Daily editionWednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
Community
Sedgwick County Zoo showcased a bearded dragon and discussed the Wild Lights event, which will run through December — they also planned to close the Elephant Boma for exhibit updates.
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Business
Express Kitchen is closing its downtown Wichita location on Oct. 31 after nine years, and owner Natasha Gandhi-Rue said a new restaurateur is expected to take over the space.
All services will move to The Kitchen at 3622 Oliver in east Wichita.
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Bosch Group confirmed layoffs of around 200 jobs in Wichita on Tuesday after its purchase of Johnson Controls' HVAC business this summer— the company said the cuts are needed to improve efficiency amid a challenging market and that affected workers are receiving support.
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Culture
Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg has received a $500,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places to fund the restoration of its historic sanctuary—repair work will include rebuilding a wall, replacing aging wooden beams with steel supports, and installing tie rods.
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Environment
Construction began on Monday to expand the elephant enclosure at Sedgwick County Zoo — after the zoo welcomed four baby elephants this summer, including Bomani, Kijani, Asali, and Dakari — and zoo leaders say the upgrade will improve herd care while the elephant barn will close during winter with the babies staying outdoors when weather permits.
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Sedgwick County Environmental Resources will host a free household hazardous waste collection event on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Spirit AeroSystems in Parking Lot P off Kansas Highway 15 and MacArthur Road+ residents can drop off items such as paint, aerosols, batteries, used motor fluids, lawn chemicals and fluorescent bulbs while items like tires, electronics and controlled substances will not be accepted.
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Government
The Wichita City Council approved Union Pacific's plan on Tuesday to build two new groundwater treatment facilities and expand an existing one for the 29th and Grove neighborhood—an effort to improve water quality after decades of contamination from a railroad spill.
Union Pacific said it will work with city and state agencies and will submit finalized design plans for review next year while construction is expected to start next fall.
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Sedgwick County is keeping the WIC program running on temporary funds as the government shutdown continues, but officials say funding may become an issue if the shutdown lasts past October.
County leaders are monitoring the situation and advising participants to continue attending their appointments.
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Law enforcement agencies across Kansas are hosting the National RX Take Back Day event on October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—over 50 locations will accept unwanted or expired prescription drugs while not taking needles, liquids or inhalers.
The event is free and anonymous.
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The Kansas Department for Children and Families said SNAP benefits in Kansas might be delayed if the shutdown continues due to insufficient federal funding—affecting nearly 188,000 Kansans and straining food banks and pantries.
Benefits will be distributed within 72 hours of federal approval—while new work requirements set for November may add further challenges for families.
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Health
Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph hospital in Wichita is serving patients today in its newly expanded emergency department that adds 21,000 square feet of clinical space, 20 new beds, and an 11-bed psychiatric observation area — a Phase 2 upgrade of a $22 million project funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds. The hospital is beginning Phase 3 of the project, with work expected to complete by summer.
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Real Estate
A new Zillow report shows Wichita leads the nation with 54% of its apartments priced under $1,000 per month—only 13 of the 100 largest cities offer more than one-third affordable units, while coastal areas have much fewer options.
The data highlights the challenge of finding affordable rentals in major U.S. markets.
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Wichita Events
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.
Super Saturday: Travel Entrepreneurship Workshop
Saturday, November 1st, 2025 · 11 AM – 2 PM — Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town — Free entry — Explore turning your travel passion into a profitable business opportunity.