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City of Wichita District II Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Pete Meitzner...
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Summer is here and what better way to enjoy the sunshine and celebrate our community than by joining your neighbors at Riverfest 2017?
This year's festival, the 46th, will take place June 2-10 in and around the Arkansas River in the heart of downtown and is more robust than ever, with a stellar concert line-up featuring a wide range of acts, including The Flaming Lips, LoCash, Mavis Staples, Randy Newman, Darryl Worley, Jonathan Nelson, Common and OK Go.
This annual community celebration produced by Wichita Festivals, a not-for-profit organization, the largest in Kansas and one of the 50 biggest events in the world, has always been rooted in local pride. In 1970, the citizens of Wichita celebrated the city's 100th anniversary as the Wichitennial, and the event was such a hit that an annual event was established that was first known as Wichita River Festival. These days we call it Riverfest, but it still offers more than 100 events, food, music and experiences for citizens of every age and taste.
Even nationally known author, James Chung, has a great article about the impact Riverfest has on the Wichita in his recent newsletter, The Chung Report. For more information about the Wichita Riverfest, including a complete listing of events, visit their website, www.wichitariverfest.com
With the nice weather, and many visitors, you may have noticed various areas of panhandling in our City. We are trying to focus some attention on messaging to NOT give cash to these persons. Instead, one solution is to have a handful panhandling cards instead of cash, in your car or wallet to give out to any panhandler. This program is proving to have an impact. I have provided a
link where you can print out a sheet of 10 of these cards on your printer and have available. Or, you can pick up cards at any police sub-station. If we all do this, instead of handing out cash, then the real persons of need will have solutions available to them, and any panhandlers who are scamming, will either quit or move on to different locations. Our Police HOT (Homeless Outreach Team) team has produced a very
informative brochure with more information about
why homeless people panhandle and what to do when a panhandler approaches them.
Enjoy your summer as we kick off the 46th Annual Riverfestival, and help to make our city a better place by assisting with the solution to our panhandling problem.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend and don't forget to remember those who gave their life defending our country!
Pete Meitzner
Wichita City Council
District II Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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East Kellogg Improvements Update
The Kellogg & Webb Project is finishing up the second phase of construction at the east side of Webb Road. The focus now is on the north frontage road and the west side of Webb.
At the second East Kellogg improvement project, between Greenwich and K-96, the first phase of the project, utility relocation, is nearing completion. Major work on Kellogg, between Zelta and K-96, continues. The installation of two large drainage boxes is nearly complete and reconstruction of the eastbound bridge crossing the Turnpike is under way.
Traffic impacts in the near-term include:
- Westbound Kellogg traffic will be moved to the north frontage road between Greenwich and Webb Road on June 1, weather permitting. Expect delays on westbound Kellogg, and closure of the U-turn 1/2 mile east of Webb for a few hours during non-peak travel time.
- Zelta north of Kellogg is restricted to one-way traffic northbound for utility work and paving.
- While the East Kellogg toll plaza (Exit 50) remains open, all traffic entering the Turnpike will use a single 12-foot lane for both cash & K-TAG/electronic motorists to accommodate work in the dedicated K-TAG lane.
- Expect temporary closures on the north frontage road along East Kellogg east of Greenwich to allow for utility work.
Long-term traffic impacts include:
- The ramp from eastbound K-96 to westbound Kellogg is closed for the duration of the project.
- Between Zelta and K-96, Kellogg is reduced to one westbound lane and one eastbound lanes, with a left turn lane from westbound Kellogg to southbound Zelta.
- With the goal of improving safety, 127th Street the connection to East Kellogg is closed. A new connection from 127th Street to Zelta is part of the improvements.
- Kellogg speed limit is reduced to 40 mph between Cypress and 143rd Streets, and Webb Road speed limit reduced to 30 mph in the construction zone for the remainder of the project.
- All left turns at Webb Road are prohibited, so drivers desiring to travel west will need to use the U-turn 1/2 mile east of Webb.
