Daily
Topeka
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Credit Union Foundation awarded $33,000 in community grants to nine local organizations on Oct 16 at its annual Benefactors Breakfast — the grants support programs that benefit students, seniors, small business owners, and survivors. The awards reflect the foundation’s commitment to strengthening local life. WIBW
- ➤ Ashley Pippin from Special Olympics Kansas previewed the third annual Victory Gala, set to start at 5:30 p.m. on November 8 at the Embassy Suites & Olathe Conference Center, where live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing and athlete inductions are planned. Pippin also mentioned a volleyball tournament in Manhattan on October 18 and a unified basketball tournament at Washburn Rural Middle School on October 25. KSNT
- ➤ In Topeka, TACC held its second fall resource fair on Thursday morning at Fairlawn Plaza—over 40 organizations provided seniors with key information on staying independent and transitioning to new homes. The event, part of TACC’s biannual series, aims to help seniors learn about their available options before they face a crisis. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries is helping hundreds of families this holiday season by collecting food, clothing, and household items. Donations are accepted at 401 NW Norris St—Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. WIBW
- ➤ The Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation invites families to attend a free Builders Bash on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and adults to join Bison, Beef & Bourbon on Oct. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stanley Stout Center at 2200 Denison. WIBW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday morning, gas prices in Topeka ranged from $2.49 to $2.86 per gallon for unleaded fuel and diesel from $3.19 to $3.65, according to GasBuddy.com and AAA. National averages were $3.05 for gas and $3.64 for diesel — figures that show lower costs locally compared to recent readings. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn Rural High School Principal Ed Raines received the Principal Advocate Award from the Kansas School Counselor Association for his strong work in supporting counseling programs and student success. School officials said his leadership boosted program enrollment and improved the school climate, with the award given on Oct 10. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools held its annual college and career fair on Oct 16 at TCALC to help high school students learn about job and college opportunities. More than 90 colleges, technical schools, and local employers took part + shared key details on scholarships and future careers. WIBW
- ➤ Five Shawnee Co. school districts are finishing their legislative positions to share their priorities with the state legislature in December—each board is voting on measures like accountable spending for schools, boosting teacher recruitment, fully funding special education, renewing investment in students, and giving local control for helping at-risk students. WIBW
- ➤ Students met dozens of health care employers at Washburn Tech’s career fair on Thursday, where 70 companies offered job opportunities and advice—today the fair continues with employers from other fields looking to fill vacancies. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Department of Transportation said the exit from northbound K-4 to N.E. Seward Avenue on Oakland Expressway will reopen on Thursday while the on‐ramp will close for about three to four weeks. Motorists can use a detour via N.E. Croco Road, S.E. US-40 highway, and S.E. 6th Street to reach northbound K-4. WIBW
- ➤ Officials from the Regional Development Association in Emporia approved a letter of support on Wednesday to help bring an advanced nuclear power plant using Natrium technology to Lyon County — a move expected to boost local jobs and housing. State Rep. Mark Schreiber and Flint Hills Technical College backed the proposal — further actions will be taken as discussions continue — to advance the nuclear project in the area. WIBW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo updated on Thursday that its 21-year-old lioness, Asante, is showing improvement after she lost interest in food on Oct. 13—she is now eating and drinking on her own. Staff are keeping a close watch on her health while visitors see male lion Tatu in the exhibit. KSNT
- ➤ Doctors and pharmacists at Jayhawk Pharmacy say it is best to get a flu shot now to protect yourself and your community (especially those at risk). Flu season peaks from December through February, and the vaccine takes a few weeks to work, so it is important to act soon. KSNT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Scarecrows will hold their home opener today at Landon Arena in the Stormont Vail Events Center—owner Don Lewis and coach Robbie Nichols shared their excitement as the team returns to professional hockey in Topeka after more than 20 years. 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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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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