General News in the 316

[SubGod22]

This has a couple connections to Wichita.

9 News - Broncos player signs deal to open 10 Freddy's restaurants

Denver Broncos offensive lineman Ben Powers is helping expand Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to South Carolina, the fast-casual restaurant announced.

Powers, a Wichita, Kansas native, signed a multi-unit development agreement with the Wichita-based Freddy’s to open 10 locations in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina by 2031

GVL Hospitality, the company charged with finding the properties, hopes to purchase the first location by the end of the year, and for the initial restaurant to open in 2025, the company said.

Powers, entering his sixth NFL season and second season as a guard for the Denver Broncos, said he looked forward to spreading the restaurant he enjoyed in his hometown to new communities.

Ben is a good guy with a wonderful wife and fantastic in-laws. Love seeing him spread Wichita to other parts of the country.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - Heartspring chooses to expand in downtown Wichita health care corridor

Those involved with the $300 million Wichita Biomedical Campus have said it will serve as a "magnet" for businesses and other entities wanting to locate within a downtown health care corridor.

Another domino has fallen in that vision.

Heartspring announced Thursday that it is expanding and moving its pediatric outpatient services to the northeast corner of Topeka Avenue and English, across Topeka from Phase 1 of the campus. The Wichita-based health care nonprofit's plans call for "a cutting-edge, multi-clinic healthcare facility" that provides diagnosis and clinical interventions for children with pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, disabilities and delays, ADHD, autism and more.

"Heartspring has a transformative opportunity to bridge the clinical services gap for children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders and help position Wichita as a regional and national hub for specialized care," said Dan Soliday, Heartspring president and CEO, in a news release. "Whether caregivers notice delays in their child’s development and wonder if something needs attention or receive a diagnosis like autism, it’s an emotional and challenging journey to secure expert care. The number of families affected is rapidly increasing, and Heartspring is going to reduce the hurdles they face."

The organization, which currently operates its pediatric services near K-96 and Webb Road, said it has acquired two buildings at the downtown intersection.

One is the 10,100 square-foot Brick & Mortar event venue at 230 S. Topeka, while the other is the 10,200 square-foot Casado & McKay office building to its south. Associated parking and land immediately to the east of the buildings also appear to be a part of the transactions, based on a map provided by Heartspring.

I'd expect to start seeing more and more news of others moving into this corridor over the next year as they prepare for the Bio-Med campus. I know I've read other articles where certain individuals in downtown real estate have talked about the increased interest in the area from those in the metro area and outside of it.

Heartspring will honor all current lease agreements for the two buildings so they won't be downtown until sometime in 2026.

[SubGod22]

More Ike news

MSN - Eisenhower National Airport sees multiple records broken in landmark year

From the entire country to Wichita, it’s a year for record-breaking air travel. Kansas’ largest airport topped the million mark with July alone seeing more than 176,000 air travelers at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, breaking last year’s record by nearly 5%.

It’s been a landmark year for Wichita’s main airport with multiple records broken. Many who spoke with 12 News on Wednesday credit Eisenhower’s success to one thing: the simplicity of getting in and out.

Eisenhower ranked third in the list of best small hub airports in the nation by USA Today last year. The July traveler total for the Wichita airport brought the yearly total beyond 1 million. Eisenhower National Airport is credited for a 12% increase in flights and a nearly 4% increase in seats.

“I like it because it’s quicker and convenient,” air traveler Amanda Quinn summarized about what she lives about flying through Wichita.

Record-breaking numbers and more direct flights out of Wichita provide a boost for the local economy, Wichita Chamber of Commerce President and CEO John Rolfe explained.

It would be nice if they could land a few more direct flights over the next couple of years. I'm not sure what cities would be the most valuable for local businesses to have direct links to, but those should be the focus in my opinion. Anything to help bolster and secure the business environment here could do wonders.

[WstateU]

KSN - Eisenhower National nominated again for '10Best'



Ike is currently ranked 8th out of the 20 nominated. Voting goes for 26 more days.

Something Wichita did right… definitely an impressive mid-sized airport. I always get a good vibe departing and arriving.

[SubGod22]

KSN - Eisenhower National nominated again for '10Best'

Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport is again in the running for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award for Best Small Airport.

