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🌱 Patch AM: Did Topeka’s school district really settle this ADA lawsuit?

Spotted on the Topeka calendar: Autumn Craft And Bake Sale

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
Thursday September 17th Patch AM (keith H.)

Greetings Topeka! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Did Topeka's school district really settle this ADA lawsuit?
  • See what makes Topeka Zoo's newest big cat so rare.
  • Topeka veteran shares how overseas service still shapes his life

Also on today's calendar: Autumn Craft And Bake Sale and 9 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 92 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Sunny; hot and humid, temps: high: 93, low: 73.
  • Saturday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Did litigants settle suit alleging USD 501 violated ADA? (cjonline.com) — A federal mediation report says Topeka USD 501 and a former paraprofessional reached a settlement in her ADA discrimination lawsuit, but the district's spokesman insists no settlement exists. The case centers on how the district handled her medical restrictions and potential return to work, and remains in flux as court deadlines approach.
   

2. Topeka Zoo now home to one of the world's rarest big cats (wibw.com) — Topeka Zoo has welcomed Antin, a critically endangered Amur leopard, giving local visitors a rare chance to see one of the world's scarcest big cats up close. The 4.5-year-old male will occupy the former tiger habitat, with new features designed to encourage natural behaviors and future educational programs for Topekans.
   

3. Veteran Salute: Charles Wakole reflects on deployments and military service (ksnt.com) — A Topeka-based Veteran Salute spotlights Sac and Fox Nation member Charles Wakole, who served with the Army National Guard in Iraq, Armenia and Egypt. He reflects on the lasting mental impact of combat, the pride his tribal community places in veterans, and how service reshaped his appreciation for life back home in northeast Kansas.
   

4. Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Sept. 16, 2026 (cjonline.com) — If you've got a winning Kansas Lottery ticket, you can claim any prize amount in person at the headquarters at 128 N Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, or mail in smaller wins. The piece also lists the latest Powerball, Pick 3, and other draw results so Topekans can quickly check their numbers.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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📸 Junior Achievement of Kansas held a 2027 Hall of Fame Laureates reveal brunch Tuesday morning at the The Topeka Country Club. —keith H. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm helping a friend try to rehome her two puggles (pug and beagle mix) she's moving and cannot keep the dogs.
    They are two females, 1 years old, both spayed and micro chipped. Let me know if you have any questions. (Nextdoor Indian Hills)
  • After being turned away from 3 different company's due to the job being difficult and small we were able to help Shari!
    We were able to replace the fence and get a fresh stain to finish the look! Also painted a water stain on her ceiling while we were there. Thank you… (Nextdoor Briarwood)
  • PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for Associate Director, US Oncology Marketing Digital Engagement- Campaign Development Lead (Remote) in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Legend Senior Living posted a job opening for Server in Topeka. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Topeka here.

Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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