Good morning, Topeka.

The Centralia Fire Department mourns Cole Matson (21), the fire chief’s son and volunteer who died Tuesday evening in a farming accident when a spraying rig malfunctioned and trapped him, and the department is raising $34,000 for a new hydraulic rescue tool (Jaws of Life) to better handle emergencies.

Jones Advisory Group, a Topeka financial firm, opened its new office at 626 SW Governor Pl on Friday by cutting the ribbon; the building now includes extra rooms for educational workshops, a mother’s room plus event space for clients.

The facility accommodates 25 staff members plus offers versatile indoor/outdoor recreation areas to support future community events.

Six candidates are running in Topeka’s mayor race since Mayor Mike Padilla is not seeking re-election, and Ed Patton (a Wichita State graduate with public administration experience) shared his views on improving budget transparency during a visit to Eye on NE Kansas on July 11.

The primary election is set for Aug. 5 as the top two candidates will advance to the November ballot.

Topeka’s fire chief Randy Phillips, who served the city for 30 years, will retire on Dec.

22—he will begin a transition on Aug. 4 and help with the search for a new chief.

The Topeka Police Department added Pepe, a robot dog that can speak and climb to help officers assess situations with a built-in camera.

The model cost about $6,000 and was used during a search for a fleeing suspect — showing the department’s commitment to new technology.

Kansas ended June with $1.06 billion in tax collections, which is $72.6 million, or 7.4% above the estimate and a 3.2% increase from June 2024.

Officials said careful spending is needed to prevent a return to four-day school weeks + poor road and bridge upkeep.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issued advisories for blue-green algae in several lakes, including Elkhorn Lake and others in Jackson, Grant, Geary, Johnson, Marion, Atchison, and Pottawatomie Counties.

Residents should avoid contact with water showing foam or scum — as toxins may cause rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache.

Topeka native Taegan Knowland—an 11-year-old first-generation racer with over 30 wins including a major win at Daytona—is joining the KHR Pro Truck program to compete nationally and will race this month at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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.

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.

HAYSTAK Live Performance

9 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — General admission $20, meet & greet options available — Enjoy an electrifying live show by HAYSTAK with early doors opening for an all-age experience.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

July 21-24 — Bettis Sports Complex — Not specified — Develop soccer skills and enjoy a fun-filled camp for young players aged 5-14.

Kansas Ballet - The Wizard of Oz

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Tickets $15 — Experience the magic of dance in this enchanting ballet adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

PBR Shawnee County Fair Professional Bull Riding

7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling bull riding action with top riders competing for victory.

99s-2000s Skate Party

11 p.m.-2 a.m. — Sk8away Inc. — Refunds available up to 7 days before event — Relive the nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s while skating to throwback hits.