Daily
Wichita
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Vivre Coffee opened in west Wichita, inviting residents to enjoy its freshly brewed coffee and cozy seating. The new café offers a welcoming space for local coffee lovers. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita soybean farmers faced delivery delays after Cargill halted shipments at its processing plant near 13th & N. Mosley following Tuesday's fire sparked by a malfunctioning soybean dryer; farmers await further instructions. FOX Kansas
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Wichita State University management class has launched a fundraiser to cut Wichita Public Schools lunch debt by collecting about $5,700 through online donations+ the campaign aims to relieve meal debts affecting roughly 3,200 students and runs until mid-April. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita Public Schools Board of Education will close Pleasant Valley and L’Ouverture Elementary at the end of the 2026–27 school year due to declining enrollment, while Woodland and OK Elementary may stay open if voters approve a bond proposal (community feedback meetings are planned in April and May). KNSS
- ➤ The Student Senate reviewed the Student Fees Commission's recommendation to cut $221,193 in funding for student services and scholarships on March 11 at Rhatigan Student Center. Representatives for debate, HOPE Services, and Campus Recreation voiced concerns that the cuts would hinder support for students and planned to seek additional funding. The Sunflower
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A bill banning cell phones in schools bell to bell is headed to Gov. Kelly’s desk; Wichita Public Schools may review its policy that lets teachers use phones with administrator permission if the law passes. Lawmakers say educators support the measure to create uniform rules across districts. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Via Christi is acquiring Derby’s former Rock Regional Hospital—closed since early January after eviction over unpaid $15 million rent—and plans to reopen the facility as part of its healthcare network pending regulatory approval. KNSS
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Via Christi acquired the land that once housed Rock Regional Hospital on Mar. 11. The health system plans to redevelop the property for community use, with more details to be announced soon. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Breece Hall, a Wichita native, remains with the New York Jets for the 2026 season after the team applied a franchise tag that secures him $14.3M; he will negotiate a long-term deal before July 15 to ward off other teams. The Voice
- ➤ Friends University basketball teams celebrated a rising star after a series of strong game performances—coaches and supporters praised the player's skill and leadership and plan to build on his success during upcoming matches. KWCH
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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.
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The Firebird Concert
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.
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Carden International Circus Spectacular
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.
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Wicked City Roller Derby vs. Natural State (Arkansas)
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.
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Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
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.
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Chair Yoga Class at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a supportive yoga practice designed to enhance strength and flexibility through gentle chair movements.
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WWE NXT Live in Wichita
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $35.05 to $179.11 — Witness NXT champions and superstars live in action for the first time in Wichita.
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Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Experience supportive chair yoga that enhances strength, mobility, and community spirit.
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Fittest In Wichita
9 a.m. — Station 0 — $50 to compete, free to watch — A community-driven fitness competition featuring local gyms, activities for all ages, and supporting mental health programs for firefighters.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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