Daily editionWednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
Community
Several holiday pop-up bars are opening across Wichita this season, offering festive decor and seasonal cocktails for a limited time.
Some venues, including Chicken N Pickle and Public, will run events from November until early January—each with its own unique theme and service style.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
A Wichita church group held a rally on Dec. 2 to support affordable housing.
The group urged local officials to consider new measures to help residents access affordable homes — a pressing need for many in the area.
KWCHRead more
HumanKind Ministries' Operation Holiday telethon on KSN raised nearly $8,100 on Monday — matching donations doubled the total to $16,000.
It is Wichita's largest holiday assistance program.
KSNRead more
Close friends honored former Garden City air traffic controller Zach Scheiman—killed in Ukraine and known for guiding planes at Garden City Regional Airport—as they remembered his passion for aviation and his kind spirit that lifted others.
His father has set up a donation fund for Wings of Rescue to honor his legacy.
KSNRead more
Business
AMAZONE has chosen El Dorado for a new 30,000—square-foot North American parts and assembly facility on a 6.5—acre site to store and ship its agricultural machinery and spare parts; local groups and the Kansas Department of Commerce helped the company evaluate the region, noting its central location along Interstate 35.
KWCHRead more
Culture
Sara and Tedros Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant, located inside the King Coal Hookah Lounge at 327 N. Hillside St., is Wichita’s only spot serving traditional dishes like the Doro Wat Combo using injera as a communal utensil—its owners plan to grow the menu beyond the current eight items as word spreads about their heritage.
Wichita By E.B.Read more
Education
Wichita Public Schools announced that Chester I Lewis Academic Learning Center will close after the fall semester because an inspection revealed structural problems—students and staff will shift to the former Cleveland Elementary School with classes resuming on Jan. 5.
Families can ask questions at a community meeting on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Tabernacle Bible Church.
The VoiceRead more
Environment
Officials issued a stream advisory for Mitch Mitchell Floodway on Dec. 2 due to changing water conditions—residents near the floodway are urged to stay cautious and watch for updates.
KWCHRead more
Local health officials have issued a stream advisory for The Big Ditch—residents should avoid using the water until tests confirm it is safe because of potential E. coli contamination.
KWCHRead more
Government
A review by the U.S. Department of Transportation found nearly half of truck driving schools are not following federal rules and nearly 3,000 risk closure in 30 days—Kansas Truck Driving School in Wichita said it only trains students with proper documents for a CDL permit.
KWCHRead more
Health
The Kansas Opioid and Stimulant Conference was held in downtown Wichita on Dec. 2.
Health experts and officials reviewed data on drug abuse—discussing treatment options and steps to reduce opioid and stimulant misuse.
KWCHRead more
Accidents
A fundraiser has been organized for a local family after an impaired driver crashed a car into their apartment—authorities are investigating the crash as community members plan to help.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Foundations of Yoga
Thursday, December 4th, 2025 · 5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Explore beginner-friendly yoga practices with guided movements, breathwork, and meditation.
Christmas Candlelight Concert
Friday, December 5th, 2025 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Friends University — Ticket pricing not provided — Celebrate the Christmas season with choirs and orchestras in a festive candlelight concert.
Ugly Sweater 5K & Little Reindeer Run
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 · 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM — Sedgwick County Park — Registration fee required — Celebrate the holidays with a festive run featuring a 5K and a fun run for kids in your ugliest sweater.
Metropolitan Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 · 2:00-3:30 p.m. — Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas with local dancers in this enchanting holiday tradition.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Monday, December 8th, 2025 · 1–2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga to improve strength, flexibility, and community well-being.
Chair Yoga Class
Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — Drop-in fee $5 — Experience the benefits of Chair Yoga with a focus on strength, mobility, and community.
Foundations of Yoga Class
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 · 5-6 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Explore yoga fundamentals with practices that enhance strength, flexibility, and well-being.
Idaho Steelheads at Wichita Thunder
Friday, December 12th, 2025 · 7:05 – 8:35 PM — INTRUST Bank Arena — Starting at $26 — Watch the thrilling hockey matchup as the Wichita Thunder takes on the Idaho Steelheads.
2025 Jingle Bell Run
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 · 9 AM – 12 PM — Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Charity event — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive race supporting the Arthritis Foundation.
Wichita Thunder vs. Idaho Steelheads
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 2:05 – 3:35 PM — INTRUST Bank Arena — Starting at $26 — Watch an exciting hockey match as the Wichita Thunder take on the Idaho Steelheads.