Good morning, Topeka.

The Helping Hands Humane Society Warm Paws Warm Hearts Art Auction closes today at 8 p.m. CT and accepts bids online while artworks are on display at the shelter's Hill's Room to support animal care and community programs.

Darana-Heartland Motor Sports Park, silent for years during a tax dispute, is set to reopen this fall after ongoing renovations update timing systems plus refresh concession stands; the venue will also host a car show Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to showcase local motorsports.

Mulvane Art Museum held an opening reception last Friday for three exhibits: Journey to the West by Hong Chun Zhang runs until Oct.10; ICONIC: Sports Photography by Walter Iooss Jr. is on display until Nov.21 + 71%: Picturing Waterways is featured until Oct.24 at Washburn University campus, free admission.

Gas and diesel fuel prices fell this week in Topeka, with gas at $3.96 and diesel at $4.98 on Friday, down from Thursday and a week ago.

AAA reported similar drops nationwide (prices remain above last year's levels).

Four Kansas student teams won top honors in the 2026 World KidWind Challenge held May 17-20 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — they showcased skills in designing wind turbines and solar homes while boosting STEM learning.

Shawnee County Department of Corrections will open a new mental health unit separate from the jail to serve 60 inmates across three floors and screen them for behavioral challenges; its first floor opens in late August (full operations are expected in 2027).

Local experts warn that teen drivers face 100 deadliest days (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) as over 30% of fatal crashes occur during this period and teens are three times more likely to be in fatal accidents when distracted; they urge parents to model safe driving habits.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Topeka, reminding residents to focus on their mental health every day.

Local expert Phelica Glass, LCSW, known as The Grief Counselor, offered advice on handling summer routine changes.

Baxter Springs angler Michael Barnett broke a 50-year state record on April 18 by catching a 63-inch, 33.6-pound longnose gar while bowfishing the Spring River (verified by KDWP officials).

The record surpasses the prior mark set in 1974.

Signal Ridge Music Evening

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Appalachian Folk-grass tunes with Redd & The Paper Flowers.

Green Shoebox Band: St. Marys Community Event

6-10 p.m. — St. Marys Riverside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of music with the Green Shoebox Band in a vibrant community setting.

Kelsey Miles Live Performance

12:30 – 4:30 PM — Mulvane Art Fair, Topeka, KS — Free entry — Connect through music and storytelling with Kelsey Miles.

Yoga Nidra Session

12:15-1:15 p.m. — Florence Crittenton - Integrative Health — Free entry — Experience deep relaxation through guided meditation rooted in ancient yogic traditions.

Evergy Fight Night 3

5-10 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience high-energy boxing under the stars while supporting Special Olympics Kansas.

Country Line Dance Lessons with Kristy

6:30 – 7:15 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — Free entry — Dive into a fun night of easy-to-follow country and line dance lessons perfect for all skill levels.

Country Dance Night with Pinhole

8-11 p.m. — Happy Basset Brewing Co — $5 Cover — Experience a night of hard-hitting honky tonk sounds and prairie vibes with Pinhole.

Howard Mahan Band & The Old No. 5's Live Music

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Ticket info available — Enjoy a night of blues rock with the electrifying Howard Mahan Band and The Old No. 5's.