CIVIL
Drought
It’s hot out.
With the heat, comes concern for drought conditions.
Let’s put this in perspective:
- Wichita treats ~19 billion gallons of water for ~500 thousand customers every year
- half of that comes from Cheney Lake
We are currently in a Stage 1 drought response which comes with voluntary water conservation. Stage 2 is right around the corner if we don’t conserve enough and we don’t get enough rain.
Miracle League of Wichita
The Miracle League of Wichita gives individuals with disabilities a chance to participate in inclusive sports.
This year is their 2nd season of having a swim team!
If you’re interested in upcoming sports seasons, check out Miracle League here.
Zero Tax Increase
There is a new proposal in the works for Wichita Public Schools regarding rebuilding and consolidation of schools.
In simplified terms, bonds cover things like building schools, but property taxes go up.
This new proposal is being called a “zero tax increase” because Wichita is already paying off the last $370 million package from 2008. Rather than property tax dropping in 2028 like it is set to, it would just stay the same to pay off the new $450 million package, likely for another 20 years.
LOCAL
40 under 40
Congrats to the Wichita Business Journal 40 under 40 class of 2024!
I recognize a few names, anyone reading this right now? 👀
Orpheum
Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre opened in 1922 and is one of only 17 “vaudeville” theaters still in operation.
16 of the 17 have been fully restored, The Orpheum has not.
A full renovation would cost about $9 million, but full details will be announced soon according to Stacee Olden, the new executive director.
Joyland
75 years and 5 days ago on June 12, 1949, Joyland opened at 2801 South Hillside.
Originally Joyland opened at Central and Cleveland several years prior then moved to the long term location.
Although Joyland closed for good in 2006, you can find pieces of it all over town liket eh carousel at Botanica or the iconic Joyland sign.
Black in One Piece
Tonight at 6pm at Elevate (inside Broadway Autopark) there will be live panel discussion and exclusive first-look at the debut episode of the Millennial Black Professor’s BLACK in One Piece Podcast, a podcast show that explores the intersection of Black culture and identity through a wide range of topics, from history and social justice to pop culture and personal stories.
Hannah: Women Connecting
If you’re a woman looking to connect with other women. Check out Hannah.
The Sunshine Dreamer
A couple of weeks ago, there was a trailer premier for a new documentary called The Sunshine Dreamer.
This documentary shares the inspiring story of Ryan Benton who founded Coming Together for a Cure.
He was also the first person in the world with DMD to be successfully treated thanks with stem cell therapy.
Through his journey, we witness how stem cell therapy doubled Ryan’s life expectancy and allowed him to continue pursuing his passion as a musician, inspiring thousands worldwide fighting rare diseases.
Check out the trailer here:
