The Range

More than 1 million Kansans are expected to cast ballots in this year's election. And many of them already have: Advance voting has been brisk, and the state sent out a record number of mail-in ballots.

With the election only a few days away, we wanted to hear from voters about what issues were most important to them when they went to the polls. This week on The Range, we head to Newman University and Wichita State's Koch Arena to hear what voters have to say.

Daniela Guadalupe Renteria Sandoval

There was a time when Peri Widener thought she might make a career as a pianist.

Instead, she took her communications degree from Wichita State University and spent nearly 40 years with Boeing, retiring in 2017 as vice president and general manager for Global Services.

And she learned that her background in music and communications — plus a minor in business — was a strength in the international business world.

If you’ve driven down Douglas past Old Town and Union Station, you’ve seen the giant steam engine that is the prize of the Great Plains Transportation Museum. It’s right in the middle of the overpass; you drive right under it.

Who doesn’t like trains (other than when you’re stuck in traffic waiting for one to pass)?

This week on The Range, we track down a museum in Wichita that's a hidden gem for train lovers of all ages.

Plus, we talk to former Boeing executive Peri Widener about her new program at Wichita State, and why playing the piano helped her in the business world.

Ronald Fleming is a regular on Wichita Transit. But most riders probably don't know him by that name.

This week on The Range, we go en route with the man who calls himself "The Cowboy."

Plus, we travel to Winfield, where city leaders are taking charge of their green energy future.

Kansas' first Muslim sorority began its first full year at Wichita State University this fall, despite the challenges of the pandemic. This week on The Range, we talk to the president of Mu Delta Alpha about the sorority is building sisterhood, and a better understanding of Islam.

Plus, the 2021 forecast for Wichita's economy is out, and while it's not all puppy dogs and ice cream, it does bring some good news — if we can keep the coronavirus under control.

Mosley Street Melodrama in downtown Wichita is known for its interactive, often physical theater experiences. But like so many other things, COVID-19 has changed that.

This week on The Range, we talk to owner Monte Wheeler about how the theater is finding its way during the pandemic.

Plus, the local economy is in a headlock, but the work of economic development officials to help rebuild it continues.