Daily
Topeka
Friday, August 1st, 2025
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Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rachel Holthaus, known as 'The Hope Dealer', turned a tough car wreck from 12 years ago into a drive to help her neighbors by leading local volunteer efforts. She invites community members to join her on a Hope Mobile ride—sharing love to ease the pain many face in Top City. KSNT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Joy Wok, a new Asian buffet, is set to open at 29th and Wanamaker—next to Jeremiah Bullfrogs. Owner Cameron Liu said his team planned for two years and expects to open around August 11—offering dishes like ramen, sushi, hibachi, and an all-you-can-eat crab rack. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On July 22, a Topeka mom named Ashley Brown was killed in a double-homicide that also took Sean Thornton’s life, leaving her two-year-old son Zabe Mendez and family in deep grief while they plan a fundraiser and a celebration of life in August — community members honor her as a devoted mother and caring citizen. KSNT
- ➤ Two Topeka men—Darian A. Michaud, 20, and Samuel A. Bustos, 19—were charged Thursday for a double shooting linked to an accident on July 24 near SE 6th and SE California Ave; Michaud is held on a $250,000 bond while Bustos awaits his next court appearance. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new exhibit called Camp To-Sha-Ka opens tomorrow at the Noto Arts Center in Topeka’s arts and entertainment district to share Native American culture using art, humor — and hands-on displays by 11 native artists. The free, family-friendly exhibit is part of a state partnership with the Smithsonian and runs through October 25. WIBW
- ➤ St. Marys Arts & Sounds is set to host Swing Under the Stars on Saturday, Aug. 2 with a vendors market at Railroad Park from 8 a.m. to noon, children’s activities at Riverside Park from 3 to 6 p.m., and a free swing band concert by Topeka Big Bank from 6 to 9 p.m. The event offers an $8 wristband for unlimited access and a 'passport' promotion that gives a $3 discount—adding extra value for attendees. WIBW
DRINK NEWS
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GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library will begin major parking lot improvements on Monday, Aug. 4, with resurfacing, concrete replacement, and drainage upgrades set to finish in October before winter arrives. Visitors will continue to use the lot with reduced space available — certain entrances will be closed during different phases of the project. KSNT
- ➤ Kansas transportation authorities will replace the California Avenue bridge over I-70 starting in spring 2026 with work expected to end in fall—costing about $6.7 million. Kate Craft said an open house will be held on August 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—at the Lakewood Shelter House to explain project details. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas Supreme Court ruled last week that Sherri Foster owes more than $21,000 in late fees for unpaid rent from 2020—her appeal claiming the fees were unconscionable was rejected by the court. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Valeo Behavioral Health will host a free QPR Training session on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 330 SW Oakley & participants will learn to question, persuade & refer individuals in a mental health crisis. WIBW
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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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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.
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KCECA Varsity Football Game
7-9 p.m. — Cornerstone Family Schools Inc — Free entry — Cheer on the Cornerstone Family as they host Kansas City East Christian Academy in a thrilling home conference football game.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Topeka.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
~ Albert Einstein
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