Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How higher turnpike tolls will help reshape Topeka’s I-470 access
Be sure to catch 1st Day of Pre-K on the Topeka Patch calendar

Greetings Topeka! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How higher turnpike tolls will help reshape Topeka's I-470 access
- Why a special prosecutor is handling charges against a Topeka city attorney
- See how Shawnee County voters turned out in the primary.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 83, low: 67.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy and humid, with a high of 86 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Topeka will see I-470 benefit from higher Kansas Turnpike tolls (cjonline.com) — Topeka drivers face higher Kansas Turnpike tolls starting Sept. 1 to help fund a new I-470 interchange near SE 29th and California and other local KTA upgrades. The $500 million plan also widens I-70 east of Topeka and improves statewide turnpike safety and facilities.
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2. Assistant Topeka city attorney charged with misdemeanor (cjonline.com) — An assistant Topeka city attorney has been charged with misdemeanor criminal restraint in a case now handled by a special prosecutor to avoid conflicts of interest. City leaders say he remains employed while they monitor the case, which stems from an alleged May incident and follows recent turnover in the city attorney's office.
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3. Shawnee County's Primary Election results are final (wibw.com) — Shawnee County's primary election results are now official in Topeka, with turnout topping 38% after more than 560 provisional ballots were reviewed. Democratic participation slightly outpaced Republicans, and unaffiliated voters also weighed in, giving residents a clearer picture of who advanced from this month's primary contests.
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4. Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Aug. 17, 2026 (cjonline.com) — If you've got a winning Kansas Lottery ticket, you can cash any prize amount at the headquarters on North Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, or mail in your claim. The article also lists the Aug. 17 winning numbers for several Kansas games.
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5. Headlines for Monday, August 17, 2026 (kansaspublicradio.org) — Today's regional headlines include a misdemeanor charge against an assistant Topeka city attorney and a court ruling in Topeka upholding Kansas' ban on fusion voting. Also covered are statewide health concerns, a new state park, school safety guidance, and other Kansas and Missouri stories that still matter to Topekans.
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📸 Around Topeka
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- 1st Day of Pre-K
Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614 - First Late Start Friday
Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614 - IH Parent Information Night EC-2nd
Indian Hills Elementary Topeka, KS 66614
4:30 pm - Parent Information Night 3rd-5th
Indian Hills Elementary Topeka, KS 66614
5:00 pm - Parent Information Night
Farley Elementary Topeka, KS 66614
5:30 pm
Wednesday August 19
Friday August 21
Tuesday August 25
🗓 Events Nearby
- Future Farmers of America Meeting
Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
7:55 am - 7-12th Grade Portraits
Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
8:00 am - Watermelon Scrimmage
Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
8:00 am - Shakin The City →
The Woodshed Event Center, 1901 N Kansas Ave, Topeka
11:00 am - Silver Lake Education Foundation Night at QDOBA
Silver Lake USD 372 QDOBA Mexican Eats
4:00 pm - Parent Night →
Northern Hills Elementary Topeka, KS 66617
6:00 pm - Preschool Screening
Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake, KS 66539
Wednesday August 19
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Have you been thinking about getting a pet?
Hills Pet Nutrition is sponsoring all adoptions this weekend at Helping Hands, which means you can take home a new friend for $0 adoption fee… (Nextdoor Ward Meade) - Found Kitten near 43rd and Illinois.
Not sure if he is someones outdoor cat or if he snuck out. He is super sweet and in great condition. We can't bring him in but set up a space for him… (Nextdoor Southboro)
- Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. posted a job opening for Sanitation 1 - 3rd Shift - $2/hr Shift differential in Topeka. Apply here.
- Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Laundry Worker St Francis Hospital 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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