Daily
Topeka
Friday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Clay Rupard, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant from Topeka, climbed 2,701 steps at Crunch Fitness to honor first responders from 9/11. He finished the challenge in about 37 minutes—saying it reminded him of his military service and the sacrifice of those who responded. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Marian Washington, a retired KU coach, will tell her story of leading the women’s basketball team and fighting for equality at the Kansas Book Festival on Sept. 20—she will speak at 1 p.m. at Washburn University Library as the event hosts 50 authors and 50 exhibitors. WIBW
- ➤ Bria Skonberg and her quintet will kick off the fall season of the Topeka Jazz Concert Series at 3 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Topeka Performing Arts Center + the series will include concerts on Oct. 19, Nov. 9 and Nov. 30 with tickets priced from $43.75 to $136.69. WIBW
- ➤ Linda Murphy Maina—creator of Linda’s Afrikan Kreations—has turned her passion for African art into a creative business that brings authentic jewelry and crafts to the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to Noon. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas film lovers will join over 100,000 worldwide for the 28th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5 at six venues including screenings in Concordia, Lenexa, McPherson, Oberlin, Overland Park, and Topeka—winners will qualify for Oscar nominations in 2026. KSNT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ USDA reported on September 8th that only 2% of Kansas corn has been harvested—an 11% drop from last year due to recent rain and cool weather delaying field work. Farmers say most of the crop is in fair to excellent condition and expect drier, hotter weather to speed up harvest later. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A freshman seminar at University of Kansas studied history when the class saw beams from the north tower on display at the Robert J. Dole Political Institute. The beams—gifted in 2003 by New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg to Senator Bob Dole to honor bipartisan work—remind students that the tragedy of 9/11 still matters today. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kansas regulators will review a settlement agreement on Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. that creates a new tariff plan for large-load customers—including data centers and manufacturing facilities—that requires a 17-year contract and collateral to fairly distribute costs among consumers and investors. The plan is designed to support equitable rate structures while promoting economic development in the region. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Fort Riley held its annual 9/11 commemoration to honor nearly 3,000 lives lost and to bring together community members, including Micah Lister who attends every year after his father died in 2003—strengthening bonds of remembrance. WIBW
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Transportation has rescheduled ramp work on US-24/K-4 to begin Tuesday, Sept. 16—traffic changes include reopening the eastbound ramp at the K-4 and Calhoun Bluff Road junction while closing the northbound exit until late December. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Stormont Vail Health said on Sept. 11 that it added the new Mako Spine Robotics system, making it one of only six hospitals in the country to use this advanced tool. The robot provides real-time image-guided navigation for spine surgeries — aiming to improve precision and speed up patient recovery. WIBW
- ➤ The White Linen in Topeka is hosting a dinner fundraiser for mental health services at Valeo Behavioral Foundation, serving a three course menu with a special twist on a burger from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. Reservations cost $48 per person and will be accepted from 5—9 p.m. WIBW
- ➤ Mental health experts warn that prolonged use of AI chatbots may weaken critical thinking and increase loneliness—Dr. Abby Callis from Stormont Vail Behavioral Health said these tools mimic human connection but lack real context. A California family is suing after ChatGPT was linked to their son's suicide. WIBW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen
7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the magic of Queen through a captivating tribute performance.
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