Good morning, Topeka.

More than 600 Evergy customers were without power Wednesday morning after strong winds swept through areas west of Topeka.

The outage affected 676 customers in parts of Pottawatomie County between Belvue and just west of Wamego while another 18 outages were reported in western Shawnee County.

Crews battled a house fire on Wednesday morning in the 1200 block of S.W.

Lincoln Street in central Topeka around 9:29 a.m.—the house was fully involved in flames—and no injuries were reported.

Melody A. Simpson, 35, was arrested and is held without bond in Shawnee County Jail after she robbed and burglarized a room at the Super 8 hotel on west Topeka on March 10 when she broke in and hit a known victim who was taken to the hospital for serious injuries — officers later located her on S.E. 3rd Street at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m., Topeka police began a chase in North Topeka when they saw a car driving erratically that ran over a median and struck a sign, and after a foot pursuit near N.W.

Gordon Street the two occupants were taken into custody and sent to a hospital for evaluation—officers sustained minor scrapes.

Local business leaders remain positive about Topeka’s economy after major retail stores like JOANN, JCPenney, American Eagle and Party City closed due to bankruptcies and downsizing, and Heartland Motorsports Park was sold.

The Greater Topeka Partnership said new stores such as Dutch Bros, Panda Express and Dialogue Coffee House along with planned renovations at West Ridge Mall will boost local jobs and shopping opportunities — supporting economic strength.

KDHE officials cut the ribbon on a new $72m three-story laboratory building in Topeka that replaces a 1950 hospital building—expanding capacity to conduct nearly one million clinical and environmental tests each year while featuring a public museum in its lobby.

Topeka fined developer Lew McGinnis $61,148 for overflowing trash at several apartment complexes during the holiday season.

A month-long investigation found 47 property maintenance violations caused by a contract dispute with the refuse company—Eucalyptus LLC has fully paid the fine.

The Washburn Ichabods will play Lenoir-Rhyne for their first meeting on Tuesday, March 25th at 8:30 p.m. at the Ford Center in Evansville—coming off a 93-65 win that gave them a 29-3 record.

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.

Jerry Seinfeld Live in Topeka

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $42 — Enjoy a night of laughs with legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Open House for Stunning Shawnee Heights Ranch

1:30-3 p.m. — 2613 SE Scorpio Ave, Topeka, KS — Free entry — Explore a beautiful 5BD/3BA home featuring custom upgrades and spacious living areas.