Good morning, Topeka.

Yesterday, families celebrated Father's Day at Gage Park (a popular spot) under a warm, sunny sky.

Parents and children played on swings and slides (and cooled off with snow cones) while making special memories with their fathers.

The raffle for a modern three-bedroom, two-bath home with a three-car garage to support St. Jude will announce the winner on June 18—tickets cost $100 and each purchase helps fund free treatment, travel and housing for families facing childhood cancer.

A 33-year-old man was arrested for meth possession after a traffic stop on Thursday, June 12 on SW Fairlawn Road in Shawnee County—law enforcement said the investigation is ongoing.

On Friday, June 13, a Topeka man was arrested after an Osage County Sheriff’s Office K—9 unit stopped his vehicle at 189th and Stanley Road for a traffic violation and found meth and marijuana — Daniel L.

Bigenwalt Jr, 59, now faces charges for meth possession, marijuana possession, and driving with a suspended license.

On Sunday, June 15, a Shawnee County deputy stopped a silver 2004 Honda Odyssey near SW 6th Avenue and SW Clay Street, leading to the arrest of three people for meth possession and related charges—one suspect had an out-of-state warrant and another faced a Topeka bench warrant.

Topeka Public Library hosted a mini Renaissance Festival on Sunday with games, card readers, dragons and music that gave fair-goers a taste of the upcoming event.

The first annual festival will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Woodshed Event Center and run until Sunday at 6 p.m. + organizers say the preview builds excitement for more community engagement.

Kansas Assistant Insurance Commissioner Barbara Rankin announced last week that she is retiring from her role at the Kansas Department of Insurance after a 43-year law career that included 17 years of state service.

In her role, she managed several divisions and helped implement major changes to the Kansas producer licensing act in 2021.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland launched the Kansas Small Business Office last week to help small businesses find state resources.

The office will use the new online platform—ConnectKS—to make it easier for entrepreneurs to get support like funding and training.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issued public health advisories for several lakes due to harmful blue-green algae blooms.

Residents are urged to avoid water contact and keep pets away — precautions aimed at reducing exposure to the toxins.

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.

An Unforgettable Evening with Eddie Wakes

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket sales start May 6 — Experience the remarkable voice of Topeka native Eddie Wakes in a night of music and excitement.

Live at Lunch Featuring Justwynnmore

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy live music, local food trucks, and family fun in the heart of downtown Topeka.