Daily editionTuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Community
On Sunday, Wichita hosted the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb where 25 agencies joined firefighters from Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri in a challenging climb of 110 flights to honor 343 fallen heroes—each participant carried a lanyard to remember a lost firefighter.
FOX KansasRead more
Street repairs are underway at Douglas and Woodlawn in east Wichita after heavy rains caused a large sinkhole.
Southbound traffic is being diverted and northbound lanes will close next Monday — repairs are expected to continue for the rest of the week.
KNSSRead more
Sedgwick County Zoo celebrated the birth of Rubilee—an American bison calf born during Zoobilee—and said she received her first vaccinations, a microchip, and a weight check.
The North American Prairie team named her to follow a tradition from her mother Pearl and aunt Jade, saying every bison birth sparks hope for a species that once roamed Kansas.
KWCHRead more
Business
The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Manufacturing Council have opened voting for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas competition, featuring finalists from Wichita, Garden Plain, and Hutchinson.
Voting remains open until Friday, October 3 and final results are to be announced at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, October 28—highlighting state innovation.
KNSSRead more
Culture
The Wichita area will host Oktoberfest events from late September to early October featuring German food, live music, and family activities.
Local venues such as MBC Lounge, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company, and Brickyard will each offer their own celebration—details vary by event.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Keys to My Heart is a new stage play by Wichita producers Deontae Hayden and Daley Gunter that explores love, betrayal, and redemption and will be shown at Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theater on Sept 26th and Sept 27th at 7:00 p.m.—doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The VoiceRead more
On September 15th, Hatman Jack’s celebrated National Felt Hat Day as owner Jack Kellogg explained that felt hats replace straw hats when colder weather sets in—he has 52 years of hat experience and has styled hats for famous music stars.
Kellogg also showed proper hat care techniques to keep felt hats in good shape.
KWCHRead more
Government
After a Monday wreath-laying ceremony, McConnell Air Force Base began a 24-hour flag vigil today — airmen honor POW/MIA Week until the vigil ends at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The base will hold a closing ceremony from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday in the Bleckley Lounge.
KSNRead more
Starting today, Wichita has permanent watering restrictions that allow watering every other day but ban it between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday while even-numbered addresses are limited to Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday—with no watering on Monday and well users unaffected.
KSNRead more
Many Kansans are frustrated by major delays at the TAG office since yesterday — officials have not yet announced when the backlog of services will be cleared.
KWCHRead more
Kansas producers say the Farm Bill, set to expire at the end of September, left out key funding for conservation, research and market access while crop support and ranch drought relief begin in 2026—lawmakers now are pushing for a skinny farm bill as farmers prepare for a record harvest. This move follows gains from the July bill but leaves a gap in efforts to open new markets.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Wichita State volleyball will host non-conference KU in its lone home game of the month—scheduled for Tuesday night.
Fans have one opportunity this month to watch the team play at home.
KSNRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Survivor 49 Wichita Premiere Watch Party
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 · 6-11 p.m. — Club Vaudeville — General Admission and VIP Packages available — Celebrate the Survivor 49 premiere with fun, games, and former players at the ultimate watch party.
Charles Wesley Godwin Concert
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages welcome — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Charles Wesley Godwin and special guests in a lively atmosphere.
Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Enjoy accessible chair yoga that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.