Daily
Topeka
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Kaw Valley has announced that its annual Christmas Bureau intake begins this month to provide holiday meals and gifts for eligible Shawnee County residents; applicants must meet income guidelines and visit the Johnston Community Center during one of four intake sessions from October 29 to November 8. WIBW
- ➤ On Oct 15, Kansas Farm Bureau announced it will end its 75-year Safety Poster Contest that encouraged farm families to learn safety through art. The contest rewarded winning Kansas youth with letters & prizes up to $175 and has long promoted safe practices in agriculture. KSNT
- ➤ Topeka organizations will host Halloween events with a city-sponsored trunk-or-treat at Evergy Plaza on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.—families will enjoy free candy and festive activities. The annual Bewitching in Westloop treat trail will be held at the Westloop Shopping Center in Manhattan on Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. for costumed youngsters to receive treats from local businesses. WIBW
- ➤ Due to the government shutdown that began Oct. 1, The Flint Hills Breadbasket reported a large increase in active military — government workers seeking food and hygiene products. The nonprofit is accepting food, hygiene, and monetary donations with its drop-off location at 2326 Skyvue Lane in Manhattan open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. KSNT
- ➤ Rosie, a nearly one-year-old chocolate lab who arrived at Helping Hands as a stray with her sister, is offered for adoption today for $25 at the shelter—animals like pit bulls and cats aged 5 months or older will remain at that price through Oct. 31. Margaret Price from Helping Hands said Rosie may do best in a calm home that gives her space to adjust. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka’s Arab Shrine is hosting a pancake feed today from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Temple located at 1305 S. Kansas Ave to raise funds for local services—on Sunday the shrine will hold a Meat Raffle starting at 3 p.m. where admission is $10 and raffle tickets cost $1-$5 each for 15 rounds offering 45 chances to win meat bundles from Herman’s Meats. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Timberlee Apartments' owner pleaded guilty to 46 counts for unsafe property conditions found in 2024—fines exceeded $225,000 as investigations revealed high carbon monoxide and sewage issues that led to hospital visits and the relocation of nearly 20 residents. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washburn University held high school art day on Friday when over 150 students from 20 schools joined workshops in ceramics, drawing, and t-shirt printing; the event gave scholarships and awards to students who had sent in their artwork. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn University students held the Speak Your Truth event tonight—domestic violence survivors shared poetry, song, and personal tips in a safe space. Data from Shawnee County shows 2,195 domestic violence calls were made last year, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness during domestic violence awareness month. KSNT
- ➤ Pine Ridge Prep students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 17 with a parade and dancing. Teachers organized the event so students learned the Mexican Hat Dance and made their own maracas. WIBW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials say that if the federal shutdown continues, SNAP funds will run out in two weeks — Kansas officials warn that residents may miss their November food aid while states like Minnesota pause new enrollments. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that millions of vulnerable families face losing access to nutrition assistance unless Congress reaches a deal. Kansas Reflector
- ➤ Sen. Moran said the State Department absorbed the Food for Peace program—formerly part of USAID—and that the USDA remains a partner as Kansas farmers face the effects of the trade war with China. In February, he, along with Senators Hoeven and Marshall, introduced legislation to transfer the program’s duties to the Agriculture secretary to help maintain market support for farmers. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo said its 21-year-old lioness Asante ate food on Wednesday and Thursday and drank water, which gave hope for her recovery—her exam showed that her health issues are common in older big cats with kidney disease. 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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