Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What led KBI agents to raid a Southwest Topeka home?

You won't want to miss 4th Annual Topeka Fall Fest 2026 on the Topeka Patch calendar

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
Friday October 9th 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:

  • What led KBI agents to raid a Southwest Topeka home?
  • How Topeka plans to protect historic Ritchie Cemetery's legacy
  • See how new solar lights change nights at Rip-On Skate Park

Also on today's calendar: 4th Annual Topeka Fall Fest and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 60 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Warm; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 88, low: 59.
  • Sunday: Sunny and remaining very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Topeka Republican and Former Commercial Construction Superintendent Arrested in Child Solicitation Investigation (thisistopeka.com) — A 61-year-old Topeka man was arrested after KBI agents searched a Southwest Ancaster Road home as part of a multi-county undercover child-solicitation investigation that used no actual children. He was booked into Riley County Jail on suspicion of electronic solicitation involving people he believed were minors, with formal charges still pending. Authorities say the broader operation has already produced numerous arrests.
   

2. Topeka working to preserve historic Ritchie Cemetery (ksnt.com) — Topeka officials and the Landmarks Commission are moving ahead on a preservation plan for historic Ritchie Cemetery near SW 27th and Boswell, a site tied to Brown v. Board ancestors and Black veterans. The effort, supported by local partners and the Ritchie Cemetery Friends Group, aims to guide long-term care, restoration, and historical research that safeguards an important part of Topeka's African American history.
   

3. New solar lights installed at Rip-On Skate Park in Topeka (ksnt.com) — Skaters in Topeka now have more evening time at Rip-On Skate Park thanks to four new solar-powered lights installed through a Shawnee County Parks and Recreation partnership. The off-grid system cuts electricity costs while potentially drawing more visitors from surrounding communities, turning the park into an even stronger regional gathering spot for the sport.
   

4. Breast Cancer Awareness Month turns personal for long-time imaging professional (wibw.com) — A longtime Topeka imaging professional who helped thousands of women through mammograms is now sharing her own breast cancer journey to stress early detection. After successful treatment using new MagSeed and MagTrace technology at Stormont Vail, she's urging local women to keep up with screenings and notes that those needing help can seek mammogram assistance through the Race Against Breast Cancer in Topeka.
   

5. Capper Foundation hosts 'I Got This' golf camp showcase (wibw.com) — Topeka athletes with disabilities wrapped up a weeklong "I Got This" golf camp with a Thursday night showcase to demonstrate their new skills. Hosted by the Capper Foundation in partnership with the I Got This foundation, the camp focused on building confidence through grips, stance, and swing practice while bringing families and friends together to cheer participants on.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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📸 West Ridge Mall held their second Thursday night concert series with the Josh Vowell Band. —keith H. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Things to Do With Kids Near Kansas City: Farm Play Zones, Corn Maze and Petting Zoo
    Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard spreads its farm attractions over 50 acres in Weston, Missouri, 35 minutes north of Kansas City. One admission... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We have free firewood if any wants it.
    You can pick it up at 6631 SW Wentley Lane, Topeka. (Nextdoor Staffordshire)
  • Max arrived on time and was very detail oriented.
    my car looks great and I would hire him again. (Nextdoor Valley Park)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Bright Horizons posted a job opening for Child Care Teacher 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 cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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