Daily
Topeka
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Topeka Inc. is planning a series of community events from Halloween to New Year's—starting with a trunk or treat on Oct. 30 and Veterans Day celebrations, followed by a parade with fireworks on Dec.6—that will bring a festive spirit downtown. Festive decorations will be placed on storefronts mid-November to complete the holiday look. WIBW
- ➤ The Boys and Girls Club hosted its second annual Rise and Shine Breakfast on Tuesday to raise funds for a new outdoor play space called Adventure Oasis at its Adams Club location—550 SE 27th St. The club raised $37,000 last year and is finishing the play area to support kids with bright futures. WIBW
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ At today's city council meeting, the Mayor’s Taskforce Against Domestic Violence presented its 2024 report showing that domestic violence calls increased from 2,107 to 2,195 while 993 victims scored high on a lethality assessment—figures that highlight ongoing challenges and the need for further community support. WIBW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Washburn students performed at the 'Ichabods Speak Out' open mic held for Domestic Violence Awareness Month—marking the YWCA’s Week Without Violence—and organizers invited the community to share their stories while the YWCA of Northeast Kansas plans other events including a march at the Statehouse on Friday. WIBW
- ➤ The Topeka Zoo announced on Oct. 21 that tickets for the annual Zoo Lights display are on sale from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31 with a Holidays Around The World theme. The event will feature special ticket rates—adults pay $14 while children (ages 3–12) and older adults pay $9, and children under two get in free—and special offers on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. KSNT
- ➤ Local families are invited to support the Shawnee Heights Orchestra at a Haunted Corn Maze fundraiser held at Shively Farms (5840 SE Croco Rd in Berryton) with live music and treats. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct 24 and Saturday, Oct 25 with performances by the Steve Kile Band on Friday and Typical Stereo on Saturday. WIBW
- ➤ Today, the Kansas Historical Society celebrates American Archives Month by connecting thousands to their family history with in-person services and a new genealogical research guide—helping researchers access diverse state and private records. Archivist Megan Burton said about a third of research requests focus on genealogy—making the archives a key resource for exploring local history. KSNT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Topeka Public Schools hosted its annual winter coat giveaway at Quinton Heights Education Center where families received coats, hats, gloves, books and shelf-stable food along with cookbooks and home weatherization kits to meet winter needs * The event was supported by the Warm Little Ones Coat Fund and was open to every family regardless of income. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Department for Children and Families said that if no federal agreement is reached by Oct. 28, November SNAP benefits will be delayed or suspended amid the government shutdown, affecting over 93,000 Kansas households. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service instructed agencies to pause processing benefits until a funding solution is found—fueling concerns at local food banks as holiday demand grows. WIBW
- ➤ At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, officials approved a special grant of $720,000 for local programs to help people with alcohol and drug addiction — funds drawn from liquor tax collections. The grant will support agencies including Third Judicial — KCSL — PARS — Valeo — and Mirror in providing treatment and prevention services. KSNT
- ➤ Since Oct. 1 the government shutdown has halted crucial services for Kansas farmers, with Nick Levendofsky of the Kansas Farmers Union noting that missed notarized loan payments and crop insurance have left many without needed income — rural communities also risk further economic strain as these challenges persist. Cattle farmers remain less affected due to high beef prices, even as others face growing financial hardships. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Ace Plumbing team is wearing pink this month to raise breast cancer awareness in Topeka. The team supports those fighting the disease during October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month. WIBW
- ➤ TUKHS St. Francis will provide free health and cancer screenings at St. Francis Family Medicine—2641 SW Wanamaker Rd—from 9 a.m. to Noon Saturday, Oct 25, offering tests for prostate and skin cancers, genetic screening, take-home colorectal tests, blood pressure checks and tobacco cessation information with no insurance or appointments needed. WIBW
- ➤ Washburn University School of Nursing students use the Community Nursing van to bring free and low-cost health services to community churches — they work with El Centro and a live Spanish interpreter to offer blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings. KSNT
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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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