Sunday, March 16th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 16th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gage Park opened its mini-train and a historic carousel over 100 years old on Saturday morning to welcome families into spring. The rides remain open daily through March 23 during spring break—then will run on weekends through the school year before returning to daily service in summer. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A Silver Lake High School senior — identified as Cristopher Frye — died in a rollover crash Saturday near Silver Lake, with school officials confirming his death. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Leonard Meat Topeka will open a new location at 936 SW Gage Blvd Ste B on Monday, March 17 while its downtown shop remains open. Look for the Leonard Meat Banner sign until the official signage is installed — so locals know where to shop. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Due to windy weather, the annual Celtic Fox street party was held indoors on Sunday — many Topeka residents enjoyed food, drinks, dancing, and live music by Sloppy but Lucky. Owner John Federico said that although Monday's St. Patrick’s Day center will be quieter, customers will be invited to enjoy a special corned beef menu as celebrations continue downtown. WIBW
- ➤ The streets of Topeka turned green as early St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began with Irish Fest—featuring a parade on Kansas Ave, live music, a 5k race, Irish foods, and dancing—bringing the community together. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka is now accepting applications for the Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy, a seven-week course that begins March 31, 2025 (limited to 25 participants who must be at least 18). The academy lets residents learn about maintaining water systems, streets, and making Capital Improvement Plan budget decisions. WIBW
- ➤ Governor Laura Kelly met with Kansas Task Force 1 on March 12 to honor their deployment to help recover Florida and North Carolina after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The 36-member team from 14 agencies aided in search, rescue, and support efforts. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, a large crowd attended Walk with a Doc to learn about colon cancer and the need for early screenings; doctor Robert Ricci said catching the disease early makes treatment easier and noted the next event is on April 26 (to discuss organ donations). WIBW
- ➤ The American Heart Association is urging Kansas schools to secure public funds for CPR training so that students learn lifesaving skills—this effort is expected to improve survival rates during cardiac arrests, especially in rural areas. Kansas Reflector
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Washburn men’s basketball began its NCAA Tournament run with an 85 to 57 win over Harding at Lee Arena on Saturday night—freshening players for tonight’s second-round game against Concordia St. Paul at 7:30 p.m. WIBW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Daily Topeka is a community newsletter sharing current events in Topeka, Kansas. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Topeka community, and support local organizations. If you like Daily Topeka, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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