Did you know that Kansas is now the #1 state for candy corn? Love it or hate it?

Let’s get to it!

- Landon

Harrison Ford Comes to Wichita

As you likely know, Harrison Ford used to come to Wichita on an annual basis to have his plane serviced and re-up his certifications. During that time, he would explore Wichita, visit his favorite restaurants, and snap a few pictures.

Tomorrow, a film premieres documenting his time and relationship with Wichita, made by Graham High. Keep an eye out for a podcast with Graham too.

Together with Meritrust Credit Union

Even in 2025, fraud is still one of the biggest threats to your money and peace of mind.

From your mortgage to how you get your kids to soccer practice, your finances touch every part of daily life.

That’s why Meritrust Credit Union takes fraud protection so seriously, especially around the holidays when scammers are on the prowl.

Meritrust offers educational resources to help you spot red flags, protect your accounts, and stay ahead of fraudsters.

Learn more about how Meritrust is working to keep members safe from fraud in their in-depth article here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Opening

The Bullpen - 117 N Mosley (former Heroes) - Opening in February
B & A HOA Management Services - Now Open
Quick Pick (serving burgers, fries, chicken strips and skill-game machines)- 21st and Grove - Now Open
Dave's Hot Chicken - 2692 N Greenwich (former Blaze Pizza) - Now Open
Hacienda Rosa - 21st and ArKansas - Now Open

Reopening

Barrel Boys BBQ - 13th and McLean - Reopening tomorrow 10/17 and will be open on Saturdays through November and Sundays as well after that

Derby Plaza Is Saved

Derby Plaza Theaters is off the auction list now that its years of back property taxes are paid, and it says it's staying open for "another 30 years." The theater also warns that fake GoFundMe pages are going around in its name.

Nightmare On Brew Street

Nortons Brewing has spookified the place for Halloween, with a cocktail potions menu and a fiery food menu. No reservations are needed, but be ready for surprises around every corner.

Enter if you dare.

Restaurant Award Winners

Prost owners Austin and Manu English were named Restaurateurs of the Year at the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association awards, and Nick Korbee of First Mile Kitchen won Chef of the Year. Jimmy Vo of Kan-Grow Hydro Farm took Allied Partner of the Year.

NONPROFIT

Free Pet Shots

Wichita Animal Action League is giving away free vaccines, microchips, food, and supplies Saturday, 10/17, 10am-2pm at Linwood Park. It's first come, first served, with dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

Rock The Block

Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 16 finished homes on Piatt in north Wichita with a block party Monday, 10/19, where the public can tour the homes and meet the homeowners. Habitat plans 13 more homes, many in the new Pope Leo Village.

Women's Network Names CEO

Congrats to our friend Audra Dinell, founder of The Thread, on stepping up as the new CEO of The Women's Network!

Together with the Ninth Floor Club

It’s never too early to start planning your Halloween weekend.

It could however be too late if you wait too long to sign up for the Midnight at the Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner at the Ninth Floor Club!

Seats are going fast and you don’t want to miss your chance for a full dinner buffet followed by a live, interactive murder mystery performance where clues unfold and secrets are revealed throughout the night.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Guest arrival: 6:00 PM
Expected conclusion: 10:00–10:30 PM
Member admission: $65 + tax per person
Non-member admission: $95 + tax per person

CIVIC

Midtown Plan Update

The city kicked off the first full update to the Midtown Neighborhood Plan since about 2004, and neighbors raised concerns about vacant properties, homelessness, and abandoned businesses. The city's survey is open through today, 10/16.

Kellogg Closes This Weekend

Westbound Kellogg will be closed from Hoover to I-235 from 7pm tonight, 10/16, through Sunday evening, and eastbound drivers won't be able to get onto northbound I-235. KDOT is starting demolition on the bridge over the floodway, a $5.11M project running through August 2028.

Trump Rally In Wichita

President Trump is holding a rally in Wichita on Monday, 10/19, to back Sen. Roger Marshall's reelection campaign against Democrat Adam Hamilton, a race several polls rate as a toss-up. The venue hasn't been announced yet.

Parks For Schools?

The city and USD 259 are discussing a land swap that would give the district Claud Lambe and Columbine parks for new schools, with the city getting the Adams and McLean Elementary sites. After neighbors pushed back on losing the parks, the council pushed its vote to November to hear more public input.

K-96 Project Details

Four projects are planned to expand K-96 between I-135 and I-35, and the $53M federal grant helps fund the Woodlawn and Rock interchanges and the I-135/Hillside/Oliver interchange. Construction bids are expected in September 2028.

LOCAL

Maize South Falls Short

Maize South's historic run in the first state girls flag football tournament ended in a 27-26 quarterfinal loss to undefeated Shawnee Mission South. The Mavericks were the only Wichita-area team to qualify, and the semifinals and championship are Saturday, 10/17, at Scheels Stryker Sports Complex.

Pull A Plane

Teams of 25 will try to pull B-29 Doc, an 80,000-pound restored WWII bomber, 25 feet across the finish line at Pull A Plane this Saturday, 10/17, from noon-5pm at the Doc Hangar, 1788 S. Airport Road. This year the B-25 "Yellow Rose" joins the lineup too, and admission is $10, or $25 for a family of up to six.

Skip leg day, pull a bomber.

Copeland Comes To Tallgrass

A documentary about Stewart Copeland, the former drummer for The Police, makes its Midwest debut Saturday, 10/17, at the Tallgrass Film Festival. Wichita's Shawn Rhodes is the executive producer.

101 Club Sold

The 80-acre Jim James Memorial 101 Club site in Valley Center drew a tentative winning bid of $1.039M when its online auction ended 10/14. The buyer hasn't been named, and closing is expected in 30-45 days.

So Long, Sauroposeidon

Field Station: Dinosaurs in Derby says its 40-foot-tall, 93-foot-long sauroposeidon, which caught fire after an April lightning strike, is beyond repair. Pay your last respects before it comes down after Dinosaurs After Dark ends 10/30.