Daily
Topeka
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ SENT Topeka operates its Southside Filling Station (455 SE Golf Park Blvd, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays; 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays) to help residents tackle food insecurity and connect with services for housing, employment, and health needs. WIBW
- ➤ Crews from Shawnee County fire departments deployed to southwest Kansas on Wednesday to assist in battling large wildfires that prompted evacuations and strained local resources. No injuries were reported among county firefighters (further updates are expected). WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters were injured overnight while fighting wildfires in southwest Kansas & northwest Oklahoma; in Clark County, two suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were taken to a Wichita hospital, while three in Beaver County were hospitalized after a firetruck roll. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two local historians have launched an interactive map spotlighting African American sites and stories across Topeka (including historic churches, schools, and neighborhoods) to help residents explore the city's rich heritage. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will present Ravel — a theatrical performance that blends music, acting and singing — at Washburn’s White Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students from the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) led a panel discussion recognizing Black History Month at the College Prep Academy, where local educators shared their journeys from student to school leader. WIBW
- ➤ Approximately 400 Kansas students from Jobs for America's Graduates visited the state capitol Tuesday morning to learn about the legislative process and advocate for the program. The visit gave them a chance to see how government decisions can shape their future. WIBW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews fought wildfires on Feb. 18, including Ranger Road fire (started in Oklahoma on Feb. 17), as red flag warnings and smoke impacted Kansas. Updated maps show areas still at high fire danger. The Topeka Capital-Journal
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Carl Carlson (CEO of Carlson Financial) advised locals on retirement planning at an Eye on NE Kansas segment; he explained that retirees should assess income from Social Security, pensions, and investments while considering extra expenses like health care and hobbies. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers heard a Senate bill on Monday that would classify kratom and 7-OH as Schedule 1 drugs, putting them in the same group as heroin and meth. Supporters and opponents discussed the potential impact on addiction and medical use, and a decision remains pending in committee. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Stormont Vail Health opened a new behavioral health outpatient clinic in December to address rising mental health needs. The hospital held an open house Wednesday (2601 SW 3rd St.) for community members to tour the facility. WIBW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Topeka is welcoming two new apartment complexes that boost housing options. Construction began on a $60 million affordable project (at 1104 SE Quincy St.) while a $50 million luxury development near the state Capitol will start in October; together, the projects are expected to add 700 new residents. WIBW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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AM Club
10 AM – 12 PM — Townsite Tower — Buy one get one free — Enjoy great music and vibes while making new friends over coffee and treats.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
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