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WICHITA DISTRICT V NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Bryan Frye...
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Hydrant inspections with Firefighter Sean Benjamin
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Pictured with Battalion Chief Tom Carney
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Pictured with Firefighter Jaden Cole and
Lt. Casey Hauschild
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Pictured: Lt. Damien Snow (on phone)
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A quick look at Facebook before I sat down to write this message shows me live video of a house fire near downtown Wichita. In addition to my initial concern for the safety of its occupants and the firefighters on the scene, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that this fire was happening tonight and not the night before.
Earlier in the day, I had finished a 24-hour "ride-on" at
Wichita Fire Department Station One. Classified as a RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew), this station house responds to more emergency calls than any other Wichita fire station. During my shift, we answered to a variety of calls, but no fire alarms and thus, my disappointment. As for tonight's fire, six trucks responded to extinguish the flames at the vacant boarded up house and fortunately, no one was injured.
When I originally volunteered to participate in a ride-on with Wichita Fire, my goal was to experience a day in the life of a firefighter. I wanted to see, first-hand, the challenges they deal with on a typical day. Simply no better way to fully understand the needs of the department than to put myself in their boots, so to speak. Bottom line? There is a lot more to being a fire fighter than fighting fires.
From 7am Wednesday to 7am Thursday, I went on 11 calls. These ranged from a car wreck to a Code Blue (not breathing) to a citizen assist and various other medical related calls. In between calls, we performed equipment/vehicle tests, checked fire hydrants for proper operation, conducted annual inspections at businesses and practiced different scenarios and/or training. The crew allowed me to participate in everything and get my hands dirty. In fact, I now know how to properly roll-up a fire hose and throw it. (Hint: don't let go after throwing the hose).
In the interest of keeping Wichita a safer place, I will stay in my lane as Vice-Mayor and forego any thoughts/aspirations of becoming a firefighter. However, the experience was invaluable as it helped me better understand the needs and wants of the department as well as the individual firefighter. Wichita is blessed to have hundreds of dedicated men and women serving in public safety roles.
Much thanks to my crew for the day at "Ones" - Battalion Chief Tom Carney, Lt. Casey Hauschild, Lt. Damon Holmes and firefighters Sean Benjamin, Tad Nicholson, Scott Entz, Sean Conyers, Willis Sawhill, Jaden Cole, Monty Ayala and Dan Houser.
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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Flags For Fans
Congratulations to this week's winner Erin Duncan, owner of
SPIN ICT . Located at 8641 W. 13th St., Suite101.
SPIN ICT is an indoor rhythm cycle studio. They
offer fun, hard working spin classes for ALL fitness levels! There are a variety of times to choose from, taught by the best instructors in Wichita.
They also offer a fully integrated suite of metrics for you to track miles ridden, calories burned, and points earned.
Spin classes are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, body types, and ages. At SPIN ICT, their instructors preach that every ride is your ride.
For more information visit their website.
If you own, operate or manage a business in District V, please send me an email telling me why you love Wichita and include one idea on how to make this an even better place to live, work and play. Every two weeks, I'll choose a new winner and personally deliver a flag to them. That business will get a photo and write-up in the newsletter. Only businesses with an address in District V are qualified to win.
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Velva pictured with
Officers Darrin Williams and Lori Hahn |
The Kindness of Strangers...
Wichita Police Department - Patrol West Community Police Officers Lori Hahn and Darrin Williams, along with Community Services Representative Laura Rainwater, assisted in relocating an elderly woman into her own apartment. Velva was a victim of domestic violence. She owned nothing but her clothes and had even been sleeping on the floor for many years.
Hahn, Williams and Rainwater reached out to their friends, via social media, for donations to fully furnish the apartment including bath and kitchen accessories. On Monday, Oct. 1, they moved Velva into a nice, clean, retirement community.
The smile is the reward!
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Fund Established for For Firefighter Curt Mohr
Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with one of our firefighters and his family. Firefighter Mohr, currently stationed at Station 21 (2210 N. 135th St.), has dedicated nearly 24 years to the City of Wichita and the Wichita Fire Department. He was recently diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous brain tumor. As a family, the Wichita Fire Department is coming together to raise funds for him, his wife and their three sons (ages 13, 17 and 19). These funds will assist the family as needed.
