Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Is Wichita’s new paid parking driving shoppers away from downtown?

Coming up: Winter Solstice Spirit Fair on the Wichita Patch calendar

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Monday December 15th Patch AM
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Good day Wichita! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Is Wichita’s new paid parking driving shoppers away from downtown?
  • Who fired the shots that hit a Wichita home overnight?
  • How Wichita’s morning radio mainstay is preparing for his 2025 sign-off

Also on today's calendar: Winter Solstice Spirit Fair and 6 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the stop sign say to the yield sign? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Sunny and not as cold, with a high of 46 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 54, low: 32.
  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 55 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Small business owners seeing effect of paid parking in Wichita (kwch.com) — Downtown Wichita shop owners say the city’s new paid parking is dampening customer enthusiasm, especially as they rely on holiday sales. Owners like Wizard’s Alley’s Brian “Bam” Hunter report more complaints, some parking-lot misuse, and worries about slower months once the holiday rush ends.
   

2. Wichita police investigating after two injured in shooting (ksn.com) — Wichita police are investigating an early-morning shooting near 14th and Erie that left a 20-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers found a home hit by multiple bullets, but no suspect information has been released. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers.
   

3. Longtime morning radio host, Steve McIntosh, retiring at end of 2025 (kwch.com) — A familiar Wichita voice is signing off: longtime KNSS morning host Steve McIntosh plans to retire at the end of 2025 after 55 years in local radio. He marked the news with a live broadcast in Old Town near downtown Wichita and a public reception, reflecting on changing technology, loyal listeners, and what he’s looking forward to most in retirement—sleeping in.
   

4. Kansas zoos fight back against viral, misleading AI animal videos (kwch.com) — Wichita-area zoos, including the Sedgwick County Zoo and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, are warning residents about viral AI-generated animal videos that mislead viewers and hurt real conservation efforts. Local experts say these clips create false expectations for zoo visits and can drown out educational content, urging people to follow reputable zoos and conservation groups for accurate animal information.
   

5. One critically injured in Park City house fire Sunday morning (kansas.com) — Fire crews from Park City, Wichita and Valley Center responded early Sunday to a house fire on N. Longmont Street that left one resident critically injured but expected to recover. The blaze caused heavy smoke and fire damage to the home, and investigators are still working to determine what sparked it.
   

📸 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!

📣 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

    Monday December 15
  • Chair Yoga - Haysville Senior Center
    Haysville Senior Center , 160 E Karla Ave , Haysville
    10:00 am
  • Chair Yoga - Maize Rec
    Maize Recreation Commission , 10100 Grady Ave , Maize
    1:00 pm
  • MS Girls Basketball 7th A Tournament
    Valley Center Middle School Valley Center, KS
    5:00 pm
  • MS Girls Basketball 8th A Tournament
    Hutchinson Middle School Hutchinson, KS
    5:00 pm

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

  • Missing cat.
    He must have snuck out when we let our dogs outside. He is chipped but does not have a collar. Please call or text 316-300-5884 if found (Nextdoor College Hill)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 12, 2025 in Wichita, KS 67203 near 9th and Zoo boulevard Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Indian Hills)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Janitor Commercial Cleaner / Full Time Day Cleaning in Wichita. Apply here.
  • Kellermeyer Bergensons Services posted a job opening for Janitorial Crew Member 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 know either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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