Daily editionSaturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
Community
Wichita hosts many events this weekend—ranging from family festivals and art exhibits to community runs.
Local highlights include Shocktoberfest at Wichita State University, the Drone Light Festival at Exploration Place and a car show at Starlite Drive-In on October 4.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Sgt. Scott Heimann was honored at his funeral today with family, friends, and community members gathering—celebrating his life and service.
KWCHRead more
Business
Wichita's High Hopes ICT owner Justin Layne reassured customers his dispensary follows all rules—despite the KBI raiding 18 Kansas stores that left some shoppers nervous.
FOX KansasRead more
Culture
Local musicians will perform a benefit concert at Mort’s Martini & Cigar Bar tomorrow at 3 p.m. to honor blues and jazz legend Henry Walker Jr., who passed in July at 90, and to raise funds to help cover his family's care costs.
KMUWRead more
Exploration Place is planning a bigger Drone Light Festival this weekend—weather permitting—with organizer Laura Roddy saying the event will light up Wichita skies while Chief Meteorologist Jay Prater warns winds may reach 30 mph and disrupt drone flights.
FOX KansasRead more
The Wichita Public Library announced a series of film screenings, panel discussions and live readings for Banned Books Week.
The events begin Sunday with a screening of the documentary 'Banned Together'—they will end on Oct. 11 with a live reading at all branches.
KMUWRead more
Education
Wichita public schools have 45,075 students for the 2025-26 school year, down from 46,556 last year—reflecting a nearly 12% drop over a decade—and district leaders said that plans to close four elementary schools may lead to further consolidations as empty classrooms become too costly to run. They noted that the decline is linked to fewer births, shifts in immigration, and a new open enrollment law.
KMUWRead more
Environment
On Oct 3, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issued a public health advisory on several lakes with toxic blue-green algae—like Atchison City Lake #9 and Colwich City Lake—warning residents and pet owners to avoid water contact to prevent illness.
KSNRead more
Government
Wichita City Council member Mike Hoheisel told residents at a town hall on October 3 that he remains focused on long-term quality of life solutions in District 3 by completing projects like Clapp Park renovations and boosting services to help those at risk of homelessness.
He also outlined plans for a new community center (Planeview Park) and opposed a citywide sales tax (which he said would hurt low-income residents).
KMUWRead more
Health
Five therapy dogs and their handlers were blessed Friday morning at Via Christi St. Francis in a ceremony honoring their work in providing comfort to patients – after the blessing, the teams visited those receiving cancer care to bring healing support.
KWCHRead more
Lifestyle
The Morning Brew Coffee contest is now live—local coffee lovers are invited to participate in the competition.
KWCHRead more
Sports
Wichita high school football preview shows five games with Andover Central expected to beat Goddard 32 to 14, Derby to beat Hutchinson 37 to 27, Cheney favored over Hoisington 29 to 22, Haven to overcome Garden Plain 26 to 20, and Kapaun Mount Carmel set to top Wichita Southeast 37 to 17. Analysts pointed out Derby's big change and Haven's strong record ahead of the matchups on Friday.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
2025 Fall Curvy Yoga Series
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Registration required — Experience a supportive yoga series tailored for all body types and abilities.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Monday, October 6th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Experience gentle movements and mindfulness in an accessible yoga practice for all abilities.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 · 8-9:30 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — $ — Experience a mesmerizing fusion of iconic Rock & Metal anthems performed by classical musicians in a stunning candlelit setting.
Splash of Color Workshop for Teens
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 · 3:30-5 p.m. — Newton Recreation Center — Check website for pricing — Unleash your creativity in a fun, colorful environment tailored for ages 10-16.
Watercolor Pumpkins & Leaves Workshop
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — The Art Park — $12.00 — Unleash your creativity in a colorful celebration of autumn with this fun watercolor class.
Carolanne Miljavac Live Comedy Show
Friday, October 10th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Vorshay's Cocktail Lounge — Refunds up to 1 day before event — Enjoy relatable humor and sharp wit from Carolanne as she shares the chaos of everyday life.
Curvy Yoga Drop-in Classes
Sunday, October 12th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Cash or online registration — Explore accessible yoga tailored for every body type and ability in a welcoming environment.
Chair Yoga Class
Monday, October 13th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Experience a supportive chair yoga practice aimed at improving strength and mobility.
Social Cinema Live Performance
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying live show from the indie rock band Social Cinema, known for their dynamic sound and deep artistic journey.
Ole 60 US Tour 2025
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Cotillion — $46.20 — Experience the Ole 60 US Tour featuring special guest Rob Langdon in an all-ages show.