🌻 Wichita Weekly (12/18)

Taxes... Taxes... Taxes?

Good morning, Wichita!

The weather yesterday was a wonderful change from the last few days — hope you got a chance to get outside and enjoy it!

And now — let’s jump into the weekly!

This Week’s Poll

Are you going to vote FOR or AGAINST increased sales taxes in Wichita?

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Last Week’s Poll Results

What is the most surgeries you've had in a single year?

Results below, and sounds like C-sections and appendix / gallbladder were the most common ones!

  • 1 - 45%

  • 2 - 45%

  • 3 - 10%

  • 4+

Shoutouts

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NOT TOO BAD

Weather

Thursday – 12/18 – 53°/23° – 💨 Windy / Sunny

Friday – 12/19 – 54°/36° – 💨 Windy / Sunny

Saturday – 12/20 – 56°/29° – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy

Sunday – 12/22 – 52°/28° – 🌤️ Partly Cloudy

Source: KWCH

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TAXES, WIND, FOOD

Local News

Wichita City Council gives final approval for 1% sales tax election in March

  • “The Wichita City Council gave unanimous final approval Tuesday to hold a 1% city sales tax election on March 3 despite lingering unanswered questions and a failed attempt to separate $850 million in projects into separate ballot questions. The election will cost the city $150,000.“

  • “The proposal — first made public three weeks ago — would fund a new performing arts center, a convention center expansion, public safety projects and Century II renovations while providing money to fight homelessness and to lower property taxes.“

  • “Mayor Lily Wu said she had concerns that the sales tax won’t require matching funds from the private sector for $75 million earmarked for a new performing arts center. And she said she had heard many concerns about adding a tax to food. City officials also dampened some of the council member’s hopes for sales tax relief programs.“

  • “‘I think it was clear in all the public feedback sessions we’ve had is that Wichitans care about a variety of the issues that are embedded within this plan,’ Matt Burchett with Wichita Forward said, ‘whether it be serving our homeless community, our first responders, lowering taxes. We know that Wichitans care for these issues and will hopefully respond in a way that affirms the sales tax.’“

  • Link: Read more

Dangerous wind and fire conditions headed to Kansas

  • “As early as midnight Wednesday, Wichita could see gusts up to 50 mph, Gabbie Christo, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita, said. Going into the early morning, the wind will begin to die down before ramping back up again around 9 a.m. Then, winds will hold around the 55-60 mph range as the cold front meets warm air, with sustained winds around 30-40 mph.“

  • “Wichita’s National Weather Service advised that residents secure loose objects, doors and windows. They also recommended that drivers brace for cross winds and flying objects.“

  • Link: Read more

Several new restaurants have recently opened

  • “Here’s a look at four restaurants that have recently opened and are serving food from countries not previously represented on the Wichita dining scene: Puerto Rico, Ethiopia, The Philippines and Sri Lanka.“

  • Link: Read more

AIR, FINTECH, FOOD

Business News

Airbus says it will move its production out of Wichita

  • “When the Boeing closed its $8.3-billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus also finalized a deal to take back its work from the Wichita-based aerostructures supplier. As details came forward of Spirit's spinning off of Airbus programs, the European planemaker announced it would transfer its Wichita work — the manufacturing of the A220 aircraft pylons — to France.”

  • “We are pursuing ways to encourage Airbus to take a further look at opportunities in Kansas for that manufacturing. Those are ongoing efforts, so that is work in progress. We're ... trying to make certain that whatever we had in Wichita stays in Wichita, or stays in south-central Kansas, or stays in the state of Kansas.”

  • “John Tomblin, executive director of NIAR, told the Business Journal on Monday his goal is to work with Airbus to determine what it will take to keep the A220 pylon work in the region. Part of the pitch to Airbus is that Wichita has an established workforce and supply chain for the manufacturing line.”

  • Link: Read more

Wichita doctor launches fintech tool

  • “A Wichita physician who created software that helps doctors give patients streamlined access to health care has a new tool to make it easier for providers to manage their finances.“

  • “It allows providers to track patient medical records, manage invoicing and billing, handle prescriptions and monitor inventory all in one platform, rather than several others. ‘A good chef is in the kitchen more than they are in the office looking at the paperwork,’ Umbehr said.“

  • “Atlas Balance will handle various clinic operations, including tracking incoming funds, viewing real-time transactions, transferring funds between financial institutions and paying vendors, staff and expenses, a news release said.“

  • Link: Read more

Two restaurants have signed on for Park City’s planned Champtown development

  • “Lange Real Estate has just shared the names of three tenants that will open in its $500 million Champtown entertainment district in Park City.“

  • “Freddy’s signed a 15-year-lease for 2,380 square feet, the release said, and Bob & Luigi’s signed a 10-year lease for 2,000 square feet. The new Bob and Luigi’s restaurant, an outpost of the restaurant that operates at 325 W. Central in Andover, will also have a patio and will operate next door to Freddy’s.“

  • “Champtown developers also have plans for an 80,000 square-foot aquarium, a butterfly conservatory, a Ferris wheel, a multi-field baseball complex, and a multi-sports complex that will be able to house events like MMA combat sports, concerts, basketball and volleyball. The development also is set to have a 150-room-hotel.“

  • Link: Read more

LIGHTS, SKATES, DETECTIVE

High-Graded Events

Wild Lights at the Zoo

  • “Wild Lights ends Sunday, Dec. 21, and we’re going out with a bang! All tickets for Wednesday, Dec. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 21 are on sale at our lowest rate! Don’t miss your chance to see Wild Lights!“

  • Price: $14-$16 per person

  • Dates: Wednesday through Sunday until Dec 21st

  • Time: 6 - 9 pm

  • More Info

51st Annual Nutcracker Ballet

  • “Experience the magic of the season with Ballet Wichita’s 51st annual production of "The Nutcracker," featuring live music by the Ballet Wichita Symphony. A beloved holiday tradition, this enchanting performance brings Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and a cast of talented dancers to life in a dazzling celebration for all ages.“

  • Price: $36+ per person

  • Dates: December 19 - 21st

  • Time: 7pm / 7pm / 2pm

  • More Info

Old Fashioned Christmas

  • “Pick out your Christmas tree, say hi to Santa and find Christmas festivities such as a Dinner Theater all at Prairie Pines.“

  • Price: Free+

  • Dates & Times: See here

  • More Info

Adult Skate Night

  • “It’s no kids, no stress, just good music, great energy, and the kind of crowd that came to make memories. From the best throwbacks to today’s hits, our live DJ keeps the floor moving while the bar keeps the drinks coming.“

  • Price: $14+ per person

  • Dates: December 19th

  • Time: 9:30pm - Midnight

  • More Info

The Dinner Detective

  • “North America’s LARGEST interactive comedy true crime murder mystery dinner show is now playing in Wichita, KS!“

  • Price: $70+ per person

  • Dates: December 20th

  • Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  • More Info

GIVEAWAYS, TAXES, TENNIS

Social Media Trends

100+ comments on the proposed sales tax increase (here)

Wichita Life’s Christmas Giveaway (here)

Future of Shocker Tennis (here)

Boeing is back home in Wichita again (here)

Make your own Christmas ornaments (here)

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Best,

The Wichita Weekly

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