Good morning, Topeka.

Charlene Patton, a longtime WIBW personality who promoted Kansas foods, passed away Sunday, Sept.

20 at her family farm with her husband and daughters nearby. Visitation is Sunday, Sept. 27 and a celebration of life is Monday, Sept. 28 at Grantville United Methodist Church.

Sarah McLaughlin-Olson, a 44-year-old local social worker known for her compassion, died on Sept.

10 when a truck struck her while she aided a driver at a highway crash near SW 57th and US-75, leaving a legacy of service in her community.

Dillards in NOTO: A Night of Fashion will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

3 at Great Overland Station. The event will feature food, several fashion shows and a silent auction, with $20 ticket sales supporting the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.

Topeka’s Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will host Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct.

3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with homemade German food, a cake walk, games, live music & food trucks at 3625 SW Wanamaker Rd.

Cyclists are carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence across Kansas as part of the American Discovery 250 Relay (celebrating 250 years of independence).

The relay stops in Lawrence Tuesday and will continue to Delaware on Thanksgiving Day.

Diesel prices hit record highs this week, and Kansas farmers may face an extra $20,000 in costs that could eventually lead to higher grocery prices, with experts blaming global conflicts and fewer exports (a challenge for the season).

Washburn University hosted a roundtable on Tuesday, Sept.

22 as part of National Forensic Science Week (Sept. 20-26) in partnership with KBI and other local agencies, offering students a look into diverse forensic careers. The event highlighted disciplines ranging from chemistry to digital forensics.

A ceremony honoring Gold Star families will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept.

24 at the Kansas Statehouse along the south side walkway near the Gold Star Family Memorial. Gold Star families, veterans and the public are invited to attend.

A June report from U.S. News shows Kansas has the nation’s best roads with only 3.3% in poor condition, while some Topeka residents point to potholes and construction as signs improvements are still needed (analysts say the work may be part of ongoing upgrades).

K-State football will travel to Cincinnati at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday for its first Big 12 game of the season.

The Wildcats, 3-0 after a win over Tulane, seek their first conference win since 2023 with key plays expected from quarterback Avery Johnson.

Taylor Stanley was named AVCA National Player of the Week after Kansas went 3-0 last week against Wichita State, Ole Miss, and Grand Canyon.

She will open Big 12 play Friday at 6 p.m. at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

Washburn volleyball won its first MIAA road match Tuesday night in Maryville when it beat Northwest Missouri State 3-1.

The Ichabods improved to a 12-3 record and will host Arkansas-Fort Smith Friday at Lee Arena.