Good morning, Topeka.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Rosewood Event Venue hosts Paws with Claus from 1 to 3 p.m. as families bring pets for a free photo with Santa + support the NE Kansas Animal Welfare Foundation with donations.

Kansas Children’s Service League will host its annual Red Stocking Breakfast on Saturday, Dec.

13 at The Pennant, 915 S. Kansas Ave in Topeka from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Advance tickets cost $15 + fee and children 10 and under eat free.

Topekans will revive the decades-old Goodyear Ball on Dec.

31 at 9 p.m. at The Woodshed Event Center (1901 N. Kansas Ave), as past Goodyear employees and retirees lead the festivities. Tickets cost $20 and are available by texting 785-363-0357.

Lake Shawnee Campgrounds was named one of RV LIFE’s Best of the Best for 2025 after guest reviews and recent renovations highlighted its five-star service, and Tim Laurent said staff + Shawnee County Commission support made the upgrade possible.

A giant replica of Santa is back on top of the Dillons store (2815 S.W.

29th St. at Brookwood Shopping Center) today, reinstalled by crews using a large lift and heavy-duty wires to revive a cherished local holiday tradition.

First Congregational Church will serve its Traditional German Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec.

14 (1701 SW Collins Ave) and host a German-language worship service at 4 p.m.; tickets start at $15 while proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity and local nonprofits.

AAA reported Tuesday morning that the national average for unleaded gas fell below $3 at $2.94, while Kansas prices averaged $2.61; in Topeka, local prices ranged from $2.29 to $2.79.

This marks the first four-year low in fuel prices.

Following last week's draw, Visit Topeka expects Kansas City's hosting of Argentina in the World Cup to draw international visitors to local attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

The organization plans to highlight heritage sites and new facility expansions + museum reopening to showcase Topeka's unique culture.

Topeka teacher Thomas Fulbright shared his award-winning U.S. citizenship lesson plan with state education officials on Tuesday.

The plan earned national recognition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute (Building Better Citizens Contest) and will be introduced in his classes next spring.

The Kansas State Board of Education voted on legislative priorities on Tuesday in Topeka, approving measures for stricter school bus stop policies and improved career pathways for high school graduates.

Officials said the changes aim to protect students (ensuring safer transportation) and broaden early job opportunities.

Midwest Health acquired 15 assisted living communities across Kansas on Tuesday morning.

The deal adds 600 apartments + over 315 jobs as the company expands its Topeka-based network to better serve local seniors.

The latest episode of Hear me.

See me. featured Ariel Ludwig from Valeo Behavioral Health (Topeka) who explained how holiday expectations add stress, anxiety, and grief while offering ways to cope. It was released on Dec. 9.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Topeka approved an agreement with BHI Development Inc. to launch the Sunflower Crossing project in south central, which will include a QuikTrip and two retail spaces (3,500 sqft and 6,500 sqft).

The project will add a 1% sales tax under its community improvement district.

Washburn senior Belle Kennedy was named to the D2CCA All-American Third Team and helped lead the soccer team to the Final Four after a Dec.

6 win over Missouri-St. Louis. She earned several honors (including MIAA Defensive Player of the Year) during her standout season.

Washburn University Women’s Soccer Team — backed by a strong community send-off — will travel to Colorado Springs to compete in the NCAA Division II Final Four on Thursday, Dec.

11 at 4 p.m. where they will face the Ravens from Franklin Pierce University.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.