Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee Co. Public Library book and media sale will run Oct 17 to Oct 19 at the TSCPL Marvin Auditorium, offering thousands of books, movies and music at low prices with hardbacks for $2 and small paperbacks two for $1. Friends members will get early access on Friday while the sale on Saturday and a Bag Day on Sunday—where shoppers must bring their own bags—offer more choices for bargain hunters. WIBW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions is helping Topeka restaurants by cleaning deep fryers+ recycling cooking oil to reduce waste. The company supports local businesses with eco-friendly services+ saving money and labor costs. The Topeka Capital-Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today Washburn University hosted its 17th annual Women in Science Day with hundreds of seventh-grade girls exploring 15 labs covering microbiology, forensic chemistry, and isolating DNA from strawberries—organizers hope the event will boost interest in STEM among young girls. KSNT
- ➤ Washburn University reported a 5.8 percent overall enrollment gain for Fall 2025 as its branches saw increases, with Washburn Tech up 15.5 percent and Washburn Law School rising 9.2 percent + President Dr. JuliAnn Mazacheck said the numbers show that the school offers good classes and helps keep student debt low. WIBW
- ➤ The Boys and Girls Club in Southeast Topeka unveiled its new Cox Innovation Lab on Tuesday after receiving a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to boost digital learning. The lab—one of only 10 in the country—offers teens modern technology tools and activities like e-sports and podcasting, and it will be open weeknights until six. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Topeka Partnership announced Rhiannon Friedman as the new president of GO Topeka—she will assume the role on Oct. 27 and brings years of experience in city planning and local development. Her appointment is expected to drive the organization’s efforts to boost economic growth in Topeka. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance will livestream its second meeting on Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to work with the Kansas application team on a funding plan for the Rural Health Transformation program — the plan must be submitted by Nov. 5 and funding awards are expected by Dec. 31. WIBW
- ➤ Family and community members held a memorial before the city council meeting Tuesday night to ask city leaders for more transparency after Topeka Police shot Taylor Lowery three years ago—body camera footage has raised questions about the original account. His relatives and supporters hope that officials will provide clear answers about what happened. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study by the Kansas Health Institute found that Kansas dropped from 8th to 28th in national health rankings over the past 30 years due to low funding and weak policies — experts say strong, shared leadership can help reverse this trend. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Kansas officials confirmed the invasive Asian longhorned tick was found on a dog in Franklin County, marking its first detection in the state—experts said the tick threatened livestock and pet health. The state has alerted veterinarians and issued guidance on precautions to reduce further risks. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo announced that Asante the lioness was taken off exhibit due to a health scare—she had not been eating and her care team gave her fluids and checked her kidney values. Asante, who turned 21 in April, is the oldest in an AZA-accredited zoo and is kept near Tatu for comfort. WIBW
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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