Daily
Wichita
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sgt. Scott Heimann was honored at his funeral today with family, friends, and community members gathering—celebrating his life and service. KWCH
- ➤ 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.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Kansas
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. KMUW
- ➤ 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. KMUW
- ➤ 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 Kansas
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. KMUW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. KSN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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). KMUW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Morning Brew Coffee contest is now live—local coffee lovers are invited to participate in the competition. KWCH
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KWCH
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2025 Fall Curvy Yoga Series
1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Registration required — Experience a supportive yoga series tailored for all body types and abilities.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Experience gentle movements and mindfulness in an accessible yoga practice for all abilities.
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The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
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.
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Splash of Color Workshop for Teens
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.
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Watercolor Pumpkins & Leaves Workshop
1-2 p.m. — The Art Park — $12.00 — Unleash your creativity in a colorful celebration of autumn with this fun watercolor class.
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Carolanne Miljavac Live Comedy Show
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.
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Jay Webb Live
7-10 p.m. — WAVE — Ticket info available — Experience the gut-punching storytelling of Jay Webb with a unique blend of country and modern influences.
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