Daily
Topeka
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At Fiesta Topeka's second day, the jalapeño eating contest returned after a break since 2016 as contestants raced to eat as many peppers as they could in three minutes, with Cody Wingfield winning by consuming four peppers for a $250 prize. Organizers said the event, a tradition spanning over 30 years, will continue for at least the next 20 years—supported by the Kansas Army National Guard, HyVee, and Bobo’s Drive In—reflecting strong community enthusiasm. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The City of Topeka approved a tentative deal to sell Hotel Topeka to Endeavor Hotel Group, which will invest $6 million and pay $1 million cash to renovate the 224-room hotel and update the Maner Conference Center—CEO Roy Arnold said he will meet county leaders soon to set up a long-term plan that aims to boost local tourism and address the property's losses. KSNT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 72-year-old man, Terry Keller, was found dead in a vehicle near the Central Park Community Center Tuesday evening and police ruled the suspicious death a homicide—an investigation is underway with a person of interest identified. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On July 16, the Combat Air Museum held its five-day Young Aviators class for kids ages 9 to 13, where they learned flight basics and toured the museum, Million Air facility and airport control tower. Museum leaders said they will host another session next summer — the program aims to fill future aviation jobs — to encourage careers in flight. WIBW
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Carl Carlson, CEO of Carlson Financial, said on Eye on NE Kansas that Medicare and Social Security are only part of a retirement plan—replacing about 40 percent of pre-retirement income—and that savings and investments fill in the rest. He said timing matters when starting benefits and people should review their plans often to stay on track. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City leaders updated the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance initiative on July 16 during a public health and safety meeting — a plan to improve structural quality in the Capital City. Officials introduced new software to connect with police and fire departments — a tool that will boost community safety. WIBW
- ➤ County commissions in Kansas held closed-door executive sessions in April to discuss legal matters and pending litigation but often provided only generic explanations that left the public with few details—raising concerns about transparency. Officials say they comply with the Kansas Open Meetings Act, though some constituents have urged for clearer descriptions of the discussions. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A behavioral health team at SENT Topeka is hosting the final session of the Creative Expressions Lunch Bunch, a free program where middle and high school students express their feelings through creative activities. The event will run from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 24 at 455 SE Golf Park Blvd—part of the Campus Connections program under the Kansas Fights Addiction Campaign. WIBW
- ➤ Rachel Monger, CEO of LeadingAge Kansas, said the new spending bill shortens Medicaid payments from 90 to 60 days and may leave care costs unpaid—this change could force delays in hospital discharges and add strain on nursing homes, especially in rural areas. Industry leaders warn that these new payment rules may result in extra financial burdens for patients and families. Kansas Reflector
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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.
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