The Award is voted on by the public every year. This is the fourth time USA Today has nominated the airport.

The airport took the #3 spot last year, the #3 spot in 2020, and the #8 spot in 2021. There was no reader’s poll in 2022.

You can vote for Eisenhower daily from each of your devices for up to 4 votes by clicking here.

Ike is currently ranked 8th out of the 20 nominated. Voting goes for 26 more days.

[ShockBand]

I had not, but now I want one. Mini-golf with cocktails and I am so in. Looks like Dallas is the closest location with Denver and STL being next in line.

Yeah, it looks really fun! If I won the lottery, I would open one here!

[SubGod22]

Have you ever heard of PuttShack? Kind of TopGolf version of putt-putt. https://www.puttshack.com/

I had not, but now I want one. Mini-golf with cocktails and I am so in. Looks like Dallas is the closest location with Denver and STL being next in line.

[ShockBand]

New entertainment option coming to Andover.

WBJ - Local teacher set to open 14-acre mini golf course, clubhouse in Andover



There will be a soft opening in November, but the mini golf won't be installed until spring. She's hoping to be fully operational by the first weekend in May.

I honestly like the idea. As someone who enjoys parks in general, having an educational and fun way to learn about some of the national parks and the history of them intrigues me. It's also cool to see Andover have something like this that can be a family outing without having to leave town.

Plus, I've always enjoyed mini-golf.

Have you ever heard of PuttShack? Kind of TopGolf version of putt-putt. https://www.puttshack.com/

[SubGod22]

New entertainment option coming to Andover.

WBJ - Local teacher set to open 14-acre mini golf course, clubhouse in Andover

Miller, a reading specialist at Mead Middle School in Wichita, said she is opening a 14-acre, national park-themed minigolf course and clubhouse called Mega Pines Mini Golf on the north side of U.S. 54 in Andover, just east of the Andover YMCA branch. The course will have 18 holes dedicated to national parks — like Yosemite, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and more — and a clubhouse with food and drink options from local food truck vendors.

Miller said the idea for a themed mini golf course sparked from a TikTok video of someone in Texas who built a World War II-themed mini golf course. She said she hired the TikToker to help her develop a business plan.

Miller also said she hired Michigan-based Adventure Golf and Sports to design and build the golf course, and an independent contractor in Seattle for decorations.

"They had a really good reputation and they have this permeable base that I think will work the best with our environment here in Kansas," she said about the Michigan company's product.

Miller said the holes of the course will have informational graphics about the national parks, their biology, ecology and the native people that lived in the parks.

The attraction will also have Gelly Ball, which is a lower-impact, paintball-like shooting game started by a company in Texas that uses water beads called Orbeez instead of paintballs. Miller said she struck a deal with the Texas company to supply the equipment for the game.

There will be a soft opening in November, but the mini golf won't be installed until spring. She's hoping to be fully operational by the first weekend in May.

I honestly like the idea. As someone who enjoys parks in general, having an educational and fun way to learn about some of the national parks and the history of them intrigues me. It's also cool to see Andover have something like this that can be a family outing without having to leave town.

Plus, I've always enjoyed mini-golf.

[SubGod22]

This is informative and can give you some ideas on things you can possibly do this fall.

Wichita by EB - Fall Festivals and Fairs in and around Wichita

A few that seem the most interesting to myself are below. Full list in the article.

September 6 – 15, 2024
Kansas State Fair
Where: Hutchinson, KS
The Kansas State Fair has been the state’s largest gathering of Kansans since 1913.

September 13 – 15, 2024
Autumn & Art
Where: Bradley Fair (Wichita, KS)
Autumn & Art is the premier al fresco art show in Kansas. Showcasing artists from across the US, we celebrate the creative spirit of our community.

September 20 – 22, 2024
The Drone Light Festival
Where: Exploration Place
Wichita’s drone light festival returns, building on two years of sold-out success! Experience an unforgettable evening where technology meets art and the sky becomes our canvas. As a special bonus for 2024, this event marks the grand opening of the new Wichita Foundation Amphitheater and an all-new event plaza at Exploration Place. 300 synchronized drones will illuminate the night sky with dazzling, music-choreographed formations, while new custom displays complement returning favorites. Decorate and launch your own floating water lantern with thousands of others, and immerse yourself in the glow of a magical candlelight concert in the new amphitheater.

