Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How 750 Topeka volunteers turned one day into $87,000 impact
And on the Topeka Patch calendar - Autumn Craft And Bake Sale
Hi Topeka! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How 750 Topeka volunteers turned one day into $87,000 impact
- Why Topeka trees are dropping leaves early—and what you can do.
- Meet the Washburn football star lighting up Topeka and TikTok
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: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Topeka Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Topeka Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Topeka. 
- Saturday: A t-storm in the afternoon, with a high of 95 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 75, low: 63.
- Monday: Nice with periods of sun, with a high of 70 and low of 56 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. 750 volunteers work over 2,500 hours in Nancy Perry Day of Caring (wibw.com) — Hundreds of Topekans in green shirts fanned out across the city for the Nancy Perry Day of Caring, logging more than 2,800 volunteer hours at over 20 locations. Organizers say the effort, led by United Way of Kaw Valley, delivered an estimated $87,000 in economic impact and highlighted Topeka's ongoing spirit of generosity and service. 
2. Why are some Kansas trees shedding their leaves early? (ksnt.com) — Topeka residents seeing trees drop leaves early are likely witnessing stress from ongoing heat and drought across Kansas, according to state forest experts. Specialists explain which species are struggling most, which natives are holding up better, and how homeowners can protect yard trees with smarter watering and care. State drought maps show most of Kansas remains abnormally dry or worse.
3. 'I've always kind of been funny': Washburn social media star 'Bongo' is a one-of-a-kind light for the Ichabods (ksnt.com) — Washburn University running back Jaden "Bongo" Abongo Jr. has become a local favorite in Topeka, balancing football, classes and a fast-growing social media presence with hundreds of thousands of followers. Coaches and teammates praise his upbeat personality and work ethic, saying his humor and energy brighten the Ichabods community on and off the field.
4. Seaman football looks for win over Shawnee Heights in rivalry matchup (cjonline.com) — Topeka-area fans packed Seaman High School as Seaman and Shawnee Heights renewed their football rivalry under the lights Friday night. A full slate of photos captures big plays, touchdowns, defensive stops and student-section energy, spotlighting familiar local names and faces as both programs battle for bragging rights early in the season.
5. Kansas Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Sept. 18, 2026 (cjonline.com) — If you bought a Kansas Lottery ticket in Topeka or anywhere in the state, here are Friday's winning numbers for Mega Millions, Pick 3, 2 By 2 and Millionaire for Life. Larger prizes must be claimed by mail or in person at Kansas Lottery headquarters at 128 N Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, which can cash prizes of any amount on weekdays.
📸 Around Topeka
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Topeka
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Autumn Craft And Bake Sale →
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 743 E Magnolia Rd, Salina
9:00 am
Saturday September 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- SCHS Fall Tour 2026 →
The Dillon House, 404 Southwest 9th Street, Topeka - North Central Regional Golf →
TopCITY Golf at GreatLIFE North, 350 NE US Hwy 24, Topeka
9:00 am - Fall Work Day - Facilities →
Topeka Round-Up Club, 7843 SW 37th Street, Topeka
10:00 am - Yoga →
Center for Integrative Health, 5423 SW 7th St, Topeka
4:00 pm - Cardio Sculpt →
Center for Integrative Health, 5423 SW 7th St, Topeka
12:00 pm - Sticks and String →
Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st Street, Topeka
1:00 pm - Barre Fusion →
Center for Integrative Health, 5423 SW 7th St, Topeka
5:30 pm - Oktoberfest a Community Event →
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 3526 SW Wanamaker Rd
9:00 am - Oktoberfest →
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka
10:00 am - Oktoberfest, a Community Event →
3625 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka
10:00 am - Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
Dillard's, 1791 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka
10:00 am
Sunday September 20
Monday September 21
Saturday October 3
Thursday October 8
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The staff at Mountain Vet are genuinely concerned when your pet isn't feeling well.
Dr Mountain involves you in your pets care by discussing options and is non judgmental if you opt out of extra diagnostics. You can also expect… (Nextdoor Indian Hills) - Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
Found on September 17, 2026 in Topeka, KS 66604 near SW 21st and Eveningside Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor East Topeka South)
- Driveline posted a job opening for Flex Merchandiser in Topeka. Apply here.
- Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Hospitality Team Member (South Topeka Blvd) 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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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