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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 week has been a harsh reminder that life can be painful. From the devastating damage done by Hurricane Harvey in Texas to the tragic drowning of a young girl in northwest Wichita, hearts have been heavy. Yet amidst all the sorrow and hurt, friends, neighbors and strangers in both communities have come together to begin the healing for affected families. Neither road will be easy but seeing people from all walks of life jump in to help, pray or just offer a comforting hug, gives me reassurance that things will get better, eventually. We are always stronger together and no one ever has to go through hard times alone.
As Kansans, we understand the power of Mother Nature. Too many times, we've faced her fury. And every time, the Salvation Army has been there to help pick up the pieces. Now they supporting their largest relief effort in history. For Texas, the Army has deployed
71 mobile feeding units. Trained disaster workers are being deployed to the stricken area from across the United States and Canada. If you can help the Salvation Army provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, please click the link below.
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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 Getting to Know
City Staff:
Deb Legge
Neighborhood Inspection Administrator
Metropolitan Area Building & Construction (MABCD)
Deb Legge came to work for the City of Wichita in 1987. She manages the day-to-day operations of the Neighborhood Inspection section of MABCD, formerly Office of Central Inspection (OCI), which is responsible for the enforcement of housing, dangerous building, and neighborhood nuisance codes.
Deb began her career as a housing inspector, working up through the department to the position she currently holds as Neighborhood Inspection Administrator. She has served as Co-Interim Assistant Director of OCI and as Co-interim Director of MABCD during times when the department director positions have been vacant. Most recently, she took the lead for the department in the zero-based budget process which was both extremely challenging and surprisingly fun.
Before coming to work for the City of Wichita, Deb worked for Mennonite Housing - working on rehabilitation projects for low-income, elderly and disabled home owners. She took the position as housing inspector with the intention of staying for a few years. What started out as a "job" became a passion and long career in public service.
Deb is a native of Newport, Wales UK and moved to the United States in 2008. Her background is in education, graduating from Caerleon College - University of South Wales. She is a current member and past president of the Wichita Dog Training Club, where she is a volunteer instructor. Her passion and hobby for dog training and agility shows through when she competes in AKC agility competitions with her Border Collies.
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Food Trucks 101
Want to know more about owning and operating a food truck? A local owner and operator will provide insight into this business, answer your questions, and offer food truck tours.
Thursday, September 7
6:00 - 7:30pm
Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
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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 Closures, Hours
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 4, the following City of Wichita facilities and operations will be closed: City Hall, Neighborhood Resource Centers, Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation Centers, Great Plains Nature Center visitor center, Botanica administrative offices, Old Cowtown Museum, Mid-America All-Indian Center, CityArts, Century II administrative offices, Transit administrative offices, Animal Shelter, Wichita Art Museum, WATER Center, Environmental Health, Brooks Landfill.
There will be no Q-Line, Wichita Transit, or Paratransit bus service.
OJ Watson Park will be open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. with rides available from 12 - 8 p.m.
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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month!
I'm sure many of you remember last September when it rained 9" one day and many residents in were on edge wondering when the rain was going to stop. No matter how many storm drains there are, or how many precautions are taken, it still takes time for the water to move from one point to the next. Improvements to our infrastructure are continually being made. Nonetheless, there are some circumstances that nature gives us which we have no control, including heavy amounts of rain, tornadoes, hail, and earthquakes. But there are things that we can do to help survive and get us through these emergencies.
This September, National Preparedness Month (NPM), will focus on planning, with an overarching theme "
Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can."
We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes - where we live, work, and visit. The goal of NPM is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.
If you have a cell phone, one of the first things to do is to download the free FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) app.
Click here to know more about this app. You can also read up on the steps to prepare on the FEMA website at
https://www.fema.gov. Be aware, and be prepared.
