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
- ➤ 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
- ➤ 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
- ➤ 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Boxing Event
5-6 p.m. — GreatLIFE Performance Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the thrill of boxing at this local venue.
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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.
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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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