Daily
Topeka
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, over 70 volunteers hung up lights for a new rainbow bridge at the Topeka Zoo near the elephant pavilion—balancing a festive display with the animals' natural space. The lights will be turned on Nov. 21 and remain up until Dec. 31. WIBW
- ➤ Since 2018, local organizers have planned the Central Topeka Grocery Oasis to build a 14,000-square-foot store in a food desert on Southwest Huntoon and Southwest Lane but the project remains on hold as it needs $3 million in funding—nothing is scheduled for groundbreaking. Organizers continue to seek financial support and discuss options with a potential grocery operator. KSNT
- ➤ Family and friends packed into Fellowship Bible Church on Friday morning to honor Joel Fager—former director of Pottawatomie Co. EMS and longtime first responder—who passed away after battling glioblastoma. WIBW
- ➤ The City of Topeka named homeowners Tom and Belinda Flynn as winners of its second Yard of the Month contest on Sept. 19. The couple said they are thankful for the honor — they enjoy spending time gardening together. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ West Ridge Mall in Topeka released a new interior map that shows the former JCPenney space will become headquarters for Advisors Excel and highlights areas planned for new retail. Mall officials said they are in active discussions with potential tenants and will host live events plus open a new playground on Sept.-25 to draw shoppers. KSNT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Labor reported a steady unemployment rate of 3.8% in August with the labor participation rate rising to 67.0% and nonfarm payrolls dropping by 4,700. Government jobs declined by 3,400 and private sector roles fell by 1,300 — leisure and hospitality gains partly offset losses in trade, transportation and utilities. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka's Metropolitan Airport Authority is moving ahead with plans to restart commercial flights with low-cost carriers at Forbes Field—officials are still deciding on which airline will offer the service. The agency is also constructing a new 80,000 square-foot hangar funded by state support that is expected to boost local jobs and generate nearly $100 million in economic impact. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Board of Regents paused review of a proposal from Kansas State University to offer a 90 credit hour bachelor’s degree in uncrewed aircraft systems — a plan to allow reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees — and set up a task force to study new degree formats for state colleges. K-State and other institutions will work with industry to decide if a three-year degree can meet workforce demands. Kansas Reflector
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Motorists learned that S.W. Topeka Boulevard near downtown was temporarily closed last Friday night for installing a storm sewer pipe as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct project — northbound traffic was affected between 1st and 3rd streets while drivers used alternate routes. WIBW
- ➤ Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit on Sept. 9 demanding that Gov. Laura Kelly and Department for Children and Family secretary Laura Howard turn over SNAP data — covering more than 700,000 Kansans who applied for food aid. Their attorneys called the suit 'a sad political stunt' in a motion to dismiss, and a judge will decide on the motion on Sept. 29. Kansas Reflector
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Topeka man Eric Nordgren rides his bike 333 miles in support of 6-year-old Oliver Combs, who is battling bone cancer, and his ride ends today. His fundraiser—Sunflowers to Roses—has supported local pediatric cancer patients for 21 years while raising funds for treatment and research. WIBW
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Axe & Ale kicked off its Halloween season early on Sept. 19 by hosting Apparition Bar’s pop-up spookeasy at 115 SE 6th Street — customers enjoyed axe throwing and 13 specialty cocktails — and the event will run until Nov. 1. WIBW
- ➤ 86-year-old Beverly Roberts fulfilled her lifelong dream by riding in a hot air balloon when Celebration Villa of Hearthstone West arranged her ride on September 19—she had dreamed of flying for years. The villa grants one wish a month, marking another time it helped a resident make a dream come true. WIBW
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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
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
~ James Clear
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