Daily
Topeka
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Oct. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the City of Topeka will host a family-friendly Trunk or Treat event at Evergy Plaza (featuring decorated vehicles, pumpkin painting, games, music, and free candy). The event also includes a Best Decorated Vehicle Contest (inviting community partners and families in costume) to enhance holiday celebrations. KSNT
- ➤ Downtown Topeka Inc. is charting a new path by inviting retailers, restaurants and entertainment to a once quiet strip—local business owners note that the area feels livelier during day and evening. KSNT
- ➤ The Topeka Scarecrows hockey team visited McCarter elementary on Oct 1—introducing coach Robbie Nichols, players and mascot Stanley, while answering students’ questions about hockey. The team said students will sing the national anthem at their home opener on Oct 17 at Stormont Vail Events Center. KSNT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A free Latin music concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library where the nine-piece band Son Venezuela will play Caribbean tunes from across the region—this event is part of the long-running Music for a Sunday Afternoon series. WIBW
- ➤ Highland Park High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with traditional dances and authentic food on Wednesday night—featuring contributions from students, staff and community groups from Cuba, El Salvador and Mexico. The event, organized by the Spanish Club and the Mexican American Youth Organization, marked a festive start to a month of cultural activities. WIBW
- ➤ The Friends of Historic Topeka Cemetery will host a séance with psychic medium Heartland Medium Vicky (from Kansas Paranormal Investigators) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Crane Mausoleum; all proceeds will benefit the cemetery. KSNT
- ➤ KU Theatre and KU Physics and Astronomy have collaborated on Silent Sky, a play that highlights the contributions of women to astronomy — a production that uses historical research and stage performance — that opens tomorrow at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre. The play runs through October 5th and offers a matinee on October 4th with ASL interpretation. Kansas Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University reported record enrollment increases for the fall as total full-time enrollment rose by 5.8 percent—Washburn Tech grew by 15.5 percent and the School of Law added 9.2 percent with its largest class in 15 years. The university said that rising numbers in technical and adult programs show its message on quality academics and low student debt is reaching more families. WIBW
- ➤ Preliminary census day figures show Kansas public higher education enrollment increased 2.2 percent as of the 20th day fall census, with state universities, community colleges, and technical colleges reporting gains (universities up 2.5 percent, community colleges up 0.8 percent, technical colleges up 6.3 percent). The Kansas Board of Regents noted this marks the third consecutive year of fall enrollment growth as public colleges continue to attract students. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn University held a fair on Oct. 1 — called the Majors and Minors Fair — where students visited 40 booths to explore over 100 academic programs that teach career skills. University advisors, success coaches, and career counselors were present to guide students as they prepared for the workforce. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka was closed on Oct 1 due to a federal government shutdown—visitors were unable to enter the historic building. The Topeka Capital-Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Oct 1, the Kansas Health Institute hosted its Beyond Data symposium—bringing together community health workers, clinics, and policymakers to discuss how to improve access to quality care. The forum also examined challenges with insurance coverage and the upcoming Rural Health Transformation Program scheduled for November. WIBW
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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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Bingo Loco at Topeka Social
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Social — $33 — Experience a night of laughter, dance, and bingo fun with exciting prizes.
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
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
~ James Clear
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