Friday, April 10th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Shawnee Co. Extension Master Gardeners will host the 2nd Saturday Garden Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Apr. 11 at the Woodland Garden near the Garden House at Lake Shawnee to show off shade-loving plants; additional walks are planned through August. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hollywood producer/director Sebastian Twardosz will headline the WIFI Film Festival tomorrow at the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and at Washburn’s Mulvane Art Museum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. as over 40 short films are showcased and talks aim to inspire local filmmakers. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The House approved a bill on Thursday that will require high school students to pass a 20-question civics test before graduation (80-43 vote) and learn about communist, fascist and socialist ideologies. The measure now heads to the governor’s desk while a separate physical fitness proposal was rejected. Kansas Reflector
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Todd Neely was appointed chaplain for the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday. He brings over 20 years of ministry experience and a law enforcement background to provide spiritual guidance to both staff and inmates. WIBW
- ➤ Shawnee County Commissioners approved park benches worth $114,573 for the new Gage Park Playland, now under construction, saying the benches are built to hold up heavy use — including thousands of weekly visitors. The purchase will be funded by the Gage Park sales tax. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Police Department revealed its new K-9 officer - Ryker - after an online vote last week. Ryker received 238 votes while Stanley ended with 231, and he is set to begin service soon. WIBW
- ➤ Governor Kelly signed a bill on Thursday, Apr. 9 that creates the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act to oversee a proposed stadium in Wyandotte and a training facility in Olathe (supporting mixed-use projects and local job growth). The bill sets an 11-member authority to be appointed by Aug. 31. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month - this year's theme, 'Challenge the myths. Change the outcomes,' encourages Topeka residents to learn about prevention and access local crisis resources with guidance from community experts; assistance is available through SafeLife KS. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children has launched its Look Again: Be the Difference campaign to help adults spot early signs of substance-related crisis among children and provide support before more harm occurs + the group will hold a statewide conference in Wichita on April 28 to share prevention resources. WIBW
- ➤ Stormont Vail’s pulmonary rehab program at Topeka hospital has graduated its 150th patient, offering 18 sessions over nine weeks to help people improve breathing and balance. Patients learn exercises that support active living and manage chronic lung conditions. WIBW
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Jefferson Starship Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — Cost info not provided — Experience iconic arena rock with Jefferson Starship's legendary hits.
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Switch In Time Rocks The Barrelhouse
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of legendary rock music with a favorite setlist to keep you dancing.
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Damien Gunn Band Live at Kickstart Saloon
7-11 p.m. — Kickstart Saloon — Ticket Info Not Provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with Damien Gunn Band in a vibrant local venue.
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Live Music with Big Rick Soul Band
6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Celebrate the courtyard grand opening with great music, dancing, and fun.
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Steps for Stegman 5K
1:30-5 p.m. — Jardine Elementary — Support a worthy cause — Participate in a 5K walk/run to honor Dr. Bridget Stegman and raise funds for ALS research.
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Auditions for Shrek The Musical
6-9 p.m. — Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy — Free entry — Showcase your talent in this exciting audition for the beloved fairy tale musical.
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Through The Darkness Tour
7-11 p.m. — 6th & Polk Music & Event Space — Tickets available — Experience raw emotions and new music as Hollow Like Her debuts tracks from their upcoming EP.
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Hairball Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a unique tribute to rock music with Hairball.
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