Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Which Wichita restaurants just failed their latest health inspections?
And on the Wichita Patch calendar - Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion

Hello Wichita! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Which Wichita restaurants just failed their latest health inspections?
- How Wichita became a must-stop on the new Kansas Gunsmoke Trail
- Why marijuana’s new federal status still leaves Wichita users at risk
Also on today's calendar: Paramount: 80s Rick Night NYE at The Cotillion and 6 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Wichitafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 50 and low of 41 degrees.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 59, low: 39.
- Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 63 and low of 47 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Fly in pancake batter, cockroaches, mouse poop, grime at Wichita restaurants (kansas.com) — State inspectors recently cited a dozen Wichita-area restaurants, motels, and markets for serious health code violations, from pest infestations to improper food temperatures. The report lists specific Wichita businesses, their issues, and upcoming reinspection dates, and explains how residents can look up inspection results or file complaints about local food and lodging conditions.
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2. Walking in Matt Dillon's Boots on the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail (miamiherald.com) — If you’re looking for a Wild West escape close to home, Wichita is a key stop on the new Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, tying local landmarks like Old Cowtown Museum and Keeper of the Plains to classic TV lore. The feature lays out how Wichita connects to Gunsmoke’s creators, suggests the best seasons to visit, and explains how to road-trip between Wichita, Dodge City, Hays, and Abilene over four to five days.
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3. KBI offers clarity to executive order reclassifying marijuana, dispensary operators say move is step in right direction (kwch.com) — Wichita readers should know that despite a new federal executive order reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation says growing, selling, or possessing marijuana remains illegal in Kansas. Local hemp and dispensary operators around Wichita see the change as progress for research and future policy, but emphasize that state law still hasn’t moved toward legal medical use after last year’s stalled bill.
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4. Can I get a ticket for covering my car in Christmas lights? What KS & Wichita allow (kansas.com) — If you’re thinking about wrapping your car in Christmas lights around Wichita, local police say you could be breaking Kansas law and city ordinances. Headlights must stay white or amber, tail lights red, and most flashing or excessive decorative lights are prohibited. Violations can lead to tickets, and officers warn that non-standard lighting can distract other drivers.
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5. Sedgwick County Zoo's first chimpanzee dies at 41 (kwch.com) — Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is mourning Mwana, its first chimpanzee born at the zoo, who was humanely euthanized at age 41 after age-related decline. Keepers remember him as a playful, affectionate favorite who welcomed new chimps and connected deeply with visitors and staff.
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📸 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 - City Council Workshop
Wichita, KS Calendar , 455 N. Main St. , Wichita
9:00 am - Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board Meeting
Wichita, KS Calendar , 610 N. Main St. , Wichita
10:00 am - Christmas Holiday Closures
Wichita, KS Calendar Wichita, KS 67202 - 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
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
Thursday January 1
📣 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
- Winter Solstice Spirit Fair
The Cotillion , 11120 W Kellogg Dr , Wichita
10:00 am - Chair Yoga - Haysville Senior Center
Haysville Senior Center , 160 E Karla Ave , Haysville
10:00 am - Senior Center Closed
City of Park City Calendar Park City, KS 67219 - City Hall Closed
Kechi, KS Calendar Kechi, KS 67067
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Thursday December 25
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
- Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
May the New Year bring you Peace, A place to stay if you need shelter Food if you are hungry. Also treat others as you would want to be treated Have… (Nextdoor Eastridge) - Just sharing more pics of Bella.
It’s turned out for the best obviously, that the initial story we were given regarding her disappearance was a complete fabrication. Why the… (Nextdoor Stanley/Aley)
- City of Wichita Kansas posted a job opening for Recreation Aide I- Auburn Hills Clubhouse 2025 in Wichita. Apply here.
- Star Lumber & Supply Co, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler / Fork Operator 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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