🌻 Wichita Weekly (01/09)

Good morning, Wichita!

That was quite the snow storm! My driveway is still covered in ice… I tried to shovel it Sunday night, but underneath a layer of snow (which I was able to get off), it was just solid ice.

Apparently, we are supposed to get more snow today… hopefully, after that, the sun comes out enough for neighborhoods to start to get de-iced!

Also, I definitely did not need that emergency weather alert…

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MORE SNOW?!

Weather

Thursday - 33°/ 21° - 🌨️ PM Snow Showers

Friday - 30°/ 15° - 🌥️ Partly Cloudy

Saturday - 36°/ 22° - 🌥️ Partly Cloudy

Sunday - 33°/ 16° - 🌥️ Partly Cloudy

Source: KWCH

FLU, HACKING, BOOP

Local News

Hospital flu visits rise in Wichita

• “Statewide, the CDC says Kansas’ level is “very high” for the spread of respiratory illnesses.”

• “December saw an 8% increase in influenza-related emergency department visits, which is a higher increase than the county saw that same time in 2023. Flu season usually sees its peak from December through February, but every flu season is different, the county said.”

• “The uptick in flu cases led to Ascension hospitals in Wichita to impose temporary visiting restrictions, which asks those who are experiencing cold and flu symptoms to not visit the hospital until their symptoms have subsided for 48 hours.”

• Link: Read more

Cybersecurity breach for Kansas schools

• “A data breach at PowerSchool, a student information system provider, could affect millions of K-12 students and teachers nationwide, including those in Kansas.”

• “Andover Public Schools notified parents on Wednesday about the breach, stating that it happened between Dec. 19-23. PowerSchool became aware of the issue on Dec. 28 and informed the district on Tuesday.”

• Link: Read more

Stolen Betty Boop returned

• “A cast aluminum Betty Boop statue was stolen from Station 8 Barbecue in Wichita on Wednesday, according to a social media post from the restaurant that can’t be posted here due to some (perhaps understandable) foul language. The restaurant’s driveway camera was also broken by the offender.”

• “The owners of Station 8 Barbeque said thanks to an anonymous tip, the stolen statue was returned to its rightful place in front of their restaurant.”

• Link: Read more

DEVELOPMENT, DEMO, KOCH

Business News

Wichita projects to watch in 2025

• Exploration Place: “October 2025 is the timeline for when Exploration Place's $25-million outdoor expansion along the Arkansas River is expected to be fully finished. The 1,500-person Wichita Foundation Amphitheater already opened this fall, offering free family movie nights, live music performances and other entertainment and community events. Taking inspiration from Tulsa's Gathering Place, an outdoor playscape set to have 10 themed play areas will come in the next phase.”

• New Psychiatric Hospital: “Work should be underway in the new year on the new 104-bed adult psychiatric hospital headed to Meridian and MacArthur in southwest Wichita. The $101.5 million effort will be led by Sedgwick County through the construction phase and turned over to the state once it's finished in late 2026.”

• Ballpark District: “Construction work will loom around Riverfront Stadium and the intersection at Maple and McLean in 2025 as crews are expected to start on the Ballpark District, which will build a 158-room hotel, 181 luxury apartment units and a 300-spot parking garage on the west bank of the Arkansas River. It's a much-anticipated project from the Overland Park-based EPC Real Estate.”

• Link: Read more

Downtown demolition for biomed corridor

• “In December, the Wichita Historic Preservation Board voted to recommend denial of the demolition permit request saying it would “damage or destroy” the historic property at 632 N. Topeka. City staff had recommended backing the board's denial.”

• “‘It's not just a one-off scenario where we plan to get a demolition permit and then turn around and just sit there on this property,’ Lange told the Council. ‘We plan to make some pretty momentous changes here in this area, in coordination with Ascension Via Christi, and we have their support behind us to help us kind of rejuvenate this area.’”

• “Beyond housing, Lange noted the St. Francis hospital area has the potential to see retail, restaurant and coffee shop development similar to what's played out at Central and Hillside, next to Wesley Medical Center's campus.“

• Link: Read more

Chase Koch on ‘Good Morning America’

• “Chase Koch was spotted during the Dec. 13 and Jan. 1 broadcasts of the morning talk show, but it wasn't for an interview on a news story like you might expect… He was playing guitar with his band to promote an album called ‘Stand Together‘.“

• “Aloe Blacc, best known for his guest appearance on the 2013 single "Wake Me Up" by Avicii, has partnered on the album with the Stand Together philanthropic organization that was founded by Charles Koch, the Koch Inc. chairman and co-CEO, and Chase Koch's father.“

• “Stand Together, headquartered in Washington D.C., focuses on tackling a range of societal issues, including those related to education, the criminal justice system, addiction and poverty.”

SLEDDING, WEDDINGS, POTTER

High-Graded Events

Snow Globe

• “Hosted by Wichita Park & Recreation in partnership with Snow Bros Snowmakers, get ready to be sledding under the starry night sky while a live DJ spins your favorite tunes. But that's not all - prepare to be mesmerized by a dazzling light show that will leave you breathless. Immerse yourself in the radiant glow that only Snow Glow can offer.”

• When: Jan. 11, 6pm - 9pm

• Where: Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N Seneca St.

• Price: $15

• Link: Learn more

Wichita Bridal & Event Expo

• “Getting married, or planning a special event, party or corporate event? Attend the Wichita Bridal & Event Expo to find businesses that can provide all the services and products you need for your event. There will be more than 200 Booths.”

• “Visit with businesses, get questions answered, and inquire about pricing. Enjoy tastings, live fashion stage shows, image showcase areas, the newest trends and designs and special deals”

• When: Jan. 11 / 12, 10am / 12pm

• Where: Century II, 225 W Douglas Ave

• Price: $14 - $17

• Link: Learn more

Potted Potter

• “Playing to sold out houses all over the world, the Olivier Award nominated Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into seventy hilarious minutes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).”

• When: Jan. 14 / 15, 7pm

• Where: Orpheum Theatre, 200 N Broadway St,

• Price: $49 - $59

• Link: Learn more

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Best,

The Wichita Weekly