Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka-based Endeavor Inn & Suites celebrated bartender Bev Huntsman on Wednesday for 40 years of dedicated service with a party, and she said she plans to work until 50 years at the hotel.

On June 10, Twitch streamer Isaiah Thomas (Hmblzayy) stopped at Lake Shawnee Campgrounds during his 3,000-mile walk from Philadelphia to California to raise $200K for underserved kids; local residents, including a teacher who offered water and prayed with him, cheered him on.

The Topeka Shriners will host Pizza, Puzzles & Pitchers at the Arab Shrine on Saturday, June 13 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by a parking lot party on June 20 from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is $10 and team registration is $40.

Floodwaters from heavy rain near Southwest Gage Boulevard damaged vehicles, leaving car owners with costly repair concerns as homeowner Josh Elliott filed an insurance claim and mechanic Doug Chilsom warned that waterlogged wiring can make vehicles unsafe.

The Topeka Zoo is hosting World Oceans Day events Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., where visitors will see booths, activities, and two Washed Ashore exhibit sculptures that show how everyday choices affect ocean health.

Severe storms left thousands without power in Topeka and nearby areas today.

Evergy crews are working to restore electricity, expecting most customers in Shawnee and Riley counties to have power by late tonight while about 8,200 in Salina may face delays until Thursday night.

Following heavy rain and winds on June 10, insurance agent Brian Green offered tips for handling water damage claims and understanding policy details at his Allstate office.

He reminded local residents to review their coverage as calls continued pouring in after the storms.

Healing Hearts Camp gives children ages 7 to 16 a safe space to learn coping skills and share memories after a loss.

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 at Camp Jayhawk near Oskaloosa.

Emergency rooms in the Midwest saw a significant rise in tick bite visits in April and May, and Kansas data shows tick-borne illnesses are trending upward.

Health officials recommend prevention steps such as using insect repellent (with DEET) and regular pet grooming to help reduce risks.

The Purple Reign and JHX Hoops alumni teams will face off at Washburn's Lee Arena on Wednesday, July 22 to showcase the renovated facility & build a case for Topeka as a future host for TBT events.

Local organizers expect the historic rivalry to draw fans from across Kansas.

Former Wildcats forward Xavier Sneed will suit up for Purple Reign next month in a 3-game series against KU’s alumni team; Game 1 is scheduled at Bramlage Coliseum on July 21 and Game 2 in Topeka at Washburn's Lee Arena.

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.

Envista Eats & Beats

6-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and live music in a vibrant community atmosphere.

The Harvey Brothers Band Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Kick Start Saloon — Free entry — The Harvey Brothers Band plays live in Topeka for the first time, inviting everyone to ride their bikes over.