Daily
Topeka
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dutch Bros and the Dutch Bros Foundation will donate $1 for every drink sold on Friday, Sept 19 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka. Local operators have also chosen nonprofits like Ronald McDonald House Charities and Special Olympics to receive support—Topeka residents can join by visiting local Dutch Bros on SW 17th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard. WIBW
- ➤ The Nancy Perry Day of Caring for United Way of Kaw Valley will take place on Sept. 19—with some volunteers starting on Sept. 18—and will offer 53 opportunities across 23 agencies, including a breakfast at Topeka Social at 8:00 a.m. organizer Jessica Lehnherr and Nancy Perry emphasized mobilizing over 600 locals to serve the community. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new exhibit called Inked — Exploring the Art of Tattooing is on display at the public library and shows the history of tattoo art with donated work from local artists; it will feature two live tattooing sessions and stay open until November 30th. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Fire Department appointed Kevin Gill as interim Division Chief of EMS on Sept. 15 — he brings 25 years of service and a background as a shift commander; he succeeded Bruce Andruss, who retired after 30 years of service. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Fire Department announced that Kevin Gill was appointed as the interim chief of EMS — he succeeded Bruce Andruss, who retired after 30 years, and Gill brings over 25 years of experience to the role; he officially assumed the position on Sept 15. KSNT
- ➤ On Sept.15, Shawnee County Commissioners cut spending by $780,000—reducing both Valeo Behavioral Health Care funding by $170,000 and Parks and Recreation funding by $250,000—to help avoid raising property taxes. They will continue budget talks on Sept.22. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas Highway Patrol trooper Ben Gardner, known for his online presence, announced his retirement Monday night via Facebook — he reflected on his 26 years of service and urged others to help people while planning to share more insights later. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Metro is reducing services after the City Council did not approve exceeding its Revenue Neutral Rate—which creates a $300,000 shortfall for fiscal year 2026. Cuts on low-performing bus routes will take effect on Dec. 7 and three public meetings are scheduled to discuss the changes. WIBW
- ➤ On Sept. 15, Shawnee County Parks and Rec approved a contract for Multisports, LLC to build four new tennis courts and update the Kossover Tennis Center with resurfaced courts, improved lighting, fencing, and walkways to meet USTA rules. Construction will begin after the women’s tennis season and is expected to be complete before spring—boosting local tournaments and tourism. WIBW
- ➤ At a Sept.8 meeting, Kansas lawmakers sharply criticized the state nursing board for delays in license renewals and inconsistent discipline—issues many say worsened the nursing shortage and endangered patient care. They passed resolutions urging IT updates, grace periods, and a change in board makeup that may lead to a 2026 bill. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Roadwork on South Topeka Boulevard will begin Thursday, Sept. 18 and is set to be complete by Tuesday, Sept. 30—motorists should expect lane closures and delays along the route from the U.S. 75 south interchange to the Shawnee County line. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Family Service and Guidance Center and Valeo Behavioral Health Care announced their merger during a 10 a.m. news conference in Topeka Monday—officials shared a new logo, tagline 'Healing within reach,' and the new name Astra Mental Health and Recovery. The merger, approved in February, will take effect January 1 as the combined agency builds on nearly 180 years of service. WIBW
- ➤ At the Topeka Country Club on Monday, nearly 250 golfers played in Stormont Vail's 25th annual BIG HEARTS Golf Tournament, raising over $275,000 to buy new machines for the Stormont Vail Breast Imaging Center — the funds will support better tests and screening. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka-Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame honored five new members today—Brenda Stolle, Bob Davis, Trey Lewis, Duane Zlatnik, and Jerad Head. Jerad Head said he feels proud to join the group that celebrates our top local athletes. KSNT
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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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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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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
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