🌱 Patch AM: How strict will Topeka’s New Year’s DUI patrols be?

Hello Topeka! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How strict will Topeka’s New Year’s DUI patrols be?
• Why southwest Topeka’s blood supply is critically low right now
• Will your St. Francis doctor stay in-network after New Year’s Eve?

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 66 and low of 38 degrees.
• Thursday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 68, low: 43.
• Friday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 69 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Topeka police will increase traffic enforcement during DUI campaign (ksnt.com) — Topeka police will ramp up DUI and seatbelt enforcement citywide from Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, through Thursday, Jan. 2, 2026, as part of the nationwide “Taking Down DUI” campaign. Officers will focus on catching impaired drivers and unbelted passengers, and residents are urged to plan sober rides, hold onto friends’ keys if they’ve been drinking, and call 911 to report suspected drunk drivers.
   

2. Community Blood Center needs donations during holiday season (ksnt.com) — If you live in Topeka, the Community Blood Center in southwest Topeka says holiday travel and winter illnesses are creating a critical local blood shortage. Donations usually drop by more than a third this season, even though most people are eligible to give. Staff are urging residents to make time to donate so blood is available for friends and family when emergencies strike.
   

3. UKHS St. Francis: Negotiations with BCBSKS ‘hopefully' concluded by New Year's Eve (wibw.com) — Topeka patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas plans are being assured that St. Francis Campus providers remain in-network while contract talks continue, with both sides aiming to finalize a new agreement by Dec. 31. Hospital leaders say they’re optimistic about protecting local access to care and promise updates as negotiations with the insurer progress.
   

4. Midwest's largest equine expo heads to Topeka in January (wibw.com) — Topeka will host Equifest of Kansas, the Midwest’s largest equine expo, from Jan. 23–25, bringing horses, competitions, and family-friendly entertainment back to town. Organizers promise theatrical evening shows, rodeo-style events and concerts, while veterinarians will screen all horses amid concerns about an out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak.
   

5. Kansas Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 23, 2025 (cjonline.com) — Kansas Lottery has released the Dec. 23, 2025 winning numbers for Mega Millions, Pick 3, 2 By 2, and Lucky for Life, and Topekans can cash prizes at the downtown headquarters. Tickets up to $599 can be redeemed at any retailer, while larger prizes require mailing or visiting the Kansas Lottery office at 128 N Kansas Avenue in Topeka during weekday business hours.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 25

• No School: Winter Break
  Carbondale Attendance Center Carbondale, KS 66414

Friday December 26

• Page Turners
  Holiday Thornton Place , 2901 SW Armstrong Ave , Topeka
  1:30 pm
• Topeka Scarecrows vs. Monroe Moccasins
  Stormont Vail Events Center , 1 Expocentre Dr , Topeka
  7:05 pm
• Friday Night Funnies
  Cosmos Court , 909 S Kansas Ave , Topeka
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Liverpool Legends
  Topeka Performing Arts Center , 214 SE 8th Ave , Topeka
  7:30 pm

Wednesday December 31

• Toast at Ten: A Wildly Elegant New Year’s Eve at the Topeka Zoo
  Topeka Zoo , 635 SW Gage Blvd , Topeka
  6:00 pm
• PRCA NYE Xtreme Bulls
  Stormont Vail Events Center , 1 Expocentre Dr , Topeka
  7:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Does anyone know of a family with small children that can't afford a Christmas tree this year?
  I have a live tree that comes with a few decorations. I will deliver to them. Please let me know (Nextdoor Oakland)
• Still running loose Tony is searching for bird/pointer brown and white dog.
  Please Slow Down around Casey's and the Southwest Indian Hills roundabout on the right side where the golf course. Call the number below owner is… (Nextdoor Indian Hills)

• Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member in Topeka. Apply here.
• Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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