- Kansas Turnpike travelers (I-35/KTA) should expect single lane closures both directions between mile markers 51 and 53 for reconstruction of the eastbound Kellogg bridge and construction of the new south frontage road bridge, both which cross the Turnpike.
Click here to stay up-to-date on East Kellogg construction or via Twitter at @E54ict.
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City Staff:
Officer Sandy Mackey
Wichita Police Department,
399 Beat Coordinator
Patrol East Bureau
Officer Sandy Mackey has served as the
Patrol East
399 beat coordinator
since June of 2016. She oversees daily beat activity and serves as a liaison between citizens and the department. When community concerns and problems are present, Officer Mackey works with several facets of law enforcement to reduce crime, social disorder and improve neighborhood quality.
Officer Mackey began her career in 1996, working in Patrol South on 3rd shift (10:30 pm- 06:30 am). In 2000 Officer Mackey served as the 18 beat coordinator assigned to Patrol West where she served for two years. She then did a rotation in the Gang Felony Assault Unit, where she investigated felony gun charges. Officer Mackey then returned to Patrol West, 1st shift patrol. She also assisted in training WPD recruits in Domestic Violence as well as recruits attending the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
In 2016, she transferred to Patrol East to serve as the 399 beat coordinator, where she continues her service attending District Advisory Board and neighborhood meetings among several other responsibilities.
She has been awarded with the Bronze Wreath of Merit, 2 Civic Achievement Awards, and 1 Distinguished Service Award. She serves on the Uniform Committee and is part of the Recruitment team for the Wichita Police Department.
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Make a Splash on Memorial Day!
All Wichita Public Swimming Pools will open on Memorial Day starting at 1:00 p.m. For a complete listing of pool locations and hours please visit the Park & Rec website.
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Wichita District II Facebook Page
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RAKING, SWEEPING, OR BLOWING GRASS AND LEAVES IN TO GUTTERS OR DRAINAGE DITCHES....
THIS IS A BIG NO-NO
According to Wichita's
Municipal Code, Sec. 10.04.030 - It is unlawful to rake, sweep, or otherwise move leaves, grass, dirt, paper, debris, or any other material into the streets, gutters, drains, or drainage ditches along the side of any street or alley in the city. Why? Not only does it look messy, but more for the simple reason that it will end up in the city's storm water drains, eventually clogging the drains that allow storm waters to drain off the city's streets during downpours. So remind those who mow that this is against the City ordinance and perpetrators can be charged with a misdemeanor. Storm drains and drainage ditches help move water away from properties and divert possible property damage. Keep your neighborhood on track so your property or vehicle does not become a statistic.
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TALL GRASS AND WEEDS?
Don't put up with your neighbor's lawn that has tall grass and weeds. Just pick up the phone and call
660-9220, or email
deana.spears@sedgwick.gov at MABCD to report any grass that has reached 12 inches in height.
According to
Municipal Code 8.01.135: ....all property owners, representatives and tenants of property located within the city limits of Wichita, Kansas it is unlawful to allow the excessive growth of weeds, grass, and uncultivated plants. Excessive growth means more than twelve (12) inches in height. Violators will be subject to prosecution and assessment of cots for abatement of such violations.
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Grand Opening of Gallery Alley
Experience the transformation
Join Downtown Wichita for the grand opening of Gallery Alley, located at 616 E. Douglas Avenue, this Friday, May 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. Remarks will take place at 5:30 p.m. and immediately following, the alley will open for the Final Friday art crawl, featuring artwork and sculptures by local artists.
Local bands Kill Vargas, The Cavves and Tideway will perform from 7-9 p.m. presented by Barleycorns.
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STEAMPUNK DAY AT OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM
MAY 27, 10 am - 5 pm
1865 W Museum Blvd..
When visitors travel to the days of future past!
Break out your best bib and hold on to your penny farthing (you know, those huge wheeled bicycles) as Cowtown travels to the days of future past. Encounter the spectacle of pirate comedians, live steampunk music and performers of the steampunk variety.
