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🌱 Patch AM: Why Topeka’s new fire chief came out of retirement

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Greetings Topeka! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Topeka’s new fire chief came out of retirement
  • Topeka community remembers the life of Marie Claire Chmidling
  • How a beloved Topeka salon is changing hands after 50 years

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

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

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 49 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Sunday: Intervals of clouds and sun, temps: high: 48, low: 35.
  • Monday: Clouds yielding to sun, with a high of 59 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Retired Topeka firefighter returns to lead department as fire chief (wibw.com) — Topeka’s fire department is now led by longtime veteran Chad Longstaff, who returned from retirement to become fire chief in November. He’s emphasizing stronger partnerships with police, EMS and city hall, more support and facilities for women firefighters, and open houses so residents can better understand how Topeka Fire serves the community beyond fighting fires.
   

2. Marie Claire Chmidling (atchisonglobenow.com) — A longtime Topeka resident, Marie Claire (Blecha) Chmidling, 78, passed away November 29 at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka. A beloved teacher, coach, and musician with deep Kansas roots, she is survived by daughters in Waco and Topeka and several siblings. A memorial Mass will be held in spring 2026 in Munden, Kansas.
   

3. Longtime Topeka hair salon owners celebrate retirement (ksnt.com) — A beloved Topeka hair salon is entering a new chapter as longtime owners Terry and Barbara Stearman retire after 50 years serving local clients. Friends and customers gathered at Touch of Class Hair Studio to celebrate them, while new owner Christy Watkins will keep the business open with the same local talent and community focus.
   

4. Kansas Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 19, 2025 (cjonline.com) — If you bought a Kansas Lottery ticket, you can now check the Dec. 19 Mega Millions, Pick 3, 2 By 2, and Lucky for Life winning numbers and see if you scored a prize. Winners over $599 can claim at Kansas Lottery headquarters at 128 N Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   

5. Extra lab space, inflation drives cost of University of Kansas Cancer Center to $329 million • Kansas Reflector (kansasreflector.com) — From Topeka, state leaders are weighing a major cost increase for the University of Kansas Cancer Center project, now projected at $329 million with added lab space and inflation. The plan relies partly on $75 million in state aid and additional federal support, decisions shaped in Topeka that will influence cancer care and research across Kansas. Construction is underway, with full operations expected by 2029.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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📸 John "The Iron Man" Cantrell of Topeka, Kansas, the American Boxing Organization Heavyweight Champion. Defeated Kahil Smoot With a sixth round TKO. —keith H. Like

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • To the sweet lady who blessed my daughter in the store with surprising her with a gift we couldn’t afford thank you so much.
    She’s over the moon about it and won’t let go. You’re truly a blessing and I will be sure to pay it forward when I get the chance. That’s the very… (Nextdoor Likins Foster)
  • Nala is still missing!!!
    Last seen December 8th on munson and macvicar. Nala is a very loving cat, shes an indoor cat who slipped out the door last week. Ive been to the… (Nextdoor Norton)
  • Pizza Hut, Inc. posted a job opening for Senior Shift Leader in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Conduent, Inc. posted a job opening for Medicaid Eligibility Specialist (ONSITE) 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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