Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a suitcase at Wichita Fire Station 22 sparked a homicide probe

Happening soon: Autumn Craft And Bake Sale on the Wichita Patch calendar

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Hi there, Wichita! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a suitcase at Wichita Fire Station 22 sparked a homicide probe
  • What changed after Wichita's school board finally broke its 3-3 deadlock?
  • Which Wichita nonprofits just won big in a Shark Tank-style contest?

Also on today's calendar: Autumn Craft And Bake Sale and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Hot; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 97 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 80, low: 62.
  • Monday: Pleasant with some sun, with a high of 74 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Body Of 67-Year-Old Woman Found In Suitcase At Wichita Fire Station (iheart.com) — Wichita residents are being urged to share any tips after a 67-year-old woman's body was found in a suitcase at Fire Station 22, prompting an active homicide investigation. Police say there's no broader public threat, but they're interviewing multiple people, piecing together a timeline, and asking anyone with information to call homicide investigators at 316-268-4407.
   

2. Wichita school board selects new member to fill vacant board seat (kansas.com) — Wichita's USD 259 school board has appointed Brock Booker to fill the vacant seat left by Ngoc Vuong, restoring a full seven-member board after months of operating short-handed. Chosen after a tied first vote and a decisive second round, Booker will be sworn in next month and serve through the end of next year, helping oversee policies that shape local schools.
   

3. Wichita nonprofits win over $100,000 in United Way competition (ksn.com) — Several Wichita nonprofits just secured a combined $105,000 in funding through United Way of the Plains' Impact on the Plains competition, with Masters and Mentors taking the top prize and people's choice award. Other winners included LegacyWorks, Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services, and the Wichita Library Foundation, while Textron Aviation was honored for decades of support that help sustain community programs across the city.
   

4. Juanita Ridge Turns Messages for Youth Into Music (communityvoiceks.com) — Wichita youth advocate Juanita Ridge is debuting her new anti-drug song "Drug Free Generation" on Oct. 3 at Fairmount Coffee Co., inviting local young people into the project. Drawing on decades working in Wichita schools, she's turning her familiar cafeteria chants and life lessons into professionally produced music aimed at helping kids choose a drug-free, self-respecting future.
   

5. Kansas Ford Dealership Fires Two Employees After Racial Slurs Printed on Customer Oil Change Stickers – WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM (wengradio.com) — A long-time Wichita Ford dealership, Rusty Eck Ford, fired two employees after racial slurs appeared on oil change reminder stickers given to four customers. The dealership says one worker entered the offensive language and another failed to report it, and leaders now face questions about oversight as they apologize directly to those affected.
   

📸 Around Wichita

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Huge Big Shout Out to Tom with Beastie Crew...
    (Beauties and Beasts). He Safely Rescued Our Maddie Girl Tonight after 68 days lost. It Only took him about 5 days . Tom We Will Forever Love You… (Nextdoor South Central)
  • Maddie is Safely Home
    Our Maddie girl has been found....Our Incredible Professional Rescuer is trapping her. She has her routine. She eats good 2 times a day. If you… (Nextdoor South Central)
  • Wichita Public Schools posted a job opening for Guest (Substitute) Custodian 2026-2027 in Wichita. Apply here.
  • LaborMAX posted a job opening for Site Cleaner 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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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