Good morning, Topeka.

Today, the Audio-Reader Network hosts a donation drive at Fairlawn Plaza, just outside the Kiku Steakhouse entrance, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.—residents can donate gently used audio equipment that will be sold on September 13 to fund free accessibility services for people who are blind, visually impaired, or print disabled.

Dialogue Coffee House opened a new location at Stormont Vail Health Administrative Center on April 30 — its fifth in Topeka as the space supports career training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities but will not be open to the public.

Today, the Kansas Department of Commerce launched the Blueprint to Build initiative—designed to help rural Kansas towns reduce building costs by offering pre-designed, energy-efficient community center plans and construction funding.

Towns with fewer than 2,500 residents can apply for up to $1.5 million while others may request up to $2.5 million, with applications accepted until Nov. 14.

On April 30, a three-mile procession traveled Kansas Avenue after a service at Northland Christian Church to honor TPD Lt. Eddie Stanley, who unexpectedly passed on April 21 after serving since 2001.

Family members and colleagues remembered him for his warm smile and dedicated duty.

KDHE’s update shows 46 measles cases in Kansas rising from 37 over the past two weeks — most cases are in unvaccinated children across eight southwest counties and one patient was hospitalized; officials urge vaccination and isolation for those exposed.

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.

2025 Heartland Classic Peruvian Horse Show

1:00 PM – 12:59 PM — Stormont Vail Events Center — Entry fee varies — Experience the elegance and competition of Peruvian horses in Topeka's premier equine event.

Envista Eats & Beats

6-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience vibrant live music and local flavors every Thursday evening in downtown Topeka.

2025 GermanFest Brat Trot

8-9 a.m. — Santa Fe Park — $30 — Celebrate German culture while fundraising for local schools with a fun 5K Brat Trot run.