Good morning, Topeka.

Fire explorers from Topeka and Lawrence competed on Oct.

11 in the second annual Explorer Games that featured challenges—forced entry and search and rescue. The event raised funds through a silent auction and highlighted more young women stepping up as future leaders in the fire service.

The Salvation Army in partnership with Scotch Cleaners distributed hundreds of coats to local residents on October 11th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1320 SE 6th St.—the donated coats in many sizes and colors helped people prepare for colder weather.

SENT Inc. Topeka hosted its annual Halloween costume giveaway and child mental wellness fair today to offer free costumes for kids as Halloween nears.

Families received passports to interactive mental wellness stations that teach healthy coping skills, along with free flu shots and groceries from a food pantry.

BBQ enthusiasts competed at Smoke on the Water BBQ on Oct.

11 at Lake Shawnee Campground in Topeka, where thirty KCBS Master Series teams were judged on appearance, taste and tenderness; contestants faced elimination if they did not deliver their dishes within five minutes. The event awarded a $6,250 prize and organizer Dustyn White noted that many competitors train each weekend (preparing for contests like the American Royal).

Blind Tiger Brewery won a silver medal for its Munich Dunkles and a bronze medal for its Smoke Follows Beauty Smoked Bock at the Great American Beer Festival on Oct.

11, bringing its medal count to 33. The brewery invites Topekans to try the medal-winning Munich Dunkles on tap — available at 417 SW 37th St.

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library hosts an interactive exhibit called Inked: The Art of Tattooing that explains tattoo history and methods — Dave Parrett of Olympus Ink led a live tattoo on Oct.

11. Two more live sessions are scheduled for Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 while the exhibit remains open until Nov. 30.

Highland Park High School inducted two alumni into the Sports Wall of Honor and one into the Hall of Fame.

Raphael Posey, a 2000 graduate, and Jameel Anderson, a 1996 graduate, were honored for their athletic achievements while Thomas Browne Jr., a 1977 graduate, was recognized for his public service — including his appointment to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals in 2020— reflecting the school’s lasting legacy.

On Friday night, Hayden beat Holton at home in Topeka by a score of 53 to 22, improving their record to 6-0.

On Friday night, the Topeka Scarecrows won their season opener with a 6-1 victory over the Indiana Sentinels after a scoreless first period and a 5-0 run—goalie Sammy Bernard saved 23 of 24 shots to secure the team's first win.

The team will play again tomorrow in Indiana at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Kansas Jayhawks fell to No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders 42-17 on Sunday—Texas Tech jumped ahead with early scoring drives before Kansas added touchdowns by Jalon Daniels and Boden Groen.

KU now has a bye this week and will host K-State on Oct.25.

The Rossville Bulldogs defeated Cair Paravel 49-14 on Friday night at the Lions house—extending their win streak to 5-1 as Cair Paravel suffered its fifth straight loss.

Atomic Cowboyz Pop Up Concert

5-7 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant outdoor concert featuring the Atomic Cowboyz along with food from local vendors.

Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training

All day — Orion Education & Training - Topeka — $2250 — Enhance your software development skills with this comprehensive UML training class.

All Hallows Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — Ticket info coming soon — Celebrate fall with jousting, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at a vibrant Renaissance Festival.

Topeka Pumpkin Run and Trunk-or-Treat

5-8 p.m. — Felker Park Softball — $12 and up, Trunk-or-Treat is free — Enjoy a festive evening run and a lively trunk-or-treat experience with family-friendly fun.

West Ridge LIVE

7:30-9:30 p.m. — West Ridge Mall — Various tickets available — Experience an exciting event with special seating options and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Help Stock the Ronald McDonald House Pantry

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Seabrook Apple Market — Donations welcome — Support local families in need by replenishing vital pantry supplies.

2025 Kansas Environmental Education Conference

4-4:30 p.m. — Sunflower Nonprofit Center — Registration fees apply — Explore critical environmental education themes and network with community leaders.

Gallery Talk: Bobby Von Martin

6-7:30 p.m. — Mulvane Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the impact of Choctaw artist Bobby Von Martin's heritage and art in his enlightening gallery talk.

Cirque Mechanics - Tilt

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Check for pricing — Experience a high-flying circus spectacle that combines acrobatics with mechanical marvels.