Good morning, Topeka.

Police responded around 8 a.m. on May 12 to a disturbance at the 2700 block of Southeast Minnesota Avenue (where a woman with a gunshot wound was found and pronounced dead) and are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Kansas Highway Patrol in Topeka warned residents not to click on a scam text claiming to sell discounted shirts — the text is not linked to the agency and people should report the message to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Authorities booked 42-year-old Lamont Donnell Bennett on a $50,000 bond at Shawnee County Jail at 5:30 p.m. Sunday after he was arrested Saturday in Kansas City on charges of aggravated burglary, domestic battery, and criminal damage to property linked to a November incident near downtown Topeka—where the known victim was not taken to a hospital.

Topeka man Breylin G.

Baker, 27, was sentenced to 43 months in prison—34 months for aggravated assault and 9 months for firearm possession—to serve consecutive terms after pleading guilty to charges from a violent incident on Feb. 2 in the 1300 block of SW Tyler, with his sentencing held on May 12 at 10:30 a.m.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center announced its new exhibit Dinosaurs Alive! presented by the KBS Constructors Foundation, which will open May 23.

The exhibit will feature giant animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar and include interactive displays and activities that teach visitors about dinosaurs.

Commerce Deputy Secretary for Business Development Joshua Jefferson was named one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers — Consultant Connect recognized his 17 years of expertise at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

He will be awarded at ECONOMIX on November 12 in Lake Nona as he continues to lead business attraction and expansion efforts.

High school graduation ceremonies for local students are scheduled at Stormont Vail Events Center; Topeka USD 501 will hold its ceremony on May 17 at 9 a.m., Highland Park at noon, and Topeka West at 2:30 p.m., while other districts will have theirs on May 18 with detailed times provided. Attendees must follow the center’s clear bag policy — no outside food or drinks — and free parking is available for all.

City Manager Dr. Robert Perez announced that Avery Moore is the new assistant city manager who will oversee public safety.

He also invited residents to join two local events— a friendly Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on May 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holliday Building and a Bike Ride with Your City Manager on May 16 starting at noon from the City Hall Parking Lot.

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.