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WICHITA DISTRICT V NEWSLETTER |
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A message from Council Member Bryan Frye...
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Pictured: Mark Joliffe, Principal of Wilbur Middle School
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Last month I had the opportunity to serve as "Principal for a Day" at Wilbur Middle School, 340 N. Tyler Road. This is a program administered through the Greater Wichita Partnership Business Education Alliance to collaborate with area school districts and increase business involvement. The idea is for leaders to experience first-hand what happens inside our local schools.
Principal Mark Joliffe does a great job leading a staff of approximately 115 to educate, motivate and inspire 835 students on a daily basis. The school is not without its challenges (older building, 60% of students on free/reduced lunch, 10-15% annual staff turnover, 150 special education students), but you wouldn't know it by the dedication and pride demonstrated by the teachers & students.
My hat is off to everyone at Wilbur Middle School. Thank you for everything you do to keep our next generation of leaders dreaming, believing & achieving.
Bryan Frye
Wichita City Council
District V Council Member
Ph: 316.268.4331
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Century II Citizens Committee
Update and Discussion
District V Advisory Board Meeting
January 7 - 6:30 p.m.
Fire Station 21 -
2110 N. 135th St. W.
For the past 10 months, 12 citizen volunteers have worked to understand the needs, aspirations, and options for performing arts in our city and recommend a path forward. The issues with the 50-year-old performing arts facility include structural problems, worker safety risks, and functional issues. The committee is weighing the choices: renovate vs. build new, preserve the round building vs. create more gathering space for the community, etc. No matter what, this will be a large investment - perhaps $200 million or more - in the core/river area. The committee will discuss its findings to date, hoping to both inform and engage citizens in this pivotal community initiative. Citizen input will be time limited depending on the number of those who wish to comment. For those who will be unable to attend, you can view findings
here.
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Christmas Around the World
Thursday, December 20
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Westlink Public Library (8515 Bekemeyer)
FREE
Enjoy various ways children in other countries celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. For children ages 3-10 and their families.
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Road Construction Updates
13th Street North, 119th Steet West to Maize
This project will perform street repairs in preparation of a surface treatment along 13th Street North, between 119th Street West and Maize. 13th Street North will be one lane in each direction throughout the area of construction. Estimated completion is late 2018.
Kellogg & I-235 Interchange
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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Flags For Fans
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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Wichita District V Facebook Page 
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Gunshot Detection System
Coming to Wichita
The City of Wichita is launching a Gunshot Detection System (GDS) pilot project which uses sensors to locate where gunfire occurs. Wichita is the first city in the world to use this particular technology system.
The acoustic sensors will be installed next week throughout Wichita. The locations were chosen based on crime data collected over the past three years and requests from residents in the selected areas. The exact locations are not being disclosed to help ensure the pilot project results are not skewed.
The sensors can pinpoint gunfire within a one-square-mile area. When a gunshot is detected, multiple sensors will determine the location, time, date, type, and direction of the gunfire. This information will be transmitted within seconds to Sedgwick County 911 Dispatch and officers will be directed to the area.
The one-year pilot project will consist of several phases. The accuracy of the sensors is expected to improve after each phase of the pilot project.
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L-R: Chris Sewell (Energy Manager, Public Works & Utilities), Dave Harper (Sewage Treatment Project Manager), and from WSU: Dr. Bayram Yildirim, Ziad Alseuidi, Mostafa Hasan, Dr. Deepak Gupta, Alok Dand, and Subarna Haque |
PW&U Participates in Energy Audit Funded by US Department of Energy
The US Department of Energy is funding no-cost energy assessments of utility operations via several university-based centers across the country. Last week, a team from WSU's Industrial Assessment Center toured Wastewater Treatment Plant #2, the City's largest wastewater treatment plant, to conduct such an assessment The team is comprised of two engineering faculty and four doctoral students. Their mission is to help clients reduce energy and waste and increase productivity, while educating and training the next generation of professionals focused in energy, waste, and productivity. During the tour, led by City staff, the audit team placed meters around the plant which will record energy-consumption data for one week. After collecting the data and gathering additional information about the treatment processes in place at the plant, the audit team will develop a confidential report detailing the analysis and provide specific recommendations including energy and cost savings, implementation costs, and payback periods. The recommendations will then be reviewed by City staff to determine which of the recommendations would be the most feasible for the City.
It is expected that this team will conduct a similar process at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1.
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The Christmas Tree
It is one of the most joyful and enthusiastic times of the year; but without the proper care, a decorated, natural tree can make Christmas a nightmare for your home. Each year across the nation,
Christmas trees account for 250 fires, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and more than $13.8 million in property damage. This is a statistic the Wichita Fire Department would like to improve by extending information about Christmas tree safety to your home.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has done extensive research on the potential dangers of a tree that has not been properly cared for, and the results are astonishing. In under a minute, a dry tree can turn a family room into a room of flames. This leaves no time for the escape of your family. Therefore it is extremely important to review the tips for Christmas tree safety and care provided by the National Christmas Tree Association. These tips, along with the due diligence of your family will ensure your holidays are merry and safe.
