Good morning, Topeka.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died Feb.

17 at 84, and his visits left a lasting mark on Topeka’s community pride. Local leaders recall his unifying speeches + his ability to bring diverse groups together in times of need.

A fundraiser dinner was held Tuesday night at Holton High School by the Holton community to aid the Tanking family after they lost their home + three pets in a house fire on Jan.

29.

A significant fire crossed from Oklahoma to Kansas Tuesday afternoon, forcing evacuations in Englewood + Ashland as shifting winds drove unpredictable fire behavior.

At the Feb. 17 meeting, city council reviewed the Topeka Land Bank's 2025 annual report that highlighted the sale of 1.5 acres at SE 18th Terrace and plans to convert abandoned properties into affordable housing.

Nine central properties remain for purchase plus the program, started in 2024, continues to expand.

A Kansas Senate bill heard Monday would classify kratom as a Schedule 1 drug with heroin, meth and cocaine.

Lawmakers and community members in Topeka debated the proposal as some warn it wrongly groups a natural remedy with a synthetic compound (7-OH) that poses higher risks.

The Kansas House approved a bill banning cell phone use during school hours in both public and private schools, directing districts to establish policies and penalties, and the measure now heads to the Senate for a vote (it passed 76 to 45 on Tuesday).

Arab Shrine Temple at 1305 S.

Kansas Ave will host a screening clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on Sat, Feb. 21 to help Shriners Children’s Hospital serve patients + a BINGO fundraiser on Feb. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. will ask for $10 donation for play and meals.

Stormont Vail Health celebrated 50 years of its cardiothoracic surgery program on Tuesday, Feb.

17; staff and pioneering doctors gathered including retired Dr. Kent Palmberg (who expanded the program) and Dr. Paul Kindling (an early recruiter) to mark the milestone.

Topeka will host three major sports events in March + a state wrestling tournament in May that are expected to draw over 15,000 visitors, 7,000 hotel rooms, and more than $3.2 million in community spending with an extra $675,000 boost later.

Local venues like Stormont Vail Events Center will showcase the action.

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.

Mater Dei Irish Fest 5k

3-4 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Check the festival's website for registration fee — Celebrate the return of the Mater Dei Irish Festival with a spirited 5k and lively Irish music.

Hoops Madness

10:50 a.m.-11:15 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Tickets starting at $87.45 — Experience an exciting day of basketball action at Prairie Band Hoops Madness.