Daily
Wichita
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wichita broke ground on Wednesday on Park Landing, a new homeless shelter on North Main in partnership with Second Light. The project will offer year-round housing, food, medical care, mental health treatment, and substance abuse support (with city funding for its first two years). KNSS
- ➤ On Dec. 11, 2025, Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new home for Bijoux and her family in northeast Wichita as part of the Rock the Block Piatt revitalization. Textron Aviation partnered on the project, and homeowners must complete 40 hours of classes + 250 hours of sweat equity. KSN
- ➤ Emberhope and Foster ICT partnered to bring Christmas cheer to hundreds of foster families in Sedgwick County by providing festive gifts and activities. KSN
- ➤ Volunteers gathered in Wichita yesterday for a food packing event aimed at assembling food packages for local families in need. Organizers reported a strong turnout and said the event supports ongoing efforts to boost community food supplies. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Boeing returned to Wichita yesterday, Dec. 11, with new company signage added to its campus, signaling the firm's renewed local presence and commitment to the community. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Declared legally blind, Alisa DePontier began exploring her artistic side with Envision. The program empowers people losing vision to embrace creativity & self-expression. KSN
- ➤ On December 20, Gifted Hands will perform at Villa Boxing Gym in Wichita. The event offers family activities (costumed characters, food trucks, exclusive merch) and supports local holiday outreach. The Voice
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday the Kansas Board of Regents appointed Matt Bieker, Ph.D., as the 19th president of Emporia State University, replacing retiring President Ken Hush. Bieker, formerly vice president of student affairs at Northwest Missouri State University, brings experience in boosting enrollment and retention (K-State, UA-Fayetteville, and UM-Columbia degrees). KSN
- ➤ Student Senate approved $100,000 from SGA’s Special Projects Fund to support Campus Recreation’s renovation of the 30-year-old separation nets at Heskett Center’s gym — ATHCO from Lenexa will tailor the replacement, with work set to start in May. The Sunflower
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita held a retirement celebration for City Manager Robert Layton at the Wichita Art Museum on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. after his service since 2009, and the City Council hired Dennis Marstall as his successor. KSN
- ➤ The state Board of Education announced plans to propose rules that will ban vehicles from driving around stopped school buses to boost student safety. Officials say the proposal is under review and more details will be shared soon. KWCH
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight Christmas Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker'
8:45-9:45 p.m. — Kansas Aviation Museum — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening of classical music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit under candlelight.
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Grinchy Heart Holiday Party
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Cost Not Specified — Celebrate the holiday spirit with fun activities for kids aged 7-12.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
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