1. Civil War Skirmish at White Oak Creek: December 17, 1861, is remembered as a day of violence and fear in southeastern Kansas. A force of 500-600 Confederate sympathizers, led by General Sterling Price, clashed with a Union force near the Missouri border. The battle was brief, but deadly, with 24 Union soldiers and 23 Confederate soldiers killed.

2. The Great Blizzard of 1890: December 17, 1890, was the height of a three-day blizzard that paralyzed much of western Kansas. The storm dumped up to three feet of snow, and temperatures plunged to -40 degrees. Many people were stranded in isolated communities without food or fuel, and at least 25 people died in the storm or its aftermath.

3. Scott City Tornado Outbreak: On December 17, 1955, a rare outbreak of tornadoes struck southwestern Kansas. One of the most destructive storms hit the town of Scott City, where it destroyed homes, businesses, and the local school. Fortunately, no one was killed in the tornado, but nearly 100 people were injured.

4. "Keeper of the Plains" Statue Unveiled: December 17, 1974, was the day that the iconic "Keeper of the Plains" statue was unveiled in Wichita. The 44-foot-tall sculpture, created by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, symbolizing the region's Native American heritage.

5. Kansas City Chiefs Clinch Playoff Berth: On December 17, 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a spot in the NFL playoffs with a dramatic 29-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The win gave the Chiefs a 9-6 record and ensured that they would finish the regular season as AFC West champions.