Daily editionWednesday, August 26th, 2026
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of August.
Culture
Country singer Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80, leaving a legacy that launched the Imagination Library program—first in Pratt and now statewide—and gave Wichita memorable moments with her 1968 benefit show at the Cotillion Ballroom.
Governor Kelly celebrated her contributions during a 2023 event in Overland Park.
KWCHRead more
Local Wichita luminaries are taking part in the Storytime Village event today (a community reading initiative) at a downtown venue to promote literacy and cultural exchange among families.
KWCHRead more
Education
Kansas has expanded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program—offering free books to children through United Way.
In 2023, funding was allocated and Parton visited Pratt Public Library to support an initiative that reached over 10,000 kids.
KWCHRead more
Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn promotes Wichita’s Wonder school as an innovative model while records show the school has a $4.5M debt from personal loans by its founders *raising concerns*.
He balances campaigning in Iowa with managing the school’s financial challenges.
KMUWRead more
Local community members remembered Dolly Parton on Tuesday, Aug. 25 by honoring her educational philanthropy & enduring support for local schools, with tributes reflecting on her lasting impact on community learning.
KWCHRead more
A Wichita mother said that even after a bell-to-bell ban, students at a local public high school still use personal devices during class.
The concern was noted more than nine days into the school year + it continues to challenge school officials.
KAKERead more
Environment
Lottē has joined Zero Foodprint's Dirty Drinks campaign to raise funds for healthy soil.
From Aug. 24 to 30, the local restaurant is serving innovative cocktails like its Late Summer Serenity using Kansas cantaloupe to support farmers with compost and cover crop projects.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Government
Wichita’s 15th fire chief, Mike Mire, began his new role this week after nearly 30 years working in Houston.
He replaces Tammy Snow following a national search by city officials.
KMUWRead more