Daily editionWednesday, April 9th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
Community
Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed a healthy baby girl chimpanzee named Kyansa, born via a planned C-section to mother Mahale.
Kyansa is named after a peak in Tanzania — caretakers observed strong bonding as she and her mother reunited 14 hours after surgery.
KWCHRead more
Education
Parents in Wichita are anxious as the school district plans to close four elementary schools—L'Ouverture Career Exploration and Technology Magnet, Pleasant Valley, Woodland and OK—next academic year.
FOX KansasRead more
Government
Today at noon, Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty will break ground at Meridian and MacArthur in southwest Wichita for a new $110 million state-run mental health hospital with 104 beds — local and state officials will attend as the project allocates half its beds for acute cases and the remainder for evaluations to speed up court processes.
KNSSRead more
On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council approved a design contract for a new fire station at Pawnee and Maize Road and plans to replace two stations at Central and Elder and Lincoln and Rock Road, with a project cost of about $1.58 million and a bid set once designs finish.
The council also approved more than $8.2 million in new equipment for the fire department—this includes 2 new aerial fire apparatus scheduled for delivery in about 45 months along with ladders, chainsaws, thermal imaging devices, radios and breathing apparatus.
KNSSRead more
The Wichita City Council began the search for a new City Manager by approving plans next Tuesday to hire an outside consultant; the council will gather public input and form a search committee to review candidates.
The new hire is expected to be secured before current manager Robert Layton retires at the end of the year (official details are still pending).
KNSSRead more
Lifestyle
Nelson’s Kitchen was voted Wichita’s Most Liked Wings after outlasting 31 local restaurants, food trucks and popups in a Facebook contest — the final 24-hour matchup pitted it against O’Brien’s — and emerged as the clear winner.
The restaurant is located at 1712 E. Morris St. and welcomes local visitors to try its wings.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Sports
The Wichita Wind Surge played their home opener on Tuesday night at Equity Bank Park, renamed from Riverfront Stadium, with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Fans enjoyed a postgame fireworks show as the team, led by new manager Brian Dinkleman and top prospect Walker Jenkins, began a six-game homestand after losing their opening series in Springfield, Mo.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, April 14th, 2025 · 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Enjoy a supportive chair yoga practice enhancing strength, flexibility, and community.
Lyla Sage - Wild and Wrangled Release Party
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 · 5-7 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Tickets required — Celebrate the launch of 'Wild and Wrangled' with themed drinks, games, and a chance to win prizes.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 drop-in — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength, balance, and mental wellness.
Foundations of Yoga Workshop
Thursday, April 17th, 2025 · 5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Explore gentle yoga sequences and rejuvenate your body and mind with expert guidance.
Yasmin Nur 'Slaughter' Album Release Party
Friday, April 18th, 2025 · 8 p.m. — Public at the Brickyard — All ages welcome — Celebrate the release of Yasmin Nur's debut album with live support from Silk and The Travel Guide.
30K Payday Bingo Event
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 · 9 AM – 2 PM — Bingo Casino South — $67.00 – $219.00 — Get ready for the biggest bingo event yet with a chance to win big!