The following groups will be at the event:
The Airship Devils Blight | The Scallywags | The Key of Steam | The External Combustion Orchestra | Nimbodog | Professor Jefferson Parker's Steampunk Musical Extravaganza! | Nerd Barrage
Also, throughout the day there will be costume, beard, mustache contests, and numerous photo opportunities, so Gents, shine your fancy whiskers - may the best mug win!
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Wichita Art Museum
Pedal Pizzazz
Saturday's Family ArtVenture
is all about bicycling fun!
Saturday, May 27 | 11 am to 3 pm
Free admission
In honor of National Bike Month, WAM is celebrating all things BIKE with activities both indoors and out (weather permitting). Ride your bicycle to WAM for some fun bike-decorating activities, laugh out loud during a screening of the bicycle-themed feature film, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, enjoy a variety of bike-themed artmaking activities in the Living Room, and paint your own pinwheel in the Art Studio. Drop in for a few hours or stay the whole day!
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Magic Show at Naftzger Park
Prepare to be mystified with a Magic Show for all ages! After the show, participate in some fun recreational games with Barry's Mobile Recreation Station. IT'S FREE!
Saturday, May 27
10 AM - 12 PM
Naftzger Park
601 E Douglas Ave.
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Brick pavers at the park give the names of those who sacrificed their lives while serving their country during WWII
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WICHITA VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK TO HONOR
VETERANS OF
WWII ON
A dedication celebration will be held at Wichita's Veterans Memorial Park, just west of 2nd Street and Waco Street. The brick paver directory for 1,500 WWII veterans has been installed. On Sunday, May 28, 2017, there will be an official celebration commemorating the completion of this memorial.
It officially began in July 2010, and has taken many volunteer hours to complete. The celebration of completion will include The Bill Harshbarger Ensemble playing WWII-era music prior to the program, color guard from McConnell AFB, Patriot Guard assisting at the entrance, and end with a Stearman bi-plane flyover and wreath laying.
The event is free and will last approximately one hour. Please bring your own chairs.
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TAKE TO THE AIR AT BOTANICA
JUNE 4, 1pm - 5pm
Join us for our BIG Summer FAMILY EVENT! We are celebrating the opening of our Butterfly House and anything that flies. We will have activities related to butterflies, planes, bees, birds, kites and more. Come play games, learn and enjoy projects related to anything that flies. The first 100 kids will get to release a butterfly in our Butterfly House.
Tickets available online or at the door!
$9 Non-Members, $6 for Members
Receive $2 off any admission with your Riverfest button!
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Awesome Camps for Awesome Kids!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
Put down those video games and get out in the fresh air! Discover all the activities the great outdoors has to offer such as fishing, creeking, horseback riding and kayaking. Learn how to build a camp fire, cook lunch, ride the pedal boats, play miniature golf and other outdoor games.
Registration deadline is the Wednesday prior to camp.
Ages 10-14 | June 5-9 | 8pm-5pm | Code 13257 | $149
Ages 6-9 | June 12-16 | 8pm-5pm | Code 13256 | $149
Contact O.J. Watson Park at 529.9940 for more information.
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POWER RANGER TRAINING CAMP
It's Morphin' time! Create your own ranger identity and gear. Then, complete several training courses that focus on strength, balance, leadership and power. Defeat the villain and save the good guys! Registration deadline is 6/8.
Ages 6-13 | June 13 | 8am-5pm | $25
Contact Boston Recreation Center at 688.9301 for more information.
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WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS CAMP 
Let's get ready to rumble! This is the ultimate sports party with a day of basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Kids will also be introduced to pickleball! Score big with both individual and team competitions. Registration deadline is 6/13.
Ages 6-13 | June 16 | 8am-5pm | $25
Contact Boston Recreation Center at 688.9301 for more information.
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SUMMER OF DISCOVERY 
Still looking for a safe and fun camp for your kids this summer? Then register for our Summer of Discovery Camp. This exciting camp features 20 different field trips, swimming weekly, onsite presentations and all sorts of games! The best part is that the weekly fee covers everything! Offered at Edgemoor, Linwood and Orchard Recreation Centers.
