Daily
Topeka
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The eighth annual Brew Ha-Ha will take place in an airplane hangar at the Topeka Regional Airport from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, and it will feature breweries from across the state along with local restaurants while proceeds—generated from a silent auction, raffle, and ticket sales—will benefit Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Shawnee County. KSNT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Topeka's Planning Commission will meet Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. to review a rezoning measure that, if approved, will allow a new QuikTrip station with 14 fuel pumps on SW 29th Street. Local residents raised crime prevention, property value, and traffic concerns during an Oct. 1 meeting — and QuikTrip plans another station near I-470 and Topeka Boulevard expected to open in fall. KSNT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ New car prices in Topeka have reached an all-time high as the average cost now exceeds $50,000+ a 25% rise over the last five years, driven by supply chain issues, inflation and a shift to luxury SUVs. Local experts advise buyers to consider basic models to avoid long payment plans. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Geary County Superintendent Reginald Eggleston was named 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year by the Kansas School Superintendents Association—he has led USD 475 since 2019 and improved test scores while keeping staff. Eggleston credited his team and said an Early Childhood Development Center for children aged 3 or 4 will open in fall 2026. KSNT
- ➤ Yesterday, Topeka High School opened its on-campus Envista credit union with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and students can now open accounts and get debit cards + work as student employees in the Trojan Vault building. The branch gives students hands-on experience with real financial services and builds practical skills. KSNT
- ➤ The Kansas State Board of Education said special education in Kansas remained mostly intact despite federal layoffs and the shutdown because state workers kept funding in place—although extra federal help was not available. Officials explained that federal law sets basic requirements while local systems handle daily operations. WIBW
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Financial expert Carl Carlson explained that retiring overseas can offer lower costs and better healthcare but requires careful planning—he advised potential retirees to review tax rules, currency exchange, and Medicare limitations before selling their U.S. home after a trial period in the new country. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Federal officials warned that if the shutdown continues, Kansans who rely on SNAP food assistance will miss their November payments while state agencies work on backup options. The USDA letter noted that funds are available for October but funding for November is insufficient if the lapse persists. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Commerce and Evergy are in talks with TerraPower to bring a natrium reactor to Lyon County amid growing power demands—Representative Mark Schreiber said the reactor’s design reduces the need for extra equipment. The region's development association approved the proposal, and TerraPower will start looking for sites in January. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Government shutdown issues have risked health care for over 200,000 Kansas families as Congress debates funding for tax credits that keep Marketplace plans affordable. If lawmakers do not extend these credits before they expire at the end of 2025, premiums will rise sharply — worsening financial strain on families. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ SENT Topeka’s Level Up program is helping teens work toward a life free of drug and alcohol addiction and is expanding its efforts with community partners from Texas. Program leader Brail Watson said volunteers and funding partners are needed to support a six-month pilot involving Avondale Academy students and a training session on November 10th. WIBW
- ➤ More Kansas families with kindergarteners claimed vaccine exemptions last school year, with rates rising from 2.9% in 2023—24 to 3.59% in 2024—25, according to state health data. County reports showed 22 counties with vaccination rates under 75%, and health officials warned that lower vaccine coverage may open the door to more disease spread. Kansas Reflector
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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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Rich The Kid Live Concert
9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!
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