Good morning, Topeka.

Westbound Highway 24 west of Rochester Rd was closed on May 30 due to a wreck in Topeka—an officer confirmed at least one fatality as law enforcement and first responders secured the scene.

Kaden Zubler, a 25-year-old Topekan, went missing on May 15 along NW Topeka Boulevard and his family increased the reward—now $5000—for help in finding him.

Clue opened May 30 and will run until June 14 at Topeka Civic Theatre with a stage play that brings the classic board game to life.

The theatre will also host its Art of Murder fundraiser on June 21 — a themed event featuring a murder mystery and local food and drink options.

Backyard Musicfest is underway outside the Woodshed Event Center in North Topeka today—featuring four stages, five music genres, more than 50 bands, wrestling events, and vendor booths.

The family-friendly festival offers free entry for kids 12 and under and promises nonstop music throughout the weekend.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced yesterday a new website for federal employees seeking work in Kansas in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce — the site lists job opportunities and program links while highlighting the Rural Opportunity Zone program that offers student loan help and a state income tax credit for 95 counties.

The Shawnee County Safety Task Force is developing a Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan to identify programs—such as an open house on June 25th and an online survey—that will help make county roads safer.

Residents are invited to share thoughts on issues like dangerous intersections and missing crosswalks to guide future improvements.

Two doctors and three Lawrence women filed a lawsuit on Thursday in Douglas County District Court to block a Kansas law that cancels living wills for pregnant patients— the suit claims the law denies rights to privacy, choice and equal treatment.

KDHE announced four Child Care Zones awards to communities covering multiple counties to bolster early childhood care—Grow at Eden, McPherson County Community Foundation, the City of Kingman, and the Geary County Child Care Coalition each set plans to improve local child care services. A second round of support will be announced in early summer with applications due late August.

The Topeka Area Sports Commission and USA Wrestling of Kansas announced today that the Kids Folkstyle State Tournament will remain at Stormont Veil Event Center from March 2026 to March 2030—this deal is expected to draw 2,500 young wrestlers and 7,000 visitors each year, boosting local tourism.

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.

7th Annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament

2-8 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — $380 team entry fee — Participate in a fun-filled golf tournament benefiting Sole Reason, complete with extras like a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Summer Fireworks Extravaganza

7-10 p.m. — Avondale East Field — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.