Good morning, Wichita.

Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks announced that First Day Hikes will kick off on Jan.

1, 2026 at Kansas State Parks where visitors can join guided hikes and view winter wildlife; start times vary by park.

Shop with a Cop is back today in Wichita to let police officers trade patrol cars for shopping carts, building positive ties with kids & supporting local families.

Boeing completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems with an $8.3 billion deal that returned the company to Wichita on Monday, adding about 15,000 employees to its payroll.

The firm will host a ceremony Thursday as new signage is unveiled.

Sedgwick County is hosting a job fair that will offer roles in public health, social work, construction, trades, office support, law enforcement & more.

The event will occur Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 N. Amidon Ave., Suite 1100.

Wichita JROTC students were honored at the Superintendent's Breakfast on Tuesday morning for their achievements throughout the year.

On Monday, Kansas soybean farmers received federal aid as officials announced a $12 billion package that will allocate roughly $11 billion to row crop producers.

Farmers must report acreage by (Dec. 19) to qualify, with payments scheduled for (Feb. 28).

Drilling began Tuesday at the Great Plains Industrial Park near Parsons for a small nuclear reactor that will sit a mile underground in Labette County.

Deep Fission is part of the DOE pilot program & expects to have the reactor online by next summer.

Cairn Health is launching a new vision program today to help local Kansans get affordable glasses (the service aims to improve access to vision care).

Following a water main break Tuesday morning in Park City that reduced water pressure and risked bacterial contamination, officials advised residents to boil water before using it for drinking or cooking and to use bottled water if needed — the advisory remains until the system is confirmed safe.

Rock Regional Hospital in Derby filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Sunday, according to court documents.

The hospital faces $50 million to $100 million in liabilities, including $24 million in unpaid rent + other debts, and it plans to reorganize its operations to manage the financial challenges since opening in 2019.

Foundations of Yoga Class

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

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.

Candy Cane Course 5k/12k

9 AM – 12 PM — Sedgwick County Park — Youth 12 & Under $22 — Celebrate the season with a festive run featuring great swag and treats at the finish line.

Wichita Thunder vs. Idaho Steelheads

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.

Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission

1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Embrace gentle movements and mindfulness to boost strength, flexibility, and community spirit.

Merry & Bright Christmas Ornament Activity

10:00-10:45 a.m. — Newton Recreation Center — Cost TBA — Create festive ornaments in a fun and engaging environment for young children.

Wichita State vs. Wofford Basketball Game

6:30-8 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — $10 for dog collar combo — Cheer on the Shockers and support the Kansas Humane Society with an exclusive dog collar for your furry friend.

Candlelight: Holiday Special Concert

8:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — $36.55 — Enjoy a magical musical experience inspired by winter and holiday classics under the glow of candlelight.

Watson's Christmas Express

5:00-8:15 p.m. — O J Watson Park — $15-$20 — Experience a magical ride to the North Pole with Santa, roasted s’mores, and holiday crafts.

Kapaun Mt. Carmel vs. Eisenhower Basketball Game

6-7:15 p.m. — Kapaun Mt. Carmel — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Kapaun Mt. Carmel varsity basketball team compete in a non-conference matchup against Eisenhower.