Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will the new 2% CID tax reshape Topeka’s events hub?

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Good morning Topeka! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will the new 2% CID tax reshape Topeka’s events hub?
  • What will Kansas’ new early childhood office mean for Topeka families?
  • Win big? Here’s how Topekans can cash Kansas Lottery prizes.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 58 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 66, low: 39.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 68 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Shawnee Co. approves sales tax hike for events center upgrades (ksnt.com) — Shawnee County commissioners have approved a new Community Improvement District around the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka that adds a 2% retailers’ sales tax to fund more than $10 million in upgrades. The CID covers the events center area but excludes Hotel Topeka and the nearby fire station, and includes a planned $6 million renovation of the Maner Conference Center.
   

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

2. Kansas governor nominates child care administrator to lead new state agency • Kansas Reflector (kansasreflector.com) — From Topeka, Gov. Laura Kelly has nominated Christi Smith to lead Kansas’ new Office of Early Childhood, which will consolidate nearly 20 programs into one agency starting July 2026. The move aims to streamline child care licensing, assistance, and support services, potentially improving access and affordability for families across Topeka and the rest of Kansas.
   

3. Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 22, 2025 (cjonline.com) — If you bought a Kansas Lottery ticket, you can now check the Dec. 22 winning numbers and see if you’ve scored a prize. Winners over $599 can claim in person at Kansas Lottery headquarters on North Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, which handles payouts of any amount on weekdays.
   

4. Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice joins national alliance to promote rule of law • Kansas Reflector (kansasreflector.com) — From Topeka, former Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss is helping launch a new national Alliance of Former Chief Justices focused on protecting judicial independence and the rule of law. In a Kansas Reflector podcast, he recalls political pressure on Kansas courts, including funding threats and impeachment proposals, and explains how the group plans to speak out through talks, op-eds, and civic partnerships.
   

5. Trump approves disaster declaration for Kansas counties hit by severe summer storms • Kansas Reflector (kansasreflector.com) — From Topeka, state leaders announced that President Trump has approved federal disaster aid for 12 Kansas counties hit by severe July storms, unlocking FEMA funding for damaged infrastructure. The governor also requested another disaster declaration for September flooding and declared a wildfire emergency, urging Kansans to avoid activities that could spark new fires during the current high-risk conditions.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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📣 Topeka Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Does anyone recognize this cat?
    He has a thin blue collar on and spends a lot of time here . He’s here all hours of the day and night even when it’s very cold outside. I made a… (Nextdoor Briarwood)
  • I have 2 new kid size Chiefs fleece blankets available for sale.
    They are one layer of fleece with the size hemmed. One measures 55 x 34 in. and is $12 the other one measures 55 x 44 in. and is $15 I also have a K… (Nextdoor Woodvalley Watchers)
  • Dillons Food Stores posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger in Topeka. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager-- All Shifts 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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