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WICHITA DISTRICT VI NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Cindy Claycomb...
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The City of Wichita is proud to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the fall 2018 semester of the Civic Engagement Academy! The Civic Engagement Academy is designed for community members who want to better understand how to effectively interact with their local government, in order to make progress on civic matters that are important to them. The Academy focuses on both the structure and operations of various departments within the City, as well as how residents in the City can best interact with each department's administration. The Academy also teaches adaptive leadership principles that will educate participants on how to lead others towards collective change, without needing to be in a specific position of authority. Academy classes are uniquely interactive and utilize a variety of teaching methods such as role playing and civic simulations, off site facility tours and special guest presenters. Graduates of the eight week program will receive a Certificate of Civic Leadership which is recognized by both the Kansas Leadership Center and the City of Wichita. Civic Engagement Academy classes will regularly be held at the Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center, located at 2700 N. Woodland in the heart of Evergreen Park. Classes will take place on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. beginning September 5th through October 24th. Last semester's Academy was such a success, that many of the participants took it upon themselves to form a Civic Engagement Academy Alumni Association and continue to engage with one another to develop ways to strengthen their communities! I would like to encourage anyone who may be interested in knowing more about how to work with their local government to take advantage of this unique and exciting opportunity! To apply for this semester's Civic Engagement Academy visit the following link:
To view the program flier and testimonials from last semester's Academy visit these links:
The Civic Engagement Academy is free to the residents of the City of Wichita but space is limited and the Academy is already filling up quickly, so be sure and apply soon. I hope to see you there!
Cindy Claycomb
Wichita City Council
District VI Council Member
316-268-4331
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DISTRICT VI NEWS & EVENTS
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If you missed it, photos of the "Mercadito Hispano Nomar" Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, July 21.
Also, check out these new murals found in District 6!!! Some are still a work in progress.
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District VI Advisory Board Information
The District VI Advisory Board (DAB VI) meets the first Monday of the month (and the third Wednesday of the month is optional) at the Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas, Wichita, KS, 67204. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
Next meeting: August 6, 2018
District VI Monthly Coffee
District VI Coffee is held on the fourth Saturday of the month. These gatherings are a chance to discuss local city projects/issues, provide your input and ask questions. We meet from 9am to 10:30am at the
Advanced Learning Library (711 W 2nd St), Conference Room C.
Hope to see you there!
Next monthly coffee: August 25, 2018
(Please note change in location)
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Wichita District VI Facebook Page 
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Evergreen Neighborhood Resource Center Update
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2700 N Woodland, Wichita KS 67204
(316) 303-8042
Mon-Thurs 8:30am-5:30pm, Fri 8:30am-5pm (closed daily from 12-1pm)
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- 8 public computers with internet access
- Free public notary service and faxing
- Limited photo-copying
- DCF Program Consultant on site to take applications for financial, food and child care assistance
- Bilingual staff fluent in Spanish
- Assistance in accessing community resources
- Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) staff housed at facility. Neighborhood Inspector covers 21st to 60th St North and Mosley St to I-235
- Community Police Officers from Patrol North and Patrol West maintain a work area in the facility and are often available to meet with citizens
- Community Service Representative available to respond to neighborhood concerns (also serves as liaison to District 6 Council Member)
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EVERGREEN LIBRARY CLASSES
Cuentos Bilingues: Preschool Storytime
Whether you want to expose your children to another language or they already hear it in the home, enjoy a unique storytime presented in both English and Spanish. For ages 3-6.
Wednesdays at 10:30am
Adult Book Clubs
The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Thursday (8/2) 6:30-7:30pm
Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candace Millard
Tuesday (8/7) 1-2pm
Technology Training
Security for Your Computer: Learn how to protect your computer and how to stay safe online.
Thursday (8/16) 4-5:30pm
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Rock the Block Delano is a series of free "front porch" concerts by some of Wichita's hottest bands.
July 29- Brian Tiemeyer at 156 N Vine
August 12- Tideway
at 1912 W Mentor
September 9- T
equila Ridge
will be the grand finale for the summer at Drew & North Dodge St!
These are "bring your own chairs or blanket", and be mindful of being a guest while on private property. ALL CONCERTS WILL START AT 4 p.m.
Party on Delano!
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Walk-A-Longwell Coming to Harvest Park
Mayor Jeff Longwell invites anyone who wishes to join him in his brief monthly walk meant to facilitate conversation and health-awareness.
The walk will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 28 at Harvest Park, 9500 Provincial Lane (by the pool area).
Mayor Longwell is promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle through a new initiative called "Walk-A-Longwell," a one-hour monthly walk. An initiative designed to encourage health and fitness across the community. The Mayor is encouraging employers to host their own monthly walk and focus on fitness initiatives in their organizations. The monthly walk also serves as a way for residents to meet the Mayor and share ideas about Wichita.
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Old Cowtown Museum *
1865 W Museum Blvd *
P: (316) 350-3323
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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.
Floatin' on the River Sunset & Sunrise Tours
Treat yourself to a relaxing sunset or sunrise paddle, where you'll experience the quiet magic of the Arkansas River, along with the glowing sky and its ever changing colors. Following a short kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) training, you'll set off on a leisurely paddling tour from Cowtown to the Wichita Boathouse. Along the way, you'll pause to see the Keeper of the Plains like you've never seen it before!
