Good morning, Topeka.

FreeState Electric Cooperative staff and trustees presented a $32,540 replica check to the Capper Foundation during a company meeting at their Topeka office—this gift, matched by a CoBank donation, will fund the Caitlyn Halsey Empowerment Center to provide job training and support for adults with disabilities.

Crews responded to a house fire on Wednesday morning in the 1100 block of S.W.

Garfield — there were no immediate reports of injuries.

All 13,000 Topeka Public Schools students returned to class as the school year began with Whitson Elementary hosting grades kindergarten to 5 on Wednesday while other grades started on Tuesday—setting a warm tone for learning.

Principal Keelin Pierce said the 'glow together, grow together' theme helped foster excitement for the new school year.

The City of Topeka announced that the southbound lanes of Topeka Boulevard at 5th Street and part of 5th Street east of the boulevard are closed due to waterline breaks—repair details are still unknown.

Topeka’s governing body voted Tuesday to reject Maverik’s request to rezone a west Topeka property for a gas station and convenience store — public concerns over traffic safety led to a 9-1 vote with Councilman David Banks dissenting.

Officials said that water-main breaks closed southbound lanes on S.W.

Topeka Boulevard at S.W. 5th Street and led to the closure of S.W. 5th Street east of Topeka Blvd—repair crews are still assessing the necessary repairs and detour routes have not been established.

Kansas lawmakers added a rule in the state budget that tells state and university employees to remove pronouns from emails and work messages—critics say the rule cuts DEI programs and violates free speech while putting workers in a difficult spot.

The Cotton O’Neil Pediatric Clinic - Gage in Topeka will reopen next Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. after a lightning strike damaged the building, and Stormont Vail Health said patients with appointments are being seen at temporary locations and contacted via MyChart and phone calls.

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.

TRAPT Live in Topeka

7-8 p.m. — Jessie's Bar Outdoor Stage — General Admission $20 ($25 at the door) — Rock out with TRAPT as they perform hits from their new album!

Holy Smokin' Jamboree 2025

8 a.m. - 10 p.m. — 2014 NW 46th St, Topeka, KS — $2 wristband for kid games — Enjoy BBQ, live music, and family-friendly activities at this annual jamboree.

Tim Hawkins Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — $65-$86 — Enjoy a night of laughter with renowned comedian Tim Hawkins.

Highland Park vs. Sumner Academy Varsity Football

2-4 a.m. — Highland Park High School — Free entry — Catch the exciting matchup between Highland Park and Sumner Academy's varsity football teams.

12th Annual Dueling Pianos Fundraiser

6-10 p.m. — The Townsite Avenue Ballroom — Various ticket prices — Enjoy a night filled with music, laughter, and support for kids in need.