Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Stormont Vail Health is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—in partnership with the Community Blood Center—to help ease a national blood shortage as donors visit Stormont Vail Hospital and complete the screening process at the main lobby of the North Tower. WIBW
- ➤ Christopher Harstad, a former homeless man who overcame addiction for his son's sake, received a refurbished 2020 Mazda CX-30 on Tuesday from Washburn Tech as the 35th vehicle awarded through its 'Recycled Ride' program—supporting his effort to secure work and safe housing. This initiative, built by students and aided by local donations, gives reliable transportation to those in need. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Police reported that early Tuesday around 12:01 a.m. a vehicle hit West Side Christian Church at 432 S.W. Lindenwood Ave in west-central Topeka and the driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as damage and debris were noted on the building and a nearby tree. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ TDC’s Learning Center announced that its three daycare locations will close on May 9 due to unpaid bills and funding issues—nearly 100 children will be displaced and over 30 staff members will lose their jobs after more than 60 years of service. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools hosted Unified Field Day+ where nearly 400 students enjoyed activity stations adapted for all abilities and participated with peer mentors+ as plans are underway to expand the event to foster lasting inclusion. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Shawnee County Public Works is set to close S.W. 33rd Street at the intersections of Indian Hills Road and El Cerrito Drive from 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 12 through Thursday, May 15 for road repairs. Crews will mill a damaged section and install a new asphalt inlay — motorists should plan alternate routes since no detour will be provided. WIBW
- ➤ Transportation officials announced that the Kansas Avenue Bridge will be improved in 2026 as part of the $239 million Polk–Quincy Viaduct project. KDOT will close Kansas Avenue from First to Third Street after December’s projects finish and later convert one lane into a pedestrian–bicycle path that will affect local commutes. KSNT
- ➤ On May 5, the Shawnee County Commission fined American Medical Response $4,540 for 92 late responses in February—273 total delays that set a new record. AMR said delays occurred when it prioritized life-threatening emergencies over other calls, and funds from the fine will support emergency service improvements. KSNT
- ➤ Drivers should expect delays on three Shawnee County bridges as Kansas Turnpike Authority crews repair overhead structures later this month. Shawnee County Public Works said work will begin at 9 a.m. on May 12—each bridge will have a single lane closed with flaggers directing traffic. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, Sent, Inc. and the Topeka Doula Project launched a program to offer new moms in southeast Topeka comprehensive maternal health support valued at $8,200 per participant — the package includes doula care, food provisions, and transportation support. KSNT
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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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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.
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Envista Eats & Beats
6-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience vibrant live music and local flavors every Thursday evening in downtown Topeka.
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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.
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Aldersgate Village On-Site Tour
9 AM - 7 PM — Aldersgate Village Life Plan Community — Free entry — Explore a faith-based retirement community focused on quality living and care.
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
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
~ Carl Jung
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