Daily
Topeka
Friday, May 9th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Security Benefit’s Charitable Trust donated $6000 on May 8 to TARC to support its Winter Wonderland fundraiser, the nonprofit’s largest event that funds services for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. TARC executive director Eileen Doran said funding is challenging and every donation is key as federal dollars may be cut—this gift will help keep important programs running. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local small businesses were honored at the 44th annual Small Business Awards under the theme 'The Blueprint for Brilliance' — with 18 finalists and IPG Building Company named TopCity Small Business of the Year. Manny Heron, IPG founder, said the nomination encourages small business owners to stay driven during tough times. WIBW
- ➤ Governor Kelly and Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million expansion project at the De Soto facility that will add 200 jobs while site preparation begins immediately and commercial manufacturing is set to start in 2030—details include an 80% property tax abatement for 10 years. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Some builders in northeast Kansas remain optimistic about tariffs even as rising prices affect materials like tile, carpet, laminate, and luxury vinyl. Randy Matzke and Katy Nelson said prices have increased by 5 to 7 percent so far — builders expect the tariffs to eventually favor American-made products. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Father Matt Nagle from Mater Dei Church explained the pope’s role as a spiritual leader on Thursday morning while a class from Manhattan Catholic School watched the selection process at WIBW studio—students clapped as they welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV and hoped for a leader to guide them during challenging times. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 3,000 students will graduate in Topeka, with about 2,150 high school seniors and 1,382 higher education students set to celebrate their accomplishments in upcoming ceremonies. Graduation events will take place starting May 14 at Washburn University and continue with high school ceremonies on May 17 and May 18—details include Topeka High School at 9 a.m., Highland Park at 12 p.m., and Topeka West at 2:30 p.m. The Topeka Capital-Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Westbound I-70 through downtown Topeka will close for pavement patching work starting at 11 p.m. today until 11:59 p.m. on May 11—drivers must follow posted detour routes to reach alternate highways—with some on-ramps and eastbound lanes remaining open. WIBW
- ➤ Shawnee Co. DA Mike Kagay said that several high-profile murder cases from 2023 reached resolution after long trials—he added that the newly renovated courthouse now offers expanded space for hearings and support for staff, victims, and witnesses. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Robert Kenagy, who spent 35 years in medicine including six as Stormont Vail CEO, will retire on May 14 and return to his farm south of Topeka. Kansas native Mark Slyter will succeed him — the outgoing CEO expressed deep gratitude for the community's support. WIBW
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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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Kansas Ballet: Once Upon A Ballet
6:30-8 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices start at $12 — Experience the magic of ballet through captivating storytelling and dance performances.
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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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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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