If you are able to contribute financially, the following fund has been established:
MOHR FAMILY FUND, c/o the Wichita Federal Credit Union (addresses below). In person, you may contribute by cash, check, debit or credit, or you can mail a check in. Please include MOHR FAMILY FUND in the memo/for line if writing a check:
WFCU 9835 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67206
WFCU 3730 W. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67203
WFCU City Hall Offices, 455 N. Main, Rm 410, Wichita, KS 67202
If you prefer to donate online, a GoFundMe account has been established. There is a standard payment processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation to allow for credit card processing and safe transfer of funds. (There is no fee through the Wichita Federal Credit Union account.)
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Road Construction Updates
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
Traffic Impact:
- All ramps to open late September - except for the new NB to WB flyover
- Kellogg & I-235 will CLOSE OCT. 12-15 for bridge approach work on existing bridges and painting new bridges. NB to WB flyover ramp will open upon completion of this work.
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NEW! Weather permitting, beginning Oct. 8, the left lane of EB & WB US 54 east of West Street will be closed for approximately one week for median concrete barrier repair.
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NEW!
Weather permitting, scheduled for Oct. 10 - 13, the EB US 54 Ramp to SB I-235 could CLOSE for asphalt pavement replacement and other repairs.
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NEW!
Weather permitting, beginning Oct. 8, lane closures during the day (9 am until 3 pm) and overnight lane closures (two lanes closed after 9 pm until 6 am) could occur on EB & WB US 54 for asphalt pavement mill and overlay.
21st Street North, Maize Road to Zoo Boulevard
This project will place an overlay on 21st Street. New pavement markings will also be installed.
Traffic Impact:
Temporary lane closures may occur during the crack sealing and milling processes.
Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3)
The City of Wichita's paved street network is comprised of more than 5,100 lane-miles of residential, collector and arterial streets and expressways, representing a total paved area of more than 325 million square feet. In order to cost effectively maintain this vast network of assets, the City supplements the critical preventive, corrective and emergency maintenance efforts of its internal staff by leveraging the resources and expertise of private contractors. Each year outsourced pavement maintenance efforts are proposed and submitted for approval in the Outsourced Pavement Preservation Program (OP3).
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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Getting to Know City Staff:
Marty Miller
Director
Botanica the Wichita Gardens
Marty was born in Wichita where he graduated from West High School and Friends University. He worked his way through college employed with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. After earning a degree in Business Administration he continued in law enforcement for 12 years. His last position in law enforcement was with the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office where he wrote his first grant. The grant award started the State's first Pre-Trial Diversion Program.
He worked for Ruffin Companies for nearly 10 years beginning in 1980. During that time he returned to Friends University and obtained a Master of Business Management Degree.
During Governor Finney's Administration in 1991, he received an appointment as Director of Community Development in the Kansas Department of Commerce where he became involved in community and economic development. He helped develop financing packages that brought several businesses to Kansas. During the 1993 Flood, he was appointed to the position of Flood Czar and became the Kansas link to Washington for funds that rebuilt homes, businesses, roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.
In 2000 he began working for the City of Wichita primarily responsible for the HUD entitlement funds as Grants Coordinator. Some of the projects that he has worked on are: The Eaton Hotel, Massford Shopping Center, 13th & Grove Save A Lot, Orpheum Theater, Lord's Diner, Kansas Food Bank and many park projects including Grove Park, Evergreen, Planeview, Aley and Riverside.
In 2008 he was appointed to the position of Executive Director of Botanica the Wichita Gardens. Since his appointment, the gardens have grown from 9.5 acres to 17.5 acres which includes a new Children's Garden, plaza and the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Education:
Friends University - Master's Degree in Business Management
Friends University - Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
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Botanica Breaks Ground on Carousel Gardens Pavilion
Botanica Staff, Board Members, City Council Members and other dignitaries, broke ground on Tuesday, Oct. 2, on a new pavilion that will be home to the iconic Joyland merry-go-round.
After Joyland closed its doors in 2004, Joyland owner Margaret Nelson Spear donated the Carousel to Botanica in May 2014 to be fully restored and housed in a special carousel pavilion for all to enjoy.
Designed by Allan Herschell Company in 1949, the Carousel spent 59 years of its life at Joyland. With only five remaining Allan Herschell Carousels in the world, Botanica will be home to one of those five Carousels. All of the original horses are currently being restored by Marlene Irvin, Owner of Custom Carving and Restoration.
