Daily
Wichita
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Paul and Shauntel Stovall took over ICTea on North Rock Road in August 2024 (the popular boba tea shop known for quality drinks) and rehired its longtime staff to preserve a family-friendly community space. The Voice
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Wichita Public Schools will start a new program to fill vacant mental health roles + the initiative will train local professionals to support students and staff at school sites. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Wild Horse Program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility will end this February, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. The program, which has helped inmates gain skills by training wild horses for adoption since 2001, will see staff reassigned to different roles. KWCH
- ➤ Officials announced that the Wild Horse Program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility will end in February, with the program (which allowed inmates to work with wild horses) being discontinued. The change marks a planned shift in the facility’s inmate programs. KWCH
- ➤ The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office raised the US flag for Flag Sojourn 250 on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at its facility. Officials said the ceremony celebrated national heritage and community unity. KWCH
- ➤ Kansas schools can apply for state grants to install artificial intelligence gun detection systems as part of the Safe and Secure Firearm Program, a $10 million initiative by the Kansas Attorney General. Wichita Public Schools is exploring flexible funding options+ details on grant usage are still pending. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Fairfield School District cancelled classes today after a rise in illness spread across schools, and parents are advised to check district updates for guidance. KWCH
- ➤ A state report shows that Kansas' 988 crisis centers face staffing shortages that leave 40% of crisis counselor positions unfilled and text responses at only 57% versus an 80% target (data from last year). COMCARE in Sedgwick County is one of five centers answering nearly 90% of calls quickly. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wichita native L.J. Phillips broke records in 2025 with over 1,900 rushing yards as a backup for South Dakota and has signed with Iowa to compete in the Big 10 next fall (his career rebounded after an ACL injury). KWCH
- ➤ Wind Surge announced its coaching staff yesterday in Wichita, naming Nico Giarratano as the new manager after he led the FCL Twins to a 39+20 record and division title last season. He replaces Brian Dinkelman, who advanced to manage the St Paul Saints. KWCH
- ➤ Villa Boxing Gym in South Wichita has reopened after seven months of repairs following a severe storm in June 2025, and it now welcomes kids and athletes with renewed energy and community spirit. KWCH
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Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
7:05-9:05 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch an exciting hockey match as the Tahoe Knight Monsters face off against the Wichita Thunder.
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Concert by Tay Money
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance by Tay Money featuring her hit song 'Hood Still the Same'.
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Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k
9 AM – 12 PM — Plum Shelter, 6501 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS — Unique referral code system for refunds — Lace up for a family-friendly dash through time with races for all ages.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Enjoy chair yoga for all mobility levels with a focus on strength, balance, and community.
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East Carolina Pirates vs. Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — Free t-shirt for early fans — Witness a thrilling basketball game while supporting mental health awareness.
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Air Capital Hoopfest
7 p.m. — Newman University-Fugate Gymnasium — $15 for Adults, $8 for Kids, Students, and Seniors — Experience the excitement of top high school basketball with future stars competing for glory.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a gentle yoga practice that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.
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Wichita Campus Open House
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Galen College of Nursing - Wichita — Free entry — Explore the nursing programs and meet the faculty at this informative open house.
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Turnpike Tributedours Concert
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets start at $69 — Experience an unforgettable night with Turnpike Tributedours live in Wichita.
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R&B Night with Lizzen
9 p.m. — Elisabeth’s Lounge — General Admission & VIP available — Enjoy a night of smooth sounds and classy energy with R&B sensation Lizzen.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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