District 4
District 4
Council Member Jeff Blubaugh
Message from Jeff Blubaugh
Greetings,

To close out August, I want to highlight back-to-school and events for Autumn - everyone's favorite spooky season between Summer and Winter. Also known as fall because leaves fall from the trees during this time.

Welcome back, students! Did you know - that almost half of Wichita Public Schools students identify as chronically absent? This means they have missed at least 11 school days during the year. Since 2019, this has nearly doubled. If you miss school, you miss out. Nationwide, 1 out of 10 students are chronically absent - missing 18 days or more. This issue isn't unique to Wichita, or even Kansas. Public school districts across the country have long been grappling with lost teens. Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the Attendance Awareness Campaign's newsletter.

As a parent, I greatly value turning to friends and family for support. It is OK to struggle - times are hard, and situations arise. We need to work together because when we help our children attend today, we ensure they achieve tomorrow.
Tips to Meet Attendance Goals:

  1. Set a regular bedtime and morning routine - make sure children get a good sleep and are ready to start their day
  2. Make medical appointments when school is not in session
  3. Avoid taking vacations when school is in session
  4. Send children to school every day unless they are truly sick
  5. Develop a backup plan for getting children to school if something comes up

USD 261 Haysville School System is the 18th largest Kansas School district - wow! USD 265, Goddard Public Schools will complete its 1st 9 weeks on October 13! Stay up to date using the 2023-2024 Calendar. USD 259 is hosting a variety of fun events and activities! The RedHawks (Wichita North HS) will host a Volleyball Invitational on Saturday, with tennis and soccer games next week. Allison Middle School offers art, band/orchestra, chess team, and robotics! Stanley Elementary was nominated for the Best of Wichita in education. Browse the different categories for ideas on local businesses to support, nonprofits to volunteer with, new places to eat, and things to do. Read this for the ultimate list of free Story Times in ICT.

The Park and Recreation Department's Fall 2023 Evolve Guide has information on Storytime for tots, community education, and nature and outdoor activities. In October, the Advanced Learning Library hosts Just Write! Spooky Short Story Contest for Teens - an afternoon of dramatic readings and scary good refreshments. Also, there are plenty of programs and activities for adults ranging from sewing basics, archery, self-defense, and Pickleball.

Autumn officially begins on September 23rd, but colder temperatures are long overdue!

Be well,

Wichita City Council
District 4 Council Member
Phone: 316.268.4331
Favorite Activity - Would You Rather?
Would you rather?
Watch a movie n chill
Read a good book
Hit the town
Self care - facemask/bubble bath
Take a cat nap
Card/Board game
Other? Share using this form.
SURVEY RESULTS
Results from the previous poll - Best Acronym?

  • 55.6% District Advisory Board (DAB)

  • 16.7% Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
  • 11% Office of Central Inspection (OCI)
  • 5.6% Food System Master Plan (FSMP)
  • 5.6% Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD)
  • 5.6% Community Services Representative (CSR)
Stay Connected!
Our next District 4 Advisory Board meeting will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6:30 pm at Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian. The Housing and Community Services Department will present the 2024 - 2028 Consolidated Plan and Planning staff will present a conditional use request. The Zoom link and meeting agenda will be available on Council Member Blubaugh's page. We look forward to seeing you there!
Douglas Avenue, Seneca Street to Meridian Avenue Design Concept
What are your thoughts on City Staff recommendations to leverage federal funding on Douglas between Meridian and Seneca? Share using this form.
During our August District Advisory Board (DAB) meeting, several residents came to comment on the Design Concept for Douglas Avenue from Seneca Street to Meridian Avenue project. The total project budget is $5,660,000. The project is funded by Federal funds and Local Sales Tax. The project design has not changed since it was presented in June. The proposed concept is a three-lane roadway (one lane each direction with a two-way left turn lane) and shared-lane use markings for bicycles. Parking will still be allowed. Currently, staff is evaluating next steps in project design.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Council Member Blubaugh, CSR Brooke Kauchak and/or Interim City Engineer Paul Gunzelman.
Bike Planning Launched!
The City of Wichita has launched the planning process for its updated Wichita Bicycle Plan. The plan is revisited every 10 years and is shaped by community feedback to develop a strategic roadmap that identifies projects to increase cycling safety, comfort and convenience. The plan will include strategies for achieving a more bikeable city and outline actionable projects prioritized by the community through a comprehensive public engagement process. Residents are asked to begin by completing an interactive survey at WichitaBicyclePlan.com.

The Consultant team along with staff will facilitate stakeholder meetings and events - folks are encouraged to stop by and share their thoughts:

  • Heartspring's Carefest from 7:30 - 11 am on Saturday, August 26
  • 8700 East 29th St N
  • Old Town Farm and Art Market from 8 am to 1 pm, Saturday, September 16
  • 835 E 1st St N
  • Latin Fest-ICT from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday, September 16
  • Old Town Square,2nd and Mead
  • Open Streets ICT from noon to 5 pm, Sunday, September 17
  • Douglas Ave from Bluff St to N Glenn
The CIP . Highlights include:
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) focuses on street maintenance and public safety, both of which are consistently rated as priories by residents. The agenda report can be found here. The meeting video here.

Highlights
  • 2024-2025 Proposed Budget totals $714,688,882
  • Funding for enhancements to police body cameras
  • EMT certification for all Fire recruits
  • $53 million for upkeep of City facilities
  • $145 million for street maintenance over the next 10 years
  • $35 million to pave dirt streets
  • Extending Library hours at Angelou and Walters
  • Cultural facility improvements at Cowtown, the Mid-American All Indian Museum, CityArts and Century II
  • Property tax relief for seniors
Opportunites for Youth
KinVest in focusing on hearing from young people about how they experience the child welfare system, especially related to important kin and cultural connections while in care.
  • Time Required: Participation in the focus group will take about 60-90 minutes.
  • Payment: Participants will receive a $50 gift card following their participation
  • Questions about this research or your participation in it, please contact the Dr. Becci Akin, at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare at (785) 864- 2647 or email at [email protected]
Empowering Parents, Transforming Teens
The Evening Report Center (ERC) is excited to share the 14th Session of the Parent Project is approaching!

