Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Will your St. Francis visit stay in-network after December 31?
Coming up on the Topeka Patch calendar: School Play
Coffee in hand, Topeka? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Will your St. Francis visit stay in-network after December 31?
- What changes does Topeka’s new fire chief have planned for TFD?
- Will Hotel Topeka’s sale finally stop the city’s multimillion-dollar losses?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Topeka? Post it to Topeka photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in Topekafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Increasing cloudiness, with a high of 54 and low of 42 degrees.
- Thursday: Winds becoming strong, temps: high: 52, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Some sun; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 47 and low of 35 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Blue Cross and St. Francis continue reimbursement talks ‘in good faith' (wibw.com) — If you rely on St. Francis Campus in Topeka and have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, your insurer and hospital are still negotiating reimbursement rates as their contract nears a Dec. 31, 2025 expiration. Both sides say talks are continuing in good faith, and St. Francis notes some patients may qualify for a 90‑day in‑network extension through a Continuity of Care form. 
2. Topeka fire chief speaks exclusively (ksnt.com) — Topeka’s new fire chief, longtime firefighter Chad Longstaff, is outlining how he plans to lead the department after returning from retirement. He emphasizes supporting women in the force, improving communication with city leaders and residents, and building trust through monthly open houses that invite Topekans inside their neighborhood fire stations.
3. Topeka Development Corporation approves sale of Hotel Topeka (ksnt.com) — City leaders have approved selling Hotel Topeka to Endeavor Hotel Group, a move aimed at stopping projected 2026 operating losses and revitalizing a key local venue. The $1 million sale includes major renovation commitments, tax incentives, and plans to rebrand the hotel, with hopes of boosting Topeka’s convention business and recouping the city’s long-term investment.
4. University leaders from across Kansas meet with state legislators to discuss DEI laws (wibw.com) — State lawmakers met in Topeka to question leaders from major Kansas universities about how they’re complying with new limits on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. University officials emphasized staying in line with state and federal rules while still keeping college affordable and supporting students from all backgrounds toward successful careers.
5. Good Kids - Seaman Middle School raises $5,000 and Junction City High School students soar to new heights (wibw.com) — Seaman Middle School students in Topeka raised $5,000 in under two hours to support North Topeka Outreach, funding Christmas meals and Operation Backpack for local families. The story also highlights Junction City High School students advancing their drone piloting skills during a visit to K-State Salina.
📸 Around Topeka
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- School Play
Marjorie French Middle School Topeka, KS 66614
7:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
📣 Topeka Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Spelling Bee 3rd-6th grades
North Fairview Topeka, KS 66617
1:30 pm - HS Choir Concert
Santa Fe Trail High School , 15701 S California Rd , Carbondale
7:00 pm - HS Scholars Bowl JV/V @ Holton 4pm
Holton High School , 901 New York Ave , Holton - HSBKB G/B FR/JV/V @ Nemaha Central 4:30pm
Jefferson West USD 340 , 214 N 11th St , Seneca - HS JV/V Scholars Bowl at Holton
Holton High School , 901 New York Ave , Holton
4:00 pm - JH Girls League Wrestling @ Osawatomie
Carbondale Attendance Center Carbondale, KS 66414
4:00 pm - HS JV Girls WR at Olathe West
Olathe West High School , 2200 W Santa Fe St , Olathe
4:30 pm - HS Boys JV WR Tournament at Council Grove
Council Grove Junior Senior High School , 129 Hockaday St , Council Grove
3:00 pm - Holiday Parties
North Fairview Topeka, KS 66617
3:15 pm - HS Boys/Girls WR Dual at Holton
Holton High School , 901 New York Ave , Holton
4:30 pm - HS BB at SFT vs Anderson Co
Santa Fe Trail High School , 15701 S California Rd , Carbondale
4:30 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
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
- Be careful what you pray for!
He is always right on time. (Unlike Myself) Huge shout out to Krissy J Kearney and Jay Dee Rice and the rest of the Sent Topeka Family. I was… (Nextdoor Highland) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
Dream was LOST on May 15, 2024 in Topeka, KS 66607 near 2nd Rice Topeka KS Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor East 2nd Street)
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Topeka. Apply here.
- McDonald's posted a job opening for Backroom, Cleaning, Prepping. Earn up to $16 per hour 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 know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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