Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Airbus’ Wichita exit could mean for 400 local aerospace jobs

And on the Wichita Patch calendar - Winter Solstice Spirit Fair

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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What's up Wichita! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Airbus’ Wichita exit could mean for 400 local aerospace jobs
  • Why Wichita Brewing is shutting its big beer plant, but not restaurants
  • Where Wichita residents can turn for grief support this holiday season

Also on today's calendar: Winter Solstice Spirit Fair and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high of 55 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 54, low: 29.
  • Sunday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 52 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Airbus to move 400 jobs from Wichita following Spirit AeroSystems sale (kwch.com) — Airbus plans to leave Wichita, potentially moving up to 400 aerospace jobs to France after acquiring certain Spirit AeroSystems operations tied to Boeing’s purchase. Local economists say this is a significant short-term hit, but expect Boeing’s expansion at Spirit’s Wichita facilities to eventually absorb some of the displaced workers. The company has not yet said when it will close its Wichita site.
   

2. Inflation is behind brewery's decision to shutter Wichita production facility (kansas.com) — Wichita Brewing Company is closing its south Wichita production facility because inflation and softer craft beer sales have made operating the plant too costly. Beer production will shift to Walnut River Brewing in El Dorado, while WBC’s three Wichita restaurants and their on-site brewing will continue operating. The move could mean changes for a few production employees but should be mostly invisible to local customers.
   

3. Resources available for those struggling with grief in holiday season (kwch.com) — Wichita mental health providers are highlighting local, affordable grief support options for residents feeling overwhelmed this holiday season. Nonprofit HopeNET offers sliding-scale counseling and groups, while COMCARE points families to free services like Kidzcope and Good Grief of Kansas. Experts urge people to honor their feelings, seek connection, and remember that immediate help is available by calling or texting 988.
   

4. Kent Douglas Biles, 63, Wellington: Nov. 23, 1962 – Dec. 15, 2025 (sumnernewscow.com) — Wichita readers are mourning alongside the family of Kent Douglas Biles, whose adult children live in Wichita though he made his home in Wellington. The longtime aircraft inspector and KU basketball fan recently fulfilled a dream of panning for gold before his death at 63. His family suggests memorials to the Wellington Rec Center and invites friends to share memories online.
   

5. Pet Project: Meet Patsy, the senior sweetheart (ksn.com) — Wichita animal lovers can meet Patsy, a gentle 10-year-old mixed-breed dog from the Kansas Humane Society who’s ready for a new home after living peacefully with multiple pets and kids. The society is also running a donation drive with gifts doubled through Dec. 31 and hosting a limited-seat Furry Film Friday fundraiser at 7 p.m.
   

📸 Around Wichita

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wichita

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Wichita Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 19
  • V/JV/FR Boys/Girls Basketball vs Salina South
    Valley Center High , 9600 N. Meridian Ave. , Valley Center
    4:15 pm
  • V/JV Girls Wrestling
    Valley Center High , 9600 N. Meridian Ave. , Valley Center
    5:00 pm
  • HS Pep Band BB vs Salina South
    Valley Center High , 9600 N. Meridian Ave. , Valley Center
    5:15 pm
    • Saturday December 20
  • Wichita Christmas Bird Count
    Great Plains Nature Center , 6232 E 29th St N , Wichita
    7:30 am
  • V Girls Wrestling @ W. North
    Valley Center High , 1437 N Rochester St , Wichita
    8:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I know there’s a lot of people out there right now that may have had their food stamps or snap benefits cut.
    I’m looking to help a few families, with some food, especially if you don’t have a vehicle.. If you could let me know the ages of your children and… (Nextdoor N Lark Ln)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Wichita, KS, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 4 minutes. Message from Finder: "Let's help this… (Nextdoor South Central)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Wichita. Apply here.
  • Kansas Staffing posted a job opening for Stock Clerk - Hardware 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: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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