Daily editionWednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
Community
Wichita firefighters visited hospitalized kids at Via Christi St. Francis, dressing as superheroes to lift the spirits of young patients in the pediatric and burn units.
They waved from an aerial bucket and later paraded inside as each child received a gift bag — a thoughtful gesture ahead of Halloween.
KWCHRead more
Business
Gilley's, a new country-western entertainment venue in Park City, will hold its grand opening on December 15th at 6 p.m.—located 10 miles north of Wichita at 1500 E. 77th Street North, the facility will offer live music, dancing, and diverse entertainment options.
The venue will finalize its December lineup of events and promotions after the opening.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Spirit AeroSystems will hire 600 more workers by the end of the year after Wichita extended its tax break until 2030—this plan comes as the company missed its earlier target of 320 hires due to COVID-19 problems and issues with the 737 Max, and Boeing will ask the FAA to boost jet production.
KSNRead more
Spirit AeroSystems will hire 600 workers by the end of this year after Wichita extended its property tax exemptions until 2030—this decision is expected to boost local employment opportunities.
KSNRead more
Culture
Wichita residents can attend a series of Halloween events featuring pumpkin carving, trick or treating and haunted tours at sites like Botanica Wichita, Equity Bank Park and Kansas Aviation Museum.
The events run from Oct 17 to Oct 26 and offer tickets ranging from free to $55 — all planned for family fun this spooky season.
KSNRead more
Social Cinema celebrated the full release of its debut album 'Don't Get Lost' after performing yesterday at Wave with TF Bundy and Sego—guitarist Griffin Bush said his lyrics come from pure self-expression.
The band, splitting its time between Wichita and Lincoln, promoted its LP as part of a Buy Before You Stream initiative.
KMUWRead more
Education
Wichita middle schools introduced new high-tech labs on Tuesday that let students work with augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
Funded by Verizon and Heart of America, the labs at Hamilton, Curtis, and Coleman Environmental Magnet schools were designed to help students explore skills for future education and career paths — officials say the hands-on experience will boost skill discovery.
KSNRead more
Maize school leaders are reviewing new safety measures after police found a loaded gun in a student's backpack at Maize High.
On September 11th, more than 1800 parents, staff, and students answered a survey with over 70% supporting permanent weapons detection systems at school entrances.
FOX KansasRead more
Government
Wichita officials have increased enforcement of a city ordinance to remove homeless encampments; cleanups now happen daily since March with averages rising from 14 to 38 per month — this change comes as thousands of resident complaints and a growing number of unsheltered individuals put pressure on local services. Mayor Lily Wu said the effort is meant to make public spaces safer while noting that more housing support is needed.
KSNRead more
Today, the Sedgwick County Commission hears a briefing from Dr. Sheree Utash of WSU Tech on its new partnership with Wichita public schools that offers students the chance to earn an associate’s degree in advanced manufacturing or health care.
Commission Chair Ryan Baty said COMCARE’s contract with PYXIS aims to address juvenile drug and mental health issues—early voting for the local election on November 4 starts Monday.
KNSSRead more
Health
Rural Kansas hospitals face lower Medicaid payments starting in 2028, and a new state tax change approved last month will raise the provider tax from 3% to 6% to give them time to plan.
The change is expected to bring in up to $1 billion statewide — a vital boost to keep hospitals like Labette Health serving local communities.
KMUWRead more
Sports
On Monday, Wichita State's men’s and women's basketball teams held a media day in Birmingham—coach Paul Mills introduced transfers like Kenyon Giles while coach Terry Nooner added 11 transfers to strengthen an older roster.
The teams hope to improve on last season’s low finish in the American Conference as they prepare for the new season.
FOX KansasRead more
Wichita Events
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.
CandleLight Yoga at Maize Rec Commission
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 6-7:15 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — Registration required — Enjoy a peaceful evening of restorative yoga accompanied by soothing live handpan music.
Introductory Free Tae Kwon Do Class
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Newton Recreation Center — Free entry — Discover the basics of Tae Kwon Do in a fun, co-ed class for ages 6-99.
Curvy Yoga Drop-in Session
Sunday, October 19th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Yoga Central — Cash payment option — Discover personalized yoga adaptations for every body type in a welcoming environment.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience the benefits of chair yoga in a supportive community environment.
In Store Author Event with Jillian Forsberg
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 · 6-7 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Free entry — Join local author Jillian Forsberg as she discusses her historical fiction book, The Porcelain Menagerie, exploring themes of art, ambition, and survival.
Anthony Gomes Live Concert
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — WAVE — Starting at $28 — Experience the electrifying blues and rock of Anthony Gomes with a flair that ignites the stage.
Haunted Bookstore Day
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Varies by event — Celebrate the spooky season with fun activities including a scavenger hunt and horror trivia.
In Store Author Event with Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 2-3 p.m. — Watermark Books & Cafe — Free entry — Celebrate the new memoir 'The Magic Eye' with a former Kansas Poet Laureate as she shares her journey and insights.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Monday, October 27th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the rejuvenating benefits of Chair Yoga designed for all mobility levels.