Good morning, Topeka.

Downtown Topeka is set to host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at noon on Saturday, March 15.

Traffic and parking will be restricted from 3 a.m.—residents are advised to park outside the parade route the night before to avoid towing.

Bill Hogue, a longtime builder and rancher from Topeka who built nearly 4,000 homes in Shawnee County and ran Mission Valley Ranch along with a division near Alma, died March 7, 2025, at age 94 near Dover.

He earned community trust by building quality homes and caring for his land—his legacy is carried on in every project and pasture he nurtured.

Topeka police arrested Adrian Gunby, 30, on Tuesday after he reportedly battered and threatened a known person during a domestic disturbance on the east side—Gunby now faces multiple charges and remains in jail on a $12,000 bond.

House Bill 2113 would raise the Kansas Water Plan’s funding from $35 million to $55 million by adding $20 million annually from the State General Fund—this includes $2 million for technical assistance and $6 million for water project grants to help address city water needs.

The bill passed the House 106—15 on Feb. 20 and is now under review by the Senate Agriculture and National Resources Committee.

The Senate debated a bill that would let courts consider fetuses when deciding child support payments, with lawmakers warning it might legally define an unborn child as a person.

One Democratic senator added an amendment offering tax credits to pregnant parents—and his move split opinions as the measure moved forward.

Gov. Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency Thursday because dry, windy conditions may spark wildfires from Friday through the weekend.

The state will have its Emergency Operations Center ready to support local responders — officials urge residents to avoid burning that could start a fire.

During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Robert Ricci from Topeka's Cotton O'Neil Digestive Health says early screening is key to fighting colon cancer since the disease shows few symptoms until it advances — colonoscopy is the most effective way to spot and remove polyps.

He noted that the American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening at age 45, and that less invasive tests like ColoGuard or Shield offer additional options.

Thrive Therapy of Kansas honored National Brain Injury Awareness Month by hosting a self-care event with spa services and craft activities for brain injury survivors in Topeka.

Mayor Mike Padilla joined the event to declare March as a month of awareness—underscoring the center’s role in providing key services under Medicaid.

Topekan Bekah Henderson won a bronze medal in the 50-meter snowshoeing competition at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy on Thursday — she is one of five Kansans competing as the games feature over 1,500 athletes from more than 100 countries.

St. Patrick's Day Street Party at The Celtic Fox

The Celtic Fox hosts a lively St. Patrick's Day street party featuring a parade, live music, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

World Water Day at Topeka Zoo

This event offers an opportunity to learn about water conservation and highlights ways individuals can contribute to preserving water resources.

AJ Wilkerson Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Regular Tickets: $25, VIP Tickets: $65 — Experience a rising star comedian in an intimate setting with gourmet dining options.

Jeni Grouws Solo Performance

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $15 — Experience an intimate solo performance from rising star Jeni Grouws in a cozy venue.

Topeka Spirit Fair - Body & Soul Rejuvenation

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM — The Woodshed Event Center — $3 daily ($5 weekend pass) — A two-day symposium exploring holistic wellness and personal development.