Good morning, Topeka.

Helping Hands Humane Society is hosting a drive-through event for outdoor cats this Sunday, Oct.

11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SW 21st and Belle & volunteers will offer styrofoam cooler shelters to help community cats stay warm.

Dialogue Coffee House of Topeka was honored for its excellence in Non-Traditional Talent Pools at the To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards held Thursday night at Fiorella’s Event Center in Overland Park.

The lakeside barbeque event at Lake Shawnee is in full swing today, offering live music, local barbecue, and a cook-off contest with prize money presented by Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (and Parks for All Foundation).

Robinson Middle School hosted the El Día de los Abuelos Pastry Day event on Friday where students and grandparents gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

The community enjoyed authentic breads + pastries and shared family stories that spanned generations.

State officials reported that 1.4 million gallons of wastewater from Wickstrum Cattle near Manhattan contaminated McIntyre Creek and raised bacteria levels in the Kansas River to Topeka.

The KDHE advisory issued Oct. 7 noted that supplies can remove the bacteria and no fish kills were reported.

Kansas officials inspected 120 local food spots in September and found that 114 met safety standards with minimal violations.

The routine and complaint-based checks were conducted under the Kansas Department of Agriculture's guidelines — a sign of robust oversight in our community.

Topeka Fire Department received a federal grant to train staff at its incident command center and improve emergency response.

The department will use the funds to boost coordination and readiness in future emergencies.

NAMI held its Annual Conference and Membership Meeting on Oct.

9 in Topeka to combat mental health stigma by sharing personal stories and connecting community members with local support resources (ahead of World Mental Health Day today).

The 2026 Kansas Child Death Review report shows that 31 children died by suicide in 2024 — the Attorney General’s Office will enforce Caleb’s Law and use settlements with Meta and Roblox to boost online safety.

The report calls for stronger measures to protect local children.

Darana-Heartland Motorsports Park, a 622.96-acre venue with a race track and adjacent industrial land, is up for auction for a second time since 2024 and will accept bids until 5 p.m. Nov.

15 at 7530 SW Topeka Blvd + a property preview is offered from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 9.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has managed pressure better and boosted his rushing stats under head coach Collin Klein after a tough loss at Cincinnati, though he still seeks a signature win; he will test his progress today against No. 19 Houston at home.

Kansas freshman Taylor Stanley was named to the AVCA Division I Player of the Year watch list after leading the Big 12 with 4.7 kills per set (she earned National Player of the Week on Sept.22).

Former K-State men's golfer Jeremy Gandon earned his PGA Tour card for the 2027 season and secured a top 20 spot on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, becoming the second Wildcat in 15 years to reach the PGA Tour; the season opens January 21-24 at PGA WEST in La Quinta.

The Topeka Scarecrows hockey team will begin its second season Friday, Oct.

16 at Landon Arena + new head coach Ahmed Mahfouz previewed plans to boost community engagement at Eye on NE Kansas.

Former KU quarterback Jalon Daniels led the Buccaneers to a Thursday night win with 189 passing yards and a touchdown — the first NFL win by a KU player since Bobby Douglass in 1977.

The team will face the Steelers on Sunday, Oct. 18.