Good morning, Topeka.

New Mount Zion Baptist Church hosted the United for a Successful School Year event on Saturday at Ross Elementary—families with students from kindergarten through eighth grade received free school supplies, community resources, and low-cost sports physicals from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. as children prepared for the new school year.

The Topeka & Shawnee County Library hosted an end-of-summer party today with foam and bubbles for kids — several animals from the G and C petting zoo were available for petting as a last hurrah before school begins.

The library said it will host more events during the school year to support reading and community engagement.

On Saturday, a rollover crash on I-335 175 in Shawnee County left Eva Emmons, 46, with minor injuries when her 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee struck a barrier wall and rolled into a ditch—she was taken to Stormont Vail Hospital.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office is asking locals for help finding 20-year-old Alexander James Baize from Solomon, last seen on July 30 — he is described as a white man who is 6 feet 4 inches tall with blond hair and blue eyes.

The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University opened two new exhibitions after a free reception on August 1—'Around the Way Folk: Saints in Uncommon Places' displays Harold Smith’s paintings with Black figures until November 1—while 'DoPiKa: Reinstate' features art that links to Native American history until November 15.

The Kansas Water Office announced it is accepting applications for two grant programs that will fund water projects and technical assistance to improve water supply quality—applications close September 30.

The programs were established with new funding from a bipartisan law signed by Governor Kelly.

The Kansas Water Authority is accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees to advise on local water issues and shape statewide planning.

The Kansas Water Office said members will represent local concerns and applications are due on September 30.

On Saturday, August 2, the Satanic Grotto held a protest at the state capitol (calling for religious freedom and equality) despite a permit denial (citing safety concerns and a lack of police), and no violence or police action was observed.

Stormont Vail Health received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain — MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025 for meeting high standards in heart attack care.

It met key performance measures in 2023 and 2024 and became one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to earn this honor.

KDHE and KDWP have issued a public health advisory for Kansas lakes showing blue-green algae that may appear like foam, scum, or paint—signals of toxins that can cause rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

Residents and pet owners are advised to avoid contact with suspicious water and rinse thoroughly with fresh water if exposure occurs.

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.

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.