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Daily editionWednesday, December 31st, 2025

Good morning, Wichita.

The Daily Wichita Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.

Community

  1. 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.

    KWCHRead more

  2. 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).

    KWCHRead more

  3. 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.

    KWCHRead more

Business

  1. 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.Read more

  2. 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.

    KWCHRead more

  3. Kellogg construction has disrupted local businesses since Dec. 30, slowing deliveries and increasing traffic as officials plan measures to ease the impact.

    KWCHRead more

Government

  1. 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 KansasRead more

  2. 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 KansasRead more

Health

  1. 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.

    KMUWRead more

  2. 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.

    KWCHRead more

Real Estate

  1. 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.

    KNSSRead more