Daily editionFriday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
Community
Property owners have fully funded Wichita’s Clean Team pilot, launched in 2025, so the city now runs the program full-time.
The team will add upgrades (like a new electrical sidewalk sweeper) as it works to keep downtown clean rain or shine.
KWCHRead more
Riverfest will run from May 29 through June 6 with contests, music and food downtown.
Early bird admission buttons (adults $15, children $10) are on sale April 10-30 at QuikTrip as the Jacksons perform on opening night and local bands compete June 5 for a $1,000 prize.
KWCHRead more
Wichita native Lio Cundiff rescued an 8-month-old when a stroller was swept into Lake Michigan on Wednesday in Chicago.
He is in the hospital for cold exposure, and doctors confirmed the baby is well + his family said they are proud of his quick action.
KWCHRead more
A Kismet family lost two homes and 800 acres of farmland in wildfire damage on Tuesday.
Community members rallied with donations and a GoFundMe as officials are urged to declare a federal disaster.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Devon Allman will perform his Devon Allman Blues Summit on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Salina’s Stiefel Theatre (featuring Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray and Sierra Green) as he honors his late father's musical legacy.
KWCHRead more
Education
On Tuesday, Wichita State’s business school surprised Belle Plaine senior Alyssa Pace with the $50,000 Clay Barton Scholarship — one of Kansas’s largest business awards.
Pace, a first-generation student, will study marketing at WSU this fall while seven other finalists each received $20,000 scholarships.
KWCHRead more
Environment
Firefighters are battling the Ranger Road Fire that burned more than 283,000 acres since Tuesday in Beaver and Clark Counties; evacuations continue in Englewood, Ashland, and Tyrone while crews gain ground on the Andrew Lane and Side Road fires (data early Thursday).
KWCHRead more
A one-year-old bald eagle will be released next Wednesday if weather permits from a key rehabilitative site in Wichita after weeks of careful recovery at the Midwest Raptor Foundation.
Rescued nearly dead and slowly nursed back to health, the bird will soon fly free — with viewers invited to suggest its name.
KWCHRead more
Wildlife officials say the rehabilitated bald eagle will be released today at a local wildlife refuge (after a period of dedicated care) and will soon resume free flight.
KWCHRead more
Cowley County activated its Wildland Automatic Response plan Wednesday as extreme fire danger led officials to prepare equipment with three to four fire departments ready to respond if a grass fire starts — safeguarding the area from potential outbreaks.
KWCHRead more
Government
The Kansas Department of Agriculture launched a wildfire recovery page to help farmers and ranchers hit by wildfires that began on Feb. 17 + the online hub offers resources while the agency works with local, state and federal partners to expand assistance.
KNSSRead more
If voters approve a 1% sales tax next month, Wichita Forward will invest $250 million to renovate Century II (including $25 million to modernize the 1960s facility) and expand Bob Brown Expo Center to attract more trade shows and conventions.
KWCHRead more
Real Estate
HOPE Community Development Corporation has expanded its affordable housing project to include quality rental units on donated lots and rehabilitated city properties - Rev. Dr. Kevass Harding now uses lower-cost capital from Wichita Affordable Housing LLC to speed up construction and prepare renters for eventual homeownership.
The VoiceRead 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.