Ages 6-13 | May 30 | 7am-6pm | $105
CLICK HERE for more information! |
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JUNE 2-10
GET READY FOR THE LARGEST PARTY IN WICHITA
Make your plans, grab the lawn chairs and the kids (but leave the dog at home) for the big kick-off of Riverfest with the ever popular Sundown Parade on June 2nd. The parade starts at 6:30 pm and the route starts at 3rd Street and Main, down to Douglas, west to Waco, and back to 3rd Street.
Don't miss the largest parade of the year with lots of entertainment.
Click here for
the Riverfest schedule of events along with maps and details.
Buttons can be purchased at several retailers for $10 each (adults), or $5 each for children ages 6 - 12. Children 5 and younger are FREE. The button gets you in to over a hundred events over a 9-day period.
Now THAT'S a bargain!!
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Start Neighborhood Night Out Planning Now
The City of Wichita will celebrate Neighborhood Night Out from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Neighborhood Night Out is an annual event that promotes public safety. It combats crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another through neighborhood parties, picnics, cookouts and other social gatherings over one designated evening. Formerly celebrated as National Night Out and Celebrate Safe Communities, Neighborhood Night Out is in its second year. Elected officials, police officers, firefighters and other City staff will attend neighborhood parties.
"Neighborhood Night Out is a great way to get to know your neighbors, so you can look out for one another and keep your area safe," Mayor Jeff Longwell said.
To encourage participation, the City will waive park fees for groups that want to hold their gathering in a neighborhood park. While supplies last, the City also will provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. It's up to neighborhoods to decide how to celebrate.
The registration form for parties is available online, as well as the form for street closures.
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Wichita Public Library Kicks Off
Summer Reading Program
The Wichita Public Library's
Summer Reading Program
launches May 18! Combat summer learning loss by signing your children up to be a part of a challenge that rewards them for reading! It's a fun and effective way to prevent the learning loss that happens when children don't engage in mental activities (like reading) over summer break.
There's a program for teens, one for children ages 3 through 5th grade, and another one that focuses on early literacy skills designed just for babies and toddlers. Plus the Library is bringing in special performers and presenters all summer long for
FREE children's programming
at public libraries across our City.
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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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Life Happens Here!
From year-round to seasonal events, Downtown
is the preferred location for Wichita to celebrate throughout the year. A variety of events cater to the diverse interests of Wichita residents and many visitors from Kansas and throughout the regional area.
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Riverfest Needs You!
June 2-10, 2017
Volunteering is a fun way to get involved and get a behind the scenes look at a long-running Wichita tradition.
Volunteers are the heart and backbone of the Wichita Riverfest. Each year they need over 5,500 volunteers to work a total of 19,000 volunteer hours. An estimated 80 volunteer committees help plan and execute Riverfest. Volunteers work on committees, help with mailings, package buttons, answer phones and work onsite at Riverfest to make it successful.
Lots of positions are available with flexible days and times to fit your schedule.
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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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Summer 2017
Park & Recreation Activities Guide is now available!
Get registered for classes
by
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Sign up now for classes at CityArts by
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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| Comotara Branch Library
Inside Dillons Market, 2244 N. Rock
Rockwell Branch Library 5939 E. 9th Eastview Park Just South of Coleman Middle School Boston Park 6655 E. Zimmerly St. Cottonwood Park Located just East of Boston Park W.B. Harrison Park Located East of S. Webb, just South of E. Bayley St. |
District II Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District II Advisory Board meets the second Monday of the month at Fire Station #20 at 2255 S. Greenwich Rd. Wichita, KS 67207. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2017 meeting schedule,
click here.
The District II Breakfast occurs quarterly. The next breakfast is scheduled for
August 12, 1017, at 8:30 a.m. at The Regent Senior Living Residence at 2050 N. Webb Rd. (In the theater on the second floor).
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District II's neighborhood associations, click
here.
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Click here to find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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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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