Daily editionTuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
Community
James Roseboro, who dedicated over three decades to organizing Wichita neighborhoods, stepped down from the Northeast Heights Neighborhood Association last year to focus on his health + family; his decades of service + local leadership helped shape community engagement since the late 1980s.
The VoiceRead more
The Second Light winter shelter closed for the season on Monday, prompting former homeless advocate Patrick Ramsey to launch the Wichita Area Homeless Coalition.
His group is asking for donations of clothing, hygiene items, and essentials to distribute downtown each Saturday.
FOX KansasRead more
Business
Create Campaign celebrated its 10th anniversary and helps minority entrepreneurs launch businesses in Wichita by offering workshops, networking events and mentor matching, and recently received a Helping Hand donation from KWCH + DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers.
KWCHRead more
On Monday morning, employees at the east side Jose Peppers (11423 E 13th St. N.) learned the store permanently closed on Sunday, leaving many without jobs.
Some staff reported a similar closure at the west side location in 2022.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Culture
Rick Thomas (Scott Menzies), a longtime Wichita radio personality known for his work on T-95 since 1995, died over the weekend at age 58.
He celebrated nearly 25 years on air and was known for his partnership with Hank (The Mechanic) Wolenhaupt.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Great Plains Transportation Museum is converting a 1953 baggage car into a space to host birthday parties, educational tours and corporate events.
Buckley Roofing replaced the damaged roof with a new steel roof costing $12,500 and a $30,000 grant was received, but about $70,000 more is needed to complete the project by end of 2026.
KWCHRead more
Education
Sedgwick County Extension is hosting its 12th annual youth lawn mowing clinic today at its office.
Students in fifth to ninth grade will learn lawn mowing safety, grass identification, and basic business skills in two sessions.
KWCHRead more
Environment
The owners of Blood Orchard Brewing Co are watching 3,500 fruit trees after a recent cold snap left crops at risk as temperatures fell below 28°F for more than four hours last night — the company said apples are holding up while peach supplies keep operations running pending spring updates.
KWCHRead more
Government
Wichita retired teacher Heather Gibbs and her mother were stranded in the UAE when promised U.S. evacuation flights left before they were informed — they later returned home after booking another flight through a travel agent amid regional instability.
FOX KansasRead more
Sports
Wichita State will host the NIT opener today at its home arena, kicking off a key tournament game for the college team.
Fans are encouraged to show up and support the event as it marks an exciting start to the contest.
KWCHRead more
The Kansas City Chiefs acquired former Jets quarterback Justin Fields to back up Patrick Mahomes; Fields (drafted 11 overall by the Bears in 2021) may get a chance to start next season if Mahomes’ knee recovery slows.
KWCHRead more
Today, Wichita State men’s basketball team hosts its NIT opener against Wyoming, and later this month Charles Koch Arena hosts WBIT semifinals on March 30 and championship on April 1; KU and K-State start their games on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN Plus (WBIT).
KWCHRead more
Accidents
A fuel tank fell into a local lake Monday night & the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded to secure the area while assessing potential environmental impacts.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga Class at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, March 23rd, 2026 · 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.
WWE NXT Live in Wichita
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 · 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.
Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Experience supportive chair yoga that enhances strength, mobility, and community spirit.
Fittest In Wichita
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 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.
2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament
Monday, March 30th, 2026 · 1:30-6 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — $40+ — Watch the best of women's basketball compete for the WBIT crown in Wichita's exciting final games.
Elmo's Got The Moves
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Tickets required — Dance and play along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends in a magical live experience.
That Arena Rock Show
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — The Cotillion — $28.14 — Experience a high-energy tribute to classic rock anthems of the 70s and 80s.