Daily editionSaturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
Community
Local churches, schools and community groups are hosting trunk or treat events for a safe Halloween celebration today — an interactive map provides event times and locations from Oct. 17 to Oct. 31.
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Kansas shelters are hosting a tri-state animal adoption event today where thousands of dogs and cats can be adopted for $50 or less in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
The event brings together 38 shelters from Kansas, Iowa and Indiana + it supports no-kill initiatives in the region.
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A Wichita barber is drawing attention beyond the city for using his clippers skillfully and inspiring confidence with every cut he gives—uplifting local customers with his care.
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City officials announced a plan to convert the Wichita Downtown Library into an event center— it will host community events and gatherings when completed.
Details on the construction timeline and funding have not yet been released.
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Culture
The El Dorado oilfield north of Wichita spurred an oil boom during WWI when the Stapleton Number One well began spurting oil on October 5—its success marked by geologist Charles Gould’s dome-shaped rock method.
This historic site shaped local industry and helped power wartime machinery, linking Kansas’ past to its lasting legacy.
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Tanganyika Wildlife Park founder Jim Fouts received the ZAA lifetime achievement award on Thursday for his work in conservation, having started the park in 1984 on 5 acres.
The park now shelters over 100 species + 47 breeding programs and will remain open through Nov. 16.
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Environment
State health officials said on Friday that several lakes in Sedgwick County were placed on a warning or watch list due to high blue-green algae levels.
They urged residents to avoid water contact for safety — advice that applies to both people and pets.
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Government
KDOT announced that the ramp from westbound K-96 to southbound I-135 and the ramps connecting to North Hydraulic Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. today until Sunday afternoon for work on the new flyover bridge at the Junction Gold Project in Wichita.
Motorists must use I-135 to access westbound K-96 then turn south on Hillside Avenue — take 21st Street to rejoin southbound I-135.
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Health
The American Cancer Society predicts that over 300,000 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed nationally this year and 400 Kansans are expected to die from the disease.
Health experts urge regular self-exams and biennial mammograms for average-risk women (ages 40 to 74) to help catch the illness early.
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Ascension Via Christi will open a new free-standing emergency department at West Kellogg Drive and South 119th Street in west Wichita in 2027.
The facility will include two triage rooms, 10 treatment rooms, one trauma room, advanced imaging technology and an on-site lab to serve over 10,000 patients each year — the provider said.
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Sports
The Friday Five column reviewed Wichita area high school football matchups and offered predictions for five games including Argonia/Attica at Cunningham, Medicine Lodge at Hutchinson Trinity, Kapaun Mount Carmel versus St. James Academy, Wichita East against Bishop Carroll Catholic, and Derby at Maize South. The column highlighted team histories and rivalries — urging local fans to follow as these contests unfold this week.
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Wichita Events
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.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience a supportive and community-focused yoga session designed for all mobility levels.
Asleep at the Wheel Concert
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 · 7:30-9 p.m. — The Cotillion — Reserved table seating tickets plus general admission dance floor — Celebrate over 50 years of Texas and Western Swing music with Asleep At The Wheel.