Good morning, Topeka.

On Monday, Feb. 9, Christ the King School students turned in about 2,800 canned goods to Project Topeka during Catholic Schools Week as grades competed to bring in the most cans.

Yesterday, GO Topeka held a ribbon-cutting for Link Innovation Labs at 220 Southeast 6th St during a 3-4:40 p.m. event.

The hub offers a flexible lab — office space, co-working areas and conference rooms — designed to boost collaboration and growth for startups, small businesses and researchers.

Topeka Zoo unveiled a five-year master plan on Monday morning that will add larger habitats, training spaces and behind-the-scenes areas to boost animal well-being and visitor experience.

Some projects, including Tiger Trails & Den Academy opening this summer, are under construction while others await fundraising.

The City of Topeka will run its summer Way to Work program that funds teens aged 14 to 16 for professional work experiences at local businesses.

Registration will be posted soon on Topeka.gov — a chance for teens to gain career skills.

USD 434 will hold a public hearing on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Scranton Attendance Center (104 S Burlingame Ave) to consider closing the school amid declining enrollment and district fragmentation.

Local residents worry the change could weaken community ties and affect local enrollment.

Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill to ban personal cellphones and other electronic devices during school hours in both public and private schools.

If passed, the mandate—set to be implemented by Sept. 1—will require secure storage of devices and reporting of screen time, sparking debate over local control.

Lawmakers are considering HB 2489, which would require schools to stock naloxone and teach fentanyl prevention for high school students.

Parents, first responders, and educators say the measure could help prevent overdoses (like stocking fire extinguishers) but worry about nonmedical staff administering the drug.

Nurse Patty Handley dedicated 40 years to patient care in our community and earned the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award; she retired as director on Dec.

12, 2025 (but remains active as PRN and mentor for new nurses).

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment launched a Travel & Health webpage to provide resources for healthcare providers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (at Arrowhead Stadium) as increased travel brings higher risks.

Providers can access travel notices, training webinars, and clinical guidance.

A virtual health care career fair will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.

18, offering eight sessions on careers from pediatrics to radiology at www.HappyInHealthCare.org, sponsored by the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Dept. of Education and Board of Regents + additional groups.

Motocross fans can watch the GT ArenaCross AMA Nationals at Landon Arena in Stormont Vail Events Center on Feb.

13 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. — the races will crown season champions and feature a 'swarm' warm-up lap by professional riders.

The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7-9 PM — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Enjoy a night of classic southern rock hits from a legendary band.

CNA Refresher Course

Feb 17 - Feb 23 — Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care of Topeka — Course fee applies — Complete your nursing assistant refresher course with a mix of online and in-person clinical training.

Evening with Cleveland Blue

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $10 cover — Experience soulful blues with the legendary Cleveland Blue and a local opener.

Topeka LEGO Brick Convention

10 AM - 5 PM — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets start at $39 — Experience a weekend filled with creativity and fun at the Brick Convention.

Larry the Cable Guy Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Ticket prices vary — Catch the hilarious Larry the Cable Guy as he brings laughs to his fans with all-new material.