Good morning, Topeka.

Dueling pianos will fill Townsite Ave. Ballroom — 534 S.

Kansas Ave. at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 to raise funds for LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center’s child protection services and forensic interview programs.

United Way Kaw Valley introduced Joe Caldwell (CEO of Bartlett and West) as its Shawnee County campaign chair on Thursday night for the 2026 fundraising campaign.

He said the initiative will unite local social service agencies to achieve better community outcomes.

Town and Country food distribution held its final pickup Thursday morning as new record systems and volunteer retirements ended 16 years of service that fed 150 to 300 cars per event; locals in need are urged to seek alternative food sources.

Silver Lake Lions Club is bringing the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to town, with performances at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.

12 near Silver Lake Grade School. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $8 for children, with advance purchases accepted at local businesses.

Stormont Vail Events Center is gearing up for a busy season as Scarecrows hockey resumes in October and ice racing returns in December, alongside horse shows and Cider Days set to roll out this fall and winter.

Advance Auto Parts cut the ribbon today at 2831 SW Wanamaker Rd, offering a wide selection of European auto parts not commonly found at other locations — and donated $1,000 to Washburn Tech’s automotive program.

Topeka City Council approved $26 million on Sept.

1 for Huntoon Street improvements from Gage to Harrison. Local businesses have faced delays and safety issues—construction will reach substantial completion by Oct. 9, finish by Nov. 6, and more work will begin in Spring 2027.

Gov. Kelly declared September as Hunger Action Month to focus on safe, affordable food access, and the effort calls on Kansans to support local food banks — community groups and volunteers are urged to join the initiative.

Safe Kids Kansas is paying drivers and passengers to buckle up during Bucks for Buckles in Topeka this holiday weekend, with volunteers handing out cash & educational materials at checkpoints until Sept 13.

Stormont Vail has reopened x-ray services at its Osage City clinic after a four-year absence and treated 32 patients in the first week.

Osage City Manager Katie Hodge noted+ the new service offers local residents faster access to care and reduces long travel needs.