Daily
Topeka
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo raised $30,095 in its Giving Day on Oct. 2, exceeding its $25,000 goal—funds that will support animal care and global conservation efforts. This success will enhance the zoo's inclusive visitor experience. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas Club Car Wash locations are hosting a Wash for a Cause Weekend from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5—every $5 MVP Wash purchased provides $1 to Special Olympics Kansas that supports year-round training, competition and health initiatives for athletes with intellectual disabilities. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ State officials said that the Gates Corporation facility in Iola will lay off 110 workers as it permanently stops HFM manufacturing operations—most layoffs are set for Dec 1 this year and a few for Jan 1, 2026. KSNT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ State law enforcement raided several CBD shops in Kansas this week and some Topeka stores closed after officers removed products claiming more than 0.3% THC—CBD American Shaman owner Jason Todack visited the attorney general’s office for clarity and will reopen his shop today. KSNT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant in Topeka is celebrating Oktoberfest with German beer, food, music, and servers in traditional attire until Oct. 5 — the event offers an authentic taste of German culture for both adults and families. The celebration marks a local nod to German tradition with special dishes and a festive atmosphere. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Art Guild announced winners of its annual Ad Astra show held Friday at Fairlawn Plaza Gallery — Naomi Cashman won first place for her prairie sunset watercolor, Lila Bartel earned second for her painting of the Menninger lock tower, and three artists received honorable mentions. WIBW
- ➤ Jordan E. Brooks, a prominent Topeka artist and muralist, created public artworks including The Common Ground mural for the Topeka Police Department and Kansas’s first walkway panel murals in McKinley Park—he also gives drawing lessons at local art venues to help inspire new talent. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A leftover railroad pillar in Valley Falls is catching silt and debris that harms the city’s water intake. The city (working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Army National Guard) plans to remove the pillar soon. KSNT
- ➤ Today, the Topeka Fire Department opened Fire Station No. 1 to show locals how they serve the community in a building built in 1940 that still shows signs of a 1951 flood. The series highlights the department’s long record of fast response and challenges such as tight engine bays and old sleeping quarters — details that tell its story. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas has built a $26 million fund from sports gambling revenue to attract teams like the Chiefs or Royals—aiming to gain an edge over Missouri. Lawmakers said the Legislative Coordinating Council will review proposals before the year’s end and any unused funds will later be redirected by the Legislature. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Yesterday Governor Kelly appointed 14 organizations to the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance—guiding the Kansas Rural Transformation Health Program to help rural hospitals secure crucial funding after Medicaid cuts were announced. WIBW
- ➤ Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson gave $1.5 million in grants through the Home in the Heartland program to help local leaders bring new residents and boost the economy. Local leaders will get half of the funds upfront and the rest once they meet new household targets — a plan to fight population loss. WIBW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Washburn Rural defeated Topeka High 35—6 to open the Centennial League play in a strong win that saw both teams start their seasons in Topeka. The victory marks a promising beginning for Washburn Rural as they look to build on this performance. KSNT
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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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Topeka
Welcome to the Daily Topeka, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Topeka, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Topeka, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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