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City of Wichita
District 5
Newsletter
November 13, 2020
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A Message from Council Member Bryan Frye |
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A top priority of the city of Wichita is keeping people safe, mostly through the Wichita Police Department. One area that gets a lot of attention and resources is traffic safety. This includes designating safe maximum speed for operation of vehicles on city streets. To maintain the safety and well-being of everyone sharing the road, speed limit changes are sometimes warranted.
Due to traffic patterns and new commercial/residential developments, the city council just approved speed limit reductions on the following streets:
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Ridge Road, 37th St. N to K-96 – from 45 mph to 40 mph.
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Maple St, Country View to 151st St. W – from 50 mph to 40 mph.
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Maple St, 151st W to west city limits – from 50 mph to 45 mph.
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Harry St, 127th St. East to 159th St. East – from 55 mph to 40 mph.
- Douglas Ave, Washington to Hillside – from 35 mph to 30 mph.
- McLean Blvd, Maple to Douglas – from 35 mph to 30 mph.
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Traffic patterns and speeds are constantly evaluated. Recently, Patrol West Community Policing Officers did a LIDAR assignment at 1100 N Tyler for speeding after a fatality accident. Officers issued 35 citations for drivers going over 50 mph in a 40 mph zone. One driver was ticketed for 60 mph!
Please slow down and do not exceed the posted speed limit. The life you save may be your own.
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Wichita City Council
District 5 Council Member
Phone: 316.268.4331
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When is it appropriate to begin listening to Christmas music?
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I don't like Christmas music
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This weekend is the end of daylight saving, which means we turn back our clocks an hour.
I love the extra hour of sleep - 27.8%
I hate that it gets dark so early - 51.2%
It's a good reminder to check the batteries in my smoke detectors - 7%
Who cares? - 14%
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Designs For Harvest Park Pool Progressing |
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Phase 2 of the Aquatics Master Plan is underway after designs were approved for Harvest and Minisa pools and the Linwood splash pad. Get an early look at the designs for the new Harvest Park Pool, which is expected to be complete in time for the 2021 swim season! |
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COVID Cases Reach All-time High in Sedgwick County |
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Back in June only 3% of those tested were positive for COVID-19. However, on November 11 it shows that 23.7% of those tested now have COVID. Hospitals are reporting that all Intensive Care Units are filled, and that there is a shortage of hospital staff. It is up to all residents to follow the simple guidelines to wear a mask outside the home, stay socially distanced, and practice frequent hand washing.
If you venture out to a restaurant or club, keep in mind that there is currently an 11 pm curfew.
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Apply Now for Christmas Assistance |
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With the COVID-19 pandemic, we know parents and families have to make very hard decisions. Choosing between paying utilities, rent or food for the family comes first. How to buy Christmas presents can be a heartbreaking challenge. During the pandemic, the Salvation Army has experienced significant increases from community seeking basic needs and at this time of year, now requests to help make Christmas brighter this year. Thanks to amazing community businesses, churches and organizational partnerships, it allows The Salvation Army to say "Yes" for those who may otherwise go without Christmas gifts.
Anonymous donors adopt these little “angels” in an expanding Christmas tradition that makes the season more rewarding for the gift giver and happier for the receiver. If you are in need or know of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, please know community and The Salvation Army is here for you. Take part in completing an application HERE. (Angel Tree if you have children the ages of 16 and under living in the home, or Star of Hope if there are no children in the home)
The Salvation Army Christmas Distribution has been extended this year to three days. (Dec 9, 10, 11). Location details coming soon.
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Wichita Artists on Exhibit |
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Foot in the Door celebrates the artists who call Wichita home. Featuring the work of hundreds of Wichita artists--young and old, professional and emerging--the exhibition showcases 12x12-inch artworks--from paintings and prints to drawings and reliefs.
Artworks were accepted on a first come, first serve basis from Wichita artists eager to get their "foot in the door" at the Wichita Art Museum. Organized in a large grid in the museum's Ross/Ritchie galleries, the exhibition is a visual testament to the depth and richness of Wichita's artistic talent.
Staged in conjunction with the Wichita Art Museum's 85th Anniversary, "the exhibition is an opportunity to recognize Wichita artists and make them feel welcomed and loved at their art museum. They are critical to the lifeblood at WAM," says director Dr. Patricia McDonnell.
And remember, FREE admission always on Saturdays at the Wichita Art Museum.
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HAVE YOU TAKEN OUR NEWSLETTER SURVEY YET? |
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We believe the District Newsletters are a great resource for the citizens of Wichita, but we want to make sure you think so too!