We have wonderful sponsorship opportunities to help us save this Wichita tradition and centerpiece of Joyland, where it will once again come to life.
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PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY!
Protecting consumers information and real estate property is a top priority for the
Sedgwick County Register of Deeds. The Property Activity Alert service will not prevent fraud from happening but it could provide an early warning system that activity has occurred with your property. This service will:
- Alert you if a deed or mortgage is recorded at the Sedgwick County Register of Deeds office containing the name that was submitted
- You will receive notification by email from their office containing a link to their online document search within 24 hours of the document being recorded
- You will be able to view, download and print the document from your home computer free of charge
- In the event of fraud, you may file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Consumer Protection Division of the District Attorney's office.
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Pictured: Johnny Salcedo and Karl Williams receiving the Outstanding Citizens Assistance plaque from the Wichita Police Department.
Tim Miller not pictured. |
Public Works Maintenance Employees Help Keep Wichita Streets Safe
Street Maintenance Equipment Operators Karl Williams, Johnny Salcedo, and Timothy Miller received an Outstanding Citizens Assistance plaque on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, for their help in solving a crime earlier this year.
On April 23, 2018, five males robbed a pizza delivery driver in the area of Bluffview and Bailey. Karl, Johnny, and Timothy were working in the area of Terrace and Lincoln and observed the males running northbound. As officers responded to the area, Karl, Johnny, and Timothy were able to point out the residence in which the suspects entered. Officers were then able to cordon off the residence, take the males into custody, and obtain a search warrant. All of the evidence from the robbery was recovered. This crime may have not been solved without the assistance of Karl, Johnny, and Timothy.
Any citizen of the community who tangibly and conspicuously aids law enforcement may be eligible for the Outstanding Citizen Assistance Award. Examples include: providing key witness assistance to help solve a major crime, directly aiding an officer in apprehension of an offender, providing a level of service to a community member, in conjunction with police that significantly improves the quality of life. Public Works & Utilities is very proud of these employees for keeping the streets safe for citizens, in more ways than one.
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Public Works & Utilities Implementation of Jet Scanners
in Sewers
The Sewer Maintenance Division has recently invested $50,000 by purchasing five Jetscan scanners to help locate problem areas while staff is performing routine cleaning of the collection system. Jet scanning is a relatively new process being implemented and does not replace the televising inspection process. Jet scanning gives a quick overview of the line being cleaned and allows staff to determine what level of maintenance is required. Using the Jetscan product allows users to see what they're jetting, enables them to make smarter choices, and also promotes productivity. Additional benefits of Jetscan include:
- Cleaning Confirmation: Document cleaning success with before/after footage.
- Pipe Assessment: Find offsets, collapses, infiltration and other problems without a crawler.
- Understand Hazards: Identify collapses, protruding taps, root balls and other risks to a nozzle.
- Problem Resolution: Determine source of problems on a call-out, and who is responsible.
- Cost Savings: Instantly view pipe maintenance and structural conditions without a CCTV crew.
- Tool Selection: See if a clog is gravel, grease, mud, roots or sludge, and pick the best nozzle.
- Safety: Confirm absence of cross bores before mechanical root cutting.
Please follow this link to view the demo that was done in 2016 which enabled the Division to find a collapsed sewer main. After staff discovered the condition of the main, a detailed televising inspection was done to make the necessary repairs.
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Wichita Fire Department Adds
Search-and-Rescue Dog
Wichita Fire Department officials announced that a search and rescue K-9, Sailor, has joined the department after graduating from training on Sept. 27.
As part of the Kansas Search and Rescue Response System, representing Task Force 5, Captain Chad Winton of the WFD recently completed two weeks of training at the Ground Zero Emergency Training Center in Norman, Okla. During that time, Winton worked with canines who had completed several months of training. As a Canine Search Team, Winton and his K-9 partner can be deployed to any human-made or natural disaster to aid in the search for survivors.
Fire Chief Tammy Snow stated, "The addition of the Canine Search Team to the resources of the WFD and the State of Kansas will be a valuable asset in our mission to save lives, especially in large-scale disasters. Also, we would like to thank the Office of the State Fire Marshal for their leadership of the Kansas Search and Rescue Response System, whose vision and drive made the Canine Search Teams a reality."
