Community

Visit Wichita Parks, Answer Some Trivia, Maybe Win A Prize

Chandra Stauffer — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:12:39 +0000

A new program that encourages and rewards residents for visiting public parks was announced Friday.

The new Park Passport program encourages residents to visit 18 specific local parks, including Oak, Buffalo and Fairmont, and answer trivia-like questions posted on signs in each park.

Kansas Gets C- For Infrastructure

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:47:09 +0000

Civil engineers have given Kansas' infrastructure an overall C-minus grade.

The regional chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers released their report card Wednesday.

It's an evaluation of the state's aviation, bridges, roads, dams, drinking water, energy, levees, railroads and schools.

The engineers found the most faults with the state's bridges and dams, rating them a D-minus. They say Kansas has nearly 3,000 structurally deficient bridges.

They awarded the highest grades for the state's roads and schools; both got a C-plus.

Fallen Officers To Be Honored At City Hall

Frank Dudgeon — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:50:02 +0000

A memorial service will take place in downtown Wichita to honor Sedgwick County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Summit Designed To 'Humanize' The Formally Incarcerated

Carla Eckels — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:59:07 +0000

The National Prison Summit on Incarceration will be held in Wichita this weekend. Experts will discuss ways to help those behind bars, and their families. They will also talk about reducing recidivism to help the next generation stay out of jail.

Your Guide To Bicycle Month In Wichita

Carla Eckels — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

May has been proclaimed Bicycle Month. The city of Wichita is celebrating by highlighting recent bike path improvements and by looking forward to what's next. There are also many bicycle-related events planned throughout the city.

Highlighted Events

May 17 is Bike to Work Day, which will include breakfast stations around Wichita from 7:00 to 9:00 and free lunch at Old Town Square from 11:30 to 1:30.

Breakfast station locations:

Kansas Lawmakers Host Legislative Forum Monday

Associated Press — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:38:02 +0000

South-central Kansas lawmakers are hosting a forum Monday evening.

The forum is open to the public and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Derby City Hall.

Democratic Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau of Wichita is the chair of the south-central delegation and will moderate the forum.

Kansas Legislators will return to Topeka on Wednesday for the closing days of their session.

Wichita Fountains Could Dry Up This Summer

Associated Press — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:32:52 +0000

A drought-induced water shortage could force Wichita officials to idle the city's fountain systems this summer.

City Manager Robert Layton says water use across all city operations is under review.

City officials say Cheney Reservoir could dry up by mid-2015 if the drought continues, and the city would no longer have enough water to meet demand if that happens.

Start Planning Your Float Trip, Arkansas River Is Now Easier To Access

Carla Eckels — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:18:32 +0000

People who enjoy boating on the Arkansas River now have a new place to access the river.

A public use floating dock was installed recently on the river behind Gander Mountain in downtown Wichita.

The new dock was part of a long-time comprehensive plan by the Ark River Coalition and the city’s park board. The Wichita City Council adopted a resolution agreeing to allow for public use of the dock for the next decade.

Drug Take-Back Nets Record Haul

Associated Press — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:43:57 +0000

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says Kansas residents turned in a record amount of unused medications in the National Drug Take-Back Day.

It's Law Day: US Attorney Speaking At WSU

Associated Press — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:27:52 +0000

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom will be at Wichita State University Wednesday to talk about public safety and human rights.

The speech, which is in conjunction with Law Day, begins at 1:15 in Hubbard Hall, room 209.