Finance + Legal Services

Finding Your Why:

Running a business is hard. If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve felt that weight — the endless to-do lists, the long hours, and the constant pressure to grow and succeed. Maybe you’ve even questioned if it’s all worth it. If so, you’re not alone. Many business owners reach a point where the excitement that fueled them in the beginning starts to dim under the weight of day-to-day demands.That’s when it’s time to step back and reconnect with your why — the reason you started your...

Home + Design

Modern Country Living

The Rising Trend of Barndominiums Article by Amanda Knowland In recent years, barndominiums have skyrocketed in popularity, offering homeowners the perfect blend of functionality, affordability and charm. These metal-structured homes, often featuring expansive open floor plans and integrated workshop spaces, have become the dream dwelling for those seeking a rural retreat with modern comforts. One couple who has fully embraced this trend are Mike Brozek and his fiancée, Jill Frakes. Their...

Home + Design

Topeka's Eclectic Furniture Boutique

SOHO Interiors Brings Decades of Experience to Home Design Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography The style of SOHO Interiors reflects its New York City borough namesake—innovative, enchanting, eclectic, and clever. The home furnishing boutique opened 17 years ago in the Westboro Mart as an offshoot of Studio Furniture, the well-known store on SW 57th Street. Although both locations are owned by Keith and Vickie Lynch, SOHO was designed to provide customers...

Home Services

Finally, the "Green" is on Your Side of the Fence

Meet Brian Green, Owner of Flint Hills Fence Company Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Flint Hills Fence Company Flint Hills Fence Company has been providing quality fence services to Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City, Wamego, and the surrounding areas since 2010. We sat down with owner Brian Green to learn what makes this fence company a homeowner favorite. “I bought the company about three years ago from a good friend who was moving out of state,” Green said. “They had already...

Life + Culture

The Life of a Harvey Girl

Women Were the Key Component of the Fred Harvey Dining Empire Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kansas State Historical Society A great deal of romance and nostalgia is wrapped up in the image of train travel. Topeka's railroad history was one of the reasons I fell in love with the city when I moved here almost 15 years ago. As a food writer, I was especially intrigued by Fred Harvey. He transformed dining for rail passengers with the creation of Harvey Houses, which were lunchrooms...

Shopping

Calhoun’s Jewelers

Timeless Pieces, Personalized Service, Expert Craftsmanship Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Calhoun’s Jewelers has been a trusted name in Topeka for over two decades. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and stunning collections. Calhoun’s specializes in creating timeless pieces for every occasion. Their expert team ensures every customer feels valued and heard. We asked four of those team members to choose a favorite piece to...

Auto + Marine

Mad Viking Customs

Your One-Stop Shop for Automotive Customizations - Where Every Ride Is an Expression of Individuality Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Lindsey Wagers / Wagers Photography You never know where life will take you, but one thing is for sure…you gotta enjoy the ride! Sometimes you’re tooling down life’s road and you meet someone - just happenstance, really - and you become business acquaintances, then professional friends, then genuine friends, and then you realize you share more than the...

Life + Culture

Sole Reason

Putting Sneakers on Feet and Smiles on Faces Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Provided In 2015, Jerry Hudgins was working 12-hour shifts at a warehouse when he read a church bulletin seeking volunteers for Catholic Charities. The message stuck with him, though he felt he was too busy to help. But then he remembered a pastor from his youth, David Ring, who had cerebral palsy. Ring’s message resonated: “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your excuse?” Those words moved Jerry to action...

Sports + Recreation

Fun On Two Wheels

Grab Your Bicycle or E-Bike and Hit the Trails with the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Since 1971, the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club has welcomed people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of cycling. They offer multiple weekly rides, mainly in spring, summer and autumn, but even in the winter, as a fun way to tour the city, socialize with fellow riders, and get or stay fit. Club president Lynn Cress says, "I like to bicycle...

Life + Culture

Life’s a Marathon

…not a sprint, so enjoy the moments along the way. Article by Julie Swift Woods | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Who would have thought that this local periodontist would train for and enter into her first women's marathon at age 52? Well, I did! My name is Dr. Julie Swift and I own Topeka Periodontics at 3100 SW Huntoon St # 103. On November 16th of last year, I lined up with 7,000+ people at Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. Excitement was in the air, and I was...