Local News

Wichita-based singer-songwriter Dusty Grant issues his debut EP, Trapped Here, Saturday at The Elbow Room.

The former heavy metal growler is self-releasing the disc, which he views as a calling card for the extensive tours he does each year.

Grant recently visited the KMUW studios to discuss the project.

What did you learn in the process of making this EP?

I learned a lot about the administrative side of things, making sure that you've got everything uploaded and formatted for digital distribution.

Wichita State University President John Bardo, who transformed the school with the development of the Innovation Campus, has died.

Henrion Hall is where the dirty art happens at Wichita State University.

Sculpting. Ceramics. Spray painting. Students are likely to ding, splash and generally make a mess of the walls. With the building nearing 100 years old, the university doesn't mind.

A possible internal investigation into Sedgwick County commissioners is still on hold.

The next steps could be decided soon now that the federal trial of Commissioner Michael O’Donnell is over. A jury acquitted O’Donnell Monday of nearly all charges related to his state and county campaigns.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson was elected the vice chair of the Kansas Democratic Party over the weekend.

Johnson says he sees his new position as an opportunity to work on strategies for races, build the Democratic Party and raise funds. Although there are Republican strongholds in communities all across Kansas, he says Democrats are gaining ground.

A city-appointed committee is recommending that Wichita build a new performing arts facility instead of renovating Century II.

The Century II Citizens Advisory Committee spent the past year talking to experts, reviewing research and getting input from the public. The committee presented its findings and recommendations to Wichita city leaders Tuesday.