Entertainment

Born to Sing

Ellie Oliva's Stunning Talent Amazes Local Audiences Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Ellie Oliva is causing a stir in the Topeka music scene. She has performed at venues such as the Celtic Fox's Jam for Dan, Classic Bean, and Evergy Plaza, featuring a lineup of cover songs from her favorite pop and country performers, including Megan Moroney, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and Luke Combs. Recently, she rocked the Happy Basset Brewing Co. as...

Professional Services

Compassion. Connection. Care.

Gage Animal Hospital: where pets are family and personalized care comes first Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Tara Helton/The Upside Photography Since 1950, Gage Animal Hospital has been a trusted name in veterinary care for Topeka families. Originally founded by Dr. J. Alan Bradbury, the clinic has served generations of clients and their beloved pets. In 2023, longtime owner Dr. Robert Shipman passed the torch to a new leadership team: Dr. Bob Thayer, Dr. Kate Schoemann, and Dr...

Local Services

Ready for a New Best Friend?

Maureen Cummins and the No Kill Shelter Giving Dogs a Second Chance Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography On 50 acres of quiet countryside near Auburn, Kansas, you’ll find the Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS)—a dog rescue no-kill shelter that offers not just second chances, but often last chances, to dogs who have been discarded, abused or neglected. At the heart of it all is Maureen Cummins, a retired high school teacher of 25 years, author, and...

Life + Culture

Goats With A View

Enjoying The Little Ones On the Farm Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Two things compete for a visitor's attention at Flint Hills View Farm. One is the stunning 360-degree view of the region the farm is named after. Owner Connie Wagers says, "We kind of joke that we bought the property because of the view. Every place you look has a beautiful view of the Flint Hills." The other is the cuteness overload caused by baby goats. This year, 10 little ones...

Life + Culture

A Spellbinding Sight In The Air

Celebrate 50 Years of Topeka's Huff 'n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Stephen Ofsthun A sky filled with majestic, colorful hot air balloons is an enchanting experience. Maybe it's the human fascination with flight that captures everyone's attention and imagination. For whatever reason, watching the enormous fabric balloons lift a basket of people off the ground using nothing but hot air provided by a flaming burner that roars at the pilot's control is an...

Food + Beverage

Golden City's Round Up of Summer Treats

Enjoy These Local Delights to Beat the Heat Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography As the temperatures rise, all thoughts turn to an ice-cold treat as a way to refresh and cool off. Topeka is fortunate to have a variety of excellent local establishments catering to diverse tastes, from traditional frozen custard and pineapple whips to healthy, fruit-filled treats and a shake for cookie lovers. Since 2002, Sheridan's has served its renowned frozen custard to ice...

Entertainment

Eddie Wakes

Topeka’s Soulful Son Returns Home Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Piper Ferguson This July, Topeka’s own Eddie Wakes will grace the stage of the Topeka Performing Arts Center, bringing his velvety baritone and timeless jazz stylings back to the city where his musical journey began. The event, aptly titled An “Unforgettable” Evening with Eddie Wakes , promises a night of nostalgia, soul, and celebration ( topekaperformingarts.org ). With his debut album about to release and a...

Event Planning + Services

Rediscover Heritage Hall 

A Treasured Topeka Landmark, Reimagined as a Modern Event Space Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Tara Helton/The Upside Photography As Topekans, we have always taken pride in our city's unique spaces—places steeped in history that still welcome the future with open arms. Heritage Hall is one of those places. Nestled in the Stormont Vail Events Center complex, this historic limestone structure has recently undergone a refreshing and exciting renovation, transforming it into a modern and...

Sports + Recreation

Demanding Lifestyle for Topeka Cyclist

A Local 89 Year Old's Lifetime of Commitment Article by Terry Knowles | Photography by Create Uplift Topekan Richard “Alex” Alexander has developed a rigid lifestyle that literally defies comprehension. At 89, Alex is pain free, devoid of any prescribed medicine, relies on a unique meatless diet, and adheres to a demanding workout routine. Alex cycles 18 miles-a-day (he is projected to complete over 6,200 miles for 2025). For Alex, every day begins promptly at 4:00am! The foundation of...

Auto + Marine

The Adventure Returns

The Toyota Land Cruiser is Back and Ready to Explore Any Terrain Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography The Toyota Land Cruiser is often featured in adventure television programs navigating dusty African roads or maneuvering through rainforests. Although the auto company discontinued the model in 2021, its cult following prompted them to reintroduce it. The 2025 version is a four-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle designed to take you anywhere, from rural gravel...