Gather together afterwards for dinner/breakfast with music and to share your adventure with others. No prior experience is necessary, however this is a strenuous activity, which lasts approximately 1.25-1.5 hours. A great family event for ages 12+. In partnership with SUPWichita.
NOTE: Times and starting location are subject to change depending on the water levels.
REGISTRATION:
Spaces are limited and preregistration is required. You must select either a kayak or a SUP at the time of registration.
To register, go to
Wichita.gov/parkandrec and click on the registration tab or call 316.268.4361.
Signed waivers will be required prior to participation.
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance and no refunds will be given for cancellations the day of the event, unless the event is canceled due to weather/river conditions.
$30/person (includes instruction, equipment rental, dinner/breakfast & beverages, music and return shuttle service)
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Construction and Maintenance Projects
River Vista Development
Project includes construction of apartments and commercial retail on the west bank of the Arkansas River between Douglas and 1st Street.
Traffic Impact: The sidewalk on the south side of 1st Street is OPEN between McLean and Waco.
Contractor: Key Construction
Estimated completion: Summer 2018
12" Water Main 37th and Floodway Bridge Repair
This project will repair the water main hanging on the bridge.
Traffic Impact: It is anticipated that work can be accomplished without closing the bridge, howerver the bridge may be closed for installation of the pipeline if needed. Electronic Message boards will be placed a week advance of the closure and a signed detoured will direct traffic around the closure if necessary.
Contractor: Dondlinger Construction
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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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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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 done so when 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, another time the Fire Department may use a hydrant when they are not at an active emergency, is to practice. 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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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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103.7 KEYN Summer Concert Series presented by Rusty Eck Ford
It's time for the 2018 Summer Concert Series, presented by
Rusty Eck Ford! The fun starts on July 6th at WaterWalk Downtown. Six straight Fridays of FREE CONCERTS!
This Wichita summer tradition allows concert goers to enjoy beautiful Kansas nights in the WaterWalk Commons, dance to live music from area bands and great eats from select food trucks! Bring the family, your lawn chairs and enjoy the evening, but please leave pets and coolers at home. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. Doors and food trucks open at 6:30pm. The band steps onto the
Ashley Home Store
stage at 8pm.
- July 27: Annie Up
- August 3: The Astronauts
- August 10: Lucky People
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Bike Walk Wichita hosts bicycle repair volunteer opportunities every week
It's open to all volunteers (8 yrs old and up) who want to work on bikes, organize parts, or work on other projects to help the cause of increasing bicycling in the community. All skill levels are welcome. It's a great way of learning how to repair bikes while helping others!
Bike Walk Wichita works in partnership with other organizations to donate the bikes to those in need. They also have an Earn-A-Bike program; volunteer 15 hours or more and receive a free bike.
The ReCycle Bike Repair events are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. at Bike Walk Wichita at 131 S. Laura St.
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Start Neighborhood Night Out Planning Now
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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Photo illustration Rafael Garcia
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Wondering where to find assistance in Wichita? Now help is just a text away
By Rafael Garcia
Need help finding housing, food assistance or counseling? Now you can text the United Way of the Great Plains for information.
Text 898211 with your ZIP code.
The service will text back a reply asking for further information on what you need. A Wichita-based operator will then provide information - such as addresses, hours of operation and phone numbers - on agencies that may be useful for your situation.
"More and more people are using texting as their primary means of communicating, so we're expecting this new service to be popular," said Delane Butler, vice president of marketing for United Way of the Plains.
Another advantage of the service is that users will have an automatic record of the information they get from 211 operators in texts, rather than having to write down information while on the phone.
The service will use the same database and operators as the 211 option by phone. Butler said the operators are trained to help people make connections based on fuzzy details.
"If a person is just asking for help for their grandmother for example, they can dig into that and find out a few more details about what the person is looking for and find some service that's going to be most useful for them," Butler said.
Operators from Wichita's 211 center handle calls and texts for the entire state, with the exception of a few counties in the Kansas City area.
The round-the-clock 211 service provides information on and access to services such as emergency shelter organizations, health care, utility assistance, food assistance and counseling, among others. Nonprofit and governmental agencies are cataloged in the database.
Read more here: https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article212491994.html#storylink=cpy
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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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Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.
Check it out
!
And are you looking for a get-away?
HOT FARES can help you get there.
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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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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.
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.
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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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Health Care for Uninsured,
Low-income Available
In 1999,
Project Access began coordinating access to donated medical care for uninsured, low-income residents of Sedgwick County. Thanks to the founding funders - United Way of the Plains, the City of Wichita (CSBG) and Sedgwick County - Project Access is still able to serve the community today.
Project Access and its community partners serve patients in many locations. Eligible uninsured patients are enrolled for limited periods of time to address immediate medical needs. Once enrolled, patients have access to a variety of specialists, as well as prescription medication, durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.
Eligible patients can be referred by participating physicians throughout Sedgwick County.
Additional key partners are community clinics and the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Patients who receive primary care at certain community clinics may be referred to Project Access and enrolled by an onsite DCF eligibility specialist.
Eligible patients are referred to Project Access by providers at the following sites:
For more information call 316-688-0600
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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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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-303-8042 |
2700 N. Woodland
Wichita, KS 67204
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