Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka SENT announced it will add an extra Wednesday distribution day at Southside Filling Station starting next week—its pantry will open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., adding to the regular Thursday service as SNAP benefits are set to end in early November if the shutdown continues.

Local community groups will meet Wednesday to plan how to help families facing the loss of federal assistance.

Lago Vista Grill is opening its kitchen on Monday, Nov.

3 from 11 am to 4 pm to serve quart portions of albondigas soup to people affected by the expiration of SNAP benefits. Owner Miguel Cardena is asking the community—requesting food donations and help connecting with local food pantries to provide regular meals.

SENT Inc. partnered with the Kansas City Food Hub to deliver fresh foods weekly to its southeast Topeka pantry starting Oct.

27—its first delivery brought 160 pumpkin pies and other produce sourced from local farms. SENT is also planning a Community Supported Agriculture program and Food as Medicine boxes to help local residents access healthy food.

Prairie Band Casino and Resort presented a $10K check to TARC on Monday after raising funds through its Ticket In-Ticket Out program that turned guests’ unused slot tickets into cash for charity.

The donation supports TARC’s services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — a program that helps local residents — and marks a successful community effort.

Flint Hills Breadbasket will host a military and government food distribution Sunday, November 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ogden Community Center at 220 Willow Street—attendees must show a military ID or government badge to receive food.

Community Action Inc. in Topeka is offering emergency financial help for families not receiving their federal food benefits because of the shutdown.

The group urges local businesses and community members to donate money for groceries, baby formula and other essential needs—support available by appointment only.

Andrew Holt is working to transform downtown Topeka by turning vacant storefronts into restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues to boost activity.

He plans to partner with building owners and local businesses—creating a supportive environment that brings more people downtown.

Topeka’s Mars plant makes millions of fun-sized candies that fill trick-or-treat bags and employs many local workers.

Site Director Brian Pardo said the facility (opened in 2014) starts production in March and works through the summer to prepare treats for Halloween.

Dave Lewis, known for his work on Manhattan radio and as a Kansas State University announcer, opened up about his grief after losing his first wife to breast cancer and explained how incidents from his youth and his public career added to his challenges—he shared a personal journey toward healing. The conversation provided clear insight into his struggle to cope with loss.

Gas prices are nearly steady as the end of October nears—AAA reported the national average for unleaded fuel is about $3.04, while Kansas averages about $2.72.

In Topeka, prices are even lower, with unleaded ranging from $2.49 to $2.79 and diesel from $3.19 to $3.80.

Topeka elementary schools have set up haunted gyms to help students improve balance and coordination in a spooky—yet non-Halloween-driven—environment.

Several schools will also host Halloween parades on Oct. 31.

The Kansas Corporation Commission announced the Cold Weather Rule will begin Saturday, Nov.

1 to stop utility companies from disconnecting service when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees in the next 48 hours. The rule requires customers with past-due balances to contact their utility for a 12-month payment plan — a protection that will last until March 31 — and applies only to residential accounts under KCC regulation.

As the weather turns colder and holiday events begin, the fire dangers around homes are rising.

Topeka Fire Dept. fire marshal Alan Stahl visited Eye on NE Kansas—he urged residents to take steps to reduce fire risks.

Dr. Jeff Larkin at Westport Dental Family Dentistry is holding a free dental care day for veterans on November 7 + he has provided this service for five years to help those without dental insurance.

He hopes to expand the event to Lawrence next year + appointments are available by calling 785-228-0100.

West Ridge LIVE

7:30-9:30 p.m. — West Ridge Mall — Various tickets available — Experience an exciting event with special seating options and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Help Stock the Ronald McDonald House Pantry

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Seabrook Apple Market — Donations welcome — Support local families in need by replenishing vital pantry supplies.

2025 Kansas Environmental Education Conference

4-4:30 p.m. — Sunflower Nonprofit Center — Registration fees apply — Explore critical environmental education themes and network with community leaders.

Gallery Talk: Bobby Von Martin

6-7:30 p.m. — Mulvane Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the impact of Choctaw artist Bobby Von Martin's heritage and art in his enlightening gallery talk.

Cirque Mechanics - Tilt

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Check for pricing — Experience a high-flying circus spectacle that combines acrobatics with mechanical marvels.

Rich The Kid Live Concert

9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!

Chocolate Nutcracker Midwest

3-4:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Adults start at $20, Children start at $10 — Experience an urban twist on the classic ballet featuring diverse dance styles.

Cheer Power Topeka Showdown 2025

1 a.m. — Topeka Elite Cheer — Bids available for top competitions — Cheerleading competition featuring bids for prestigious events.

28th Annual Winter Wonderland

November 26 to December 31 — Lake Shawnee Campground — Admission Fee Required — Experience a festive drive-thru holiday light display perfect for the entire family.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

12-2 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Free entry — Enjoy a warm meal with the community during this festive Thanksgiving gathering.