Daily editionThursday, April 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
Education
The Goddard school district expects a 30% increase in student enrollment over the next ten years from many new homes and is asking for a $196 million bond to build new schools and improve facilities— including turning Oak Street Elementary into an early learning center.
The bond vote is set for May 13.
KWCHRead more
Moundridge schools had a delayed start yesterday because of a gas leak, with classes beginning at 10 a.m. and buses operating on schedule.
The fire department checked the leak — the district will provide further updates.
KWCHRead more
WSU Tech held day one of its National Signing Day event on Tuesday and it continues today.
Over 350 high school seniors signed letters of intent to pursue careers in aviation, healthcare, IT and more while each student received a Signing Day hat—a $1,000 scholarship for the fall semester was also awarded.
KWCHRead more
Government
The ramp from southbound I-135 to Pawnee closed yesterday for sewer line reconstruction & it is expected to reopen in about three weeks with drivers advised to watch for construction crews and road signs in the area.
KWCHRead more
Wichita City Manager Robert Layton announced he will retire on New Year's Eve after 16 years of service—he said he will work with city officials to finish pending projects—and the City Council will lead a national search for his successor.
This decision gives local government ample time to plan the transition.
KNSSRead more
The Wichita City Council approved—by a 4—3 vote—steps to list the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre as historic near Douglas and Hillside after its owner applied for a demolition permit on February 5th and a request to increase capacity was rejected.
The council also approved a $1 million purchase of a downtown property at 332 N. Riverview to secure a new office building and parking lot for the Police Department.
KNSSRead more
Robert Layton—the city manager since 2009—announced he will retire at the end of 2025.
He has served Wichita for more than 16 years under four mayors and 21 City Council members as the city begins a national search for his replacement.
KWCHRead more
Health
The CDC said the U.S. now has more measles cases than last year with outbreaks in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas and Ohio.
In Kansas, 24 cases have been confirmed in six counties and the first case on March 13 was linked to the Texas outbreak — health officials warn measles may continue spreading where vaccination rates are low.
KSNRead more
Sedgwick County is hosting a free walk-in measles vaccination clinic on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1900 E. 9th Street — no appointment is needed and residents should bring identification, vaccination records and insurance information.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
Friday, April 4th, 2025 · 9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Engage in therapeutic chair yoga designed for all mobility levels to enhance strength and flexibility.
Engineering Expo 2025
Saturday, April 5th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Bob Brown Expo Hall — Free admission — Celebrate STEM with hands-on activities for kids K-8 including lava lamps and slime.
Paleface Swiss Event
Sunday, April 6th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Click for details — Experience Paleface Swiss live at WAVE in Wichita.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Monday, April 7th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Engage in a supportive chair yoga practice to enhance strength, balance, and community connection.
Posture Improvement Course
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 · 9:00-10:15 AM — Club Hope Fitness — $183 — Focus on building strength, flexibility, and better posture in a supportive environment.
Beginner Chair Yoga Session
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors; $10 for others — Enjoy a gentle class focusing on strength and resilience tailored for all abilities.
Foundations of Yoga Class
Thursday, April 10th, 2025 · 5-6 PM — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their yoga skills through gentle movements and breathwork.
Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
Friday, April 11th, 2025 · 9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Experience stress relief and increased mobility through supportive chair yoga practices.
20th Annual Spring Great Plains Renaissance Festival
Saturday, April 12th, 2025 · 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Sedgwick County Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Wichita's spring tradition with jousts, acrobatics, and lively performances.
Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue
Sunday, April 13th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Starting at $35 — Enjoy an outrageous new comedy featuring your favorite Golden Girls tackling modern dilemmas.