Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How SE 29th’s six‑month closure could change your Topeka commute

Be sure to catch Oktoberfest on the Topeka Patch calendar

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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 SE 29th's six‑month closure could change your Topeka commute
  • What KU Health's takeover of St. Francis could mean for Topekans.
  • How Topeka's new $22M emergency hub changes disaster response.

Also on today's calendar: Oktoberfest and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 71 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and comfortable, temps: high: 71, low: 52.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and delightful, with a high of 75 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Topeka to close SE 29th St. at Butcher Creek (wibw.com) — Drivers in Topeka should prepare for SE 29th Street to close at Butcher Creek starting Tuesday, Oct. 6, for about six months as part of a major improvement project. The work includes culvert, pavement, water, and sewer upgrades, with through traffic detoured via Kansas Avenue, 21st or 37th, and Adams to reconnect with 29th.
   

2. University of Kansas Health System to Take Full Ownership of Topeka's St. Francis Campus as Ardent Steps Back (medicaldaily.com) — A major ownership change is coming for Topeka's St. Francis Campus, as The University of Kansas Health System moves to take full control from Ardent Health by the end of 2026. Officials promise no disruptions, but Topeka patients could eventually see changes in billing, insurance networks, and specialty offerings, so those with ongoing treatment are urged to double‑check coverage and keep records handy.
   

3. Why a new $22M emergency operations center was a necessity for Kansas (kansas.com) — Topeka now hosts Kansas' new $22 million State Emergency Operations Center at SW 27th and Topeka Boulevard, giving responders a larger, hardened hub for managing disasters. State leaders say the modern facility nearly doubles workspace, improves training capacity, and is built to withstand severe weather, positioning Topeka as the nerve center for coordinating responses across all 105 counties.
   

4. KPZ Week 5 Game of the Week preview (wibw.com) — High school football fans in Topeka can catch Emporia visiting Washburn Rural on Friday night in the KPZ Green Pest Solutions Game of the Week. The Spartans, looking to rebound from two straight losses, are focused on ball control, limiting turnovers, and establishing the run, with coverage starting during 13 NEWS at 6.
   

5. Kansas Mom Gives Birth to Twins Months After Severe Dog Attack – WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM (wengradio.com) — A Topeka mom, Audrey Austin, has delivered twin girls at 38 weeks just months after a severe dog attack left her facing multiple reconstructive surgeries and unable to work. While the babies remain in the NICU and she continues healing, her family has launched a GoFundMe to help with mounting medical bills, highlighting both her resilience and the importance of community support.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • GUESS WHAT OAKLAND NEIGHBORS?????
    So my husband is definitely retiring and we are FINALLY buying the house we live in!!! I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS. With this being said, NEXT… (Nextdoor Oakland)
  • This is Baby Kitty.
    She got out on Monday (Sept 28th) and we haven't been able to find her. We live in the 21st and Prairie area. Please let me know if you see her! (Nextdoor Meadow Crest)
  • Stormont Vail Health posted a job opening for Service Tech - Laundry Linen Services - FT - Day in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Legend Senior Living posted a job opening for Housekeeper 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: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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