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Painting a Fire Hydrant Regulations
The Wichita Fire Department (WFD) frequently receives calls from property owners regarding the rules and regulations of painting hydrants. The requests range from totally redesigning the hydrant to simply adding artistic flair to the red and silver color scheme. The WFD requires hydrants remain in the set color scheme (silver hydrants and red caps), with variations only occurring which have significance to the functionality of the hydrant (for example; a yellow cap means the hydrant does not fully drain).
Citizens can report hydrants which may need attention to the Department of Public Works (219-8921).
Conversely, if someone owns an old, out of service hydrant, we request the hydrant be painted completely different from the normal color scheme, and for the hydrants to be placed in locations where they cannot be mistaken for actual, working hydrants. There have been unfortunate instances when fire crews have tried to get water from a yard ornament!
As always, any questions for the WFD can be directed to the administration offices at 268-4451.
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County Fair at Cowtown
Explore the County Fair for a memorable time!
Old Cowtown Museum recreates the atmosphere an 1870s county fair where one met with your neighbors, came to see what was new, engaged in a little friendly completion and games of chance. Come try your hand at the pie eating and tug of war. Find out who is the strongest man and who has the cutest baby. Listen to some music and watch some magic. After all you experience, you will be amazed and entertained.
Regular admission rates apply: $9/adults, $8/seniors (ages 62+), $7/youth (ages 12-17), $6/kids (ages 5-11). Kids 4 and under and Cowtown members get in free!
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Enjoy a Wicked haunt at your favorite park. The Wicked Island at Watson Park is opening for the Halloween Season every Friday and Saturday night from September 28 through Halloween.
Brought to you by Plant Kingdom and the City of Wichita
Every Friday and Saturday night in October
8:00 to 11:30 pm.
Gates open at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
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Get Moving Outside During
Walktober!
The dog days of summer are over! The cool autumn days are just around the corner!
Bike Walk Wichita
joins the
Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita
in inviting you to join
WALKTOBER
! Sign up to walk (or do any physical activity) daily during the month of October. You will get tips on improving your health as well as be eligible for prizes for participating!
Walktober is a free, community-wide physical activity initiative, encouraging you to engage in the recommended 30 minutes of activity five or more days of the week. Walking is a perfect way to meet that goal!
What do you need to do to participate?
1. Register here.
2. Record your physical activity on the calendar card that can be found here. Any physical activity counts - walking, swimming, biking, etc. Count in minutes, steps, miles - whatever is most convenient for you.
3. Be inspired by the weekly newsletter.
4. Report your Walktober participation at the end of the month with the link that will be provided and be entered to win health related incentives
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OCTOBER 4 - 7
Century II Expo Hall
225 West Douglas
Premier Party: Thursday, October 4, 6:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Frosty Friday:
Friday, October 5, 6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.
General Admission:
Friday, October 5, 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
Saturday, October 6, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Sunday, October 7, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
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16th ANNUAL
TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 17 - 21
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Senior Wednesdays in Wichita
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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| 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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GET CARRIED AWAY IN CANCUN
Where summer never ends
It's September but summer doesn't have to be over. Along the Yucatan Peninsula, the sun is always shining, the cabanas open, the discos hopping. Cut loose and extend your summer break with a flight to Cancun. It's a party place and a tropical paradise. The perfect destination for a last fling before the fall.
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 District V Advisory Board Information
The District V Advisory Board (DAB V) meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21, 2110 N. 135th W., Wichita, KS 67235. 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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NO PARKING ON UNPAVED SURFACE! |
SEC. 11.52.030 - PARKING RESTRICTIONS
- It is unlawful for any person or operator to park a motor vehicle on any portion of the required front yard of any lot within the city.
- It is unlawful for any person or operator to park a motor vehicle on any portion of the required side yard of any lot within the city.
- It is unlawful for any person or operator to park a motor vehicle on an unpaved surface.
- Parking surfaces shall be paved as required in Section 28.04.143 of this Code.
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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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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
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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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Safe Streets Starts With You
On any given day, you'll find Wichita streets filled with people walking, biking and driving. Crashes happen, and while the City of Wichita continues to improve our roads and paths to better accommodate everyone who uses them, preventing these crashes is a job for all of us. No matter how you roll, you can do your part by following these simple
Rules of the Road.
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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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