Daily editionFriday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
Community
Erin and Ryan Potter bought Watermark Books & Cafe in April to keep its nearly 50-year legacy alive—updating the hours to Monday-Friday 9 to 7 and Saturday-Sunday 9 to 5.
They will host Haunted Bookstore Day with book events and new book clubs—inviting the community to enjoy a day of reading and fun.
KMUWRead more
Kansans observed the 24th anniversary of Sept. 11 today with solemn ceremonies in Wichita, including a flag lap at Sedgwick County Park and a 10 a.m. tribute at Veterans Memorial Park.
Work nears completion on a local 9/11 memorial in Rose Hill and participants will climb the Epic Center stairs on Sunday to honor 343 fallen firefighters — a tribute that shows the community’s unity.
KSNRead more
The Kansas State Fair is reopening parking today at 10 a.m. with Lots A and B accessible from Main Street while Lot C remains closed except for limited handicapped, Media/VIP and Will Call parking — shuttle service will begin at 7:30 a.m. and run every 15 minutes with final buses leaving at 11:30 p.m.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Carla Eckels interviewed two original choir members from a gospel album recorded in 1968 at St. Paul AME Church — Wichita’s oldest Black church, where the recording in the sanctuary captured a special moment in local history.
Their recollections highlight the lasting impact of that cherished project on the community.
KMUWRead more
Today on 'The Range,' Watermark Books & Cafe begins a new chapter under new owners Erin and Ryan Potter, who bought the store last spring and plan to refresh this Wichita landmark.
The report also recalls a gospel album recorded in 1968 at St. Paul AME Church — featuring insights from singers Marvin Stone Jr. and Donna Miller.
KMUWRead more
Government
Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport was nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Small Airports for the fifth year in a row and is currently ranked 10th — it has previously ranked as high as third in past polls.
Readers can vote daily up to four times until Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. CDT — winners will be announced on Oct. 15.
KSNRead more
Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base supported the ceremonial return of Tech.
Sgt. Willis Rozelle Hall’s remains at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport on Thursday, with his family receiving his honored remains. His remains, identified this summer through DNA analysis, will be taken to Altoona on Saturday for a visitation, memorial service — and burial.
KSNRead more
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags be lowered to half-staff from sunup to sundown on September 11 to honor victims of the 9/11 attacks—she said the measure remembers nearly 3,000 lives lost and thousands injured in 2001.
KNSSRead more
The City of Wichita is asking residents for feedback in its search for a new city manager as current manager Robert Layton retires at year’s end — the anonymous survey remains open until October 8.
KWCHRead more
Health
Jessica (first treated for neuroblastoma at nine months old) faces a return of cancer nearly 14 years later, and this week she will join a clinical trial in New York while her family organizes fundraisers to help with her medical costs.
The family remains hopeful as they navigate the challenges of her renewed diagnosis.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Attack Attack! Live Concert
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets starting at $54 — Experience the electrifying performance of Attack Attack! in Wichita.
Tyler Hubbard Concert Featuring Drew Baldridge
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — Equity Bank Park — Starting at $67.65 — Experience a night of country music with Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line and special guest Drew Baldridge.
Monthly Restorative Yoga at Club Hope
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Club Hope Fitness — $20 cash or $22 online — Embrace relaxation with gentle poses and supportive props in this soothing restorative yoga class.
Chair Yoga Session
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Strengthen your body and mind with accessible chair yoga designed for all mobility levels.
Kolby Cooper Live Concert
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages welcome — Enjoy an evening of live music from Kolby Cooper and special guest Luke Borchelt on the Love You, Goodnight Tour.
Kids Club Professional Development Day for Grades 1-6
Friday, September 19th, 2025 · 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Wichita Collegiate School — $14 per hour — An engaging day for students offering care, activities, and socializing opportunities during professional development.
Pretend Friend Live at Walnut Valley Festival
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 4-8 p.m. — Winfield Fairgrounds — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy a lively performance from the progressive bluegrass band Pretend Friend.
Wichita Flea Market
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Check for entry details — Explore unique finds and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere at this local flea market.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
Monday, September 22nd, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Engage in a gentle yoga practice designed to enhance flexibility and promote community well-being.
Alchemised Book Release Celebration
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — $40 includes hardcover book — Celebrate the dark fantasy debut of ALCHEMISED with raffles, trivia, and games.