High Water Safety Guidelines 
We have all seen the striking examples of the dangers of high waters from across the country, yet there continue to be numerous rescues required in our city during these high water events. Injury, or in some circumstances, death could be prevented by adhering to common sense guidelines and the direction of public safety officials. The Wichita Fire Department would like to share some of the knowledge that will keep you from harm's way.
The following ordinances were created to keep the public safe when the Arkansas River is experiencing high water:
Sec. 9.27.200 High water level
No person shall have the authority to operate any water craft on the Little Arkansas River within the city at high water level except in emergencies or during rescue or search operations. The city shall close the boat ramp in Central Riverside park when, in its opinion, high water makes the river unsafe for water craft activities, and all water craft activities are prohibited during such times that the ramp is closed.
Sec. 9.29.260 High-water level
It is unlawful for any person to operate any water craft or personal watercraft or any other wake vehicle in or upon the Big Arkansas River and bank area at high-water level except in emergencies or during authorized rescue or search. The city shall close all boat ramps when, in its opinion, high water makes the river unsafe for water craft and all water craft activities are prohibited during such times the ramps are closed.
Sec. 9.29.270 Swimming, wading and bathing
No person shall place themselves, other persons, any objects or animals into or upon the waters of the Big Arkansas River and Bank Area in the area between the Lincoln Street dam and the Seneca Street bridge for the purpose of swimming, wading or bathing.
These ordinances are important due to the number of citizens of Wichita that utilize the river for fishing and recreation. The Wichita Fire Department would also like to include the following safety tips when you encounter high water throughout the city during severe weather:
- Watch for rising water levels.
- Know where high ground is and move there quickly if you see or hear rapidly rising water.
- Do not attempt to cross through flowing water that may be more than knee deep.
- Do no try to drive through flooded areas - most flood-related deaths occur in automobiles. Turn around, don't drown.
- If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.
- Be especially cautious at night, the time of day most difficult to recognize the dangers.
- High water conditions can create navigational hazards and the public should use caution and adhere to the advice of local emergency management officials before going on area lakes or rivers.
- Never attempt to drive around barricades or emergency vehicles. These are in place to provide for your safety and the safety of responders who may have to rescue you in the event you make yourself a victim of high water. (The areas of Bleckley from Central to Waterman, and areas of Southwest Wichita that are typically prone to flooding will be barricaded as soon as possible when severe weather arises.)
By adhering to these ordinances and guidelines, it is the sincere hope of the Wichita Fire Department that citizens will not become victims of high water emergencies. If you do find yourself in such an emergent situation, and cannot safely escape the water; immediately call 911 and keep calm. The Wichita Fire Department's goal is to provide fire and life safety services through prevention, education, and protection, and can do so with your general awareness to prevent high water emergencies
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Wichita Fire
Explorers Program Seeking New Members
The Wichita Fire Explorers is a program for youth between the ages of 14 to 21 who have expressed an interest in the fire service. Currently there are 13 members, and another three who have shown interest in joining the program.
The Explorers meet every other Thursday to train and discuss different disciplines of firefighting.
They assist with various fire service events throughout the year; such as the Wichita Fire Department Medals Day Ceremony, the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Fire Camp, and the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. After a completion of one year in the Fire Explorers, the Explorer is able to ride out with Wichita Fire Department crews. This opportunity enables Explorers to experience life in the firehouse, daily apparatus inspections, and fire station maintenance and training.
The Wichita Fire Explorers are led by three coordinators. These coordinators are in charge of presenting and instructing the Explorers on different fire service topics. The coordinators, with the aid of the Wichita Fire Department companies, are able to provide the Explorers with valuable hands on experience. The Explorers have been taught Truck Company Operations, Hazardous Materials Operations and Rescue Operations. The coordinators also receive assistance from outside agencies, such as the Kansas Firefighters Museum, Sedgwick County Dispatch, Sedgwick County EMS, and the Wichita Airport Fire Authority. These agencies have provided tours which show the history and scope of what the fire service does on a daily basis.
