Stories of community spirit in Wichita

These curated articles share stories of how Wichita residents unite during challenges and support one another through collective action. They show how community efforts shape the city’s character.

One story describes how Jason Washington tries to preserve his family’s old home against legal and financial obstacles, reflecting struggles with housing and heritage. Another example spotlights how the city comes together quickly after severe storms threaten to cancel the Wichita Open golf tournament, with hundreds of volunteers restoring the course so the event can go on. In another case, a young fan donates $2 to help replace a stolen Jackie Robinson statue, inspiring others and leading to a documentary that captures the response.

Each story shows Wichita residents rely on shared work, creativity, and compassion to overcome difficulties and improve their community.

Jason Washington stands in front of his grandparents’ house at 1531 N. Green. By Selena Favela

NO. 1: A WICHITAN’S TALE OF TWO FAMILY HOMES REVEALS UNEXPECTED BARRIERS TO SAVING OLDER HOUSES

Demolitions, often by private interests, are more prevalent in ZIP code 67214 than anywhere else in the city. Public data indicate that age or condition alone may not explain the disproportionate number of demolitions there. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by P.J. Griekspoor and Janelle O’Dea

Eagle photojournalists Jaime Green, left, and Travis Heying pose in front of a bronze statue of Jackie Robinson when the replica of the first statue was installed at McAdams Park in August 2024. The two made a documentary, “More Like Jackie,” about the theft and destruction of the statue and the people who rallied to support replacing it.

NO. 2: IN EAGLE DOCUMENTARY, JACKIE ROBINSON TEACHES THE COMMUNITY ABOUT GRACE ONCE AGAIN

Even if you think you know the story surrounding the theft of League 42’s Jackie Robinson statue, a new Wichita Eagle documentary shows there’s more to the story. | Published December 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Carrie Rengers

Chase Koch, right, speaks with his mother, Liz, and rapper and free speech advocate Killer Mike at last year’s Elsewhere Fest & Conference, which has been renamed Somewhere Fest & Conference for the June 2025 event.

NO. 3: CHASE KOCH’S MUSICAL PASSION PROJECT COULD HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON DOWNTOWN WICHITA

Have you heard that Chase Koch has been on something of a buying spree of downtown properties? Here’s what his plans are so far. | Published January 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carrie Rengers

BreAnna Monk was hired in January as the new president and CEO of Wichita Festivals Inc., which puts on the annual Wichita Riverfest. By Jaime Green

NO. 4: AS 2025 WICHITA RIVERFEST NEARS, NEW LEADER SHARES WISH LIST FOR FUTURE FESTIVALS

She started in January, when this year’s festival was mostly already planned. But she has ideas for events that could give the 53-year-old event a needed “face lift.” | Published May 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Denise Neil

Aaron Wirtz gained fame locally for the zany commercials he made for the Super Car Guys dealerships. He later went to federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. During his time in prison, Wirtz memorized whole books of the Bible. By Travis Heying

NO. 5: AARON WIRTZ TALKS METH, PRISON AND REDEMPTION: ‘THE STORY IS ABOUT GOD’S HOPE’

What has Aaron Wirtz been doing since getting out of prison? To answer that, you have to look at his time incarcerated. | Published June 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carrie Rengers

Spectators still came out in droves to Crestview Country Club to watch the Wichita Open this year after severe weather damaged the hospitality suites before the event started.

NO. 6: FROM DISASTER TO CELEBRATION: WICHITA OPEN SAVED BY COMMUNITY EFFORT

Severe storms tore up Crestview Country Club, but volunteers rallied to keep Wichita’s biggest golf event on track. | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Former Wichita State All-American Sydney McKinney has had a significant role in softball’s popularity growing in Wichita and helping bring professional softball to the city. By GoShockers.com

NO. 7: WHY WICHITA’S SOFTBALL BOOM HAS SYDNEY MCKINNEY’S FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER IT

The former Shocker star returns as a pro, playing in front of packed crowds at Wilkins Stadium and seeing firsthand how her influence helped spark the city’s softball boom. | Published June 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

Wichita native D’Aydrian Harding has gained millions of followers on social media and recently hosted a pick-up basketball event that attracted thousands of fans at Wichita Sports Forum. By D'Aydrian Harding

NO. 8: MEET D’AYDRIAN HARDING, THE INTERNET SENSATION WHO NEVER LEFT WICHITA BEHIND

The Wichita-born creator returned home to host a viral basketball event, spread his message of positivity, and show love to the city that raised him. | Published July 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor Eldridge

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists or members of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative.