Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital after a truck struck a tree early Tuesday in the 400 block of N.E. Lyman Road in North Topeka — police blocked nearby traffic while they continued their investigation — as authorities work to gather more details. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Leonard Rrapaj, 61, of Topeka was indicted Tuesday, June 10 for illegally possessing a machinegun linked to a raid at his club — federal agents also charged Alejandro Espinosa-Hinostroza, 32, with illegal possession of a firearm and reentry after removal. WIBW
- ➤ A hit-and-run collision occurred Monday morning near Lake Sherwood when a white 2014 Chevrolet Impala struck a worker on a street project— the worker sustained minor injuries and the driver fled the scene. WIBW
- ➤ Local and federal agents raided a Topeka strip club (Topeka Sports Cabaret) last week, and Tuesday a federal grand jury indicted club owner Leonard Rrapaj for illegal possession of a machine gun conversion device, which may result in up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University kicked off the change of Advisors Excel Hall Tuesday with a glass-breaking ceremony — a sign that renovations have begun — and the updated hall will soon house key academic departments including the business school. The project aims to improve learning spaces for students and faculty. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City leaders in Topeka will consider a proposal on Tuesday, June 17 to create a new Tax Increment Financing District near Southwest 30th Street and Topeka Boulevard—potentially allowing new quick-service restaurants and auto services to replace the nearly 70-year-old Meadow Acres Inn. 30th and Topeka, LLC submitted a $15 million plan—seeking TIF and Community Improvement District benefits to support the project. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka city leaders approved changes to DEI policies on June 10 to try to keep $45 million in federal funding at risk due to current affirmative action programs—City Council will vote on the revisions on June 17. Councilman Marcus Miller said the city will adjust its contracts if the government withholds the funding. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas judicial nominating commission unanimously recommended three nominees for Gov. Kelly to fill the Kansas Supreme Court vacancy following interviews with 15 applicants. The nominees include Douglas County Judge Amy Hanley, Johnson County Judge Christopher Jayaram, and Leawood attorney Larkin Walsh — each chosen after several rounds of voting to replace Justice Wilson who plans to retire on July 4. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Leaked federal budget plans and the president’s proposal point to deep cuts in services for people with disabilities that could affect 46,000 Kansans and drop some programs to zero—threatening supports like mental health, voting access and Medicaid services. Advocates say these changes will lead to fewer services and force more people into institutional care. Kansas Reflector
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Country Stampede Festival 2025
June 25-28 — Topeka, Kansas — Prices vary — Celebrate country music with top artists, family-friendly fun, and delicious local cuisine.
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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.
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Summer Fireworks Extravaganza
7-10 p.m. — Avondale East Field — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.
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