Daily editionSaturday, December 27th, 2025
Good morning, Wichita.
The Daily Wichita Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 27th of December.
Community
The city of Goddard is asking residents to help feed seniors as the current meal service ends Dec. 31 and a new provider starts in January.
Volunteers can deliver meals or serve at the Goddard Senior Center beginning Jan. 2+ call Chairperson Amanda Treadwell at 316-461-6962 for details.
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Business
After the holidays, Wichita stores are seeing a surge in gift returns & have extended return policies to ease exchanges and refunds for shoppers.
Retailers expect that these changes will help customers complete transactions more quickly.
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Culture
The Wichita African-American Council of Elders hosted a Kwanzaa celebration on Dec. 26 that united community members at a local venue where cultural performances and traditional foods were shared.
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Cessna Penguin Cove reopened inside the Sedgwick County Zoo on Friday, Dec. 26 (3:05 p.m.), offering visitors a refreshed penguin exhibit after renovations.
The zoo welcomes families and local guests to explore the updated display.
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Producer Sharon Liese’s documentary 'Seized' details the 2023 raid on Marion County Record and its 98-year-old co-owner Joan Meyer that sparked international outcry after a police chief resigned and was charged — its premiere is set at Sundance Festival from Jan. 22 to Feb. 1.
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Education
Wichita’s #ReadICT Challenge enters its 10th year with 12 new book categories—readers have 12 months to explore titles from poetry to community; the event, a partnership between KMUW, The Wichita Eagle and the Wichita Public Library, will host meetups, book swaps and monthly prizes.
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Environment
After Christmas Day, Sedgwick County is accepting live Christmas trees at more than 20 drop-off sites where residents can recycle them into free mulch.
Locations in Wichita include Boston Park and Buffalo Park, with additional sites available across the county.
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Lifestyle
Wichitans experienced a festive Christmas as local venues and community spots offered seasonal updates—some celebrating reopens like Cessna Penguin Cove at the Sedgwick County Zoo, while others marked farewells such as Newton’s Breadbasket.
The community also shared moments of awe over unique Kansas weather and a rare northern lights display.
KWCHRead more
Wichita Events
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, December 29th, 2025 · 10:00 – 10:45 AM — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience gentle chair yoga to enhance strength and flexibility while building community.
Paramount 80's Rock Night
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 8:30-10:00 PM — The Cotillion — All Ages — Celebrate New Year's Eve with a night of 80's rock featuring special guest Monterey Jack.
Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 · 1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the calming benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting.
Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 7:05-9:05 p.m. — INTRUST Bank Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch an exciting hockey match as the Tahoe Knight Monsters face off against the Wichita Thunder.
Concert by Tay Money
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance by Tay Money featuring her hit song 'Hood Still the Same'.
Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 9 AM – 12 PM — Plum Shelter, 6501 W 21st St N, Wichita, KS — Unique referral code system for refunds — Lace up for a family-friendly dash through time with races for all ages.
Safe Sitter Baby-Sitting Course
Monday, January 19th, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Newton Recreation Center — Bring your own lunch — Learn essential babysitting skills in a fun and engaging environment.
East Carolina Pirates vs. Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Charles Koch Arena — Free t-shirt for early fans — Witness a thrilling basketball game while supporting mental health awareness.
Air Capital Hoopfest
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Newman University-Fugate Gymnasium — $15 for Adults, $8 for Kids, Students, and Seniors — Experience the excitement of top high school basketball with future stars competing for glory.
Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
Monday, January 26th, 2026 · 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a gentle yoga practice that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.