Good morning, Topeka.

Vietnam veteran Jerry Buckhalter recalled losing his wife and child when their bus hit a mine in Saigon—he attended a Monday morning ceremony at the Gage Park all-veterans memorial hosted by Philip Billard VFW Post 1650 and said the event reminds him to honor those who served.

I-70 near Grandview Plaza in Junction City was closed in both directions on May 26 due to a crash amid ongoing construction—first responders diverted traffic while managing the scene and it is unclear if anyone was injured.

Burger fans in Topeka can enjoy eight top burger chains from Yelp’s national list — including Culver’s, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Five Guys, Red Robin, McDonald’s, Sonic Drive-In, Burger King, and Wendy’s.

Yelp also noted that Whataburger will open its new Topeka location soon at 3251 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

A Topeka family is seeking help to locate Kaden M.

Zubler, 25 - he was reported missing on May 15 and was last seen in the city, with his father sharing key details for identification.

At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, the Combat Air Museum held a ceremony as retired Captain Herschel Stroud sounded a bugle and Washburn Rural High School Air Force JROTC officers posted flags—continuing a six-year tradition that honors fallen service members.

The Topeka Lodging Association warned that tourism is down as transient guest tax revenue is projected to be $50,000 short—15% less than expected—after Hotel Topeka struggled with group bookings and Heartland Motorsports Park closed.

Visit Topeka said future sports events, including a cheer and dance championship—set for the first quarter—will help boost tourism going forward.

Joseph Marr, a recent Washburn University graduate, worked with fraternity members and local partners to design a new monument honoring the Gamma-Nu chapter at the site where the old chapter house was demolished in 2015.

The monument—featuring over 60 donor names, a sketch of the original building and an owl crest—will be installed in spring 2026 to preserve the fraternity's legacy for new members and alumni.

Fort Riley held a Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning at the Post Cemetery—honoring fallen servicemembers as the First Infantry Band played taps, 'Amazing Grace' and 'America the Beautiful' while cannons fired despite heavy rain.

Garrison Commander Col. Jerry Nunziato said the event helped survivors and family members remember the decades of sacrifice made for freedom.

Today the Kansas Department of Transportation begins repair work on US-75 in south Topeka, restricting traffic to one lane on bridges over S.W.

42nd Street and Interstate 335. Bettis Asphalt & Construction will work Monday through Friday during daylight hours and plans to complete the project in November — drivers should follow posted signs and expect intermittent ramp closures.

Kansas and Kansas State qualified for the NCAA baseball tournament after strong regular season finishes.

Kansas will compete in the Fayettevill Regional at Baum-Walker Stadium in Arkansas while Kansas State will play in the Austin Regional at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Texas—both teams showing competitive records in the Big 12.

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.

Country Stampede Festival 2025

June 25-28 — Topeka, Kansas — Prices vary — Celebrate country music with top artists, family-friendly fun, and delicious local cuisine.