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City of Wichita District V Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Bryan Frye...
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This time of year is extremely busy for activities and happenings in Wichita. Just a quick check of the calendar shows great events like Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, Wine Mosey at Cowtown, Carnegie Concert Series, Big Read Wichita, Open Streets ICT, Avenue Art Days, Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cook-off, Wichita Police Department Neighborhood Cookouts and much, much more. Many of these events have information included in this newsletter. Pick your favorite (or two), enjoy the great weather and celebrate Wichita.
Speaking of events, most of the news lately has been about the future of Century II. Arup Advisory Inc., the consultant hired by the city to investigate possible funding options for updating and improving this facility presented the results of their report Tuesday night to the council and citizens in a packed room at City Hall. Ultimately, City Manager Bob Layton recommended to separate the two operations of Century II and focus on them individually starting with enlarging convention space and moving those type of functions out of the blue dome building entirely. Concurrently, a citizens committee will be formed to focus on improvements for the performing arts center.
I've never been accused of not dreaming big. And so, I'm excited about the future for Century II. Right-sizing the convention space will allow us to be more competitive and draw more visitors to Wichita. Enhancing our performing arts venues will build on the world class entertainment already offered by Music Theatre Wichita, Wichita Symphony, Wichita Grand Opera and many more. When everything is all said and done, there will be more activities and happenings to add to my already full calendar.
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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 Getting to Know
City Staff:
Scott Wadle
Interim Wichita Transit Director
Scott Wadle currently serves as the Interim Wichita Transit Director. Prior to his new assignment, Scott was a Senior Management Analysist with the City of Wichita, City Manager's Office, Transportation and Mobility Division. He has served the citizens of Wichita since 2003. Scott's responsibilities have focused on a variety of transportation projects - including coordinating, and managing a variety of parking, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. Examples of more recent projects include: updates to the Wichita parking system, implementation of the Wichita Bicycle Master Plan; development of the Wichita Bicycle Wayfinding System Plan; and creation of the Wichita Street Safety Education Campaign.
Scott serves as the staff liaison to the Wichita Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and coordinator of the City staff Transportation Review Committee. Scott was recognized as one of the 2013 Wichita Business Journal's 40 under 40 recipients, received honorable mention from the Governor's Council on Fitness as a 2013 individual Health Champion, and was recognized in 2014 by the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners for work on the Wichita Pedestrian Master Plan.
Scott is motivated to help Wichita residents make their community even better. When asked about his new role in Transit, he says, "I'm excited by the opportunity to serve the Wichita community in a new way and to continue efforts to help implement the community's plans for multi-modal transportation. The Wichita Transit staff are a hardworking and dedicated group, I'm looking forward to the next few months."
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This 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.
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Westlink Neighborhood Association Meeting
When: Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 pm
Where: West Heights United Methodist Church,
745 N. Westlink St.
Special presentation on the history of voter registration by Carol Neal, League of Women Voters.
Materials for voter registration will also be available.
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Road Construction Update
Kellogg & I235
Interchange:
Stay up-to-date with construction of the improvements to the Kellogg/I235 interchange. KDOT has established and is maintaining a website to keep citizens informed.
Hyatt-Funded Pavement Preservation:
- NE of Central/119th
- Pavement prep work is complete
- Micro surface to follow in the fall
- Central to 13th, Maize to Tyler
- Pavement prep work is complete
- Micro surface to follow in the fall
- Country Acres will move to summer/fall 2018 for completion of water main replacement that is now in progress
Arterial Crack Seal - Fall 2017:
- Maple, I-235 to 151st St. W. - partially complete, will resume in fall
- 119th, Maple to Central
- Central, ½ mile west of Ridge
- 21st, Maize to 119th
- Maize Rd, 13th to 21st
- Tyler, 21st to 29th
- Residential neighborhoods will begin this fall
Arterial Thermal Crack Repair - Fall 2017
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21st, Hoover to West
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21st, ½ mile west of 119th
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Ridge Rd, 13th to 37th
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Tyler Rd, 13th to 21st
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Maize Rd, 21st to Westlakes Pkwy (N. of 29th, Fox Ridge entrance)
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Central, Hoover to Ridge
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Central, ½ mile west of 119th
2nd Street sidewalk, Country Acres to Ridge:
- Bid 07/21/17
- Construction fall 2017
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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Wichita District V Facebook Page
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City of Wichita Drinking Water
City of Wichita drinking water is producing an unpleasant taste and odor due to seasonal changes in Cheney Reservoir, but there is no health risk to the public, Public Works & Utilities officials said.
Cheney Reservoir, one of two primary water sources for Wichita customers, is experiencing the seasonal die off of algae, which releases into the water a compound called geosmin. Geosmin can cause unpleasant odors and affect taste.
Once the change in water chemistry was detected, the water treatment process was adjusted to account for the extra compound in the water.
City officials will continue to monitor the water quality and make adjustments as necessary. Customers will begin to notice drinking water return to standard quality over the next four days
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Online Surplus Auction Open
The City of Wichita is holding an internet-only auction of surplus vehicles and equipment. The online auction closes at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. Items include
fire trucks, police cars, vans, trucks, miscellaneous, etc.
Inspection times are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Central Maintenance Facility (1801 S. McLean).
Items are offered "AS IS" and "WHERE IS," without warranty or guarantee. For an item listing or to place bids, visit
www.purplewave.com
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2017 Century II Study Released
City Council members held a workshop on September 13 regarding the future of the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
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Kansas Railfest
September 16 - 9:00 am
Hop a ride through Union Station on an authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive at
Kansas Railfest. Enjoy live music, artists, shopping, activities for both kids and adults and a learning experience like none other.
