Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of May.
Good morning, Topeka.
🏘️ Community
The Kansas National Guard Museum will host the 4th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Car and Truck Show on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 125 SE Airport Dr with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and a $20 fee to display a vehicle — the event is expected to feature around 100 vehicles and free museum exhibits.
The Topeka City Council voted on May 19 on the first phase of an affordable housing project near Hi-Crest — which will build 176 apartments on 7 acres east of Fremont Road near SE 31st Street — and if it passes, developers plan to break ground in spring 2026.
🎓 Education
Sheldon Head Start held a promotions ceremony Monday morning for roughly 130 preschoolers who will start kindergarten next school year.
The event—moved indoors due to weather—awarded certificates to the children and marked their progress as they prepared to move on.
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will open its newly renovated Kids Library on May 29, featuring separate zones for infants, young children, and teens.
The $914,294 project (including $400,000 in private gifts) aims to bring books to life through interactive play.
🌲 Environment
An overnight storm in Topeka left trees, limbs and fences downed near S.W.
37th and Gage Boulevard, causing damage to several homes and isolated power outages in parts of the city. More storms are expected Monday evening—residents are advised to stay alert.
🏛️ Government
Gov. Kelly warned the legislative committee drafting the new K-12 funding formula to avoid shifting tax dollars to private schools — she said the current formula fully funds public education and changes should only be small to prevent new lawsuits.
She added that running automatic income tax cuts could weaken the state budget and reduce funds for essential services.
Craig VanWey was named the Kansas Department of Commerce 2024 Employee of the Year for his 20 years of work in supporting Kansas companies — Lieutenant Governor David Toland announced the honor, highlighting his role in leading business development across three regions.
His recognition underscores his commitment to fostering local economic success.
Andrea Mitchell, a Shawnee County postal worker, is suing former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for racial and disability discrimination after her requests for accommodations were ignored.
She seeks over $300,000 in compensation along with punitive damages and attorney fees—her suit also alleges she faced racially charged comments from a supervisor.
📰 Real Estate
Trident Homes plans to ease Topeka's housing shortage by building between 50 and 100 affordable 3D printed homes using a new process that prints concrete walls in about 120 days.
The homes will cost between $150,000 and $250,000 and are built to meet high wind standards—an open house will be held May 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stone & Story Real Estate Group office.
🏈 Sports
Topeka native NiJa Canady, a Texas Tech junior pitcher, is a top-three finalist for the 2025 USA Softball National Player of the Year Award.
She won the award in 2024 and posted a 28—5 record while helping her team reach its first-ever Super Regional.
🎉 Topeka Events
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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.
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.
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.
Eats & Beats Featuring Dead Bettys
Thursday evenings — Evergy Plaza — Enjoy local food trucks and live music — Experience an unforgettable summer of music in Downtown Topeka.
🏠 Topeka Real Estate
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