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🌱 Patch AM: What does Topeka lose—and gain—with just one movie theater left?

Make time for Hayden Singers on the Topeka Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Topeka? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What does Topeka lose—and gain—with just one movie theater left?
  • How Topeka Zoo is turning broken lights into New Year’s cheer
  • How new incentives and a downtown lab could reshape Topeka’s economy

Also on today's calendar: Comedy Night and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Periods of sun; not as cool, with a high of 53 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Friday: Cooler; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 41, low: 20.
  • Saturday: Mainly cloudy and colder, with a high of 31 and low of 8 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Shuttered theaters leave only one cinema left for movies in Topeka (ksnt.com) — Topeka is down to just one movie theater, the Wheatfield 9 B&B Theatre, after both Regal locations closed, reshaping local options for a night at the movies. The story explains how the remaining Topeka theater is adjusting, recent bumps in attendance, and how big releases and even a ‘Stranger Things’ finale screening could keep the big-screen experience alive locally.
   

2. Welcome the New Year at the Topeka Zoo (wibw.com) — Topeka residents can recycle broken holiday lights at the Topeka Zoo’s main parking lot through January 15, with proceeds supporting conservation. The zoo is also hosting a Toast at Ten New Year’s Eve celebration in the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden, featuring dinner, music, dancing, and a 10 p.m. toast to 2026.
   

3. JEDO approves funding incentives for two existing manufacturers in Shawnee Co., prioritizing retention (wibw.com) — Local economic leaders just approved nearly $530,000 in incentives to help two existing Shawnee County manufacturers retain and grow jobs, while also preparing to open the Innovation Link Lab in downtown Topeka in early 2026. Go Topeka’s president stresses that supporting current employers and workforce training is key to keeping Topeka’s economy strong, with new tenants like Sparrow Coffee Co. and Washburn SBDC already lined up.
   

4. Washburn MBB cruising into 2026 (wibw.com) — Washburn men’s basketball in Topeka is riding the momentum of last season’s Final Four run, ranking an impressive 128th in the national Massey Ratings and even ahead of some major Division I programs. The Ichabods stay home in Topeka this Saturday to host Central Missouri, giving local fans another chance to see a surging team up close.
   

5. War stories from his father led to his 24 years of service (ksnt.com) — A longtime Air Force veteran who settled in Topeka after 24 years of service has quietly shaped local life through food and faith. After managing the cafeteria at Topeka West High School and cooking at the Topeka Rescue Mission, he now pastors a church via livestream, still serving the community his family calls home.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Hayden Singers
    Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka
    12:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Topeka Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ‼️MISSING PET‼️‼️
    ⁉️PLEASE HAS ANYONE SEEN MY BABY ⁉️ Her name is Nala, shes about 5 years old. Shes not fixed, and might be missing her collar (it was a breakaway… (Nextdoor Norton)
  • Spotted: loose dog at 15th and high Ave.
    anyone recognize him/her? Unfortunately I couldn’t stop as I am headed to an appointment (Nextdoor Randolph Park)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Shift Manager-- All Shifts in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Dillons Food Stores 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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