Daily
Topeka
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visited Fairlawn Dillons on Thursday and will appear at North Topeka Dillons’ NASCAR event today, at the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday, and at 29th and Urish Dillons on Sunday + driver Tailgate Trey said the vehicle brings smiles and nostalgia. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries said its RESTORE program helps people seeking housing stability by focusing on relationship, engagement, support, trust, outreach, respect, and empowerment. Co-director Ashley Davis and COO John Roberts explained the approach at Eye on NE Kansas. WIBW
- ➤ The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is honoring late K-9 Sixx with a 15-foot inflatable statue following his death earlier this year after serving since 2017. The tribute will tour local events in September including the K-9 Games (a chance for kids to learn about his service) to celebrate his memory. WIBW
- ➤ United Way of Kaw Valley hosted a volunteer fair Thursday at Fairlawn Plaza, drawing over 50 local organizations that offered volunteer opportunities + community members met representatives and learned how to support nonprofit efforts. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Zoo will host its annual Roar and Pour fundraiser on Saturday, April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Gage Park, where adults can enjoy wine tasting, live music, food, and a silent auction while supporting animal care and education programs. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn Tech honored its new recruiting class on Thursday, April 16 during the National Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day (celebrating technical education) in Topeka as school and local business leaders highlighted a vital workforce boost. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Community Foundation honored over 100 students and donors at its annual banquet held Thursday night (a record $205,000 in scholarships) to support higher education. The event underscored community efforts to make college more affordable. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Metro is considering ending its Metro on Demand service because operating costs have become unsustainable. A public meeting is set for Tuesday, Apr. 21 at Deer Creek Community Center (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) with a final decision from the Board scheduled for Monday, May 18 at Quincy Street Station South. WIBW
- ➤ Former Army veteran Corey Schramm testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Wednesday and urged more federal support for Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court. Senator Moran backed efforts to expand the program — a 12- to 24-month resource that helps veterans manage PTSD and substance abuse. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials said a boil water advisory is in effect for the Jefferson County Rural Water District 7 system due to a waterline break that dropped pressure, so residents must boil water for one minute for drinking and cooking until the water passes testing (per KDHE). WIBW
- ➤ Stormont Vail’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Topeka gives families a local lifesaving option after a Kansas City hospital announced it will close its PICU this summer; the unit has provided specialized care for children like six-year-old Ridley, who has managed chronic lung disease, since 2011. WIBW
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hairball Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a unique tribute to rock music with Hairball.
-
HME Fabrication Facility Tour
12-1 p.m. — HME, Inc. — Free entry — Explore the structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication facility and learn about the Haas Group's specialized companies.
-
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic concert breathing dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Welcome to the Daily Topeka, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Topeka, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Topeka, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Topeka and across Kansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Topeka
A free Topeka community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailytopeka.com/sitemap