Good morning, Topeka.

Woolly Farms Foundation will host a gala at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17 at Vaerus Aviation (Forbes Field) to support adults with diverse abilities; the fundraising event aims to expand the organization’s work in building a community where young adults can thrive.

Topeka will celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Evergy Plaza with Irish dancers at 9:15, a 5K at 10, Dunknado at 10:15, & live music from Flannigans at 1.

Downtown Celtic Fox opens at 9 a.m. to serve Irish favorites, and the event expects 1,000 visitors today.

Timken-area farmer Kevin Wiltse is championing regenerative agriculture in Rush County by using minimal tillage, cover crops and livestock integration to boost soil health and reduce chemical use.

His practice, which mimics natural ecosystems and has already earned local awards, points to a promising sustainable future for farming.

Shawnee County District Court and Washburn Tech graduated four court reporter trainees who will work as transcriptionists until passing certification tests in April — the program aims to relieve understaffing across the county's 18 judicial divisions.

Shawnee Co. Parks + Rec crews are adding equipment at Gage Park’s Playland and starting carousel improvements with new event space, while county commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. April 13 to review proposed solar energy regulations for unincorporated areas and large solar farms.

Xavier Salzer marked a rare triple 13 birthday on March 13 here despite battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and eosinophilic esophagitis, conditions that affect his nerves and throat.

His mother said he remains resilient through regular hospital visits.

A new report by the Sunflower Association shows Topeka homes sell within 13 days + buyers pay full asking price, even though median prices remain lower than in nearby markets.

Economic leaders, including Bob Ross of the Greater Topeka Chamber, plan to boost mid-market housing to help first-time buyers.

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.

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.

Tower of Power Concert

7-10 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost not specified — Experience the best in funk and soul music from the legendary Tower of Power.

Gelli Print Plant Collage Workshop

5-7:30 p.m. — Mize Art Studio — Cost not specified — Create vibrant printed papers and transform them into unique plant-themed collages.

2026 Spring Topeka Market Days

April 10-11 — Hotel Topeka At City Center — Entry varies — Explore over 100 unique vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food options.