September 21 – 28, 2024
City of Gold Festival
Where: El Dorado, KS
El Dorado’s biggest party celebrates its third year with global phenomenon Smash Mouth! The City of Gold Fest returns Sept. 21-28 with the Miss El Dorado pageant, Gold Rush 10K, 5K and 1K, medallion hunt, Block Party, and so much more!

September 28 – 29, 2024
The Fall Great Plains Renaissance and Scottish Festival
Where: Sedgwick County Park
Come one, come all to the annual Fall Great Plains Renaissance and Scottish Festival! Wichita’s long standing fall tradition returns September 8 and 29 in Sedgwick County Park. Aye, there’ll be jests and jousts, falconry and fire breathing, damsels and daredevils, bagpipes and belly dancers, singing pirates, The Wichita Highland Games, Celtic music, kings and queens, Vikings and vagabonds, Kansas Authors Pavilion/renaissance in reading, fairies and fairy tales, fantastic artists, the siege engine competition marvelous merchants and much, much more!

October 5, 2024
OZtoberfest
Where: Wamego, KS
Mark your calendars for October 5 for a fun, fall, family celebration known as OZtoberFEST! Join us in downtown Wamego for a variety of activities including our OZ Costume Contest, Toto look-a-like contest, an Outdoor OZ Market, Classic Car Show, Wizard’s Beer & Wine Garden, Munchkinland, Munchkin Junction and many more OZsome activities.

October 11 – 13, 2024
Haven Fall Festival
Where: Haven, KS
Fun for the whole family! 5K fun run, bicycle ride, kids’ pedal pull, micro stock car races, alpaca/llama races and BBQ contest. Many, many free events! The Fall Festival is held on the second Saturday in October in downtown Haven.

October 12, 2024
Wichita Asian Festival
Where: Century II
Celebrate Asian culture, cuisine and more at the 43rd annual Wichita Asian Festival!

[SubGod22]

Even more housing on the way.

WBJ - Developer starts second phase of 260-acre housing development in Maize

A Wichita developer has started Phase 2 of a 260-acre residential development in Maize.

Schellenberg Development is set to break ground on the second phase of The Coves, a 260-acre residential development located on the east side of Tyler Road between 45th and 53rd streets in Maize. The development is scheduled to create 390 single-family and patio homes across multiple phases.

The development is around 3 miles east of Maize High School and north of Menards and Dairy Queen along Maize Road.

The development will include a sand-bottom lake, nature preserves, walking trails, a swimming pool, a clubhouse and a community dock. The development has new American, farmhouse, and craftsman-influenced home design styles, according to Schellenberg Development's website.

Dylan Schellenberg, VP of residential development, said the first phase built 120 housing lots. With Phase 2, he said the project will add 44 housing lots to the 120 already built. He added construction on infrastructure and streets began this month.

Homes range from $300K to $650K.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - Airxcel's RV Products completes $18M expansion, expects to grow products

A climate control products manufacturer for recreational vehicles in Wichita has finished an $18 million expansion on its facility.

RV Products, a division of Airxcel that works with original equipment manufacturers on HVAC products and more, has added 125,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space to its approximately 150,000 square-foot building in north Wichita. The company moved into the expanded facility at 3050 N. St. Francis at the end of July.

The facility is neighbored by HVAC contractor Johnson Controls to its north and Pearson Construction to its south.

The expansion was announced in 2022, after Airxcel was approved for $18 million in industrial revenue bonds. The company has added manufacturing space, new employee parking, conference rooms, a secured employee entrance and more trucking space to the facility.

"The growth of market demand was very high," president of RV Products Robin Leach said. "We have a product offering that's far greater than any of our competitors. To drive efficiency through the plant, expansion was required."

It's nice to see this kind of investment not only made, but needed to better serve their customer base. The expansion added 25 jobs and expands their production lines from 7 to 10.

[SubGod22]

A nice addition.

WBJ - Global agricultural manufacturer takes all of Wichita's largest spec warehouse

Wichita's largest speculative industrial warehouse — all 201,000 square feet of it — has been scooped up.

AGCO, a global agricultural equipment manufacturer and distributor, has inked a lease for the building within Ironhorse Manufacturing Park near the southwest corner of Seneca and MacArthur.