Please take a couple of minutes to let us know your thoughts by taking a brief survey, even if this is the first newsletter you've read.
We will be using your feedback to make the newsletters better.
If you've already taken the survey, THANK YOU! We look forward to improving this resource for our community.
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The District 5 Advisory Board met virtually on Monday, November 2. Members of the public were able to join the meeting and participate. To view a recorded stream of the meeting, click here.
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Meeting Information
The District Advisory Board (DAB 5) meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21, 2110 N. 135th St W., Wichita, KS 67235. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
To see a listing of the District 5 HOAs and neighborhood associations, click here.
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Crime trends are tracked and accessible by the public on the Community Crime Map software by Lexis Nexis. With this tool, you can stay up to date on the crimes in your neighborhood. With the Community Crime Map, you have the ability to zoom in on specific areas, filter for specific crimes and dates, and read a description of the reported crime.
Below is a snap shot of crime trends in District 5 spanning the last two weeks.
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District 5: 10/30 - 11/13 |
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WPD Helping Domestic Violence Victims |
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Experts say that sex crimes aren't about sex - they're about violence and control. Sex crimes are often committed by people the victim knows.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation and often including the threat of violence or the use of violence.
The Wichita Police Department deals with sex crimes, domestic violence, and other types of cases. This particular section is staffed by 1 Lieutenant and 8 Detectives.
If you are experiencing abusive behavior from a spouse or partner, please reach out to WPD for assistance.
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Here are a few of the Public Works projects currently in the works in District 5:
- 13th Street, Cowskin Creek to 135th
- Wrapping up sidewalk work
- Two-way traffic estimated to resume in late 2020
- Estimated project completion - Spring 2021
- 37th and Tyler Traffic Signal
- Equipment delayed from manufacturer.
- Estimated project completion - early 2021
- Walking Path Repairs
- Project will repair walking paths in Sunset Park
- Estimated project completion - November 2020
Note: Current activities are listed for these projects, not the full scope of the project.
For project information on the Outsourced Pavement Preservation Project, click here.
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All library locations will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 and will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. |
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Kansas Reads to Preschoolers |
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In November, the Library virtually celebrates Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, an annual event that promotes reading to all Kansas children from birth to age five through a single book. This year, we’re reading “Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs” by Eric Litwin. The book is available free to library cardholders through Scholastic BookFlix. Activities and special programming are available on the Library’s website, www.wichitalibrary.org/prek. TUNE IN to the Library’s YouTube channel on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. for a special video feature that will teach kids about ice cream and dinosaurs.
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Branch libraries will be closed Saturday, Nov. 21 while the City of Wichita’s data center undergoes scheduled maintenance. The maintenance will force internet and phone services to go offline. The Advanced Learning Library will remain open for public computing and other limited services. Services will be restored by Sunday, Nov. 22. Click here for complete information.
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NEA Big Read Kicks off in January |
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Mark your calendars! The NEA Big Read: Wichita will kick off Saturday, Jan. 9 from 2:30-4 p.m. with a special broadcast of the traditional kick off party on KPTS Channel 8.
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City and Department Updates |
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City of Wichita Recognized by National Association of Clean Water Agencies for Continued Operational Excellence |
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On Wednesday, October 28 the City of Wichita was recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for its’ continued operational excellence. This annual award is presented to honorees that have achieved excellence in operation performance and permit compliance.
The award was in recognition of three permitted water resource and recovery plants, Lower Arkansas Water Reclamation Facility Plant 1 and 2, Northwest Cowskin Creek Water Reclamation Facility Plant 3 and Four Mile Creek Water Reclamation Facility Plant 4. All three facilities received the Gold Award, with no permit violations in the 2019 report year. The NACWA recognized the impressive accomplishment and described it as “significant, given the age of the facilities”. The team recognized that this would have not been possible without the hard work of the dedicated staff who operate all plants and sewer pump stations, every day, 24/7.
Adam Krantz, CEO of NACWA honors the award winners with the following statement:
“These utilities represent the top performers in the whole country and go above and beyond in their mission to protect public health and the environment. On behalf of NACWA’s Board of Directors, I extend my congratulations and gratitude to all this year’s award winners and I thank them for their service and their incredible compliance with increasingly rigid Clean Water Act standards. This year has seen unprecedented challenges in the wake of the pandemic, and the Peak Performance Award winners have more than risen to the occasion”.
It is an honor to be recognized nationally for the hard work and dedication of our City of Wichita Sewage Treatment Division.
