Daily
Topeka
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Following its longstanding partnership, Dillons donated a $25,000 check to Harvesters (a food bank fighting insecurity) and participating stores will host food drives on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to collect essential holiday items. WIBW
- ➤ The 30th annual Miracle on Kansas Ave. parade is set for tomorrow (Dec. 6) with staging beginning at 3 p.m. at the Judicial Center parking lot, a 6 p.m. kickoff from 10th and S. Kansas Ave., and a finale featuring Santa exiting his sleigh and fireworks at Evergy Plaza. WIBW
- ➤ The BBB warns Kansans about fake charity scams this holiday season and advises using resources like Give.org and Scam Tracker to check legitimacy. Reports show more than 900 scam complaints were filed in 2025. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ More than 24 people were taken to local hospitals this week after slipping on ice and snow; safety experts advise taking extra care and wearing shoes with good traction (especially for older residents). WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will host a free holiday concert by the 30-piece Fountain City Brass Band on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at 1515 S.W. 10th Ave as part of its long-running Music for a Sunday Afternoon series. WIBW
- ➤ A Christmas Wager, a romantic story of love and loss, will perform Dec. 12–14 at The Beacon (420 SW 9th in Topeka), with shows at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12-13 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children; bring canned food for $5 off. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Turner Elementary School teacher Lexcee Oddo received a $25,000 Milken Educator Award on Thursday for her innovative support of English language learners in Topeka—her high expectations and individual support foster student confidence. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ United Way of Kaw Valley and Aetna Better Health teamed up with the CVS Health Foundation to donate books to children at Lowman Hill Elementary for its Junior Leader Reader program. Director Lauren Wolf (a CVS grant added 500 books) read to kindergarten students on Thursday, Dec. 4. WIBW
- ➤ WSU president Richard Muma warned faculty on Thursday that the university would face at least a 3% budget cut and possible staff layoffs in the current and next fiscal years — a measure linked to falling international enrollment despite record student headcount. Kansas Reflector
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Emporia State linebacker Landon Boss, an Osage City native, was named Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year on Dec. 4 after recording 101 tackles, 10 sacks, and two interceptions during the 2025 season — he became the first Hornet to win the honor. WIBW
- ➤ K-State has hired former standout quarterback Collin Klein as the Wildcats’ new head coach following Chris Klieman’s retirement; Klein will be introduced at a press conference this weekend in Manhattan. WIBW
- ➤ No. 7 Washburn volleyball swept Wayne State College for a 3-0 win on Thursday, Dec. 4 and will face Concordia-St. Paul at 4 p.m. Friday in the NCAA Central Regional semifinals. WIBW
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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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Holiday Fling Topeka
9:00-10:30 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Entry fee may apply — Experience a festive holiday extravaganza with shopping, gourmet tastings, and family-friendly fun.
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The Snowman Concert
Evening — Washburn University — Ticket info not provided — Experience holiday magic with a symphony and Kansas Youth Chorale performance of beloved seasonal favorites.
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Kansas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Featuring The Topeka Symphony
7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available now — Experience the enchanting holiday classic with over 150 dancers and live music from the Topeka Symphony.
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Ballet Midwest Presents: The Nutcracker
1-2:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets available at the box office — Experience the magic of Kansas Ballet's holiday classic with stunning choreography and live music.
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PRCA New Year's Eve Xtreme Bulls
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets from $38 — Celebrate New Year's Eve with thrilling bull riding and compete against the top bulls in the country.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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