Bradley Tidemann of J.P. Weigand & Sons, one of multiple listing agents for Ironhorse, said AGCO had been looking around south-central Kansas for industrial space close to their existing plant in Hesston.

Ironhorse's largest building checked the right boxes, Tidemann said.

"I think they liked the quality of it," he said. "They liked the location of it, and they could take all of it, which was perfect for everybody."

Located in southwest Wichita — not far from major interchanges at I-235, I-135 and the Kansas Turnpike — the building's construction was completed last fall.

[SubGod22]

I think this is a good sign for Freddy's and Wichita.

WBJ - 'We love Wichita': Freddy's Training & Innovation Center marks new chapter for homegrown restaurant brand

As Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers continues its rapid growth across the country, the fast-casual restaurant brand now looks to have planted its flag in Wichita for the long haul.

The company, founded in Wichita in 2002, held a ribbon-cutting and open house on Tuesday to showcase its new 23,000 square-foot Freddy's Training & Innovation Center in the Cypress Business Center near K-96 and Webb Road.

The facility — the first off-site training location in the company's history — marks a milestone for the brand that has grown to 535 locations throughout the U.S.

Plans for the center were first announced last year, as the company also expanded its executive office presence in Texas.

As he did then, CEO Chris Dull emphasized Tuesday that Wichita is Freddy's home.

"We believe that much of what makes Freddy's wonderful was born and raised here in Wichita, and to take this company out of Wichita, we felt like would be peeling away the culture of the brand," Dull said.

I know there were some potential concerns when Freddy's was sold, that they might slowly leave Wichita.

They hope to bring in managers and franchisees that they say will lead to thousands of hotel stays and hundreds of flights to and from Wichita every year.

Wichita will also serve as a great guinea pig for new products. Wichita has often served that role for other companies as well, but Freddy's will call us home.

[SubGod22]

WBJ - Five Wichita companies make Inc. list of 5,000 fastest-growing companies

PROtect, which also ranked the highest on the Inc. 5000 list among those in Wichita, is a newcomer with a three-year growth of 294%, along with Stryv Bank (95%) and Yeisley Financial Group (77%).

Two others are returners: The Aegis Group for its 137% growth and Professional Home Buyers with 107% growth over the three-year period.

PROtect, founded in 2007, is a safety, reliability and compliance services company that serves high-hazard industries, such as biofuels, refining, oil and gas, manufacturing and others. It was the highest on the ranking at No. 1,783.
.....
The Aegis Group, meanwhile, landed at No. 3,506 after making its first appearance on the Inc. 5000 last year at No. 3,425. The brokerage and consulting firm was founded in 2016 — the youngest among the Wichita companies that ranked.
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At No. 4,161, this is the third time Professional Home Buyers has ranked on the Inc. 5000; it landed No. 2,081 in 2013 and No. 2,497 in 2017. The home-buying company, founded in 2001, focuses on sellers who need cash quickly, renovating and distributing properties through a rent-to-sales model.
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Stryv Bank ranked 4,418th for its first-time appearance on the Inc. 5000. The bank, founded in 1974, was rebranded from Chisholm Trail State Bank in 2021 and is led by president and CEO Cuy Mauck.
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Yeisley Financial Group, an independent wealth management, financial planning and retirement planning firm owned by Randy Yeisley, ranks 4,878th on the Inc. 5000. The firm was founded in 2006.

After PROtect, broadband service provider IdeaTek, based out of Buhler, also landed on the Inc. ranking for the 11th time at No. 2,892 with 186% growth between 2020 and 2023.

In total, 37 Kansas companies cracked the list with a median growth of 137% and a combined 1,637 new jobs added over the three-year time period.

Overland Park's Lula, which provides technology to streamline maintenance for residential property managers, owners and investors, ranked the highest out of those in Kansas at No. 373 with 1,176% growth.

I will say that IdeaTek has been crushing it the past few years and have really expanded their reach, at least in Butler County. They entered Benton a couple years ago and I've made the switch. I have a friend in Derby that switched to them from Cox and a friend from Andover who got a flier that they're putting it in in his neighborhood and he's planning on switching. My friend in Maize is still waiting for it to be available. I think I heard they're entering El Dorado. I think they're in Towanda now.