Good morning, Topeka.

A Topeka man was hospitalized after his Lincoln MKZ left the right lane and crashed near mile-marker 140 on the Kansas Turnpike on May 10 just before 10 a.m. in Lyon County — he was 21 and not wearing a seat belt, state troopers said.

On Tuesday, May 13, 1975, Sgt. Greg Hankamer and Robert Weldon died when the Knife 13 helicopter crashed during a rescue mission for the captured crew of the merchant ship Mayaguez; official reports cite rotor failure (though some say enemy fire may have contributed) in a tragic final chapter of the Vietnam War.

The Kansas Chamber said Amy Billquist joined its team as Vice President of Communications and Events to manage events and guide its communications.

She brings over 15 years of leadership experience — she has helped with key projects since 2018.

Topeka police evacuated Walmart at 1501 SW Wanamaker Road after a 911 call reported an explosive device at 2:30 p.m. Saturday — K-9 and bomb units later found no device — and the store reopened normally.

A passenger train company cutting costs let 250 employees go on May 7 and closed 200 open positions to save $100 million a year—Amtrak said service levels at the local train station will not be affected.

Kansas Farm Bureau’s Foundation for Agriculture awarded $26,500 in scholarships to 45 college students studying agriculture and supporting rural Kansas for the upcoming school year—County Farm Bureaus also gave more than $160,000 in scholarships to nearly 200 students at local colleges.

A Douglas County court ordered Snowglobe LLC to issue refunds and pay $7,500 in restitution to Kansas consumers who paid for holiday train rides that were canceled—Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said the order followed a suit under the Consumer Protection Act after the company failed to return advance payments and later went out of business.

The Kansas Transportation Authority warned that scam text messages mimicking toll notices may soon appear and claim enforcement will begin after today if unpaid—threatening vehicle suspensions, legal action and credit damage, none of which are true.

Officials urge residents to ignore these messages and report them to the FTC or Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Topeka’s Capital City Crushers have competed in national roller derby since 2007 and are in the middle of a competitive season.

The team builds a safe and inclusive community — hosting family events and welcoming all skaters, and it will play bouts on May 25 and June 1.

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.

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.