Daily editionThursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
Community
Farmers in Cowley County are organizing truckloads of hay for ranchers impacted by wildfires in southwest Kansas, with shipments scheduled to begin this weekend.
The Kansas Livestock Association is setting up collection sites as local producers work together to support affected operations.
KWCHRead more
Residents affected by the Ranger Road Fire can receive help through donations in southwest Kansas.
Community members may drop off cash at Stockgrowers State Bank at 622 Main Street, Ashland, mail checks to Ashland Community Foundation, or bring fencing materials to the Clark County Fairgrounds.
KWCHRead more
The Little Dairy Queen will hold a benefit for longtime owner Richard Barrett’s family on Saturday, Feb. 21 (noon to 9 p.m.) as a tribute to his 45-year service, with a portion of every order and box donations supporting his family.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Culture
Hannah McCarter (from Liberal) won the International Pancake Day Race on Fat Tuesday by completing a 415-yard run in just over a minute, marking her town's third straight win over Olney entrants.
The event, a long-standing tradition since 1950, included a pancake feast and several contests.
KNSSRead more
Education
Kansas lawmakers advanced a bill that would ban cellphones, smartwatches, and earbuds from classrooms and passing periods to boost student focus and lessen health concerns — the proposal cleared the House and now awaits further debate in public and accredited nonpublic schools.
The VoiceRead more
On Feb. 11, the Kansas Senate passed a bill that now requires districts to verify household income for students using free meal programs (using federal funds), and the measure moves to the House for review.
KWCHRead more
Environment
Cheney Lake has risen a foot and a half above its normal pool and is releasing water, reversing a drought that limited access last year.
Officials say the change will benefit water supply and boost fishing as spring and summer approach + local anglers are already enjoying improved conditions.
KWCHRead more
Health
Two firefighters injured while battling a wildfire in western Kansas were treated at Saint Francis Hospital in Wichita on Tuesday and are now receiving union support (Wichita Firefighters Charitable Fund) through hotel rooms and gift cards for their families.
KWCHRead more
Real Estate
Most homeowners will see their property values grow this year as notifications are mailed by March 1 and residents have 30 days to appeal.
The county appraiser said 88 percent of homes will rise with a median increase of 10.8 percent — the market has been picking up since COVID.
KWCHRead more
Sedgwick County homeowners face another rise in property valuations after a recent county notice.
The updated assessments will soon affect local realty taxes and overall budgets.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
FILTER Live with FINGER ELEVEN and LOCAL H
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 · 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.
Million Dollar Quartet
Thursday, March 12th, 2026 · 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.
Mort's Martini Bar Live Rock Music Night
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 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.
Wichita St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl 2026
Saturday, March 14th, 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.