Daily editionThursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
Culture
Exploration Place will open its new Adventure Playscape on March 13 along the west bank of the Arkansas River — a 6.5-acre expansion featuring 10 Kansas-themed attractions, family amenities, and a water play area added in April if weather permits.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
The Wichita Public Library will screen Oscar-nominated short films at the Boulevard Theatre in Old Town this Saturday, with additional screenings at library branches from March 8 to 15.
KMUW’s Fletcher Powell previewed standout films (Perfectly a Strangeness and Butterfly) that offer unique visuals and stories.
KMUWRead more
Education
Newton voters approved a $50M school bond in Tuesday’s special election to fund school repairs such as roof, HVAC, and security upgrades at Newton High and other schools — pending official canvassing.
The bond follows public sessions that explained school needs and project details.
KWCHRead more
The Student Fees Commission ended Wednesday's budget request hearings and will deliberate today at 10 a.m. in RSC 233 — drafting a proposal for the Student Senate with a planned $600,000 trim from over $10.6 million requested.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
KDOC and BLM announced an agreement extending the Wild Horse and Burro Program at Hutchinson Correctional Facility through May 31, 2026.
The extension protects nearly 300 horses — preserving jobs for handlers — as both agencies work toward a long-term contract.
KWCHRead more
City officials are addressing mold problems at fire stations after Station 15 was evacuated for safety; contractors evaluated Station 13 for water damage & remediation bids while work is planned at Stations 3, 11, and 13 with firefighters expected to return next week.
KWCHRead more
Real Estate
Some homeowners in Sedgwick County see property valuations rise by more than 20% due to market conditions, with one Derby home increasing about 23%.
Homeowners can file appeals by March 31 if they believe their valuation is too high.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Sebastian Hines-Turner, back from an Achilles tear, will return this season for his senior year + he is set to boost his team’s performance in upcoming games.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
The Firebird Concert
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 · 3-6 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — $29-$85 Adults, $10 Students — Experience a compelling mix of myth and magic through Wagner, a world premiere, and Stravinsky's fiery masterpiece.
Carden International Circus Spectacular
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Park City Arena — $9-$30 — Experience thrilling acts and family-friendly fun with pre-show activities including rides and face painting.
Wicked City Roller Derby vs. Natural State (Arkansas)
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — Kids 12 and under free with paying adult — Experience the thrilling matchup between local roller derby teams in an all-ages event.
Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 · 8 a.m. — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly running events featuring fun swag and community spirit.