A few of those tips are:
- To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
- Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
- Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
- Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
Administration: (316) 268-4510
Fire Prevention/Education: (316) 268-4441
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Christmas Carolers and Musicians at
Wichita Eisenhower National Airport
What better way to send off our departing travelers and welcome in the arriving ones throughout this holiday season than by spreading some Christmas cheer through music. The lineup includes the following:
December 14, 10 a.m.
Adams Elementary Honor Choir
December 14, 2 p.m.
K-5 Cleaveland Traditional College and Career Readiness Magnet
December 14, 4 p.m.
Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra
December 14, 8:30 p.m
Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra
December 16, 10 a.m.
Pleasant Valley Elementary Vocal and Instrumental Music
December 17, 11:30 a.m.
Riverside Leadership Magnet
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Notice of Animal Services Advisory Board Special Meeting
The Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board will hold a special meeting on December 17, 4 p.m. at The Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. The sole agenda item, a proposed ordinance on Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) can be found on the WPD Animal Services
website.
The public is invited to attend and provide their comments.
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Holiday Matinee at the Orpheum
Saturday, December 15
3 - 5 p.m.
FREE screening of Scrooge (1935), the first 'talkie' film adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Sir Seymour Hicks stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens's timeless classic, now fully-restored.
Doors open at 2 p.m. with concessions, hot chocolate bar, and a very special appearance by St. Nick himself. Bring the whole family to experience a holiday classic AND get a picture taken with Santa!
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Build a Gingerbread House
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Advanced Learning Library (711 W. 2nd St.)
FREE
Use graham crackers and your favorite candies to build a gingerbread house. Registration required. Call the library at (316) 261-8500 or
register online. For children ages 5-8 and their families.
Registration begins on December 3 at 10:00 a.m..
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Botanica
(316) 264-0448
701 Amidon Street
lluminations is a complete holiday family event that lasts over 30 days from the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. These 37 nights of magical holiday family fun allow us to provide the families in our community with an amazing experience.
With over two million lights, Illuminations transforms every single garden area into a different themed holiday display or uniquely lit botanical setting. Thousands of luminaries light your way as you stroll through the paths and gardens, entertained by carolers and live music every night. Larger than life flowers and bugs are placed throughout the Wildflower Garden. Oversized fish and sea creatures turn the Shakespeare Garden into a magical underwater setting. Huge floating trees provide colorful reflections in the main pond.
Santa is here every night before Christmas, visiting and taking pictures with all of the children. Enormous sweet treats are a huge hit in Candy Cane Lane and Candy Land! New for 2018 will be the addition of snow to accompany the fantastic light show synchronized to beautiful music that is installed in our main meadow. The Downing Children's Garden brings smiles to young and old with lit monster trees, fairy lights in the musical maze, and fun holiday scenes lighting up every corner. Visitors can even enjoy roasting marshmallows for S'Mores over the fire pit in the amphitheater! Hot drinks, popcorn, dinner and treats are sold throughout the gardens and an adult hot toddie bar is available every night as well.
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22nd Year for The Arc's Lights
Thanksgiving Night thru December 28
More than 1 million lights with dozens of displays make up this drive-through lights display. This is the most unique light display in Kansas. Nearly all of the displays and features are handmade by our volunteers. We couldn't do this without hundreds of exuberant volunteers sharing their talents and energies, giving thousands and thousands of hours to make our display bright to brighten the lives of those we serve. Click
here to find out the hours and admission charges to view this magical wonderland that helps fund The ARC's programs.
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All Aboard for a Magical Journey!
The fun begins with a reading of Chis Van Allsburg's The Polar Express and is followed by a craft and a train ride to visit the North Pole.
Enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate at the campfire circle, while singing holiday songs.
Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas. An adult must also attend and register. Ages 2+.
Polar Express
registration is underway! We sold out within a week last year, so we added some dates and times this year. The event is $16 per person.
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There's a New Crew in Town!
The City mascots have joined forces to create a fun new kids program called the City Crew!
Barry the Bison of Wichita Park and Recreation, Sparky from Wichita Fire Department, and Sgt. Justice from Wichita Police are inviting kids 12 and under to join their crew.
Once you are a member you will be invited to exclusive events held in each district of Wichita, such as a barbeque, pool party and ice skating, to name a few.
Plus, there will be other events that pop-up throughout the year as an extra bonus, such as a free ticket to a local sporting event!
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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 cold out, 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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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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EVERY DAY IS A
DAY
TO CELEBRATE
Click on the provided links to learn more about each day!
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8515 Bekemeyer
533 N. Country Acres
Southeast of Central and Maize
965 N. Redbarn Lane
1851 N. Keith
1011 N. Maize Ct.
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CT SOS is a project-based human trafficking organization that acts as a liaison between specific local professional groups who work with trafficked youth and the Wichita volunteers who seek ways to be involved in finding solutions to fight sex trafficking. You can help in so many ways. For additional information, read more.
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services
City Hall, 455 N. Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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