Wichita’s most-read stories last week: New restaurants, fatal crash, duplex debates

From restaurant openings and a long-rumored steakhouse to a fatal motorcycle crash and suburban housing fights, Wichita readers had a busy news week. Here are the stories that drew the most attention.

• New Mokas location: Mokas Coffee & Eatery opens its third Wichita restaurant April 15 at 3851 N. Ridge Road, with a fourth location planned near Central and Oliver next spring.

• Ruth’s Chris confirmed: After more than two decades of rumors, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is coming to Wichita, filing a building permit to remodel the former Spaghetti Factory space at the Waterfront.

• Fatal motorcycle crash: Motorcyclist Blaise Stewart, 22, died after a collision with a Kia Soul at Lincoln and Oliver. Investigators think speed may have been a factor.

• Johnny’s Tavern noise fix: The new Douglas Avenue restaurant hired a “sound scientist” to tackle noise from its high tin ceilings and concrete floors. It’s planning to hang sports team flags at strategic ceiling spots for sound absorption.

• KIRK Act debate: A Dion Lefler opinion column questioned the Kansas Legislature’s override of Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the KIRK Act, which opens college outdoor spaces to “expressive activity” and lets anyone who feels “aggrieved” sue for damages.

• Duplex standards revisited: Derby and Goddard are reconsidering duplex rules after both cities rejected rezoning proposals last year. Derby plans a public open house, and Goddard’s draft plan caps duplexes at no more than 40% of an R-2 development.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Eagle journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by Eagle journalists.