Good morning, Topeka.

YWCA of Northeast Kansas is hosting Week Without Violence events from Oct.

20 to Oct. 24 to support mothers facing domestic violence, with Tuesday’s poetry open mic at Washburn University, a clothesline display on Oct. 22 at five locations, and a march and rally on Oct. 24 starting at the Statehouse. The YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment will present the Mayor’s Taskforce Annual Report on domestic violence at Tuesday night city council and Thursday morning county commissioner meetings, with lunch provided by Blue Cross + Blue Shield of Kansas + local law enforcement.

Regal West Ridge 8 movie theater in Topeka announced it will close its doors on Thursday, Oct.

23 — no reason was provided — and no additional details have been released.

Silents in the Cathedral, the 28th annual event, will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct.

24 at Grace Episcopal Cathedral (701 SW 8th St.) in Topeka. The free event will show the film 'The Bat' and three short films with live music and sound effects (a unique way to enjoy a spooky Halloween tradition).

Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson announced that 245 districts and systems received the 2025 Kansans Can Star Recognition awards on Oct.14 at a KSDE meeting last week—this honors districts for achievements in academics and social-emotional growth with awards given as gold, silver or copper stars.

Washburn University — after three years of enrollment growth — has named Stephen Terry as its new vice president for strategic enrollment management, and he will begin on Nov.

3. Terry will oversee admissions, recruiting, financial aid, scholarships and the registrar’s office — a role that builds on his over two decades of experience — to guide the university’s enrollment strategy.

Shawnee County will replace the synthetic turf on four infields and wing areas at the Bettis Family Sports Complex for $717,600 using $250,000 from the 2026 Capital Improvement funds + the remainder from the Parks for All Foundation; optional work includes powering pitching machines and smoothing rough areas, with expected completion by March 1, 2026. The County will also seek engineering bids for a new roundabout at SE 45th and Adams St funded by the Public Works Special Road Improvement Fund.

A report from the State Child Death Review Board based on 2023 data shows Kansas children die at a rate of 52 per 100,000—higher than the national rate of 49.8.

It found that non-natural causes like homicide and CPS involvement put Black males at nearly twice the risk.

Bison Ice Sports Assoc. will run Learn to Play hockey clinics for beginners ages 4 to 10 at the Stormont Vail Events Center’s Landon Arena starting today from 5:50 to 6:50 p.m. — The sessions cost between $80 and $160 with additional clinics planned for December, February and April.

The Topeka Scarecrows hosted the Biloxi Breakers on Friday, Oct.

17 in their home opener at Stormont Vail Event Center. Ticket sales exceeded $5,000 and the opening ceremony featured new City of Topeka Police vehicles — a special performance of the national anthem by local students.

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.

Rich The Kid Live Concert

9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!