Daily
Wichita
Friday, April 11th, 2025
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Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Michael Austin, Jr. was sentenced to nine years in prison and must pay $7,500 to the Crime Victims Compensation Board after he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting 18-year-old Amyion McDowel-Mitchell during an argument on Sept. 23 in southeast Wichita near Oliver & Harry. KNSS
- ➤ Jose Acosta (33) faces charges of first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement for a November shooting spree that began in Prospect Park where Myron Tucker (40) was fatally shot, and his trial is set for late August. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Early Bird Riverfest buttons are on sale today for $15 at Riverfest headquarters at 444 E. Williams St and online—offering adults entry to nine days of music, family fun, carnival, fireworks, and more. Full-price buttons will be available starting May 2 at select QuikTrip outlets and Riverfest HQ—while Riverfest runs from May 30 through June 7. Wichita By E.B.
- ➤ The Great Plains Renaissance and Scottish Festival will return to Sedgwick County Park on April 12 and 13 with jousting tournaments, medieval performances and fire-breathing acts for families. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets will be available online. KSN
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Wichita State's Office of Student Accommodations and Testing has launched new policies to stop cheating after upgraded cameras caught more cases, leading to 19 reports so far. The email to students lists rules including raising pant legs and undergoing metal scans for re-entry—measures designed to secure test integrity—and offers emergency blankets for cold students. The Sunflower
- ➤ On Wednesday, Wichita South High held CSI Day, a hands-on session where students practiced emergency response techniques and leadership skills with guidance from local public safety agencies—Sedgwick County EMS, Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and the Sheriff’s Office. Students interested in criminal justice, fire science, or EMS gained real-world insights that may shape their career choices. KSN
ENERGY NEWS
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GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill that allows fireworks to be sold all year—ending the seasonal sales rule—and permits temporary vendors to sell fireworks from June 20 through July 7. The law also names the Fallen Firefighters memorial in Wichita as the state's official memorial. KWCH
- ➤ State lawmakers approved three new license plate options when Governor Kelly signed House Bill 2201 on April 9. Drivers may buy National FFA, Route 66 Association and blackout-style plates from KDOR beginning Jan. 1, 2026—each with its own fee structure—while fees support local programs. KSN
- ➤ The Sedgwick County waste tire collection event began on Thursday at the County West Yard and will run through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—residents, farmers, and local government may recycle up to 50 tires each while business tires are not accepted. KWCH
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20th Annual Spring Great Plains Renaissance Festival
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Sedgwick County Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Wichita's spring tradition with jousts, acrobatics, and lively performances.
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Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue
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.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Enjoy a supportive chair yoga practice enhancing strength, flexibility, and community.
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Lyla Sage - Wild and Wrangled Release Party
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.
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Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
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.
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Spring Home Transition Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Traditions Home — Registration required — Learn how to refresh your home for the spring season with expert Megan McGraw.
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Taylor Swift Music Bingo
7-9 p.m. — White Crow Cider Company — Free for paying customers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo as you jam to the hits of Taylor Swift and win prizes.
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Late Night with A Band In Kansas
8 PM — Brickyard — $15 — Get ready for a high-energy party featuring the biggest hits from the early 2000s to today.
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Live Music by Zombii, The Cups, and Americana-na
9 p.m. — Kirby's Beer Store — Free admission — Experience an evening of vibrant live music from three local acts.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Accessible chair yoga promotes strength, flexibility, and community spirit.
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