Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka will host the first annual Kansas Honey Festival on Sept 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ward-Meade Botanical Gardens at 124 Northwest Fillmore Street — organized by Navy veteran Curt Wiebelhaus of Kansas Bee Farm, the event will feature honey tasting, live demonstrations and expert talks on pollinators.

The Native Stone Scenic Byway Committee invites local volunteers to help preserve and restore historic stone barns and dry stacked stone fences that mark a 75-mile scenic route in northeastern Kansas.

The committee will hold the 33rd Stone Fence Workshop in Alma on Oct. 10, 11, and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—expert Rocky Slaymaker will guide participants in traditional stonework techniques.

The Kansas History Museum is set to re-open on November 22 after three years of renovation that updated records and pictures and remodeled its lobby—offering four themed galleries that tell Kansas history.

More than six million dollars was raised to complete the project.

Last weekend, Kansas Lottery said three players won large Powerball prizes when a ticket sold in Northwest Kansas won $1 million, an app ticket won $2 million with Powerplay, and a ticket from northeast Kansas earned $50,000—each win required matching five white balls or matching four white balls with the red ball. Players have 60 days to claim their prizes and choose between cash or annuity while paying 24% federal and 5% state taxes—rules that apply to all winners.

Reser's Fine Foods will invest $34 million to expand operations in Topeka after a $1 million funding proposal was approved by the Joint Economic Development Organization on Sept 10th.

The expansion, which will add 60 jobs—and create about $458 million in economic impact—will improve production capacity and support long-term growth.

Kansasworks announced it will hold a virtual job fair later this September from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept.

26 to Sunday, Sept. 28—local companies like Locked Arms Security, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Farmers Insurance Direct Sales and Civilian Personnel at McConnell AFB will join, and jobseekers should dress professionally for possible interviews.

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson announced his retirement soon during a KSDE board meeting on Sept.

10—he has led the department since 2015 and visited all 286 school districts in his tenure.

State lawmakers said they were horrified by reports that nurses were wrongly labeled as unprofessional for minor license renewal mistakes, a problem that is worsening job struggles amidst a nursing shortage.

Legislators plan to review the board’s rules and consider new measures such as a grace period or Constitutional Amendment—steps aimed at protecting the nursing workforce.

Federal officials confirmed that Kansas is now free of hazardous cesium irradiators — the last unit was removed from the University of Kansas Medical Center last summer — making Kansas the 11th state without cesium-137 and lowering radiological risk for residents.

Hundreds gathered at the Capitol today to recognize more than 300 young leaders in the Next Gen Under 30 program—honoring work in areas like health care and education—and award winners will be recognized again in Wichita on November 8.

City officials are making changes after firefighters stretched a hose when two fire hydrants near Lowman Hill Elementary did not work well during a house fire in August — they will connect these hydrants to a 12-inch main and replace the older unit to fit modern firefighting equipment.

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.

Highland Park vs. Sumner Academy Girls Varsity Volleyball Match

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Highland Park High School — Check local listings — Come cheer for the Highland Park and Sumner Academy volleyball teams in a thrilling conference match.

Highland Park vs. East Football Game

7-9 p.m. — Highland Park High School — Admission Fee Required — Cheer on the Highland Park varsity football team as they take on East from Wichita in this exciting non-conference matchup.

Yachtley Crew Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Last-minute concert tickets available — Experience the Yachtley Crew live in Topeka for an entertaining evening.

Liverpool Legends Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Public on sale starts August 15 at 10AM — Experience internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends honoring the music of The Beatles.

5th Annual Oktoberfest

3-8 p.m. — Prince of Peace Lutheran Church — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with food, shopping, and activities at this community Oktoberfest.

2025 Combat Air Museum Car Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Combat Air Museum — $20/vehicle — Experience a unique car show on historic tarmac with classic cars, awards, food trucks, and family fun.