Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Melissa Brunner was named the 2025 Sonny Slater Award winner by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for her decades of service at WIBW and in the local community. She will be honored at the convention in October in Manhattan—her reporting has long served local viewers. WIBW
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near SE 15th and Adams late Aug 18 and died after being taken to a Topeka hospital — police are investigating the circumstances. The Topeka Capital-Journal
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A large number of officers responded to a situation at a Topeka KFC Tuesday night as calls went out shortly before 10 p.m.—TPD has not released further details. WIBW
DRINK NEWS
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EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ USD 434 will receive a $324,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to launch Charger Enterprises—an initiative offering students hands-on experience in running school-based businesses. The program will provide training in welding, construction and marketing. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida-based Calupi Investments bought a vacant lot at 625 SW Polk Street for $2,000 and asked to change the zoning for multi-family housing while the Historic Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Association opposed the change because of poverty stacking—Topeka City Council will decide the lot's future. KSNT
- ➤ Christie Cauble Davis launched her U.S. Senate campaign on Tuesday by filing her candidacy on Aug. 5 against incumbent Roger Marshall. She focused on rural healthcare, public education, inflation and immigration and said Kansans deserve a Senate that truly represents their needs—an approach drawn from her years of public service. KSNT
- ➤ The City of Topeka is launching its Coffee Code Compliance initiative — a program where residents can meet city officials to ask questions about code rules over coffee. The first event is on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Oakland Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and similar events will be held three times a year. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas transportation officials say an I-470 bridge in west Topeka is closed today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for survey work on the bridge deck—drivers should take alternate routes during the closure. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Stormont Vail Health took over the failing Geary Community Hospital and turned it around into a stable facility that now operates in the black with more staff and better care—rising from times of low cash reserves. County officials and community leaders worked to keep local care close to home—ensuring Junction City residents no longer need to travel far for health services. Kansas Reflector
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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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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sumner Academy Boys Varsity Soccer Match
2:00 – 3:45 AM — Highland Park High School — Free entry — Watch the competitive showdown as Highland Park faces Sumner Academy in this conference soccer match.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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