Daily
Topeka
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WIBW
- ➤ 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. KSNT
- ➤ 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. WIBW
- ➤ 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. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. KSNT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he's wrong.
~ Charles Wadsworth
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