Imagine you’re driving down Douglas Avenue and hit a pothole that wasn’t there last week. Or you’re walking your dog one evening and notice a streetlight is out or someone dumped some tires on the side of the road. You can be part of the solution. “Just because residents see a pothole or community issue […]
How To
Posted inHousing, How To, Wichita Journalism Collaborative
What to know if you’re thinking about buying a house in Wichita
Buying a house can be a daunting process at any time, with it being the largest purchase most people make. It may be especially so right now because of rising housing costs and interest rates, plus the limited market of houses available. This story was developed for an email course, part of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative’s […]
Posted inHealth, How To
More Kansas mothers, especially women of color, are dying after giving birth. Where can Wichitans go for help?
Kansas looks to be an increasingly dangerous place to give birth, especially for women of color. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that maternal deaths per 100,000 live births within a month and a half of giving birth nearly doubled nationwide between 2018 and 2021. A disproportionate number of Black mothers made […]
Posted inHealth, How To
Where to go in Wichita if you fall in the Medicaid gap
Kansas remains one of 10 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid, leaving 40,000-plus people in the state without government health insurance — or subsidies for private coverage. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly still wants the Legislature to expand that coverage — and so do more than two-thirds of Kansans. But Republican leaders in Topeka appear unlikely to […]
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, How To, Local Government, Watchdog
Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita
Want to protest to make your voice heard? Before you organize a protest, it is important to know what rights you have and how to use them. It’s also helpful to know what can and won’t get you in trouble with the law. Here is a quick guide on how to protest in Wichita.
Posted inCivic Engagement, How To
Here’s how you can help Operation Holiday bring Christmas to Wichita
In partnership with Toys for Tots, Operation Holiday collects food and clothing at drop sites across town (there’s one at every Dillons) to give to families in need. Applications are accepted from families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level, based on the two most recent months of income. People apply for help in November, then receive goods during a drive-through distribution held Dec. 14-17.
Posted inEconomics, Housing, How To, Kansas State Government
Can’t pay your utility bill? There is help for keeping the heat on this winter
Kansas’ “cold weather rule” is in effect from Nov. 1 to March 31. Nov. 1 until March 31. During this time, certain utility companies must do two things: Offer a 12-month repayment plan for those behind on their payments and not shut off any utilities if the temperature drops below 35 degrees.
Posted inHealth, How To, Kansas State Government
KanCare 101: How to apply for Medicaid benefits in Kansas
In any given month, about 450,000 Kansans rely on Medicaid to pay for health care. The program is paid for by the federal government with states providing a match and administering the program. As with any assistance program, it can be difficult to determine if you qualify. Who qualifies depends on many factors, only one […]
Posted inHow To, Local Government
Wichita has 44 square miles of food deserts. Here is a way to help.
Government officials are currently recruiting members for a Food and Farm Council to guide a master plan to address problems within the community’s food system.
Posted inHealth, How To
Half a million Kansans need to review Medicare coverage before Dec. 7
More than 540,000 Kansas residents receive health coverage through Medicare, government-funded health insurance available to nearly all citizens once they reach the age of 65. Nothing about choosing a Medicare plan is simple, and for that reason, free help is available from the state.