Good morning, Wichita.

Robert Golden said he reported sexual abuse by former Eastminster Church youth director Bodie Weiss (whom he alerted about in 2005) but a church investigation (which had also reviewed a 2000 complaint) deemed his allegations unsubstantiated, leaving him and other alleged victims deeply affected.

Wichita police, FBI, ATF, and Sedgwick County sheriff's officers raided several homes and businesses today following a year-long investigation aimed at stopping suspected drug cartel members from distributing dangerous drugs—authorities report the coordinated operation spanned multiple locations in the area.

Hutchinson police confirmed the remains are those of Kimberly D Barnes, who was reported missing in July 2024 — dental records matched with family records and an autopsy showed no sign of criminal activity.

Wichita State University approved up to $750,000 for a feasibility study to explore Kansas’ first dental school—part of Phase II of the Wichita Biomedical Campus and a partnership with Fort Hays State to help ease rural dentist shortages.

The study, to be finished by fall, will assess aspects like faculty, space, and clinical partnerships to serve Kansas residents.

The City of Wichita held a second public hearing Thursday night to review a $776 million budget for 2026 with a mill levy of 32.316 mills, which aims to balance the budget for 2026 and 2027.

The council chose CPS HR Consulting to recruit a new manager for retiring Robert Layton — and scheduled additional feedback meetings on August 19th and 26th.

Wichita City Council approved a $130,000 allocation — with a $40,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield — to add an outdoor fitness court at Osage Park in south Wichita.

The project is part of the National Fitness Campaign and installation is expected later this year following high usage of the first fitness court at Pat Garcia Veterans Memorial Park in 2023.

Wichita is one of six finalists for the SportsTravel Awards for best sports-event host city — Visit Wichita said the city hosted over 100 events with a $61 million economic impact, including the NCAA Basketball Tournament and U.S. Figure Skating Championships — as it competes with Atlanta, Boise, Charlotte, Des Moines, and Milwaukee for the title.

Super Saturday - Travel Entrepreneurship Workshop

11 AM – 2 PM — Courtyard Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Explore how to turn your passion for travel into a rewarding career.

Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission

1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Engage in supportive chair yoga to enhance strength and flexibility while fostering community.

Foundations of Yoga

5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Engage in gentle yoga practices designed for all skill levels while enhancing strength and mindfulness.

Water Lantern Festival

5:30-9:30 p.m. — O J Watson Park — Ticket required — Experience a beautiful evening filled with peace and creativity as you light up the water with lanterns.

Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission

1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Accessible yoga practice using chairs for improved strength and flexibility.

Culinary Arts: Asian Market Visit

6-8 p.m. — Mark Arts — $65 — Explore an Asian market and master delicious recipes like pad thai and spring rolls.

Chair Yoga Class at Maize Recreation Commission

1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Engage in a supportive chair yoga practice designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

Rudy Love & The Encore Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mark Arts — Ticketed event — Enjoy a vibrant evening of pop, R&B, and soul music under the stars.

The Lacs Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages welcome — Experience the evolving sound of The Lacs live in Wichita with special guest Hayden Coffman.

Tab Benoit Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages — Experience Grammy-nominated Tab Benoit showcasing his bluesy roots with new music and fan favorites.