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2020 Ozone Season Comes to an End |
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Ozone Season began March 31 and closed on Oct. 31. Wichita experienced another mild ozone season. Averages remained in the mid-60 parts per billion (ppb) with the fourth highest 8-hour average (between all three surrounding monitors: Sedgwick, Peck, Wichita Health Department) being 59 ppb, a slight decrease from last year’s 61 ppb. The three year rolling average decreased from 64 ppb in 2018 to 63 ppb in 2019. Based on these results, Wichita will maintain its compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as described for ozone. The standard is currently 70 ppb.
In 2019, the City’s Be Air Aware program included a continuation of many of last year’s strategies including a multi-phase robust marketing campaign (which includes radio and google ads), ozone forecasting through social media, marketing of the www.BeAirAwareKS.org website, as well as partnerships throughout the Wichita MSA. The City also renewed the partnership with the EPA’s Ozone Advance Program.
Although COVID-19 had a big impact on community outreach, especially education efforts, staff continued to come up with creative ideas to educate the public. In partnership with City Crew, kids were encouraged to enter a coloring contest which included some “cool” summer activities. The kids were tasked with coloring Beeatrice, the air quality mascot in a “clean air environment” where she could play. The program received some great responses from the community and a lot of appreciation for giving the kids something safe to do during the pandemic.
Overall the program had a successful year. Reporting for 2020 and planning for 2021 began Nov. 1.
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Wichita Public Library and YMCA Offer Virtual Cooking Classes |
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Join a free series of virtual classes called Cooking Matters for Parents® with the Library and the YMCA (you do not need to be a Y member to attend). These classes help families learn to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget. Classes include cooking demos and budget-friendly meal ideas.
Sign up for one or all of the classes. Attend 3 classes in the series and complete a survey to receive a $20 grocery gift card. Please note this class is for adults only (parents, caregivers of kids or pregnant women).
Registration is required. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit or wichitalibrary.org/events to register. This program will be held online via Zoom. A link to the program will be sent to your inbox the day before and the day of the program.
Class Schedule:
- 12/1: Easy (Kid-Approved) Snacking
- 12/8: Kitchen Hacks So Your Food Lasts Longer
- 12/15: No More Mealtime Madness: Mastering Meal Planning
- 12/22: Adjusting Recipes to Maximize Budget and Taste
- 1/5: Virtual Grocery Tour to Save YOU Money
- 1/12: Getting Your Kids in the Kitchen
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2020 has been a doosey but it just got a little better! Watson Park has a new website! Visit WatsonPark.Wichita.gov to see everything available for you to enjoy at this treasured attraction!
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Have you had the chance to use EVOLVE, the City of Wichita’s joint activity guide? The fourth edition of EVOLVE, combining offerings from CityArts, Wichita Park & Recreation and the Wichita Public Library, is almost here and we want to know how you use the guide. Let us know what you think about Wichita’s one-stop shop for City activities and classes with this quick survey: https://bit.ly/351FlEH.
Take the survey to be entered in a drawing for a FREE Illuminations walk thru experience! Winners will be drawn on December 1.
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Prairie Travelers and the Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative are teaming up for the first ever Kansas Trails Telethon, to benefit the Prairie Sunset Trail and the Redbud Trail. Join us for an entertaining afternoon featuring local musicians and performers - all supporting trail development and maintenance!
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Job seekers, mark your calendars for several upcoming virtual job fairs through Kansas Works.
- Employers from across the state will be hiring.
- Job seekers will have the opportunity to live chat with employers as the employers schedule allows.
- Job seekers can join via computer or cell phone,
Upcoming Dates:
December - 8, 9, 10
January - 26, 27, 28
February - 23, 24, 25
March - 23, 24, 25
Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting 877-509-6757 prior to the event.
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Stay Safe During the Holidays |
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Be sure to celebrate fall and winter holidays safely this year.
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Need to report a pot hole in your neighborhood? Want to find out who your local beat police officer is? Head over to AccessWichita, our new information resource and reporting tool. You can also sign up to receive city alerts, see upcoming events and track your improvement requests. Check it out at AccessWichita.com!
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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.
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All past newsletters are posted on the District 5 web page. Scroll down to the archived newsletter section.
You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive it in your email inbox. Click the button below to subscribe!
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We are always looking for ways to improve the newsletter. Let us know what you like and what you don't like. What would you like to see in the District Newsletter that you think is missing?
Send us your feedback below!
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Stay up to date with the latest District 5 and city-wide news, events, and resources!
Office of Community Services
(316) 352-4886
City Hall | 13th Floor | 455 N. Main Wichita, KS 67202
Have questions or concerns? Email Council Member Bryan Frye or call
(316) 268-4331.
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