The Range

Some neighborhoods in Wichita's 67214 zip code, west of Wichita State University, have long struggled with poverty and access to fresh, healthy food. 

But a community group is trying to change that by providing free breakfasts, groceries — and even books. This week on The Range, we stop by a Books & Breakfast event to meet some of the people behind the initiative, and some of the residents it's serving.

Have you been by Wichita's downtown riverfront lately? It doesn't look much different than it did a year ago — but change could be on the way, on both the west and east banks.

This week on The Range, we visit a small Kansas town that rebuilt its biggest tourist attraction, and itself, following a devastating tornado.

Plus, we talk with the mayor of Wichita about how the city is helping businesses survive the pandemic.

It's the first First Friday in 2021, and we're ringing in the New Year by talking about art.

Of course, 2021 doesn’t look much better than 2020 for art shows. But that hasn’t stopped two Wichita art lovers from becoming the new owners of one of the city's best-known galleries. This week on The Range, we talk to them about why, despite the challenges, the market for art is thriving.

It's Christmas here on The Range, and after a tough year, we hear from four Wichita pastors who are sharing a message of faith, hope and love.

Plus, we talk to the world's busiest CEO this week: Santa. Actually, two Santas. (You might not want to listen to this episode with young kids.)

This week on The Range, we meet a woman who's driven by the memory of her late mother to bring joy to other people's lives.

And, we talk to a community activist in Wichita who's pushing back on the payday lending industry after a title loan company moved into her neighborhood.

This week on The Range, we take a trip to western Kansas to visit the breathtaking "Cathedral of the Plains" that towers over the tiny town of Victoria.

Plus, we catch up with Lynn Hutchinson, a COVID-19 ICU nurse at St. Francis Hospital we first spoke to in July, to hear what the situation is like now, ten months into the pandemic.

A Wichita sculptor is adding a little fantasy to Botanica's holiday glow.

This week on The Range, we talk to artist Connie Ernatt about her newest pieces at the annual light display.

Plus, a Wichita roofing and construction company runs on the philosophy of giving its employees second chances — and encourages other companies to do the same.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas has doubled in the last five weeks. The spike has led to overcrowded hospitals and nearly 250 deaths this month. And African Americans are being hit particularly hard: Black Kansans are three times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than white Kansans, and more than seven times more likely to die from the disease.

This week on The Range, we talk to one Wichita woman about her battle with COVID-19, and why she says sharing her story is so important.

When KMUW's Beth Golay began taking the bus four years ago, she learned the ins and outs of the city transit system from veteran driver Troy Bowens.

This week on The Range, she goes en route the 17/27 bus with Troy once again to catch up.

Plus, in its 57 years, Connie's Mexico Cafe has never experienced one like 2020. Hear what new lessons the pandemic has taught this old Wichita restaurant.