Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A ribbon cutting at the AT&T store on Wanamaker celebrated the expansion of its fiber optic network in Topeka, which now serves 370,000 customers statewide + AT&T extended service to 5,000 new housing areas. The company will add 40,000 more customers by year-end + state tax code changes helped spur the upgrade. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A local judge sentenced 30-year-old Tremale M. Serrano to 54 years in prison for first- and second-degree murder after he was found guilty of killing 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner in a shooting on Oct. 15, 2023 near Washburn University, authorities said. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka police arrested 33-year-old Julian B. Van and 30-year-old Damian L. Lewis on Tuesday, June 17, charging them with first-degree murder and criminal firearm discharge in connection with the November 24th, 2024 shooting that fatally wounded Jessie L. Grahnert — authorities said investigations continue. WIBW
- ➤ Tremale M. Serrano was sentenced to 653 months in prison for the first-degree premeditated murder of Jackson E. Danner during the 2023 homicide on SW 21st St in Topeka—his co-defendant Aaron Serrano, who pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, awaits sentencing. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The eighth annual Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival will take place Saturday, June 21 at SW 8th and Jackson outside Celtic Fox in Topeka—featuring six reggae bands, local vendors, gates opening at 4 p.m., and music continuing until midnight with an admission fee of $15. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Many Topeka residents attended a Kansas Corporation Commission hearing on June 16 to express their concerns over Evergy’s proposed 8.62% rate hike that could raise residential bills by about $13.05 monthly—raising issues over rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, and the impact on fixed income customers and rural cooperatives. Evergy’s request totals $196.4 million and the Commission will decide by Sept. 29. KSNT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Geologists at the Kansas Geological Survey are studying increased small earthquake activity in Kansas; over 90% are microearthquakes while events of magnitude 3 or above are felt locally about once a month. A statewide network of 30 stations monitors activity from both natural faults and induced sources such as saltwater disposal wells—though the overall earthquake risk remains low. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Shawnee County Public Works announced that SE 69th Street from 5616 to 5825 between Rattner Road and Shawnee Heights Road will close immediately due to a failing tube and an unsafe bank slope. Crews will work on the project for about two weeks—traffic is restricted with no detour offered. WIBW
- ➤ Residents have less than a week to send their input on proposed changes to Metro On-Demand service—feedback may be submitted by phone, email, fax or in person—while the board holds its final public meeting on June 23 from 4-5 p.m. at the Metro bus station. The proposals include reducing the service area from seven to four square miles, raising fares from $2 to $6, and adding premium fares for some trips, with any approved changes set to begin on August 3. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Whit Downing recounted her long struggle with autism, anxiety, depression and PTSD in a podcast on June 17th and explained how finding professional help + building a support system has empowered her role with the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities. WIBW
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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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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.
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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.
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Craig Morgan Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Prairie Band Casino & Resort — $60 — Experience the hits of Craig Morgan in a vibrant country setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Daily Topeka is a community newsletter sharing current events in Topeka, Kansas. Our mission is to make local news more accessible, highlight extraordinary people across the Topeka community, and support local organizations. If you like Daily Topeka, you can support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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