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🌱 Patch AM: Are your holiday packages safe from Topeka’s growing porch pirate problem?

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Hello Topeka! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Are your holiday packages safe from Topeka’s growing porch pirate problem?
  • What Topekans can expect at Stormont Vail’s new mental health clinic
  • See the surreal pink “cloud” now floating over Topeka’s state offices.

Also on today's calendar: Holiday FLING TOPEKA! and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Cooler; breezy in the morning, with a high of 40 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mainly cloudy and colder, temps: high: 28, low: 6. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Cold with plenty of sun, with a high of 25 and low of 19 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What you need to know about 'Porch Pirating' (ksnt.com) — Topeka police are warning residents to expect more package thefts as holiday deliveries ramp up and are urging people to use work addresses, trusted friends, or in-store pickup instead of unattended porches. Officers also recommend doorbell cameras and watchful neighbors, noting most porch pirates are caught because someone quickly reports suspicious activity. TPD logged nine porch theft reports last month.
   

2. Stormont Vail opens new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Topeka (wibw.com) — Stormont Vail has opened a new outpatient behavioral health clinic at 2601 SW 3rd St. on the former Topeka State Hospital grounds, expanding mental health services for local residents. With growing demand and thousands of annual visits, the new space separates outpatient from inpatient care and sets the stage for future expansions, including services tailored to pre-adolescents.
   

3. Breathtaking Indoor Cloud Installation Made of Painted Panels Suspended in Mid-Air (mymodernmet.com) — A striking new art installation now floats above visitors inside the Robert B. Docking State Office Building in downtown Topeka, resembling a pink, cloud-like form suspended in mid-air. Created by Canadian artist David Spriggs and inspired by Kansas’ big skies and state motto, the permanent piece is meant to symbolize openness, innovation, and a sense of looking upward together.
   

4. Washburn Tech holds pinning ceremony for nursing students (ksnt.com) — Washburn Tech nursing students in Topeka celebrated a pinning ceremony on Dec. 11, marking the end of their Practical Nursing program. School leaders say enrollment is at record highs and describe new buildings and expanded classroom space aimed at growing healthcare and technical programs for local students.
   

5. 300 hams handed out at Topeka Hy-Vee (ksnt.com) — Hundreds of neighbors lined up at the southwest Topeka Hy-Vee on Dec. 11, where Hy-Vee, Hormel Foods, and local first responders handed out 300 free hams. The giveaway, part of a larger multi-store “Hams for the Holidays” effort, aimed to ease food insecurity and support Topekans during the holiday season.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost pup.
    Missing from the potwin area. Please contact me if you spot him (Nextdoor Greater Auburndale)
  • Hello neighbors!
    I write a blog about my daily life as a stay at home wife and what I notice in the world. It has more of a Christian vibe to it than most blogs. I… (Nextdoor Brookfield)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager-- All Shifts in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Topeka. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Topeka here.

Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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