Daily
Topeka
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army of Shawnee County will launch its 2025 Summer Feeding Program on June 2nd — it will deliver free sack lunches Monday through Friday at Deer Creek behind Walmart and Rifle Ridge Paradise Plaza until July 25th to help combat food insecurity among local children. Sponsored by ONE Gas, the program will support families during summer break. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka’s 10th annual Stuff the Bus supply drive for Boys & Girls Clubs kicks off today at Evergy Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m. as part of the Nighttime Food Truck Festival— supplies gathered will support 14 clubs in four local school districts. WIBW
- ➤ Helping Hands Humane Society has $0 dog adoption fees and full kennels with 11-month old pit bull mix Damon—six dogs were adopted Friday after 46 animals arrived on Thursday. If you cannot adopt, the shelter will hold a garage sale fundraiser today at 8 a.m.—donations are also accepted for its Warm Paws Warm Hearts art auction through May 24. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A discussion with author Tim Wise is scheduled for tomorrow at Washburn’s Memorial Union to mark 71 years since the Brown v. Board decision. Doors open at 3 p.m.—the program will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and admission is free with required registration. WIBW
- ➤ On Friday, Fort Riley held its 64th annual Combined Graduation to honor 121 soldiers, family members, Army civilians, veterans, and retirees who earned degrees and certificates through Education Services. Graduates from five colleges, including Barton Community College, Kansas State University, Manhattan Area Technical College, Southwestern College, and Upper Iowa University, balanced active duty with education and family responsibilities during their studies. WIBW
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Topeka.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Laura Kelly & Kansas Legislature leaders approved a $45,000 settlement with former DCF employee Shayne Watson who was fired in 2022 after he asked to change his leave to continuous so he could care for a relative with dementia. The case, filed under the Family and Medical Leave Act, was settled in April after negotiations ended the legal battle. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Insurance reminds homeowners to check their property for fire risks as rising heat and dryness make wildfires more likely this season. The department advises keeping burnable materials away from structures + maintaining safe clearances from vegetation and fuel sources. WIBW
- ➤ Residents found a new monthly water meter fee on their bills that now charges for both active and inactive meters—city officials explain that the charge, based on meter size, will help cover the cost of maintaining the water system. Some property owners claim the change was poorly communicated and feel the fee is unfair. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have issued a warning advisory for Lake Shawnee—blue-green algae that may cause rash, vomiting, diarrhea or sore throat if touched, ingested or inhaled—and advise people and pets to avoid contact with the water. WIBW
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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.
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Concert for a Child Featuring Logan Mize
6-10 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a heartwarming night of country tunes at this community concert for a great cause.
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Topeka.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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