Keith Grant

1 day ago | kwch.com | Keith Grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Kansas Wheat Tour is currently underway, with agriculture specialists visiting farms throughout the state to assess how local conditions have affected wheat production. One significant challenge this year is the wheat streak mosaic virus. While this disease is most prevalent in the western part of Kansas, outbreaks have also been reported in central and eastern regions. The virus is identifiable by the yellow streaks that appear on the green leaves of wheat.

6 days ago | kwch.com | Keith Grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Wichita Public Schools recently laid off 16 employees, including those in administrative positions, as part of a multi-phase plan to address a budget shortfall. According to the district, layoffs started last week. This plan outlines four phases aimed at cutting $42 million in expenses. The district projects that phase four, which includes these layoffs, will save approximately $4.6 million.

1 week ago | kwch.com | Keith Grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Exploration Place Playscape, which is currently under construction just to the north of the museum, will soon be more than mounds of dirt surrounded by a fence. On Tuesday, Adam Smith, the President and CEO of Exploration Place, shared that the museum will begin installing playground equipment. The museum also revealed renderings of one of the play areas, which will have an agricultural theme and feature “larger-than-life” wheat stalks.

1 week ago | kwch.com | Keith Grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - On Monday, the Kansas Water Office opened the gates at Cedar Bluff Reservoir to release water. The release will recharge groundwater in the Smoky Hill River, which is a portion of water that the towns of Hays and Russell rely on. The gates at the reservoir have not opened for the two municipalities since 2013.

1 week ago | kwch.com | Keith Grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Wichita State University has canceled certain graduation traditions this year. The university said it’s in response to federal orders, agency guidance, and state legislation. Wichita State University traditionally holds graduation events for certain students. That includes multicultural graduations, lavender graduations, and first-generation ceremonies. At these ceremonies, students would get their cords or stoles that they would then wear during the university’s commencement.