Daily editionSaturday, May 17th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
Community
This weekend Wichita hosts many local events from Friday to Sunday with activities planned for all ages.
Heritage Fest begins at 11 a.m. today in Andover—celebrating the city’s history—while tasting tours, live music and markets add to the lineup.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Business
Wichita Brewing Company opened its new brewpub in the Delano District at 901 W. Douglas Ave this past February.
It features craft beers, pizzas and a scenic rooftop patio—plus a main floor patio that offers guests another outdoor dining option.
KWCHRead more
Culture
This summer, the Cards and More Tour will host Wichita Poke Fest on July 19 and 20 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview (400 W. Douglas Ave) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature Pokemon character appearances, vendors selling collectibles, hourly giveaways, and a trade party with free pizza on July 19, with admission costing $5 for adults in advance.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Economy
Kansas farmers are expected to harvest over 338 million bushels of wheat with an average yield of 53 bushels per acre—up from last year's mid-40s and above the drought-stricken numbers from previous seasons.
The Wheat Quality Council’s three-day tour of 450 fields found that 93% of planted acres will be harvested despite scattered cases of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.
KNSSRead more
Education
Schools announced the Top of the Class 2025 nominees yesterday—listing groups of students including Nathan Arnold, Allee Hopkins, and Rylee Orpen; Cherish Galliart, Nathan Reed, and Garrett Lanning; Ellie Foos, Peyton Heilman, and Carson Griffin; Connor Commerford, Joseph Lawton, and Grace Hong; Olivia Carlson, Jack Nickel, and Conner Hostetler; and Sadie Camblin, Isaac Johnson, and Emily Scribner.
KWCHRead more
Environment
K-State warns locals to avoid poison hemlock, a wild plant found in pastures and on roadsides that can cause birth defects and death from nervous system failure if ingested.
The university advises wearing gloves and a respirator when handling it and recommends herbicides such as Aminopyralid+Metsulfuron and Picloram+2,4D to remove the plant.
KSNRead more
Government
The Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office held a ceremony Friday to honor fallen officers at a memorial in Wichita.
KSNRead more
Accidents
An 18-year-old Lyons High School senior died in Ellsworth County on Thursday night when he drove east on K-156—crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming tractor trailer—and a 58-year-old driver from Morrill sustained minor injuries.
KWCHRead more
Butler County EMS confirmed that paramedic Justin Lauppe, who served for 14 years, died on May 16th after suffering cardiac arrest during an emergency call—family will announce memorial service details later.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Summer Computer Science Camp
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 · 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.
Goodwill Industries Cajun Food Fest
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 · 5-8:30 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — $15 admission — Enjoy a delicious array of traditional Louisiana favorites at this annual Cajun celebration.