Good morning, Topeka.

Get Down in T-Town returns to Topeka this weekend as a family-friendly event celebrating the city’s diversity in the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.

The event will feature 20 vendors, food trucks and live music from 4:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.

Washburn Rural North Middle School was evacuated at 11:15 a.m. on Aug.

20 after a gas odor was reported—emergency personnel responded promptly and officials confirmed an all-clear allowing students and staff to return safely.

Washburn University hosted its annual Market Daze event on Aug.

20 with 40 vendors on campus, drawing a record crowd of 1,000+ students who explored local business offerings. Marketing intern Jordy Mosqueda said the event helped connect students with community businesses through hands-on experiences and free giveaways.

USD 501 preschoolers returned to school on August 20th at Shaner Early Learning Academy where 200 children attended a Bittersweet Breakfast to ease their summer-to-school change.

The district’s early childhood programs include Sheldon Head Start and Pine Ridge Prep & support young learners throughout this new school year.

Carlson Financial CEO Carl Carlson said custodial accounts let parents, grandparents, and family friends put money aside for kids that an adult controls until they turn 18 or 21.

The accounts are simpler than a trust and can help start a college fund—experts advise checking with a professional for tax rules.

Traffic on Interstate 470 in west Topeka was diverted yesterday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as Kansas Department of Transportation crews surveyed the flyover bridge to Interstate 70—drivers followed posted signs to use alternate routes.

Topeka City officials announced that the road work on Southwest Fairlawn Road is delayed due to contractor issues and will now start on Monday, Aug.

25, with improvements including the street, waterline, stormwater, and sewer expected to continue until October along the route from Southwest 22nd Place to Southwest 28th Street. Drivers are advised to follow a detour via Gage Boulevard—ensuring access to driveways and school crossings during the work.

District 2 residents are upset with the plan to move three fire stations because they feel there has been little clear information and fear that emergency response may slow down.

City officials said the moves will cut response times to 4 minutes and a stakeholder meeting is set for mid-September — more details will be shared then.

Experts say untreated depression, anxiety and trauma can lead people to self-medicate with opioids, which increases the risk of addiction—especially among young people, SENT Topeka working with schools and families to provide mental health support alongside substance abuse education. The approach aims to help prevent opioid misuse and its severe effects.

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.

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.

Tap That Topeka Beer Festival

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Celtic Fox — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience over 400 craft beers, delicious food trucks, and live music in downtown Topeka.