Daily
Wichita
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Redbud Trail construction began on Monday, Feb. 16 and is progressing along the local trail route. City crews are enhancing the path for residents (more details on the project are expected). KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mason Thatcher, owner of Tulsa's Loony Bin, announced his comedy club will reopen in Wichita at the old Villa Luna venue (8406 W. Central). The club, which closed its downtown spot in 2023 after nine years, is set to bring back a familiar local entertainment space. KWCH
- ➤ Comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias will perform his new show at the Kansas State Fair on Sept. 17 at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand — one of the highest-grossing touring comedians known for his hit Netflix specials. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kansas budget proposals include a clause for public universities to either trim 10% of non-faculty and non-support roles or freeze tuition rates — Wichita State Chief of Staff Zach Gearhart expects only one measure to pass, with the final budget signed by Governor Laura Kelly by April 11. The Sunflower
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kansas state officials declared a state of disaster emergency on Monday, Feb. 16, amid rising wildfire threat. Local agencies are coordinating safety measures and advising residents to stay alert. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Station 15 at Lincoln & Rock Road was evacuated over the weekend due to mold, with firefighters reassigned and further testing planned. A recent inspection found mold in 20 of 22 stations, and Council member Dalton Glasscock and Mayor Lily Wu are urging immediate repairs. KNSS
- ➤ Governor Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation today through Thursday due to dangerous fire weather with high temperatures, strong winds, and dry grass. The measure allows state agencies to pre-stage resources for local support. KWCH
- ➤ Kansas lawmakers pulled a bill that would have restricted DEI topics in required university courses, but a budget proviso may withhold $2 million per school until colleges show they are not mandating DEI-CRT classes (affecting institutions like Wichita State). The Sunflower
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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.
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2000s Nostalgia Party
9 PM – 12 AM — The Cotillion — $15.33 to $21.09 — Celebrate the early 2000s with iconic hits and nostalgic vibes.
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Black Business Tour
10 AM – 4 PM — Cargill Protein Headquarters — Free entry — Explore and support Black-owned businesses in a vibrant community ride-along experience.
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2026 Wichita Kansas Inspection Authorization Renewal Seminar
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.
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Nekrogoblikon Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary from $65 to $120 — Experience the unique sounds of Nekrogoblikon in a lively concert atmosphere.
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FILTER Live with FINGER ELEVEN and LOCAL H
6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Ticket price unavailable — Experience a night of diverse industrial rock music as FILTER showcases new material alongside special guests.
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Million Dollar Quartet
12 AM — Forum Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying story of the legendary jam session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
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Mort's Martini Bar Live Rock Music Night
8-11 p.m. — Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar — Entry fee varies — Rock out to the best tunes from the 90s with a dash of 80s and 00s flair.
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
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
~ Ryan Holiday
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