Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka families will soon see a major overhaul at Gage Park as Shawnee County Parks and Recreation replaces nearly all of Playland’s old equipment with new installations and begins installing a $1.28 million SkyTrail—featuring raised platforms connected by rope bridges—while additional updates including new signage, a sand volleyball area and carousel renovations are planned; work is expected to finish by early to mid-spring 2027.

Tedrick A. Jenkins, 49, was held in Shawnee County Jail on a $150,000 bond—he faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and other crimes after a car crash on September 10, 2023 that killed 53-year-old Jerry R.

Robbins.

A 33-year-old man named Gerald Avery died from a shooting near the Kwik Shop at 4500 SW Topeka BLVD early Monday at 2:15 a.m.; police say no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

A Topekan, Wisdom Curls, 24, was arrested on Wednesday, July 23, for first degree murder, aggravated robbery, and weapon possession—he is accused of killing Terry Keller, 72, who was found dead in a car near the Central Park Community Center at 1534 SW Clay St.—with police saying Keller is the city’s 10th homicide this year.

Kansas regulators questioned Evergy officials Monday over the firm accepting a $69 million decrease from its initial $197 million rate request that settled at a $128 million increase raising residential base rates by about $9 per month.

The discussion also covered revenue sharing from Panasonic’s new battery plant—if Evergy meets a 9.7% return on equity, 50% of the revenue will return to consumers—while KCC will decide the case by Sept. 29.

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.

Get Down in T-Town

4-9 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of live music, dance, and local flavors in Topeka.