Good morning, Topeka.

Residents in South Topeka will find more than 75 yard sales and six food trucks at the Montara Neighborhood Yard Sale on June 7 and 8—a few sales may begin June 6 west of Forbes Field while some hosts raise funds for local youth mental health programs.

Topeka Public Schools confirmed that 32-year-old teacher Andria Anderson died in a head-on highway crash on Highway 24 on May 30; the district arranged mental health support and set memorial services for June 6 to help staff and families cope with her loss.

A Topeka teacher, Andria Anderson of Sheldon Head Start Preschool, was killed in a Highway 24 crash on Friday and died Saturday in a local hospital—school officials are mourning her loss.

A fire started June 2 in the basement of a building at Topeka's Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant at 2000 NW US-24 Highway when a person was working on a machine—it quickly spread to the first and second floors and caused moderate damage with no injuries reported.

Topeka police arrested 22‐year‐old Kayden Smith—a repeat suspect—in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Dustin M.

Clayton, marking his second arrest related to the case.

Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration, Inc. kicked off the month with a flag raising and unity walk at the state capitol to honor the end of slavery and celebrate freedom — the event featured readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 and is part of a series of community events scheduled later in June.

Marcus Stratton, a school counselor at Pauline South Intermediate School in Wakarusa, said he faces challenges when he receives little follow-up after filing mandatory reports of suspected child abuse or neglect and asked lawmakers Monday for more training and clear guidelines.

Lawmakers agreed to meet with state officials to discuss changes that may increase transparency in the investigative process—efforts that could better support educators.

City officials said repairs on the 400 block of S.

Kansas Avenue began Monday when both southbound lanes closed to fix a water valve — one lane reopened by Monday's end while the outer lane will stay closed for about three weeks with a detour in place.

The Topeka Fire Department is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 Citizens Academy & will hold Thursday evening sessions from August 7 to September 11 to teach fire prevention, fire safety, and emergency service basics for adults, with the class limited to 20 participants.

Interim Healthcare of Topeka was named a Level 5 partner in the We Honor Veterans program—earning special status for its training in end-of-life care for veterans and for linking them with local support.

The program prepared staff to address service-related PTSD and memory challenges so veterans and their families can receive the proper 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.