At the end of each year, I like to take a moment to look back at the stories that captured the most attention on the website. Most are familiar favorites, with a few shiny new ones sprinkled in. Take our number one video… Joyland’s Louie the Clown from 2022. He still has fans, apparently. Who knew a clown could have staying power?
In 2025, the website had nearly 40,000 views from 25,000 people in 96 different countries. That’s a lot of clicks… and a lot of “wait, someone in Norway is reading about Wichita?” moments.
Here’s what kept you coming back this year:
1. The Haunting of Theorosa’s Bridge
Jeremy and I braved an October night in 2021 to photograph the infamous bridge in the dark. We didn’t just tell Theorosa’s story… we also documented some clueless high school students drinking and trying to summon her spirit. This story keeps showing up on the charts… apparently people love ghosts or teenagers making fools of themselves.
2. The Bellamy Salute
This one went viral in a weird way… like something out of the Expanse on Star Trek Enterprise. After Elon Musk made a very unusual salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration, traffic to this old story about a Kansan who helped write the Pledge of Allegiance exploded. History and the internet… a dangerous combination.
3. Moonshot Memories: The Tale of Riverside Park’s Rocket
Part of a ten-part series from 2024, this story dives into Riverside Park’s rocket and all the memories it holds for Wichita. A real landmark with a little nostalgia sprinkled on top… people love it.
4. Park Elementary
An older story from 2023 resurfaced when USD 259 closed the building. After a remodel, it’s now a downtown Multi-Agency Center for the homeless… the perfect place for help, hope, and history all in one.
5. Blast from the Past: Wichita’s Riverside Cannon Uncovered
Another 2024 mini-series hit… until a couple of guys tried to steal the cannon. The culprit, who caused $320,000 in damage, is facing prison time… proving history can be loud.
6. WCT Community Park
The highest-rated new story of 2025. A small park in College Hill, once a vacant lot, now named to honor its neighbor, the Wichita Community Theater, originally the Temple Emanu-El Synagogue. Big story, tiny park, lots of love.
7. Tex Consolver Golf Course
One of the new 2025 stories… a look at Wichita legend Tex Consolver and the golf course carrying his name. For sports fans, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a good swing.
8. Road Trip: Dexter, Kansas
Also new this year… what started as a quick side stop turned into a story people loved. The folks in Dexter even nudged it up the charts themselves… always fun when the locals get involved.
9. Crest Theater
Who doesn’t remember the Crest? The place where I saw E.T. and countless other films. Nostalgia hit hard… especially for anyone who grew up before it closed in 1997.
10. Miss Fran Still Sees You
One of my favorites. A wonderful interview with a woman who inspired, mentored, and advocated for Wichita’s kids. The original Wichita Romper Room hostess, nearly 90, still sharp, gracious, and lovely… proof that some people just get better with time.
If we leave out the older stories, these 2025 originals would round out the top ten:
- KDWP Education Center
- Road Trip: Dodge City
- Road Trip: Earhart’s Atchison
- Road Trip: Overland Park
- Road Trip: Sedan
- Road Trip: Atchison
- Road Trip: Augusta
As we look ahead to 2026, a big thank you to everyone following icintheict.com. We can’t wait to share more Wichita history, Kansas road trips, and Midwest weekend getaways. Here’s to another year of adventure, nostalgia, and maybe a ghost or two…