Daily editionTuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
Community
Tanganyika held Fallapalooza on Saturday, October 18th to celebrate fall by offering reduced park admission and fun activities such as animal feedings, food trucks, and a Monster Mash dance party for kids—ticket sales provided funds to help care for the animals during winter.
KSNRead more
Hymilie Henderson has faced worsening apartment issues at Emery Gardens since moving in May.
She says the air conditioner stopped working in July + a dishwasher with standing water may be causing mold, and she has also experienced bedbugs and a gas leak from the stove while she seeks a resolution.
FOX KansasRead more
The Wichita Public Library will host DIY Day at the Advanced Learning Library on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—the free annual event will feature local makers, inventors and creatives through hands-on projects that let attendees explore and innovate.
KSNRead more
Education
Mackenzie Truelove, a candidate for the Wichita Board of Education, said she plans to pass a bond issue and expand community schools and mental health services if elected—emphasizing that funding is vital to maintain school facilities.
The incumbent, Diane Albert, has not yet replied to questions—her campaign focusing on fiscal responsibility and student achievement.
The SunflowerRead more
WSU faces no major disruption from the temporary federal shutdown that began on Oct. 1 because student financial aid is processed over the summer and will not affect fall students.
University officials warn that if the shutdown extends until aid disbursement, they will work to provide extra support for affected students.
The SunflowerRead more
The Sunflower surveyed Wichita Board of Education District 2 candidates about their experience, priorities and ideas for improving local schools.
Valerie Most—a longtime business teacher and coach—stated she supports stronger truancy rules and fewer tests for younger students while her opponents Julie Hendrick and Brent Davis have yet to answer the questions.
The SunflowerRead more
Wichita State University’s student newspaper The Sunflower won three 2025 Pacemaker awards for journalism excellence from the Associated Collegiate Press at MediaFest25 in Washington, D.C.—it is one of only two college papers to secure the Newspaper Pacemaker each year for the last five years.
KSNRead more
Wichita Board of Education candidate Amy Jensen explained her plan to strengthen schools by expanding the community schools model and supporting a bond for building upgrades.
She cited her 30 years of teaching experience and criticized past mask rule issues—emphasizing fair, clear leadership for Wichita schools.
The SunflowerRead more
Government
Sedgwick County has started construction on a crisis center to meet mental health needs and high overdose rates — it will offer crisis intervention and detox services, cost about $18 million, and open in 2027 next to the new biomedical campus downtown.
KWCHRead more
Today, the Wichita City Council is considering spending $2 million to renovate the former Central Library into a venue for weddings, banquets, and meetings—updates will focus on the main level with improvements to accessibility, life safety, and building systems funded by the Transient Guest Tax.
KSNRead more
Wichita Board of Education candidates answered questions about their experience, priorities, and vision for public schools, with Hazel Stabler focusing on early literacy and safe learning environments and Amy Warren emphasizing parental involvement and careful review of school closures—both support a new bond to improve school facilities and technology. The candidates highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility and community engagement to help keep local schools open.
The SunflowerRead more
Health
Hundreds of Wichita residents participated in the annual Kidney Walk on Sunday to raise funds for transplant research and kidney disease education—helping to boost donor awareness.
Volunteer Zoe Schumacher said the event highlights the need for more healthy kidney donations.
KSNRead more
Lifestyle
Norm’s Coffee Bar in downtown Newton was visited for the Morning Brew Coffee Contest — a local event where viewers vote for their favorite shop to host a live broadcast.
The coffee shop, owned by the So Shine Foundation, has served the community for nearly 14 years and now offers a Gilmore Girls themed menu with popular drinks like the cherry almond oat-milk ‘Sookie’ latte and a standout waffle lineup available from Wednesday to Saturday.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
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.
Spooky Splash & Treats Party
Friday, October 31st, 2025 · 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Check the website for costs — Dive into a Halloween-themed day of fun and treats for kids aged 7-12.