Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Angel Tree and Red Kettles are helping Topekans this week

Also check out LES Holiday Parties on the Topeka Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hey there, Topeka! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Angel Tree and Red Kettles are helping Topekans this week
  • Which Shawnee County roads could see safety upgrades with new federal grants?
  • How you can weigh in on a Topeka killer’s parole

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 50 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 52, low: 26.
  • Sunday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 48 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Angel Tree takes over the Salvation Army this holiday season (ksnt.com) — Topeka’s Salvation Army just wrapped up Angel Tree gift distribution to 250 local families, helping more than 500 children and several seniors celebrate the holidays. The Red Kettle campaign continues for six more days, with donations funding food, shelter, and essential services for Topekans throughout the year.
   

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

2. Shawnee County Public Works presents safety plan, which can be used to apply for federal grants (wibw.com) — Shawnee County officials in Topeka just reviewed a new Comprehensive Safety Action Plan that’s key to securing federal money for road upgrades. The plan targets dangerous intersections and rural road departures with incremental fixes like better shoulders and markings, aiming to stretch limited funds while improving safety for local drivers and pedestrians over time.
   

3. Parole eyed for man who killed 2 Kansas women in Topeka and Manhattan (hutchnews.com) — A man who killed a young woman in East Topeka in 1978 is now being considered for parole after 47 years in Kansas prisons. State officials are taking public comments in January via Zoom and email before the Kansas Prisoner Review Board meets with him in February, and any release could not occur before March 1, 2026.
   

4. April Lynn (Sanderson) Benne (bladeempire.com) — Topeka readers are remembering April Lynn (Sanderson) Benne, a Topeka High School graduate who later married in Topeka and built a life of service and education across Kansas. She recently passed away at her home in Courtland, Kansas, with a memorial service held in Belleville and her family encouraging gifts or charitable donations in her honor.
   

5. Deputies respond to injury crash in Shawnee County (kmaj1440.com) — Drivers southeast of Topeka are being asked to avoid Southeast Berryton Road at Southeast 93rd Street after an injury crash closed part of the roadway. Deputies say traffic can detour using Southeast California Avenue and Southeast 85th Street while they work the scene and keep the area safe.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Come on over to Facebook to join this amazing group!
    https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Gt3eB16Ge/?mibextid=wwXIfr (Nextdoor Shawnee Meadows)
  • Did u know that a good portion of homeless people are in that situation because shelters generally don't allow u to keep ur animal right with u?
    People are unwilling to let their pets go so instead they remain homeless. It's sad. I wish I could build a place they could all be safe and warm. (Nextdoor Seabrook)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager-- All Shifts in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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