Good morning, Topeka.

Evergy and Habitat for Humanity advise residents to reduce energy use as summer heat intensifies by unplugging electronics, servicing air conditioners, and adjusting cooking routines; the groups offer discounted ceiling fans + additional help for seniors in the community.

Two 9-week-old kittens, Prosperity and Positivity, visit Eye on NE Kansas as Helping Hands Humane Society offers a July 4 microchip special.

The shelter is also running a name-your-price adoption event for dogs aged five months and older & expects many pets to be adopted.

Polo Custom Products expanded its factory inside the Topeka Correctional Facility Friday, doubling the number of resident workers from 50 to 100 and offering more training opportunities.

Company and state officials said the move supports restorative justice — a model for future programs.

Photos taken on May 20 show the Downtown water tower built in 1942 with empty basins, exposed pipes, and a narrow ladder; a sign advises visitors to wear a hard hat + graffiti on the exterior underscores its historic past.

Crews from FIT Excavating will close westbound Huntoon from McAlister to Gage Monday, Jun.

29 for a repair project expected to last five weeks; detours are set via Gage, 17th, and Fairlawn, and eastbound traffic may face brief milling closures.

Shawnee County Public Works will begin its annual chip sealing project on Monday, July 6 at 7:30 a.m. if weather holds — work will last four to five weeks and drivers should plan alternate routes as crews manage traffic.

Officials held a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 26 for the renovated Schoeman Road-Belvue Bridge, which connects Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.

County commissioners said the bridge (a long-awaited project) will boost local agriculture and commerce.

State officials sent a letter to the EPA on June 17 urging mifepristone be regulated as a water contaminant — a move experts say is unnecessary given its trace levels in water.

Patients using the drug for conditions like Cushing’s syndrome may face reduced access if the measure is approved.

KDHE has issued advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae during water recreation season until Oct.

31, warning residents to avoid suspicious water with foam or scum (which may cause rash or stomach upset).

Topeka sports legends Michael Wilhoite — a former Washburn and NFL player — and Kyle Weems hosted Big Kev Give Back Camp honoring Kevin Weems, who died in 2019.

The two-day event featured a Mental Health Night on Thursday and a camp on Friday at Washburn for $10 registration.

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.

Boys Volleyball Training Camp

8:45 AM – 3:30 PM — Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena — Training fee required — Improve your volleyball skills with focused training for young male athletes.

Topeka Job Fair

12:30-3:00 p.m. — Crestview Community Center — Free entry — Explore a variety of job opportunities and connect with local employers in a vibrant setting.

Topeka Blues Society Summertime Blues Concert

6 p.m. — Gage Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Experience a night of blues music with live performances by local bands in a scenic park setting.

Live Country Music Night with Steel Skarecrow

7-11 p.m. — Saddle Up Bar and Grill — Free entry — Experience a blend of nineties country and southern soul that tells a story through modern music.

KAZHA Live Performance

8:00 – 11:59 PM — The Legendary Boobie Trap Bar — Ticket info TBA — Experience a unique blend of power rock from the Japanese band fronted by Kazuha Oda.

Bike Night Featuring Milltown

7-11 p.m. — Kickstart Saloon — Free entry — Milltown rockin it southern style on Kick’s outdoor stage for a great time.

Willow Rose's Country for the Pets

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Northside Social — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of live music with Ryan Manuel, a passionate singer-songwriter from Lawrence, Kansas.