Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What lasting changes is Brandon Johnson leaving in northeast Wichita?
Make time for Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion on the Wichita Patch calendar
Good morning to you Wichita! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What lasting changes is Brandon Johnson leaving in northeast Wichita?
- Would you spot these red flags in an online holiday purchase?
- How Wichita’s favorite Santa is rebuilding after a devastating house fire
Also on today's calendar: Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion and 3 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 70 and low of 46 degrees.
- Saturday: Sun and areas of high clouds, temps: high: 71, low: 45.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy; windy, cooler, with a high of 46 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
📰 News we're reading
1. As Brandon Johnson Exits Council, His Imprint on District 1 Is Clear (communityvoiceks.com) — Wichita’s District 1 is getting new investments in parks, libraries, streets, and public art as Councilmember Brandon Johnson wraps up eight years on the City Council. From the revamped McAdams Park and Carl G. Brewer Community Center to expanded branch libraries and road repairs, his tenure leaves visible changes across northeast Wichita while a new councilmember prepares to take over in January. 
2. Kansas family loses nearly $1,000 in online swingset scam (kwch.com) — A scam reported out of Wichita left a Kansas family nearly $1,000 short after they ordered a swingset online for Christmas and never received it. The Better Business Bureau says missing shipping confirmations, a mismatched company name on the credit card bill, and unreachable contacts were key red flags, and notes that paying by credit card may help the family recover their money.
3. Community rallies around Wichita Santa after fire destroyed his home (ksn.com) — A longtime Wichita-area Santa known for spreading holiday cheer is rebuilding his life after a November fire badly damaged his Park City home and destroyed his Santa suits. Neighbors and strangers alike have stepped up with donations, offers of replacement costumes, and financial help through an online fundraiser. The couple is staying with family while they search for a new home and plan their next steps.
4. ‘This is a full-circle moment': Local teacher to march in 2026 Rose Parade (ksn.com) — A Derby High School band director with ties to Wichita has been chosen to march in the 2026 Rose Parade’s Band Directors Marching Band in Pasadena. Olivia Bazanos will represent Derby Public Schools and Kansas while also cheering on two of her students performing with the Bands of America Honor Band, calling the opportunity a meaningful full-circle moment from her own high school marching days.
5. Kansas governor nominates child care administrator to lead new state agency (kansas.com) — Kansas is creating a new Office of Early Childhood in 2026, and Gov. Laura Kelly has nominated child care leader Christi Smith to serve as its first director. The agency will consolidate nearly 20 programs to streamline licensing, assistance, and support for families statewide. Wichita House Speaker Dan Hawkins backs the reform, saying it should ease child care shortages and costs, including for local families.
📸 Around Wichita
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Wichita
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Board of Bids & Contracts
Wichita, KS Calendar , 455 N. Main St. , Wichita
10:00 am - Affordable Housing Review Board Meeting
Wichita, KS Calendar , 455 N. Main St. , Wichita
3:00 pm - Plumbers and Gas Fitters Board of Appeals Meeting
Wichita, KS Calendar , 271 W. 3rd St. , Wichita
9:00 am - Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion
The Cotillion , 11120 W Kellogg Dr , Wichita
8:30 pm - New Year's Holiday Closures
Wichita, KS Calendar Wichita, KS 67202 - Bid Opening
Wichita, KS Calendar , 455 N. Main St. , Wichita
10:00 am
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
Thursday January 1
Friday January 2
📣 Wichita Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Chair Yoga - Park City Senior Center
Park City Senior Center , 6100 N Hydraulic Ave , Park City
9:30 am - Mannheim Steamroller
Park City Arena , 8151 N Hartman Arena Dr , Park City
7:00 pm - Marion Christmas Bird Count
Shari Fleming Welcome Center, Tabor College , 400 S Jefferson St , Hillsboro
7:30 am - All Request Weekend!
Wichita Union Stockyards , 6425 W MacArthur Rd , Wichita
7:00 pm - Chair Yoga - Haysville Senior Center
Haysville Senior Center , 160 E Karla Ave , Haysville
10:00 am - Bingo Night: Winter Winnings -- SOLD OUT
Derby Welcome Center - Austin Room , 611 N. Mulberry, Ste 200 , Derby
6:30 pm
Friday December 26
Saturday December 27
Monday December 29
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Wichita PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- PSA: WITH THIS FOG, PLEASE TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS!
GOING FROM CENTRAL AND WEST TO MURDOCK AND WACO, I SAW AT LEAST A DOZEN CARS WITH NO LIGHTS ON. IF YOU HAVE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS, TURN THEM ON MANUALLY… (Nextdoor Indian Hills) - Update: Pet Reunited
Diamond , a dog who went missing in Wichita, KS, has been safely reunited with their family after 11 hours, 12 minutes. Message from Owner: "Older… (Nextdoor East Mount Vernon)
- City of Wichita, KS posted a job opening for Recreation Aide I - Tex Consolver Clubhouse - 2025 in Wichita. Apply here.
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate 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 guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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