Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What changes could Topeka flyers see under the new airport CEO?

And check out First Late Start Friday on the Topeka Patch calendar

Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning to you Topeka! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes could Topeka flyers see under the new airport CEO?
  • Topeka mother begs witnesses to help solve her son's killing
  • Pregnant Topeka woman recounts terrifying pit bull attack and legal fallout

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 84 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and humid, temps: high: 86, low: 65. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 89 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New CEO named for Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (cjonline.com) — Topeka's airport system has new leadership, as Curtis Sneden steps up from development director to become president and CEO of the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, which runs Topeka Regional and Philip Billard airports. He succeeds longtime leader Eric Johnson, who is retiring after nearly two decades guiding major changes at the city's aviation facilities.
   

2. Mother pleads for answers in slaying of her son in Topeka (cjonline.com) — A Topeka mother is pleading for help solving the May 16 shooting death of her son, Thomas "TJ" Brown, at Highland Park Apartments, which remains unsolved despite many witnesses and video. She's urging residents to share information with Topeka police or Crime Stoppers so her son's killing doesn't become another cold case, and had planned to address the Topeka City Council.
   

3. Pregnant woman needed her face put back together after neighbor's pit bulls nearly cost three lives (pulptastic.com) — A pregnant Topeka woman is recovering after a brutal July 17 pit bull attack outside her apartment left her needing extensive facial reconstruction while carrying twins. She and her partner describe the physical and emotional trauma, while the dogs' owner faces municipal charges and is due back in Topeka court in September as a fundraiser helps cover mounting medical costs.
   

4. Meet this year's Topeka National Philanthropy Day honorees (wibw.com) — Topeka residents Beth and Duane Fager are being honored for their long-running philanthropic leadership, from helping transform Municipal Auditorium into the Topeka Performing Arts Center to saving Great Overland Station. You can celebrate with them at National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 5 at Topeka Country Club, where Topeka's fundraising community will spotlight the city's generous spirit.
   

5. Kansas Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Aug. 18, 2026 (cjonline.com) — If you bought a Kansas Lottery ticket, yesterday's winning numbers are in, and big prizes can be claimed right here in Topeka at lottery headquarters on North Kansas Avenue. The article walks you through how to mail in or hand-deliver winning tickets, what amounts retailers can cash, and when the Topeka office is open.
   


📸 Around Topeka

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!


🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Friday August 21
  • First Late Start Friday
    Mceachron Elem Topeka, KS 66614
  • Tuesday August 25
  • 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

📣 Topeka Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!


🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday August 19
  • 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
  • Friday August 21
  • 7-12th Grade Portraits
    Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake High School, PO Box 39, 200 E Lake St, Silver Lake\
    8:00 am
  • Saturday August 22
  • 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
  • Tuesday August 25
  • 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
  • Wednesday August 26
  • No Preschool
    Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake Grade School, 200 Rice Rd, Silver Lake, KS 66539
  • Preschool Screening
    Silver Lake USD 372 Silver Lake, KS 66539

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.


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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I love my home…
    Melvin has set me up with anything and everything that I know how to do. From t-shirts, making jewelry, and painting with acrylics. I just received… (Nextdoor Oakland)
  • Nacho is still missing!
    We are three days now. Please keep your eyes peeled for this little guy! Three days is an eternity for a scared little dude. He is very fast &… (Nextdoor Ward Meade)
  • Diversified Maintenance posted a job opening for Janitor in Topeka. Apply here.
  • TalentMovers posted a job opening for Sanitation Worker 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.


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