Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 23rd of April.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Michael J. Ullman, 65, of Topeka was identified as the man found dead in a burning home at 419 S.E. Rodgers St. on April 18; firefighters reported the blaze just after 5:50 a.m. and quickly put it out while investigators noted there were no working smoke detectors in the house. The Topeka Capital-Journal
- ➤ Fire officials said that Terri K. Dones, 51, died Tuesday after suffering severe injuries in an apartment fire on Monday caused by careless smoking — firefighters rescued another resident as some occupants evacuated safely. KSNT
- ➤ Terri L. Dones, 51, died after an apartment fire on April 21 that was sparked by careless smoking — firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and rescued another resident from the building. The Topeka Capital-Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dan Decker, the new President and CEO of the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, joined the 27 News morning show to discuss his volunteer experience and plans to continue the theater's strong culture—he will take over when Vickie Brokke retires on June 3. KSNT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, April 22, Lieutenant Governor David Toland announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce awarded $758,250 in CDBG funding to Burlingame, Lyon County, and Overbrook to support commercial revitalization efforts — part of a $2.5 million program aimed at rehabilitating blighted properties. Approximately $2.05 million remains available for additional projects. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ During Kansas Corporation Commission hearings, opponents sharply criticized Evergy’s plan to build two new natural gas plants in Kansas+ they argued the nearly $2 billion project will raise rates for retail customers. Evergy representatives and staff maintained the projects, expected to add 705 megawatts each in 2029 and 2030+ will improve power reliability during extreme weather. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt released data showing that 56,778 storm damage claims in 2024 cost $612,069,643.50—Johnson County reported the highest payout and Greeley County the lowest, with claims covering hail, wind, and water damage on property and casualty policies. This information was collected from companies offering property and casualty insurance statewide. WIBW
- ➤ The Greater Topeka Partnership has invited community leaders and citizens to join a City Swap trip to Lincoln on July 30—31 that will include tours, innovation sessions and other activities to build a deeper connection between the two cities; Lincoln locals will visit Topeka on June 17—18. City spokesman Dan Garrett said City Manager Robert Perez will not attend while council members' participation remains uncertain. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka police officer Lt. Eddie Stanley died after a medical emergency at his home on April 21—he had served since December 2001 and Chief Chris Vallejo offered condolences to his family and colleagues. The Topeka Capital-Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Topeka attended a forum at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library to share how Medicaid helped their families receive essential care—participants voiced concerns over federal proposals to save $880 billion in cuts that may reduce funding for the program. A limited group of U.S. lawmakers attended and may soon vote on legislation that could impact healthcare for vulnerable Kansans. Kansas Reflector
-
BUILD My Future
9 a.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Free entry — An engaging hands-on showcase for students to explore career opportunities in the construction industry.
-
Hairball: A Rock Revival Celebration
— Time not specified — Stormont Vail Events Center — Tickets available now — Experience the electrifying performances of iconic rock bands in one unforgettable night.
-
A Taste of Ireland
7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $51 — Experience the rich culture of Ireland through an engaging theatrical performance.
-
TopCity Half Marathon
7:30-11:30 a.m. — Evergy Plaza — Registration required — Lace up for the 6th Annual TopCity Half Marathon and 5k as participants race through the heart of Topeka.
-
Second Annual Mother's Day Brunch
10 AM – 1 PM — Townsite Plaza — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Mother's Day with a brunch fit for royalty.
-
Mother's Day Ballroom Brunch Buffet
10:30 a.m. — The Weather Room — Adults $49, Children $14.99 — Celebrate Mother's Day with a delightful brunch buffet featuring a variety of delicious dishes and a spacious ballroom setting.
-
RMHC Charity Golf Classic
11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — Entry fee required — Enjoy a day of golfing while supporting a great cause.
-
Boxing Event
5-6 p.m. — GreatLIFE Performance Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the thrill of boxing at this local venue.
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
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
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