Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 6th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food assistance is available in Topeka this week as the government shutdown continues—local organizations are stepping in to help residents in need. Harvesters will start a distribution today at the Kansas Neurological Institute while HyVee stores offer free meals for children and Jefferson’s Restaurant provides free kids meals with supplies lasting. WIBW
- ➤ A local organizer has set up a car show and toy drive for kids this Saturday, November 8 at the Dugout at 1545 SW Fairlawn Rd—event runs from noon until 4 p.m. and invites visitors to drop off new, unwrapped toys and canned food donations. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka launched the 'Oh SNAP!' campaign to raise funds for local families facing SNAP shortages amid the federal shutdown. Firefighters and community partners will collect donations using a 'Pass the Hat' effort at five sites on Nov. 14 to 15—United Way of Kaw Valley will then distribute funds to local organizations. KSNT
- ➤ Veterans and active-duty military members will enjoy a free buffet breakfast and 15% off groceries at Hy-Vee, Fast and Fresh, and Dollar Fresh Market stores on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (marking the 27th year of the tradition). Some locations will also display military memorials to honor service members. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Steven Towers of Towers’ Historic Harley-Davidson bought the old Regal West Ridge 8 in west Topeka, which closed on October 23rd, and plans to start demolition in December or January 2026 with renovations beginning by March 2026. The multi-million dollar project—intended to create a state-of-the-art facility for motorcycle enthusiasts—will be completed by fall. KSNT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Lecompton Territorial Capital Museum is hosting the Christmas Through the Ages exhibit through Jan. 4 and features over 200 Christmas trees with vintage ornaments and period decorations. Visitors may view the display during set hours and attend Christmas Vespers at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 — the event offers a look at past holiday traditions. WIBW
- ➤ Phenomenal Creations, a new arts and crafts store, opened in Topeka on Nov. 5 - the shop offers activities like painting, t-shirt decorating and resin art for all ages and will add a new activity each month. KSNT
- ➤ Seaman High School Theatre is showing Puffs today at 7 p.m. at its auditorium on NW Rochester Rd and will show it again on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. It is a funny play that takes a new look at the Harry Potter books — tickets cost $5 at the door. WIBW
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Carl Carlson, CEO of Carlson Financial, told Eye on NE Kansas that workers have choices for their 401(k) as they near retirement. He explained that leaving funds in an old plan, moving them to an IRA or a new employer’s plan, or taking a lump sum each have tax effects — and he urged speaking with a financial planner. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city is nearing a sale of Hotel Topeka — it bought the building for about $7.6 million and invested over $10 million while planning upgrades to address rising losses. Roy Arnold of Endeavor Hotel Group said he expects to sign an agreement soon and will update the hotel with new furniture, warmer colors and redesigned bathrooms. KSNT
- ➤ City officials announced that several streets in Topeka will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 8 for the Veterans Day Parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. They said parking along the parade route will be prohibited from 3 a.m. and vehicles left in the area will be towed at the owner's expense. WIBW
- ➤ Veterans Day events are scheduled in Topeka and northeast Kansas as military members and veterans will be honored; a Kansas Courage celebration will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8th at Evergy Plaza, and parades, memorial services and free breakfasts are planned at various local sites through Nov. 11th—each event honors our local servicemen and women. WIBW
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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.
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Rich The Kid Live Concert
9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!
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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.
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Cheer Power Topeka Showdown 2025
1 a.m. — Topeka Elite Cheer — Bids available for top competitions — Cheerleading competition featuring bids for prestigious events.
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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.
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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.
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SLEAZYWORLD GO Live in Topeka
9 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $25-$120 — Experience SLEAZYWORLD GO's exciting live performance on 'THE RED TOUR' with all ages welcome.
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Adult Skate Night at Sk8away
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sk8away Inc. — $8 with rentals or $6 with personal skates — Enjoy a fun night of skating for adults aged 18 and over.
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Catholic Community Zoo Lights
Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!
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Catholic Community Zoo Lights
Come for Mass at Hayden HS, Enjoy Hot Chocolate after Mass, then head to The Topeka Zoo to enjoy the annual Zoo Lights event! Everyone is welcome!
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Tip-a-Cop at Red Robin Topeka
4-8 p.m. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews — Donations appreciated — Enjoy a meal with local law enforcement while supporting Special Olympics Kansas athletes.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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