Admission is only $10 for people over the age of 12. Children are free. Proceeds go toward helping the Great Plains Transportation Museum preserve the history of railroading through restoration and education.
Location: Great Plains Transportation Museum, 700 E. Douglas
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Wichita Public Library Events
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Big Read Wichita Returns for its Tenth Year
The title of this year's book is
The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang. Published in 2008, this book is the City's first non-fiction title selected for this literary program and represents both the local and national efforts to provide modern books with current themes for the community to discuss.
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Beginning with the
Open Streets ICT event on September 24, you will be able to walk around Wichita while learning about our City's rich past.
Download the free PocketSights App through Google Play or the App Store and take one of three Wichita history tours. While using a tour, you will receive alerts to sites along the Douglas Avenue Open Streets route that have historic significance. Images from the Wichita Public Library's archives and other local sources will be featured, along with audio narration.
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Upcoming Events at Old Cowtown Museum
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Sunday, Sept. 17
Time: 4 - 8pm
Tickets: $50/person
Fun fact: wine tasting and stagecoach rides make a perfect pairing. This fall, the Historic Cowtown Board is hosting its 9th Annual Wine Mosey fundraiser. Enjoy an evening of music, an auction with fabulous local goods and prizes and the sun set over the Arkansas River, all with a glass of wine in hand!
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Saturday, Sept. 23
Vintage Baseball
Time: 1pm
Tickets: Regular admission prices
The club was formed to bring circa 1870's baseball experience to Old Cowtown Living History Museum and its visitors. Two teams, the Red Stockings and the Bull Dozers plan a full season of baseball games, exhibitions and demonstrations for the entire family. The Red Stockings and the Bull Dozers play per the rules of the National League of 1876 or the National Association of Baseball Players from the early 1860's.
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Festival of the Monarch at Botanica
At the festival, children will become a monarch and travel along the migration path participating in games, activities, art and music. Children will also have an up close experience watching a wild monarch being tagged. Once the butterfly is tagged the children will receive information on how to track their monarch while it migrates from Kansas to Mexico. Wing wearing is strongly encouraged!
General admission $7 or members $3.
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Join us in celebrating the coming of fall with a children's concert series!
Folk musicians and dance artists will entertain Thursday evenings in September starting at 6:30pm. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs to sit out in
our Downing Children's Garden meadow and enjoy the tunes! Feel free to bring your evening meal or you may order a picnic platter from our Garden
Café. The café staff will be delighted to cook for you!
Check out their
menu online
or call them directly at 264-0448 ext. 119.
Free with admission. Come early and enjoy free nature crafts in the Party Barn!
September 21 -
Aaron Fowler: Sing People Sing: Songs for Little People
September 28 -
Erin Mae Lewis: Tunes and Tales of the Mountain Dulcimer
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NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY
AT GREAT PLAINS NATURE CENTER
6232 E 29 ST N
WICHITA, KS
Celebrate great outdoor activities with hands-on archery and fishing clinics and demonstrations. A presentation at 6:00 pm with showcase how long-lasting family bonds are strengthened with time spent hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and other outdoor activities.
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Open Streets ICT brings Wichitans of all ages and fitness levels together for an active, fun, community - building afternoon on Wichita's iconic Douglas Avenue. Open Streets ICT will close four miles of Douglas Avenue to traffic, from College Hill to the historic Delano District, and opens the street to young and old alike to enjoy biking, walking, running, dancing, yoga, entertainment, food, art, music, and more.
Open Streets ICT is designed to elevate the quality of life and health and well-being of the Greater Wichita community-and you're invited to be an important part of this difference-making initiative.
This initiative needs individuals and businesses to commit to its success and sustainability.
There are many ways to get involved in Open Streets ICT.
For more info and to volunteer,
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2017 Wichita Wagonmasters Chili Cookoff
With teams from Kansas and surrounding states (70 teams expected in 2017), the Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff has been a Wichita tradition for over 30 years. Since 2005 when the Wagonmasters took over the event and brought it back Downtown, the event has exploded with a renewed level of enthusiasm by contestants and attendees alike.
This year, the Mayor and City Council are hosting a booth with Jen Ray, owner of
The Monarch. The theme this year is "Wichita Pride."
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Coming in October!
Click on the image for more details
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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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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.
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KANSEL Construction
Training Program
KANSEL has a great training opportunity for men and women interested in a career in construction. This
FREE program prepares students for entry level construction work. They are trained in power & hand tools, construction math, blueprint reading, and receive OSHA, physical fitness, and life management skills instruction.
Students who complete the course have an opportunity to interview with local construction companies. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, be legally employable in the U.S. and attend all session of the 7 week course.
Interested students should plan to attend one of the above information sessions to apply for the program.
Call 263-9620 for more information.
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JOBS are here in Wichita!
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a job board with local, Wichita area, jobs only! A free service for job seekers, it will save you the time of searching through dozens of jobs outside of the area. Create a
free account here and you will be automatically signed up for all Wichita area updates and can customize the search further if you wish.
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Check out the latest job fairs and
training courses. Click here.
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GOT RATS?
Rats in your home are no laughing matter. These rodents carry diseases and can cause damage to your home.
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Don't be left in the
dark
If
you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
this
simple form
on
Westar Energy's website
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Fall 2017
Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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8515 Beckemeyer
Southeast of Central and Maize Rd.
1011 N. Maize Ct.
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District V Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District V Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21 at 2110 N. 135th St W. Wichita, KS 672235.
Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
To see a listing of the District V HOAs and neighborhood associations,
click here.
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Click hereto find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases.
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City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
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