🌻 Wichita Weekly (01/22)

Good morning, Wichita!

We just stocked up on way too many groceries ahead of the incoming snow. Looks like it is going to be a cold and messy weekend.

But — my toddler is going to love sliding down the driveway on a trash can lid… so silver lining?

Let’s jump into this weekly!

This Week’s Poll

Last Week’s Poll Results

Do you like the Wichita History articles??

Seems like I am going to keep writing them!

• Yes - 93%

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• Indifferent - 7%

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STAY INSIDE!!

Weather

Thursday – 01/21 – 46°/13° – Partly Cloudy

Friday – 01/22 – 16°/4° – PM Snow Showers

Saturday – 01/23 – 8°/-1° – Snow

Sunday – 01/24 – 15°/-5° – Mostly Sunny

Source: KWCH

CHIMP, COLD, CASTLE

Local News

Volunteers to help injured Sedgwick County Zoo chimpanzee

• A specialized medical team from Wesley Healthcare recently volunteered to perform a toe amputation and reconstructive foot surgery on Alizeti, a 2-year-old chimpanzee at the Sedgwick County Zoo. The procedure was successful, and experts expect the young chimp to make a full recovery and retain complete use of her foot.

• Link: Read more

‘Extreme cold watch’ for winter storm expected this weekend

• Wichita is bracing for a significant winter storm starting Friday that could bring 5–10 inches of snow and prolonged, dangerous cold. The National Weather Service has issued an "extreme cold watch" as updated weather models show the storm tracking further north into Kansas than originally expected.

• Link: Read more

Shockers build first American winning streak

• The Wichita State Shockers secured their first conference winning streak of the season with a 77-60 victory over East Carolina at Koch Arena on Wednesday. This win moves the team to 4-3 in AAC play, marking the first time since 2021 that the program has held a winning league record during the month of January.

• Link: Read more

Let’s buy a castle

• Wichita Life is pitching a scheme for thousands of locals to crowdfund the purchase of the iconic Campbell Castle in Riverside. By skipping a few lattes and Netflix subscriptions, he argues that 500 neighbors could own the historic 17-bedroom estate outright, finally giving Wichita its own "non-country club" social hub. The proposal suggests transforming the 1888 landmark into a viral, Instagram-worthy destination for murder mystery parties and haunted tours, proving that some ideas are just waiting for the right group of royal investors.

• Link: Read more

DESIGN, FORECLOSURE, CHICKEN

Business News

Investor looks to sell Wichita property leased to Chicken N Pickle

• The Chicken N Pickle property at 13th and Greenwich has been listed for sale at $8.62 million, though the popular entertainment venue will continue its normal operations under its remaining 13-year lease. This potential sale follows a national trend of sale-leaseback strategies, similar to the nearby Topgolf property which was also recently listed for over $21 million.

• Link: Read more

240-unit apartment complex near Bradley Fair shopping center trades hands

• The Parc at 21st & Rock Apartments, a large complex located right next to Bradley Fair, was recently sold to a Charlotte-based investor marking their first entry into the Wichita market. The deal highlights the high demand for rental properties in northeast Wichita's prime shopping and dining corridors, where other nearby complexes have also recently changed ownership.

• Link: Read more

Wichita Furniture debuts The Gallery for designers, builders

• Wichita Furniture and Mattress has opened "The Gallery," a new 10,000-square-foot luxury showroom at its west Kellogg location designed specifically for interior designers and custom home builders. The space features high-end furnishings with extensive customization options, including over 500 fabrics, and includes a cafe and bar for hosting design events.

• Link: Read more

Bank files for foreclosure against unfinished senior housing development

• Simmons Bank has filed for foreclosure against the Connect55+ senior housing project in northeast Wichita after the developer defaulted on a $6.6 million loan. The project at 127th and 21st has faced significant delays for six years, leaving the three-story building unfinished and subject to multiple mechanic's liens from local subcontractors.

• Link: Read more

VIENNA, BIRDS, KANSAS

High-Graded Events

Silent Sky: Live Theater Production

• A live immersive theater performance presented in the Dome at Exploration Place, combining live acting with astronomy visuals as it tells the story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt.

• Price: $30–$35

• Dates: January 22–25, 2026

• Time: 7:00 pm (Jan 22–24), 2:00 pm matinee (Jan 25)

• Link: More Info

Exhibit – Portraits From the Museum Collection

• An art exhibit at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum showcasing a variety of historical portraits in different mediums and exploring the stories of the people depicted.

• Price: $2–$5 (Free on Sundays)

• Dates: Through March 2026 (regular museum hours)

• Time: Tues–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm; Sat & Sun 1:00 pm–5:00 pm

• Link: More Info

Voyage to Vienna

• A classical music concert at Century II featuring orchestral works spanning three centuries, including pieces by Haydn, Brahms, and contemporary composer Anna Clyne.

• Price: $10–$85

• Dates: January 24, 2026

• Time: 7:30 pm–9:30 pm

• Link: More Info

Backyard Birding Seminar

• A free seminar at Johnson’s Garden Center West offering tips on attracting and caring for birds in your backyard through seed, feeder, water, and shelter strategies.

• Price: Free

• Dates: January 24, 2026

• Time: 11:00 am

• Link: More Info

Kansas Day Celebration

• A free family-friendly event at the Great Plains Nature Center celebrating Kansas history with games, crafts, trivia, and a special naturalist program, plus a look at upcoming seasonal events.

• Price: Free

• Dates: January 24, 2026

• Time: 10:00 am–1:00 pm (Naturalist program at 11:00 am)

• Link: More Info

WORLD TREASURES

Parents Corner

While it might not make a lot of sense to get on the road this weekend, if you’re looking for a fun, educational indoor outing in Wichita that keeps kids (and adults!) engaged, you can find three floors of fascinating exhibits at Wichita Museum of World Treasures.

What You Will Find

🦖 Dinosaur and Fossil Adventures

Your kids will likely start with the dinosaurs! On the first floor, they’ll come face-to-face with Ivan the Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons on display anywhere. You’ll also find fossil displays like the “Sea Creatures of the Plains” featuring giant marine reptiles that once swam in ancient Kansas seas.

🏺 Journey Through Ancient Civilizations

Also on the first floor are exhibits on Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and other early cultures. Little history lovers can see Egyptian mummies, explore a Roman coin timeline that stretches nearly 50 feet, and check out artifacts from ancient daily life—all real treasures that connect kids with the stories of long-ago civilizations.

⚔️ Explore World and Military History

On the second floor, older kids can walk through interactive areas featuring military exhibits, including uniforms, weaponry, and even a World War I trench replica. There’s also a gallery dedicated to American presidents, complete with original signatures and a replica of the Resolute Desk.

🎨 Kid-Friendly Play & American History

The third floor is where your younger adventurers can play and learn! Ivan’s Playhouse is a dedicated kid-oriented space with dinosaurs toys, books, and interactive learning tools just their size. Nearby, the Romancing the West exhibit brings frontier life to life with cowboy and Native American artifacts, while other displays feature musical history and stories from everyday life in the past.

General Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.)

Tip for parents: Weekday mornings are often quieter and great for younger kids to explore at their own pace!

Tickets & Admission

• Adults: $11

• Children (4–12): $9

• Children 3 and under: FREE

• Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Youth): $36

Bonus: Teachers get in free with a valid ID, and there are discounts for students and military families

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Best,

The Wichita Weekly