Daily
Topeka
Friday, November 14th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Topekarama will start at 10 a.m. on November 15 at Stormont Vail Events Center—Agricultural Hall where vendors will offer vintage toys, CDs, games and comics. Admission will cost $5 for adults while kids 13 and under, military personnel and others entering after 3 p.m. will be admitted free until the event ends at 5 p.m. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka’s Blue Dot Heating/Air, Plumbing and Electrical is teaming up with HyVee to give away 138 turkeys at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 22 at the HyVee store on SW Wanamaker Rd — each family may only take one turkey with no purchase needed. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka residents looking for a Christmas tree can visit Seven Pines at 9090 KS-4 in Meriden where owner Chris Pool said visitors may start shopping the day after Thanksgiving and enjoy fun family activities—such as hot cocoa and smores. Another option is Country Christmas Trees near Wakarusa, where owner Eldon Clawson will sell remaining trees as operations slow this season. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka’s Top ’20 Under 40’ honorees were recognized Thursday night during a banquet hosted by the Jayhawk Area Council, which selected 20 young leaders from over a hundred nominees for their work to improve Topeka and Shawnee County. They were honored for their efforts to build a safer community — a sign of a brighter future for local neighborhoods. WIBW
- ➤ Advocacy leaders announced Thursday morning that the Mobile Access Partnership is now called the Moving Ahead Partnership (MAP) to shift from mobile outreach to a fixed resource center that offers showers, clean clothes, and help replacing lost IDs for those facing chronic homelessness. United Way of Kaw Valley now leads the All Hands On Deck initiative while Compassion Strategies begins a pilot program (aiming to train 20 navigators to help 100 residents exit homelessness) to strengthen local support. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ After part of Breadbasket Food Pantry caught fire on Wednesday night — officials suspect someone intentionally set the blaze — director Mary Tyler confirmed the food remains safe and the pantry will reopen Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tim Carpenter—who has written over 2,200 stories in 40 years—was inducted into the Newspaper Hall of Fame on November 13th, a recognition of his steadfast dedication to local journalism. Kansas Reflector
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ USD 501 partnered with Washburn University to share Ruby Bridges' legacy with first-graders at Meadows Elementary (teacher candidates read 'I am Ruby Bridges' to the class) in honor of National Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Students later received backpacks (with a book, bracelet, pennant and new shoes) and joined a walk that promoted kindness. WIBW
- ➤ Lance Sparks, a former Washburn basketball player and local insurance agency owner, helped complete fundraising to reach an $8 million goal for extensive renovations at Lee Arena ahead of the men’s basketball team’s home game on Nov. 19—upgrades include a new court, scoreboards, seating system, and improved technology for visitors. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kansas transportation officials said eastbound I-70 between MacVicar Avenue and Sixth Avenue will close for pavement patching work as part of the Polk—Quincy Viaduct Project from 10 p.m. today until midnight Nov. 16, and drivers should use detours via I-470, U.S. 75 Highway, U.S. 24 and K—4 Highway. KSNT
- ➤ Today, the Kansas Department of Transportation announced that eastbound I-70 will be closed from 10 p.m. for pavement patching on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct between MacVicar and S.E. 6th — drivers will use detours to I-470 and local roads. The closure will last until work is complete or until 11:59 p.m. on November 16th. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Stormont Vail in Topeka is expanding its telehealth service to offer on-demand virtual primary care visits for non-emergency issues. The service will provide visits from 5 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and add coverage from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Nov. 17—patients must already have a provider and MyChart account to use it. WIBW
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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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10th Annual Wing Fling
2-3:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Ticket prices not available yet — Enjoy a fun-filled festival featuring Topeka's only chicken wing competition with great food, drinks, and live music.
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