it is better to simply say sorry, or at the very least keep your eyes on the road and not on the offender.  If possible, get a good description including a vehicle tag, or better yet a photo, and then call 911 to report it.  But don't jeopardize your own safety by doing this. Keep telling yourself "There's no place like home. There's no place like home." Ultimately the goal is to get safely home and be with those who depend on you.  Keep your cool and stay safe!

VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS

Starting Saturday, April 1, and going through the first Saturday of November, neighborhoods around the City of Wichita will be having their annual area cleanups on Saturday mornings.  To find out if you are having one in your area, contact your local Neighborhood Association or Home Owners Association (HOA).  If you are interested in volunteering at a cleanup, contact Rebecca Fields, Community Services Representative with the City of Wichita, for more information at: rfields@wichita.gov  Let's keep our City looking it's best! 

H2O Care Fund

The City of Wichita recognizes that there are many residents who are struggling during these difficult economic times, especially during the holidays.  This voluntary program provides a simple way to directly help others.  Even small donations can add up and provide a way for people to maintain their water service.  There are three ways to help, and you can find out how by filling out the City of Wichita H2O Care Fund Program Donation Form here. 

WATER CONSERVATION 2017

 REBATE PROGRAM PLAN

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