Wichita, Economic and city update
The United Way of the Plains has raised its highest total of funds via pledges in the history of the Charity. Over $16,000,000 has been pledged to the United Way Campaign. This is another indication of the strength of the Wichita and Central Kansas economy.
Wichita teacher, Vanessa Martinez was one of 80 educators across the United States honored by the Milken Family Foundation as top educators and teachers for 2008. Martinez was awarded a check for $25,000 for her excellent work in an Elementary school.
The Wichita school system Bond Campaign passed during the November elections. Over $350 million was approved for improving schools, recreation facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts in the Wichita area. This bond issue is on top of a previous Quarter Million Bond issue that was passed over 6 years ago to improve schools and build new elementary and Secondary schools. Wichita schools will now be able to compete with the suburban school districts that had been the beneficiary of the growth in small towns and suburban areas adjacent to Wichita.
The Wichita Police department's crackdown on gangs in the last couple of years is bearing fruit. Gang related homicides have dropped 40% from a year ago and aggravated assaults are down 31%. In the last year almost 200 gang members have been arrested and charged with over 360 crimes. Wichita police plan to continue the crackdown the rest of this year and in to 2009.
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