This session will begin September 5th and be offered virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. There is also a link a link provided below for you to better understand more about the Changing Destructive Adolescent Behaviors curriculum and the parent/guardian feedback after taking these classes.

Events and Information
The Library is partnering with Exploration Place for Maker Faire Wichita on Saturday, August 26 from 10 am - 5 pm. This is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the maker movement. Both Exploration Place and the Advanced Learning Library will host dozens of makers showing off their work and skills. Food trucks will be available and live music will be available at the library with a new group performing every 30 minutes.
2nd Chance Thursday
Join us on Thursday, September 28 from 9 am to 4:30 pm to clear traffic warrants, environmental warrants, Notice to Appear and Probation Violations. The DMV will be present for any Driver's license questions. Questions? Email Officer Kimrey.
WALK LIKE MADD 2023
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their annual "Walk Like MADD" event. You can help MADD eliminate drunk driving by signing up for a Walk Like MADD event in Kansas as a walker, team captain, or volunteer. You can even be involved without attending the event by signing up as a virtual walker or making a donation to another walker or team. To register and/or donate, use the link below. If you are interested in volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, contact Chase Tipton, 785-367-4520 ext. 2001.

Check it Out!
K-State 2023 Indigenous Peoples Day!

Save the Date - October 9th for K-State's 2023 Indigenous Peoples Day! Location: K-State Ballroom; Student Union; Manhattan, KS. The theme is Writing, Singing, and Shaping the Future: Indigenous Film, Art, and Performance. Register here.
Do you have reliable internet?

Reliable broadband internet connects us to the world and keeps the wheels of our economy rolling. Please take a few minutes of your time to help keep our community at the forefront by taking a speed test at www.broadbandks.com. This will help ensure everyone in Wichita has equal access to information and the other things they need.
Project Hope
Wednesday, Housing’s Project HOPE team teamed up with other agencies to join efforts to combat homelessness. The City of Wichita’s Project HOPE initiative identified a specific geographic area that is known for high levels of serious and violent crime. The team will focus both attention and project resources on the targeted portion of Downtown Wichita with added focus on specific crime “hot spots” where there is a concentration of criminal activities.
Get involved
The City's Civic Engagement Academy has released upcoming Program dates for Fall 2023! This program is a hands-on approach for community members wanting to learn more about interacting with their local government!

Upcoming Program Dates for Fall 2023​
Thursday evenings from 5:45 pm - 8:30 pm

  • September 21
  • September 28​
  • October 5
  • October 12
  • October 19
  • October 26
  • November 2
  • November 9​​

Graduates will earn a Certificate of Civic Leadership recognized by the City of Wichita and the Kansas Leadership Center.
Food System Initiatives
ICT Food Rescue's Upcycle Kitchen Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
THANK YOU for joining us in celebrating ICT Food Rescue's Upcycling Kitchen this week!. Congratulations for the successful launch of the Health and Wellness Coalition's mall walking program to boost community well-being and health. Wichita Earth Crew facilitated a recipe swap, and the City's Office of Community Services provided information on engaging with the City and boards and committees.

The inaugural meeting of the Food & Farm Council (FFC) kicked off Tuesday afternoon at Rockwell Library with 13 of the 14 appointed members attending. This Council, created from the adoption of the Food Master Plan in 2022, serves as an advisory body to the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County. FFC’s objectives are to provide a forum for food system collaboration by convening stakeholders from all sectors of the food system; compile feedback from food system stakeholders and offer policy solutions and recommendations to the governing bodies; and support awareness of funding opportunities amongst food system partners. To read about the Food & Farm Council, visit wichita.gov/foodplan.
Food for All

On August 25th from 1-2 pm, the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church and the Kansas Food Bank are partnering together to provide a mobile pantry in Progressive’s parking lot: 2725 E 25th Street North, Wichita, KS 67219. Anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to attend. 
Line up to the south of 25th Street on Estelle Street. For more information, please contact Craig at the Kansas Food Bank at 316-265-3663.
Resources
State law requires Kansas voters to show photographic identification when casting a vote in person. Registered voters who do not have an approved government-issued photo ID and would like one to vote may apply for a free nondriver identification card with the Kansas Division of Motor Vehicles. To get a free photo ID, an individual must fill out this form.

Qualifying individuals who lack proof of identity and want to obtain a free nondriver identification card may get a Kansas birth certificate from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics at no cost as well.  



Instructions to obtain a FREE birth certificate:
  1. Complete a Certification Requesting Fee Waiver for Nondriver Identification Card
  2. Complete an Affidavit of Person Requesting Free Certified copy of Birth Certificate
  3. Complete an Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Birth Certificate
LAWN CARE REBATE PROGRAM
Lawn Care Rebate Program
This program offers a rebate for Wichita citizens who purchase eligible electric lawn care equipment and recycle their old equipment. Residents can apply for up to two rebates of $50 each. If you have any questions, please contact Lizeth Ortega, [email protected] or call 316-268-4413.

But Wait...There's More!
Water Utilities Walk-in Interviews
Want to be a part of the Water Utilities Team? Water Distribution Staff will be holding walk-in interviews every 3rd Wednesday from 8:30 - 10:30 am for open Water Distribution positions. Visit 1825 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67213 or fill out an application online at Wichita.gov/jobs or Public Works & Utilities Work In Water (wichita.gov).
Resources