🌻 Wichita Weekly (01/15)

Sound like we'll still vote on the sales taxes...

January 15, 2026

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Good morning, Wichita!

I hope you liked the Wichita History article from yesterday — see the poll directly below to let me know if you want to keep seeing history articles! (I like them… but I might just be a bit of a history nerd…)

And — diving into weekly in 3… 2… 1… Now!

This Week’s Poll

Do you like the Wichita History articles?

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Last Week’s Poll Results

Did you pick physical exercise or diet as your New Year Resolution?

  • Yes - 43%

  • No - 57%

Shoutouts

None this week! Help me out and get a shoutout!

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GETTING COLDER

Weather

Thursday – 1/15 – 56°/33° – Mostly Sunny

Friday – 1/16 – 45°/21° – Partly Cloudy/Windy

Saturday – 1/17 – 33°/12° – Partly Cloudy

Sunday – 1/18 – 48°/21° – Mostly Sunny

Source: KWCH

Ad (helps offset some of my costs — thank you!)

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TAXES, TAXES, BIRD FLU?

Local News

Campaign against sales-tax referendum

  • A grassroots coalition led by Celeste Racette has launched a campaign urging Wichita voters to reject a 1% sales tax referendum on the March 3rd special election ballot. Opponents argue the $850 million proposal, which would fund projects like Century II and a new performing arts center, is a "vague and rushed" plan pushed by well-connected insiders without enough public transparency. The group, which includes former local officials and developers, is now distributing "vote no" signs and opening a campaign office on West Douglas to mobilize opposition.

  • Link: Read more

Wichita's 1% sales-tax vote stays on March 3 ballot

  • In a 5-2 vote during a heated special meeting, the Wichita City Council rejected Mayor Lily Wu's push to delay the 1% sales-tax election until August. While the Mayor and community activists argued for more time to vet the proposal, Vice Mayor Dalton Glasscock and others insisted that any delay would create a dangerous funding gap for essential city services. This decision sets the stage for a high-stakes March 3 vote, pitting the business leaders behind Wichita Forward against grassroots opposition groups who feel the process has been far too rushed.

  • Link: Read more

Complete ban on phones in school floated in Kansas

  • A bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 302, has been introduced in the Kansas Legislature that could mandate a statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban for all K-12 students starting in September 2026. While many local districts like Wichita Public Schools already restrict phone use, this law would eliminate current flexibilities for high schoolers to use devices during lunch and passing periods. The proposal aims to protect student mental health and reduce digital distractions, though some local boards argue these policy decisions should remain under district control.

  • Link: Read more

Margarita’s Cantina relocating

  • A longtime Wichita favorite, Margarita's Cantina, is trading its original East Douglas home for a new spot in the heart of Old Town. Taking over the former Express Kitchen space near Union Station, the restaurant plans to reopen in mid-March with a simplified menu designed for faster service in the high-traffic downtown district.

  • Link: Read more

Kansas bird flu outbreak worst in the nation

  • Kansas is currently facing the nation's most severe avian flu outbreak, with nearly 414,000 birds affected, with the majority stemming from a single commercial operation in Pottawatomie County. While the CDC maintains the public health risk is low, local officials are working closely with poultry owners to implement quarantines and biosecurity measures to contain the spread during these peak winter months.

  • Link: Read more

GAS, ER, WOOF

Business News

“DoorDash of gas” coming to Wichita

  • A veteran-owned mobile fuel delivery service called Juiced Fuel is launching in Wichita this February, offering a "DoorDash for gas" experience that delivers fuel directly to your home or business. Started by local couple Cory and Nicole Angsten, the service aims to save busy residents and fleet owners time by providing on-demand fill-ups for just a small premium over standard pump prices. The company's bright orange trucks will serve a wide area ranging from Park City to Derby and Andover to Goddard.

  • Link: Read more

Wesley Woodlawn ER doubling size

  • Wesley Healthcare is investing $28 million to nearly double the capacity of its Wesley Woodlawn emergency department, growing from 14 to 26 beds to keep up with a doubling of patient volume over the last three years. This project is part of a larger $120 million investment in Wichita healthcare facilities this year, which also includes major upgrades to Wesley Medical Center like a new parking garage and an expanded critical care tower.

  • Link: Read more

Kansas Humane Society CEO resigns

  • After only three years of leadership, Aaron Walker has resigned as CEO of the Kansas Humane Society, a staple Wichita institution that serves thousands of local pets and families. The organization’s board has named CFO Michelle Lee as interim CEO to ensure a stable transition for their vital community programs and signature fundraising events like Woofstock.

  • Link: Read more

DO YOU CARE?!

High-Graded Events

QUESTION!

The last two weeks, analytics on my end suggest <1% of you clicked a link to any event!

Do you not care about seeing events in this weekly?

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WONDER WEDNESDAYS AT BOTANIC

Parents Corner

Looking for a regular, engaging activity to break up the winter routine with your young children? Wonder Wednesdays in Winter at Botanica are back — a weekly opportunity to bring preschool-aged kids (3 - 5) out for learning, movement, and creative play in a warm, inviting garden setting.

  • 📍 Where: Botanica Wichita — 701 N. Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203

  • 🗓️ When: Every Wednesday through March 25, 2026

  • 🕙 Times: Two sessions — 10:00 AM–11:00 AM and 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

  • 👶 Ages: Designed for children ages 3–5 (with parent or guardian)

  • 💵 Cost: Included with garden admission (kids and adults)

What to Expect Each Week: Wonder Wednesdays is more than just storytime — it combines books, songs, movement, and creative play with a new theme each week, helping young children explore language, rhythm, and imagination in a playful group setting. Children can enjoy interactive story reading, sing-along music, and hands-on crafts or physical activities designed to reinforce the day’s theme.

Activities vary week to week, so returning families can look forward to fresh themes and new experiences each time. Here’s what’s in store for January:

  • Jan 14: Even Superheroes Have a Bad Day

    • Build your own superhero mask!

  • Jan 21: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole

    • Hands-on creative activity!

  • Jan 28: A Perfect Day

    • Create a mini sled for winter-themed fun!

If you made it this far — thank you so much! You are the reason I write this newsletter — and it would be nothing without you.

Would you please consider sharing this newsletter?

Thanks for reading and let me know if there is anything specific you would like to see going forward!

Best,

The Wichita Weekly

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