Daily
Topeka
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Kiwanis Club of Topeka will host a pancake feed and silent auction on November 22 from 7 to 11 a.m. at Lowman United Methodist Church at 4101 SW 15th St—raising funds for local children’s programs. WIBW
- ➤ Construction crews are building a new Adventure Trail at Gage Park—workers set concrete footings in November and the trail will open by spring to give local families more ways to enjoy the park. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries updated its holiday needs list to include nonperishable food, household items, clothing and more so families can celebrate the season — donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 401 NW Norris St. WIBW
- ➤ United Way of Kaw Valley is asking Kansans to donate clothing, food, and gifts to nearly 400 households (with over 3,800 homes already helped) so families can have a better holiday season amid hard financial times. More information for volunteering or donating is available on the organization’s website. KSNT
- ➤ The City of Topeka announced on Nov. 20 that its 'Oh SNAP!' campaign raised $9,450.47 through online donations and a Pass the Hat event—organized by the local fire department and Office of Inclusive Communities—to support food security during the holiday season. The funds will be provided to United Way of Kaw Valley to help families affected by federal food assistance delays. KSNT
- ➤ Let’s Help reported a large increase in food donations this month, collecting over 5,000 pounds on Nov. 1 plus another 15,000 pounds since then as the drive helped restock its warehouse amid funding cuts and volunteer shortages. The non-profit will host a drive-thru food drive on December 6 to continue supporting local families in need. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new dog wash called Sis’s Automated Dog Wash opened at 2010 S.W. Ashworth Place in Topeka and will donate 20% of revenue from one bathtub to the Helping Hands Humane Society—its features include tubs for small dogs and an accessible option for disabled pets. Owner Stacie Robinson, who has over 15 years of experience, said customers can use the provided shampoos and enjoy a groomer-quality blow-dry option. WIBW
- ➤ Local small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday by offering unique gifts and personal service for shoppers who prefer quality over online shopping. Store owners say that their curated items and community ties keep dollars in Topeka—a strategy that helps the local economy thrive. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grace Cathedral at 701 SW 8th Ave will mark 50 years since a 1975 fire on Nov.23 with free events that include an open house at 2 p.m.+ guided tours and firefighter recognition later that day. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn students showcased personalized projects on Nov 20 during the Day of Transformation — each student worked with a faculty mentor to bring ideas in community, civil engagement, international experience, or creativity to life. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn Rural High School in southwest Topeka is hosting a Thanksgiving feast by serving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls and pumpkin pie to about 1,200 students in 90 minutes—an effort that is part of over 9,000 meals served by the school district this week. A special Christmas meal with ham is planned for next month. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka raised about $9,450 through its 'Oh SNAP' effort that collected donations from firefighters and online donors — the funds will support local food banks and partner agencies during the holiday season. City Manager Dr. Robert Perez thanked the community for its support. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Topeka’s Stormont Vail is adding mental health sessions to its cardiac rehab programs to help patients manage anxiety and depression after a heart event—this change teaches coping skills and encourages family support to boost recovery. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas agriculture officials are checking horses for a dangerous virus called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy after cases were confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma at rodeo events—no Kansas horses have the disease yet and owners must isolate any horse that attended for two weeks—while a rodeo in Mulvane was canceled because of the alert. KSNT
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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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Python for Scientists Training/Class
Dec 8-12 — Heston's Gladiator Academy — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills with expert-led classes designed for scientific applications.
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