Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wichita Police Department is hosting its annual Shop with a Cop event to help families safely shop for holiday gifts in Wichita — local officers invite community participation. KWCH
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ballet Wichita will perform its 51st annual Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. with an additional show on Sunday at 2 p.m. KSN
- ➤ Gilley's opened in Park City after businessman Phil Ruffin, Sr. turned the former Greyhound Park into an entertainment center that offers games, axe throwing, music venues, restaurants, pickle ball + bowling. FOX Kansas
- ➤ Jack Wilson is a Wichita maker in assisted living who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and now adapts his creative methods by restoring photos and critiquing art + his wife Rhonda supports his work. He calls his unique pieces 'my junk' instead of traditional art. KMUW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Wichita high school students completed building Tango Flight Van’s RV-12 at the Future Ready Center on Tuesday using guidance from the manufacturing pathway and aerospace engineering program at North High School. The plane was set to be tested and put up for sale while another kit was delivered for work next semester. KSN
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wichita Eisenhower National Airport is preparing for a busy travel season as TSA advises travelers to bring REAL IDs to avoid delays; starting in February, those without a REAL ID will pay a $45 fee for a 10-day verification period. KSN
- ➤ Kenneth Woodard’s neighborhood experienced confusion as large blue pipes were left in yards on Old Manor Road with no prior notice; the city confirmed the materials are part of a water main replacement project that disrupted Woodard’s accessible exit. KWCH
- ➤ A Wichita financial expert shared his analysis on a proposed sales tax plan released Tuesday, Dec. 16, explaining how it might impact local spending and revenue. KWCH
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Heart transplant recipient Diana Schunn said every day feels like a gift after she received a lifesaving heart, while Joe Rodriguez recalled his son’s donation saved four lives. The experience underlines the need for organ donors with over 500 Kansans waiting. KSN
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Wichita State Men's Basketball team is 6-5 (after a close 58-61 loss to DePaul) and will start conference play on New Year's Day. Coach Paul Mills shared insights about the current lineup during his morning interview on 98.7 and 1330 KNSS. KNSS
- ➤ Local fans cheered as the Shockers scored 67 points in Tuesday’s game that excited children in the stands at their home venue. KWCH
- ➤ Wichita State University partnered with Ignite K-96 to build a six-acre tennis facility for the Shockers approved by Wichita City Council + the facility includes 12 outdoor courts, six indoor courts and seating for 1,500 spectators. KSN
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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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Christmas Eve & Christmas Night Celebration at Dockum
December 24-25 — Dockum — Seasonal cocktails available — Celebrate Christmas in a cozy speakeasy with crafted spirits and holiday charm.
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La Petite Pause at The French Tearoom
12:30-1:30 p.m. — The French Tearoom — Pricing varies — Enjoy warm scones and carefully poured tea in a tranquil midday escape.
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Wichita Thunder vs. Allen Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Tickets starting at $26 — Cheer on the Wichita Thunder as they face off against the Allen Americans in an exciting hockey match.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength and flexibility while building community.
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Wichita Thunder vs. Utah Grizzlies
7:05-8:35 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Enjoy an exciting hockey match as the Wichita Thunder take on the Utah Grizzlies.
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