CIVIL
Paid Parking on Pause
Peter Piper put a pause on paid parking.
(sorry, had to do it)
The January 1 implementation date for paid parking in the Delano / Old Town / Downtown area has been paused.
There has been a big ole conversation brewing since the City of Wichita announced that all public parking spots in those areas would be paid.
The Mayor and City Council are currently trying to gather more feedback through various meetings.
School Updates
The Wichita School board just unanimously approved a $450 million plan.โ
A bond issue would be needed to pay for said plan and the specifics will be reviewed and voted on during the 9/9 meeting. Bond issues require a special election and approval from voters.
Here are a few highlights from this โnewer and fewerโ plan:
- There is $1.2 billion in future deferred maintenance amidst declining enrollment
- 6 schools (2 middle and 4 elementary) already closed this year.
- The new plan would close LโOuverture, OK, Pleasant Valley and Woodland elementary schools and converting Isely and Cessna elementary schools to K-8 schools
- Truesdell middle school and Adams, Black, Caldwell, Irving and McLean elementary schools would be demolished and rebuilt
- Among other details
Library Updates
Starting in October, the Maya Angelou library branch near 21st North and Hillside will close for 5 months of renovations.
Closed Road
โ21st Street from Broadway to Mosley was closed for most of hte week due to a damaged sewer main pipe.
It is expected to open soon. (As of Monday they said end of the week)
LOCAL
Wichita Dinner Table
Who made it to the Dinner Table this week?
โFirst Tee
โFirst Tee Greater Wichita has officially broken ground on the new Indoor Youth Learning Center where they can empower kids through the game of golf.
School Phones
Back in my dayโฆ
We used to use our phones in class all the time (in college).
Now Trinity Academy is requiring students (8-12 grade) to lock their phones in a Yondr pouch during the school day.
What do you think?
Honestly, itโs a great idea and Iโm surprised it hasnโt happened before this. It will be at every school in 10 years.
Broadway in Wichita
Single tickets are on sale today at 10am for the 2024-2025 Broadway in Wichita series which will consist of:
- R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (March 18, 2025)
- CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC (April 17, 2025)
- THE CHER SHOW (April 25โ27, 2025)
