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🌱 Patch AM: How will Wichita change after Bob Layton leaves City Hall?

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Hello Wichita! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Wichita change after Bob Layton leaves City Hall?
  • What we know about the deadly Wichita home invasion near Douglas
  • Wichita mourns car show leader Joshua Blick after fatal crash

Also on today's calendar: Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Colder; breezy in the morning, with a high of 34 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Sunshine and not as cold, temps: high: 46, low: 31.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 54 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Looking back on Layton's career as Wichita city manager. And at what's next for him (kansas.com) — Wichita’s longtime city manager Robert “Bob” Layton is wrapping up 16 years overseeing major projects like the new airport, baseball stadium, Advanced Learning Library, and a still-delayed water treatment plant. As he hands the reins to incoming manager Dennis Marstall on Dec. 31, Layton reflects on controversies, police reforms, and his plans to keep supporting early childhood literacy in Wichita.
   

2. Wichita neighbor arrested after fatal home invasion (ksn.com) — Wichita police are investigating a Saturday night home invasion near Douglas and I-135 that left one man dead and another critically injured, and they’ve arrested a neighbor on suspicion of second-degree reckless murder. Officers say a second suspect ran off and has not been found, and they’re urging anyone with information to contact WPD or Crime Stoppers.
   

3. Wichita mourns loss of influential car enthusiast Joshua Blick (ksn.com) — Wichita’s car community is grieving after longtime enthusiast and community leader Joshua Blick died in a rollover crash in southwest Wichita, leaving a major hole in the city’s automotive scene. Friends recall his energy, charity-focused Automobilia Moonlight Car Show, and passion for serving Wichita. A public funeral is planned Jan. 3 at Bethel Life Church on South Meridian.
   

4. Holiday travel goes smoothly at Wichita airport despite national weather delays (kwch.com) — If you’re flying through Wichita’s Eisenhower National Airport, holiday travel is running smoothly, with only a few delays despite winter storms snarling flights nationwide. TSA expected one of the busiest days of the season Sunday, but most Wichita passengers reported on-time departures and arrivals; travelers are still urged to check flight status before heading out.
   

5. Reno County organizations are searching for volunteers this season (hutchnews.com) — Reno County’s Volunteer Center is recruiting helpers for soup kitchen shifts, Meals on Wheels routes, hospice support, and more, including drivers serving the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. If you can make trips from Hutchinson to Wichita, your time could directly help local veterans reach critical medical appointments.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Wichita, KS, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 23 minutes. Message from Finder: "This is a mother… (Nextdoor Golden Hills)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Luna was LOST on December 23, 2025 in Wichita, KS 67220 near 28th and hillside where the park is Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information… (Nextdoor North Central)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Wichita. Apply here.
  • Kansas Staffing posted a job opening for Service Porter in Wichita. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wichita here.

Ok Wichita! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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