[think] The Top Wichita Stories of 2009
Outsiders may think nothing interesting ever happens in Kansas, but we know it’s been a newsy year in Wichita. Here’s a look back at the good and bad of 2009.
Intrust Bank Arena/Downtown development
The arena’s not even open yet, and it’s already causing a lot of consternation among Wichitans. First we complained about a lack of diversity in acts – most of the performers lined up so far fall into the country genre – and then, when tickets for said acts went on sale, we complained they sold out too quickly. Arena officials are looking at a rocky 2010 if Taxpayers for Tickets has its way, but most of us are looking forward to the economic and cultural benefits the new venue will bring. In the meantime, city planners have oh-so-slowly turned their attention to downtown; maybe in a few years we’ll have an official redevelopment plan, once a couple more consultants sign off on it.
South Vietnamese war memorial/Lord’s Diner satellite
Two proposals – one for a memorial in Veterans’ Park to South Vietnamese citizens who fought for the U.S. in their country, and one for a second location of the Lord’s Diner in northeast central-northeast Wichita – were shot down for asinine reasons. Bigots and people more concerned with image than with helping the needy may have won their respective battles, but the city’s Vietnamese community and people who fight to feed the hungry came out looking much classier.
Murder of George Tiller
On May 31, Wichita lost a doctor, a husband/father/friend, and a lightning rod. The city was thrust into the national spotlight in the worst way, but as anyone who went to the candlelight vigil that night knows, it brought the city a little closer together, at least for awhile. A line was drawn between the Roeders/Phelpses of the world and Wichitans, the vast majority of whom have condemned the horrific event. “This is not Wichita,” said a local activist at the vigil, and he was/is right.
Economic crisis
With major layoffs in the aircraft industry, the closing of many local businesses, budget cuts plaguing government agencies, et cetera, Wichita felt the impact of the recession as much as the rest of the country (though I question that statement’s truthfulness every time I try to get a decent parking spot at Bradley Fair). Still, new businesses continue to open, jobs are starting to return to the area, and economic stimulus programs are helping keep people afloat. Here’s to a more prosperous 2010.
Kellogg re-opens at Rock, I-135
Our little thoroughfare is growing up into a real highway. Sniff. Thanks for the memories of not knowing which part of downtown or the Towne East area would be blocked off during any given week.
Dumpster sex
You never know which “odd news” items will get picked up by the national wires. In September, Wichita again made headlines when a couple of lovers were robbed while getting it on in a trash bin. Write your own punchline.
What do you think was the most important thing to happen here this year? Sound off in the comments.
photo by Samuel McConnell
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#2 on your list had my disgusted for quite a while. But I agree, both parties attempting to move forward did come out looking lily white. I just wish they could look classy AND bring the healing to people like they were trying to do. Maybe 2010?
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