Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wichita State University students will gather tonight at 7:30 outside the Rhatigan Student Center to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed last week—Wichita State Police will closely monitor the event to ensure a safe environment on campus. FOX Kansas
- ➤ The Kansas State Fair drew 300,784 people in 2025—a drop of about 28,000 from 2024—as rain flooded parking lots and organizers set up shuttles from nearby locations. They will use this experience to build a weather contingency plan while preparing for next year's fair scheduled for Sept 11–20. KSN
- ➤ A 101,000-piece LEGO mural celebrating Wichita's seven public high schools was completed and is now on display at the USD 259 office. The project started in August and brought together contributions from every school to show unity. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Manufacturing Council said voting is now open for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest featuring 10 products made by Kansas companies—votes must be cast online until Oct 3 and final results will be shared at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on Oct 28 at Hyatt Regency Wichita. KSN
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Farmer and artist Jack Baumgartner from Rose Hill sold his latest painting, The Fourth Vision of Zecharia, to a private collection, showing his blend of farm life and spiritual art—he said the work reflects his deep bond with the land. KMUW
- ➤ Producers Deontae Hayden and Daley Gunter are staging Keys to My Heart, a faith-based drama about love, betrayal and redemption, which will run on September 26 and 27 at Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theater—showcasing local talent and real community stories. KMUW
- ➤ Sedgwick County Zoo will host Wild Lights from Oct. 15 to Dec. 21, running 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. The exhibit will feature over 60 lighted scenes of familiar and mythical plants, animals and creatures—tickets start at $14 with VIP cart tours available for a private ride and festive drink and snack. Wichita By E.B.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita will apply for a $7.295 million state grant to fund the Botanica water reclamation and education project, which may start in 2026. The city council also approved a one-year contract for false alarm ordinance management, finalized designs for three public art projects along the river, trail, and gateway, and selected RDG Planning & Design to create a new park master plan. KNSS
- ➤ The five largest counties said they lacked state support for running local license tag offices; Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty said a meeting in Wichita last Friday showed counties needed more control to fix inefficiencies and outdated equipment—efforts for improvement are under discussion. KNSS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the City Council considered a contract worth over $300,000 to update the Parks Master Plan and a grant for Botanica's water conservation project—while a WSU voter registration event ran from 8-11 a.m. at the Rhatigan Student Center. In court Tuesday, Craig Steele faced a preliminary hearing for a deadly shooting and a judge was set to decide whether Pedro Morones' first-degree murder case would proceed—after the U.S. Marshals arrested him following a tip. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ This year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl raised $140,000 for Shriners Children’s from its football game and wrestling event, with the donation supporting Kansas children and families who receive care. Organizers said more than 500 student-athletes and musicians met with patient ambassadors—showing strong community involvement. KSN
- ➤ Kansas hospitals will receive nearly $1 billion extra each year after the state doubled its provider tax from 3% to 6%—Senator Marshall announced the change during a Tuesday virtual press briefing. The extra funds will go into a Medicaid account, matched by federal dollars, to help keep struggling hospitals open. KWCH
- ➤ A heart attack survivor who was once declared dead has reunited with his care team after receiving life-saving treatment. Doctors say the patient is stable—he now begins recovery under careful monitoring. KWCH
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Kolby Cooper Live Concert
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.
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Kids Club Professional Development Day for Grades 1-6
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.
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Pretend Friend Live at Walnut Valley Festival
4-8 p.m. — Winfield Fairgrounds — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy a lively performance from the progressive bluegrass band Pretend Friend.
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Wichita Flea Market
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.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
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.
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Alchemised Book Release Celebration
6-8 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — $40 includes hardcover book — Celebrate the dark fantasy debut of ALCHEMISED with raffles, trivia, and games.
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Survivor 49 Wichita Premiere Watch Party
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.
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Charles Wesley Godwin Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages welcome — Experience the mesmerizing sounds of Charles Wesley Godwin and special guests in a lively atmosphere.
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Chair Yoga at Park City Senior Center
9:30-10:15 a.m. — Park City Senior Center — Free for members — Enjoy accessible chair yoga that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.
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Kustomville USA: Artshow and Carshow
10 AM-11 PM — The Cotillion — $10 admission — Experience a vibrant day of kustom cars, art, and live music from various bands.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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