Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Richard Barrett, longtime owner of Little Dairy Queen at 849 S. Poplar, died at 94; the restaurant announced a fundraiser later this week to honor his life & bring the community together. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wichita architect Charles McAfee recalled his close friendship with civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who spoke at Kansas State in 1993. He said waking at five and seeing the news broke his heart + reminded him of Jackson’s lifelong work for change. KWCH
- ➤ A Wichita architecture firm that played a key role in the 1996 Summer Olympics is featured in a retrospective report highlighting its lasting influence on local design. The firm's historical work continues to shape community spaces across Wichita. KWCH
- ➤ Je'Niece McCullough discussed Bernie Mac's brief but influential comedy career and legacy during Black History Month recognition, noting he died from sarcoidosis complications in 2008. She now embraces her identity as his daughter while honoring his lasting impact on the arts. KWCH
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire crews warn that dry conditions today could cause grass fires to spread quickly if a spark ignites the area, following a wildfire that burned 4,000 acres last week in Elk and Chautauqua counties. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office advises extra caution statewide + in our communities. FOX Kansas
- ➤ A wildfire burned over 1,500 acres near Beaver, Oklahoma yesterday and swept northeast, forcing Englewood in Clark County to be evacuated — officials are working to keep the blaze from reaching more populated areas. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A bill to ban vape ads mimicking entertainment meant to appeal to children is advancing in Kansas. Senate Bill 355 (SB 355) passed the Senate unanimously and now sits with the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs; it is expected to reach the governor’s desk soon. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Wichita pharmacist said flu cases have increased this week as more residents report symptoms—prompting advice to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene. The remark comes as local health officials monitor a rise in flu activity. KWCH
- ➤ Fire Station 15 is closed due to mold exposure that affected firefighters near Rock + Lincoln. Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock said inspections found black mold in most stations, prompting immediate health measures. FOX Kansas
- ➤ A new report (Commonwealth Fund) shows Missouri and Kansas families pay nearly 10% of their income on job-based health insurance costs. Experts say these high costs may leave workers underinsured as health care spending continues to rise. The Beacon
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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.
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Wichita St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl 2026
1-8 p.m. — Emerson Biggins — $7.99+ — Experience the top bars of Wichita with St. Paddy's drink specials and a festive after party.
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
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Wichita
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