The Wichita Fire Explorer program is a great way for youth to experience the many diverse aspects of the exciting career of firefighting. The main goal of the program, however, is to provide the fire service with outstanding future fire candidates.
Persons interested in the Wichita Fire Department Explorers should contact the Wichita Fire Department at 268-4510.
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Kansas Water Office Photo Contest
Public Works & Utilities Assistant Director, Joe Pajor, represents the City of Wichita's water interests and helps support the Equus-Walnut region by serving on the Regional Advisory Committee for the Kansas Water Office (KWO). KWO is responsible for water planning, policy, coordination and marketing and is the agency that develops and implements the Kansas Water Plan.
KWO is asking organizations and agencies across the state to help promote the current Kansas Water Photo Contest. This contest encourages residents to promote the great natural resources of Kansas by submitting photos pertaining to water use in Kansas. This could include photos of all bodies of water, irrigation and agricultural uses of water, water fun and recreation, or other water infrastructure. This is a great opportunity for Wichitans to show off the Arkansas River and their enjoyment of the activities surrounding it or display the natural beauty occurring around Cheney Lake, one of the City's water sources.
Ten finalists will have their photos displayed at the 2017 Governor's Water Conference in November and attendees of the conference will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photo. The winning photos will then be displayed in the Kansas State Capitol and the Kansas Water Office during the year. Rules can be reviewed and entries can be submitted at http://www.kwo.ks.gov/.
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This is the ultimate adventure on the Arkansas River! The River will come alive with stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks for a series of Sunrise and Sunset Tours, along with open float rental opportunities. Brought to you by Wichita Park & Recreation and SUPWichita.
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Sunrise & Sunset Tours
Take a leisurely float from Cowtown to the Wichita Boathouse and see the Keeper of the Plains like you've never seen it before! Gather together afterwards for food and music and to share your adventure with others. No prior experience is necessary, however, this is a strenuous activity.
Fee:
$30/person (includes transportation, equipment rental, food & beverages)
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Sunrise Tours:
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Saturday, Aug. 26
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6:00 am
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Saturday, Sept. 2
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6:00 am
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Sunset Tours:
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Friday,
Sept. 1
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7:00 pm
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Friday,
Sept. 15
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6:30 pm
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Saturday, Sept. 23
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6:30 pm
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Registration:
Spaces are limited and preregistration is required.
Click Here
to register. Signed waivers will be required prior to
participation.
Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. No refunds will be given for cancellations the day of the event unless the event is cancelled due to weather/river conditions.
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SUP'S & TRUCKS
Receive basic instruction on paddling techniques and safety; then you're off for a leisurely float along the Little Arkansas River. Food Trucks will be available during the lunch hour.
Park at the lot just south of Gander Mountain under Kellogg (605 S. Wichita St).
Available on a first come, first served basis
no preregistration is necessary.
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Fee:
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$15/hour for stand up paddleboard
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$10/hour for kayaks (cash only)
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Dates:
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Saturday, Aug. 26
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Saturday, Sept. 2
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Saturday, Sept. 9
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Saturday, Sept. 23
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Times:
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10:00 am-4:00 pm
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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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Tween Color Party - Think Pink!
Friday, September 15
7 to 9 pm
Join area middle-school students, grades 6 through 8, for a PARTY IN PINK-a dance party with a DJ, food, and more. $15 advance admission or $20 at the door. For more details call 316-268-4912. Purchase tickets online below. $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
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Enroll Now for CityArts Classes
Have you always wanted to learn glass blowing or oil painting? Perhaps you are more of a silversmith and jewelry designer? Or maybe you want to make your own pottery and would like to know how to become a better photographer.
All of this and more awaits you at Wichita CityArts.
CityArts offers people of all ages and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to participate in diverse art programming throughout the year. Since it began in 1998, CityArts has been dedicated to providing education, information and artistic opportunities to all members of the community.
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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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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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Stay Connected
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