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Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

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Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Today, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library became certified sensory inclusive and now offers sensory bags with fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, dark sunglasses, and other tools for comfort. The library also features a quiet room in its kids section where calming music plays and lights can be dimmed, and it provides adaptive listening equipment, scooters, and wheelchairs for checkout.  KSNT
  • The long-running Here We Grow Again kids consignment sale is underway at the old Topeka Sears site and will run through Saturday. Local families bring used clothes to trade for cash while volunteers ensure each item is clean and in good shape for buyers.  KSNT
  • Topeka Zoo will host Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—inviting costumed guests to enjoy animal encounters and vendor treats. The zoo will prepare for Zoo Lights, opening Nov. 21 and running until Dec. 31—featuring holiday displays from around the world and offering igloo rentals.  WIBW
  • The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is displaying colored t-shirts with messages from The Clothesline Project during Domestic Violence Awareness Month as part of the YWCA’s Week Without Violence. The display will remain at the library for the rest of this week—offering support and resources to those affected by domestic violence.  WIBW
  • Today, the Silver Lake United Methodist Church hosted its 99th Harvest Home Bazaar and Dinner at Silver Lake, offering crafts, baked goods, and a full turkey dinner in honor of the harvest. Community members gathered to share the meal and celebrate local traditions—everyone was welcome to join.  WIBW

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Dillons announced fall discounts on groceries such as beef, eggs, and produce and will offer four times fuel points at its Fall Fuel weekend event from Nov. 7—9; additional fuel points and deals on pizzas, cosmetics, pickup orders, steaks, cheese, and eggs run through early November.  KSNT

CULTURE NEWS

  • Shawnee County Parks and Recreation and Ghost Tours of Kansas are teaming up—on Oct. 31 at Ward-Meade Park—for their first ghost hunt that will guide participants through a historic mansion, an outbuilding and the Potwin Drug Store to search for signs of the supernatural. The events run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at $25 and from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at $40.  KSNT
  • KTWU, Topeka’s PBS station, celebrated 60 years on-air by hosting an open house for the community Wednesday night—its annual budget now loses nearly $970,000 in federal funds and relies more on donor support.  WIBW
  • Washburn University held a poetry reading on Oct. 21 to raise awareness about domestic violence as students shared poems and learned about counseling services. Students are making signs for a community march and rally at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Kansas Statehouse—this event will support survivors.  KSNT
  • The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will perform its free Spooky Symphony at Washburn University's White Concert Hall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25—guest conductor Raffaele Cipriano will lead selections from famous Halloween movies.  WIBW

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Kansas officials warned that the federal budget impasse may delay food aid for 188,000 Kansans in November as the state Department for Children and Families noted SNAP benefits worth $34.4 million could be halted. The agency said benefits will resume within 72 hours once a deal is reached—prompting a swift state response.  Kansas Reflector
  • The Kansas Supreme Court ruled that Capitol Federal Savings Bank's overdraft fee policy was unclear and sent the case back to Shawnee County District Court—plaintiffs can now continue their class action lawsuit challenging the bank's contract terms. This decision means the bank must better explain its fee rules to customers.  Kansas Reflector

HEALTH NEWS

  • People can bring expired or unused medications for safe disposal on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mission Township Fire Department — Soldier Township Fire Department — and Lawrence Police Department as part of the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which aims to prevent drug misuse and accidental overdoses.  WIBW
  • The Wright Place Residential Facility opened at 4101-B SW Martin Drive in Topeka to provide 24/7 care for young men with mental health, behavior and substance use challenges—this short-term program lasts three to six months and is run by Pathway Family Services in partnership with local hospitals and agencies. The facility aims to help patients return safely to their families and community.  KSNT

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 10/25/25

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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.

    Sun, 10/26/25

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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.

    Fri, 10/31/25

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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.

    Sat, 11/1/25

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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.

    Mon, 11/3/25

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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.

    Thu, 11/6/25

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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.

    Sat, 11/8/25

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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!

    Sat, 11/15/25

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  • Chocolate Nutcracker Midwest

    3-4:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Adults start at $20, Children start at $10 — Experience an urban twist on the classic ballet featuring diverse dance styles.

    Sat, 11/22/25

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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