Daily editionWednesday, May 7th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Community
May is National Electrical Safety Month and Evergy shared tips for safe outdoor work—call 811 before digging, stay 30 feet away from power lines, and check cords for damage while noting that mylar balloons can cause outages.
KWCHRead more
Federal cuts ended funding for Kansas AmeriCorps programs that support food gardens at Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine and youth work at LegacyWorks in Wichita—145 volunteers lost their jobs and local education and food services are now at risk.
Local nonprofits are raising money so these vital programs can continue.
KMUWRead more
Education
Voters in two school districts will vote Tuesday on bonds to fund school improvements.
Augusta USD402 voters will decide on a $55 million bond to boost safety, fine arts and career classrooms while Ness County USD303 voters will consider a $24 million bond with a 29 mill tax increase — early in-person voting in Goddard USD265 begins Tuesday for a $196 million plan to build two new elementary schools and enhance security.
KSNRead more
Government
The Kansas Department of Transportation announced that both northbound and southbound I-135 in Wichita will close for construction from May 10—11 with southbound service closed from the K-254 to just past the K-96 interchange starting at 5 a.m. Saturday and northbound service closed at the K-96/I-135 interchange with traffic detoured via eastbound K-96 until Sunday afternoon—drivers should allow extra travel time and follow all posted detour signs.
KWCHRead more
Voters began early in-person voting yesterday at the Sedgwick County election office for a $196 million Goddard school bond aimed at future growth, and today is the last day to request a mail-in ballot with final polls opening May 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Augusta voters cast ballots today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on a $55 million bond for high school upgrades that will not raise property taxes — all votes are cast at assigned polling places.
KWCHRead more
At today's meeting, Commission Chair Ryan Baty said Sedgwick County is in good financial shape.
He noted the county has a AAA bond rating+ most debt will soon drop while strong investment returns are helping fund property tax relief.
KNSSRead more
Health
Beloved chef Fred Winter of Kobe Japanese Steakhouse was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in late April and is given about three months to live if he does not respond well to chemotherapy.
The restaurant will hold a fundraiser on May 17th—raising funds to support Winter and his family as the community rallies behind him.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Jeremy Camp Concert
Friday, May 9th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theatre — Ticket prices from $25 — Experience an uplifting evening with Americana Christian rock star Jeremy Camp.
Conquer the Campus 2025
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 2-5 p.m. — Wichita Campus — Registration required — Experience the thrill of a 1-mile and 5k run, walk, and kids fun run for all ages.
VEDO Concert
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 7:30-11:30 p.m. — WAVE — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience the smooth sounds of R&B and Soul with VEDO live in Wichita.
Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 for others — Experience gentle strength-building and mindfulness in a supportive environment.
Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Tickets from $54 — Catch the electrifying blues sounds of Kingfish in Wichita's famed venue.
Wichita Asian Night Market
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Equity Bank Park — $8-12 — Experience vibrant flavors and cultural celebrations at this family-friendly night market featuring food, crafts, and live performances.
Beginner Chair Yoga
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. — Club Hope Fitness — Free for cancer survivors, $10 for others — Engage in a soothing chair yoga class designed to enhance wellness and resilience.
Wichita Riverfest
Thursday, May 29th, 2025 · All Day — Downtown Wichita — Free entry — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party featuring activities, contests, shows, food, and cultural experiences.
AJ Harvey with Makayla Brownlee
Friday, May 30th, 2025 · 8 PM — Brickyard — Cost not specified — Experience soulful originals and covers with AJ Harvey and a special acoustic set by Makayla Brownlee.
Riverfest Concert: Flo Rida, Sir Charles III, DJ Cadence
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · 6:30-11 p.m. — Kennedy Plaza Stage — Ticket required — Experience live music from Flo Rida and more at this festive outdoor concert.