Daily
Wichita
Friday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Watson Park in south Wichita marked 60 years when it opened on May 15 and now spans 119 acres with a 42-acre lake made from old sand pits; the park offers a miniature train, pony rides, pedal boats and a miniature golf course. KNSS
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Wichita police increased patrols in Old Town after two unprovoked attacks by the same man—one near River City Brewery and another near a QuikTrip—led to his arrest when witnesses detained him. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On May 22, 12 News will air 'Without Warning: The Untold Stories of Udall and Blackwell'—a look back at the 70th anniversary of the tornado that killed nearly 100 people after striking Udall from Oklahoma, keeping the town’s history alive. KWCH
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Five of Kansas’ six state universities, including Wichita State, Kansas State, University of Kansas, Pittsburg State, and Fort Hays State, will seek tuition hikes for next fiscal year — the increases range from 2.5% to 4% as they work to cover funding shortages and falling international enrollment, while Emporia State will not ask for any change. KWCH
- ➤ Families planning for college costs face steep tuition as private colleges average more than $43,000 for a four-year program and public out-of-state tuition rises above $30,000 — experts advise exploring scholarships, grants, and budgeting for living expenses before choosing student loans. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 14, the Excellence in Public Service Award winners were honored at a reception in Lotus Hall at Botanica, and the winners (Julie Stimson, Shanna Zimmerman, and Detective Robert K. Chisholm Jr) were recognized for their leadership in public service. KSN
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lad Oborny, a student at Andover High School, raised over $220,000 for the American Heart Association and broke a national record—his campaign, inspired by family heart health struggles, earned him the National Teen of Impact Winner title, a $10,000 scholarship, and a college recommendation. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ PJ Couisnard, a former Shocker star who helped Wichita State reach the Sweet 16 nearly 20 years ago, has returned as an assistant coach on Paul Mills’ staff. He said joining his alma mater was a dream come true — and he plans to revive the program while his son prepares to join the team next season. KWCH
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Conquer the Campus 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.
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VEDO Concert
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.
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Beginner Chair Yoga at Club Hope
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.
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Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — Tickets from $54 — Catch the electrifying blues sounds of Kingfish in Wichita's famed venue.
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Wichita Asian Night Market
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.
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Beginner Chair Yoga
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.
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Wichita Riverfest
All Day — Downtown Wichita — Free entry — Kansas’ biggest outdoor party featuring activities, contests, shows, food, and cultural experiences.
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AJ Harvey with Makayla Brownlee
8 PM — Brickyard — Cost not specified — Experience soulful originals and covers with AJ Harvey and a special acoustic set by Makayla Brownlee.
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Riverfest Concert: Flo Rida, Sir Charles III, DJ Cadence
6:30-11 p.m. — Kennedy Plaza Stage — Ticket required — Experience live music from Flo Rida and more at this festive outdoor concert.
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Summer Computer Science Camp
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — WSU Tech South — Check website for cost — Learn the basics of coding with hands-on activities designed for grades K-12.
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Daily Wichita is a community newsletter sharing current events in Wichita, Kansas. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Wichita community, and support local organizations. If you like Daily Wichita, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wichita.
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