Daily
Wichita
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday evening, about 1,700 people held a vigil outside the Rhatigan Student Center to honor Charlie Kirk—the Turning Point USA co-founder shot on Sept. 10 during a talk at Utah Valley University. Police kept high security at the event while a small group of protesters voiced their opposition. The Sunflower
- ➤ The Salvation Army hosted its annual Community Leadership Breakfast on Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Wichita to celebrate a year of volunteer work and community impact. The fundraiser honored local leaders with the Martha C. Buford Humble Servant Award and featured keynote speaker Rebecca St. James—drawing widespread local support. KSN
- ➤ Today, Kansas residents can drop off small electronics at four Wichita-area Cox store locations to earn a free ticket to Wild Lights at Sedgwick County Zoo. The promotion runs Sept. 19–24 and ends on World Gorilla Day while the seasonal display runs from Oct. 15–Dec. 21—aiming to reduce e-waste and support gorilla habitat conservation. KWCH
- ➤ In July 2024, Tehillah and Christian Smith from Winfield expected a baby daughter — but they lost her before she could join their family. They are now turning their grief into hope as they work to rebuild their lives. KSN
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After weeks of voting with 15 restaurants involved, Crispy Donuts was voted Wichita’s Most Liked Donut. The shop bested The Donut Palace and now serves customers at 460 N West St+3233 E Harry St. Wichita By E.B.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The historic Nomar Theater—closed since the 1980s—will soon become a vibrant food hall on Wichita’s north side as local nonprofit Empower moves forward with its plans. Empower bought the building nearly four years ago and Executive Director Ariel Rodriguez said the project will revive the landmark. FOX Kansas
- ➤ Downtown Wichita will host a chalk art contest on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — the contest will take place on Douglas Avenue near the Ruffin Building with cash prizes and a theme titled 'Healtland Stories,' and registration ends Sept. 24. KSN
- ➤ Wichita’s annual ICTFEST music festival opened Thursday and will run through Saturday at Kirby’s Beer Store, Nortons Brewing Company, and Midwest Drum & Percussion—featuring a Y2K theme where attendees can wear retro outfits. KSN
- ➤ Let’s Smash is a smash room in Delano where people pay to break items to relieve stress, and owner Oscar Maldonado plans to add more rooms and games for family and group events—drawing a varied crowd that includes those celebrating big moments like divorce parties. The business is open from Wednesday through Sunday and uses donated items from local estate sales to keep the experience fresh. KMUW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ WSU Tech hosted its second Shock Tank competition where employees pitched bold ideas to improve the college and community. Four finalists—focusing on financial wellness, literacy, technology, and a teacher program—presented their projects on Thursday, and the winner will receive up to $200,000 in funding as Wichita’s mayor joined the judging panel. KSN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sedgwick County's credit and debit card system has been offline after a vendor upgrade broke the service, so residents must use cash or a check when visiting county offices. County officials say all departments are affected and hope to restore the system soon—tag renewals remain available online through the state system. KSN
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools are hosting a free vaccine clinic for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade children at the Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center on Saturday, Sept. 27 — appointments are required. KSN
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Ongoing rain is causing flooding that has forced organizers to replant the sorghum field twice and may delay the weekend opening of Field of Screams Kansas—officials will adjust the start time if the weather does not improve. FOX Kansas
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Kidzcope Zoo Adventure Day
10 AM – 2 PM — Sedgwick County Zoo — $5 off admission — A wildly fun family outing with activities and learning opportunities supporting children's grief support.
-
Yachtley Crew Live Concert
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Cotillion — All ages welcome — Enjoy a night of nostalgic Yacht Rock hits performed by Yachtley Crew, the Titans of Soft Rock.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Wichita
Welcome to the Daily Wichita, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Wichita, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Wichita, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wichita.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Wichita and across Kansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Wichita
A free Wichita community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailywichitanews.com/sitemap