Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of the Plains launched a fundraising drive on Feb. 3 at 7:57 a.m. to buy books for Wichita children, aiming to boost literacy and support education through community donations. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wichita native Joe Walsh (78), a multi-Grammy Award winner, received the Governor’s Arts Award at the annual ceremony in Topeka. He founded VetsAid that has given over $4 million to help veterans and recently showed support at the Veterans Administration Hospital on E. Kellogg. KNSS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hamilton Middle School students in the YMCA after-school program are making 100 handmade blankets for kids in need after the recent winter storm — the project helps build empathy while students add personal touches to each blanket. KWCH
- ➤ WSU engineering students visited Mueller Elementary School on Tuesday morning to lead a STEM session where students worked in teams building a 3D prosthetic for a pug — an activity that boosted hands-on design skills and teamwork at the aerospace magnet school. KWCH
- ➤ Last month at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Wichita’s first HBCU gathering drew over 400 people to explore college opportunities, cultural pride and mentorship. The Wichita HBCU Alumni Collective plans more events to connect youth with mentors and local internships. The Voice
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Blake Flanders, president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents since 2015, announced his retirement on Jan. 29 and will step down in July. His tenure saw on-time graduations rise by 10% and state-funded student aid nearly quadruple across public universities. The Sunflower
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Wichita family is sharing its generational struggle with heart disease during Black History Month, recalling tragic losses on the basketball court and advice from a cardiologist (Dr. Quiana Kern) about higher risks for Black patients and the need for prevention. KWCH
- ➤ City of Wellington has temporarily closed Woods Park and Donut Bay due to suspected avian influenza, and staff is coordinating with KDWP Research and Survey Office plus advising residents to avoid contact with sick birds. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gray Media will expand its partnership with the Kansas City Royals for the 2026 season by broadcasting select games free on KWCH and KSCW, including the home opener on Monday, Mar. 30 and nine additional games, boosting community outreach (in up to 18 markets). KWCH
- ➤ K-State AD Gene Taylor said fans are frustrated by the men's basketball team starting 1-8 but noted that Head Football Coach Collin Klein is building a strong staff + the women's team shows promise after recent wins. KWCH
- ➤ Kansas football veterans Steve Tasker and Jeremiah Pharms show perseverance as Pharms, the only Friends University player to reach the NFL, is set to join the Patriots scout team ahead of Super Bowl 60 this weekend — Tasker’s storied career includes four deep playoff runs. KWCH
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Author Event with Jenna Blum
5-6 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Free admission — Celebrate the launch of Jenna Blum's new book, Murder Your Darlings!
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Super Bowl 4-Mile Race
2-4 p.m. — Linwood Park South — Entry fee applies — Kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a thrilling 4-mile run in a fun, community tradition.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga for improved strength, flexibility, and community connection.
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Elise Trouw Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Elise Trouw.
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Resilient Gemstones Ladies Conference 2026
7 p.m. — Hyatt Regency Wichita — Registration Fee Required — A faith-centered conference providing hope and healing for women impacted by trauma.
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Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Dinner
Evening — Wine Dive + Kitchen — $75 per person — Celebrate love with a curated multi-course dining experience that will elevate your night together.
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Chair Yoga Class
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Engage in empowering chair yoga to enhance strength, flexibility, and community connection.
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Chair Yoga Class at Maize Rec
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Enjoy calming chair yoga that promotes strength, flexibility, and community.
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Chinese New Year Celebration
12:30 – 3:00 PM — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Included with general admission — Celebrate Lunar New Year with crafts, zodiac discovery, and cultural traditions for the whole family.
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School's Out - Dodgeball Is In
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Rose Hill Recreation Commission — Fun and engaging — Gather with dodgeball enthusiasts for a friendly competition.
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
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.
~ Native American Proverb
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