Daily
Wichita
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Wichita. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families can enjoy free winter break activities at local parks, libraries, and community centers — options include a wildlife exhibit with a noon feeding session at Riverside Park, indoor library events, and an open gym for youths at Brewer Community Center with extra perks for SNAP recipients at museums. KWCH
- ➤ Retired Battalion Chief Robert Thompson died on Sunday. He served 33 years at Wichita Fire Department and became the first Black Windwagon Smith when he led Riverfest in 2003 (starting his career in 1981 and retiring in 2014). KWCH
- ➤ Wichita Fire hosted a remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 30 to honor retired Battalion Chief Bob Thompson, whose decades of service led to lasting impact in local fire leadership — the event drew community members and former colleagues. KWCH
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kellogg construction has disrupted local businesses since Dec. 30, slowing deliveries and increasing traffic as officials plan measures to ease the impact. KWCH
- ➤ Two new Mexican restaurants are set to open in south Oliver soon. Alejandro’s Mexican Food will open at a remodeled strip center on Harry and Oliver (its second location), while La Cabana Mexican Cafe will launch in the former Mino Bakery at 2528 S. Oliver in late January or February. Wichita By E.B.
- ➤ Business owners from Wichita and Andover are uneasy about the East Kellogg modernization project due to poor communication and property concerns as KDOT plans to break ground in early-2026 - they are urging for clearer plans to minimize disruptions. KWCH
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents near Andale and Colwich worry that a proposed data center by Monarch Energy might affect local homes and farmland—Sedgwick County commissioners have yet to receive a formal application. FOX Kansas
- ➤ Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office reminds drivers to use caution during New Year's celebrations (when fireworks and alcohol may be involved) tonight in our community. Officials urge careful driving to protect everyone on the road. FOX Kansas
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 30, Kansas received $222 million to boost a rural health transformation program. The new funds are expected to improve care in rural areas statewide. KWCH
- ➤ A March of Dimes report showed Kansas improved maternal and infant health, with preterm births dropping to 10.3% but disproportionate impacts on Black and Pacific Islander communities remaining evident. The Kansas Department of Health & Environment noted ongoing plans for expanded support and better care. KMUW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Wesley Medical Center will begin demolishing its aging parking garage Tuesday, Jan. 6 to start a two-year construction project that builds a new $65 million facility with 1,379 parking spaces. New parking procedures for patients and visitors will take effect Jan. 5 as access routes are redirected during construction. KNSS
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in fee — Discover the calming benefits of Chair Yoga in a supportive community setting.
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Tahoe Knight Monsters vs Wichita Thunder
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.
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Concert by Tay Money
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets available — Enjoy a live performance by Tay Money featuring her hit song 'Hood Still the Same'.
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Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k
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.
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Chair Yoga at Maize Recreation Commission
1-2 p.m. — Maize Recreation Commission — $5 drop-in — Enjoy chair yoga for all mobility levels with a focus on strength, balance, and community.
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East Carolina Pirates vs. Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
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.
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Air Capital Hoopfest
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.
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Chair Yoga at Haysville Senior Center
10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Haysville Senior Center — Free for members — Experience a gentle yoga practice that enhances strength, balance, and community spirit.
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Wichita Campus Open House
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Galen College of Nursing - Wichita — Free entry — Explore the nursing programs and meet the faculty at this informative open house.
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Turnpike Tributedours Concert
8-10 p.m. — WAVE — Tickets start at $69 — Experience an unforgettable night with Turnpike Tributedours live in Wichita.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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