Daily editionThursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
Community
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday as EmberHope broke ground on Hope Estates in Newton—designed to offer affordable housing for 28 young adults transitioning out of foster care.
The new complex will also include seniors—providing mentorship to help reduce homelessness among former foster care youth.
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Wichita families gathered yesterday at Bridget’s Cradles’ tenth annual Wave of Light event to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
They joined in a candlelight vigil and water lantern release along a path lit by 50,000 pink, blue, and white lights — a display meant to support healing after loss.
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Empty Bowls, an artist-driven fundraiser at Wichita State, will offer handmade ceramic bowls and hearty soups for a $35 ticket, with a $15 rate for students — the event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Woosley Hall to support local hunger relief efforts.
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Business
Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport was named one of USA Today’s 10Best small airports for the fifth consecutive year — it ranked eighth overall in a reader poll amid competition from airports in California, Florida and New York.
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Culture
Wild Lights kicked off Wednesday night at the Sedgwick County Zoo and now brightens the park with lanterns and new displays until Dec. 21 from 6-9 p.m.—tickets are available online or at the gate.
A team of artisans spent a month preparing the lights, which were designed and shipped from China.
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The 13 Sinister Souls indoor haunted attraction in Wichita is open to offer a spooky fall experience for guests looking for a unique thrill.
Organizers plan to feature eerie displays + interactive scenes that promise a memorable seasonal outing.
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Education
A Hutchinson group called Beyond Barriers hosted National Disability Mentorship Day on Wednesday, giving 80 Reno County students a job shadowing experience and helping more than 220 students statewide explore career opportunities.
Staff, many of whom have disabilities, served as role models—showing that challenges do not limit future success.
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KSN News sent a questionnaire to each candidate for Wichita City Council and the Board of Education, including Diane Albert, the current President of Wichita Public Schools Board of Education and a lifelong local resident.
She outlined plans to boost student reading through Science of Reading and LETRS training, manage taxpayer dollars carefully, and support calm, well-maintained classrooms—efforts aimed at making schools the top choice for families.
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At a Wichita Journalism Collaborative forum, school board candidates Mackenzi Truelove and Diane Albert explained plans to improve teacher retention and limit cell phone use in classrooms.
They differed on DEI strategies—Truelove proposed higher teacher pay while Albert relied on the district’s strong salary system—and both backed a potential new bond issue to secure funding.
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Environment
Cheney Shooting Range will reopen later this month after tests showed the soil, groundwater, and stream near the facility are safe.
The range was closed earlier this year due to lead concerns raised by a regular user — KDWP has set a reopening date no later than October 25 and will begin renovations in 2026.
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Wichita Events
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.
Wichita Career Fair
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 · 9:30 AM-12:30 PM — Wichita Marriott — Free entry — Connect with recruiters from local and Fortune 500 companies to explore new career opportunities.