Good morning, Topeka.

Helping Hands Humane Society is nearly full as it cares for almost 400 dogs, including more than 150 that arrived last week.

The shelter urged locals to open their homes to help care for the animals and offers free (zero-cost) spay and neuter services (accepting dogs only from Shawnee County).

Friends of the Zoo members will preview the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit at the Topeka Zoo Friday night, May 23, and the public can visit it from Saturday, May 24 until September—featuring life-size robotic dinosaurs, educational details and a fossil dig pit.

After vandalism in November 2024 damaged the walls, windows, and floors at Christian Lord Ministries Church, repairs continue with help from volunteers.

Pastor Teddy Van Vale said the church still needs funding for a broken sign and audio system—he prays for the vandal while seeking support.

Memorial Day events are planned in Topeka to honor fallen soldiers.

The Sons of Union Veterans will hold a ceremony at Topeka Cemetery at 9 a.m. on May 24, Catholic Cemeteries will host an outdoor mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 10 a.m. on May 26, Memorial Park Cemetery will conduct a wreath presentation at 10 a.m. on May 26, and the Combat Air Museum will offer free admission on May 26 with a Taps event starting at 2:30 p.m.

Crews responded to a collision reported Wednesday morning around 7:39 a.m. at S.E.

6th Avenue and Tefft Street in East Topeka with no immediate reports of serious injuries.

Topeka Police arrested 48-year-old Maleek L.

Hughes for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and unlawful discharge of a firearm near Topeka High School on May 19 after a shooting left one person with non-life-threatening injuries.

At Hillcrest Community Center a job fair on Wednesday gave recent graduates like Penn Erwin a chance to learn about career options as the Kansas Department of Labor highlighted high-demand fields such as nursing and technology.

The department offers Today’s Occupational Report — a tool that helps job seekers find positions that do not require a bachelor’s degree.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and SENT Topeka was awarded a Kansas Fights Addiction grant to expand help for substance use disorders — offering therapy, neurofeedback and support services in southeast Topeka — according to addiction specialist Tricia McCourt.

Trident Homes held an open house at Stone & Story Real Estate on May 21 to show potential buyers 3D printed homes designed to offer affordable housing as one printer can build 50 to 150 houses each year at costs between $150,000 and $250,000.

The company is training crews and will build its first home in July for customers who want customizable layouts.

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.

Undercover: An 80's Experience

6-9 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $8 cover, kids under 12 are free — Enjoy an energetic night of singing and dancing to your favorite 80's hits with local talent.

Topeka Renaissance Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $14+ per day — Experience jousting, games, and entertainment at this exciting festival of medieval fun.