Daily editionThursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
Community
Teacher Bruce Bingham of Fairfield Middle and High School battles cancer and faces a stolen car as his community rallies support + launches a GoFundMe fundraiser to help him replace his vehicle.
KWCHRead more
Sedgwick County Zoo saw over 702,000 visitors in 2025 due to new elephant & chimp births while earning a five-year AZA accreditation and fixing hail damage.
The zoo will complete a $10M elephant barn expansion in May as it prepares for additional animals and upcoming births later this year.
KNSSRead more
Business
McPherson Pet Resort closed abruptly this week, leaving pet owners and employees without notice.
Former staff and clients expressed shock (as management offered no explanation) and are now looking for answers.
KWCHRead more
Education
Former Bishop Carroll administrator and state champion football coach Alan Schuckman will serve as the school’s president starting July 1.
The Catholic Diocese described his appointment as part of a renewal plan aimed to unlock the school’s potential + build on its legacy.
KWCHRead more
Three seniors from Central High School in Burden have been awarded the Rudd Foundation full-ride scholarship covering tuition, fees, room and board as well as career support for attending a Kansas university.
Adison Henderson, who performed at Carnegie Hall, highlights the academic excellence of their small school.
KWCHRead more
Wichita State student senator Josh Mallard proposed adding a clearly labeled student health header to myWSU portal + including links for screenings, after-hours care, and emergencies during the Feb. 11 Student Senate meeting; the resolution is now under review by the Student Services Committee.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
Kansas lawmakers are debating a bill to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $16 an hour; supporters say the change will ease worker burdens, referencing states like Nebraska and Colorado, while opponents warn that grocery prices will rise and expect a public hearing by the Committee on Commerce soon.
KWCHRead more
Health
Kansas farms faced record bankruptcy filings last year as family debt soared and mental health struggles increased; the Kansas Farm Bureau formed a Farm Family Resiliency Task Force & will offer support programs for farmers today.
KWCHRead more
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach delivered a naloxone distribution box with three kits to Wichita State today to help reverse fentanyl overdoses.
It is the first of 40 boxes planned statewide, and Kobach said he keeps a kit in his pickup + urges locals to get one if needed.
KWCHRead more
Prairie View mental health center's CEO Marcy Johnson warns that social media addiction harms children by reducing grey matter and triggering tantrums.
Wichita Public Library will host a screen-free week later this spring (featuring play spaces and tactile activities) to offer safe alternatives to screen time.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Resilient Gemstones Ladies Conference 2026
Friday, February 13th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Hyatt Regency Wichita — Registration Fee Required — A faith-centered conference providing hope and healing for women impacted by trauma.
Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 6:30-7:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — $45.69 — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a string quartet in a candlelit atmosphere.
Chair Yoga Class
Monday, February 16th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Engage in empowering chair yoga to enhance strength, flexibility, and community connection.
Chair Yoga Class at Maize Rec
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Enjoy calming chair yoga that promotes strength, flexibility, and community.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 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.
School's Out - Dodgeball Is In
Thursday, February 26th, 2026 · 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Rose Hill Recreation Commission — Fun and engaging — Gather with dodgeball enthusiasts for a friendly competition.
2000s Nostalgia Party
Friday, February 27th, 2026 · 9 PM – 12 AM — The Cotillion — $15.33 to $21.09 — Celebrate the early 2000s with iconic hits and nostalgic vibes.
Black Business Tour
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 · 10 AM – 4 PM — Cargill Protein Headquarters — Free entry — Explore and support Black-owned businesses in a vibrant community ride-along experience.
2026 Wichita Kansas Inspection Authorization Renewal Seminar
Friday, March 6th, 2026 · 7:30 a.m. — Colonel James Jabara Airport — Registration required — Complete your 8-hour training requirement for Inspection Authorization renewal with expert presentations and provided lunch.
Nekrogoblikon Concert
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary from $65 to $120 — Experience the unique sounds of Nekrogoblikon in a lively concert atmosphere.