Daily
Topeka
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Topeka. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Topeka is set to celebrate Halloween with several family-friendly events on Oct. 25; families can join a Trunk or Treat at the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District starting at 3 p.m., a Jeepers Creepers event at Sport Zone at 5:30 p.m., and a free Spooky Symphony at Washburn University's White Concert Hall at 6:30 p.m.—the All Hallows Festival with jousting, pumpkin carving, and a petting zoo continues on Oct. 25 and 26. KSNT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bob Ross was named president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce by the Greater Topeka Partnership on Oct. 23; he served as interim president for four months and will lead the organization immediately. He previously worked as chief marketing officer — his new role aims to boost local business and policy efforts. KSNT
- ➤ Tractor Supply Co. will honor local heroes by offering a 10% discount to military, veterans and first responders who join its Neighbor’s Club rewards program on Oct 28, Nov 1 and Nov 11. The company will donate $500 per store—over 2300 locations will contribute more than $1 million in a single day—and host in-store events at its two Topeka locations. KSNT
- ➤ Bald Eagle Barn Wood reclaims lumber from old barns near Lecompton by carefully removing materials from structures built as early as 1886 — the father-son team led by Tyler and Darin Christman transforms these salvaged pieces into new uses for projects across the country. Started in 2011 after a family health challenge, the business shows how reclaimed wood can preserve history and drive creative building solutions. WIBW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka will close from Oct 28 to Nov 6 for expansion work and cleanup—workers are adding new classroom spaces, galleries, and a climbing structure. A grand re-opening is set for Nov 7 at 10:30 a.m. at 4400 SW 10th Ave. KSNT
- ➤ Washburn University welcomed over 130 high school students on Healthcare Professionals Day to tour its School of Nursing and use simulation training + the event showed them the hands-on work and career options in nursing. WIBW
- ➤ Jefferson West Elementary School in Meriden received a national honor as a Blue Ribbon School on Thursday morning — the first in its district to earn the award. The recognition in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category also named two additional Kansas schools, as announced by the state Education Commissioner. WIBW
- ➤ Topeka’s PBS station KTWU turned 60 on Wednesday—having been the first public broadcaster since 1965. The station lost one-third of its funding in July after state budget cuts, and General Manager Valerie VanDerSluis said the team experienced both frustration and a strong sense of community during the turmoil. KSNT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Huntoon Street in west Topeka will be closed from 8 a.m. Oct. 30 between Southwest Indian Hills Road and Southwest Auburn Road for a culvert replacement project. Drivers must plan alternate routes—no detours will be posted. KSNT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ During a Thursday work session, the Shawnee County Board of Commissioners heard that the county’s suicide rate is above the state average and that residents face challenges getting quality mental health care despite having many providers. Agencies presented new efforts — including a therapist finder tool — to boost access and address rising depression among older adults. WIBW
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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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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.
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Cheer Power Topeka Showdown 2025
1 a.m. — Topeka Elite Cheer — Bids available for top competitions — Cheerleading competition featuring bids for prestigious events.
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Welcome to the Daily Topeka, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Topeka, Kansas community. If you like the Daily Topeka, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Topeka.
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