Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library held a ribbon cutting on Sept.16 for its new Book Nook at West Ridge Mall—designed to give kids a space with toys, books, and a storytime event. The new location aims to help families build early reading skills. WIBW
- ➤ Jammin’ for the Oldies will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at The Woodshed, 1901 N. Kansas Ave — a fundraiser sponsored by AARP to support Papan’s Landing Senior Center programs with food, beverages, music by Barefoot Karoake and raffle opportunities; entry is $20 while general raffle tickets cost $5 each and quilt raffle tickets cost $1 each. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Sept 12, a cemetery in east Topeka was found damaged when multiple graves were desecrated—Maple Hill resident Kerri Chilcoat reported the incident to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. KSNT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Harpists for Peace will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library—Jim Mosher and other musicians will play solos, small groups and large ensembles to share music for peace. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scott McWilliams, Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools, announced his retirement effective July 31 and thanked the community for three decades of service — he led major projects including a $145 million bond and school expansions. The Board of Education is planning a search for a new superintendent — a transition to be completed in spring. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Topeka City Council approved the 2026 Operating Budget using one-time reserves and a mill levy rate of 36.956 to counter rising personnel costs and steady revenue collections. The council later approved shifting $100,000 from the economic development fund to the housing trust fund with an 8—2 vote to boost fiscal sustainability. KSNT
- ➤ The Topeka City Council voted 8-1 to reduce special assessment penalties on Marney Properties if it pays all overdue taxes and specials totaling over $93,010. The City will collect $10,416 in property taxes and $82,594 in-based special charges with a penalty waiver of $47,775—helping the company move forward with plans to build single family homes in Lauren’s Bay Estates Subdivision. KSNT
- ➤ The Shawnee County Public Works Department postponed roadwork on South Topeka Boulevard that was set for Sept. 18 to next week—motorists will face lane closures, flaggers, and pilot cars between the U.S. 75 south interchange and the county line until a new start date is confirmed. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn University hosted a voter registration session on National Voter Registration Day where groups such as Shawnee County Voter Registration — Loud Light — League of Women Voters helped students check or update their status for November’s ballot; the session reminded them that the registration deadline is October 14 and Election Day is November 4. WIBW
- ➤ The City of Topeka released a new cost benefit analysis for a Kansas Turnpike interchange at 29th and California that could spur new housing and commercial development—potentially adding $63 million in market value over 25 years. Construction will begin in 2030 and the project is projected to support over 100 jobs and boost tax revenue—factors that may drive local growth. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Corrections announced grants on Sept. 16th that expanded behavioral health services in juvenile detention centers—using over $1.4 million from House Bill 2021 to help youth get early mental health and substance use care. The funding aims to improve support in detention facilities by addressing critical behavioral health needs. WIBW
- ➤ Retired District Judge Merlin Wheeler admonished the public defense agency for internal infighting that disrupted the capital murder case for death row inmate Kraig Kahler and reassigned the case to Jason Belveal from Holton and Barbara Costa from Colorado—ordering two first-year attorneys to turn over their files during Monday's hearing. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ The Topeka City Council approved an 8% transient guest tax on Hotel Topeka to help recoup the city's investment over 35 years — assistant city manager Braxton Copley said the calculation shows the return could happen sooner than expected. WIBW
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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