0:52 Whole Health for Veterans: The VA Eastern Kansas Health System wants veterans to know about their approach to care. They also remind us of an important PACT Act deadline coming up.   5:52 Meals for Mental Health: Family Service & Guidance Center is partnering with Texas Roadhouse in Topeka for this 9th annual fundraiser. FSGC also is close to opening an important facility for the area.   10:54 Patterson Gives Back: Topeka’s First Congregational Church is this month’s donation recipient, supporting some unique outreach programs.   15:31 Let’s Get Curious! A new Curious George exhibit has opened at Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

0:27 Topeka’s Interim City Manager, Richard Nienstedt, discusses new efforts to recruit and retain employees.   5:24 Phelica Glass shares important information during Suicide Prevention Week.   9:49 Thinking about TSA PreCheck? Scott Martin from AAA Topeka tells us how they’re helping people apply.   15:14 The Walk to End Alzheimer’s has upcoming events around the area. Margaret Hader shares the importance.   20:54 Using his hands to put shoes on kids’ feet! Boxer John Cantrell, his coach Damon Reed, and Sole Reason founder Jerry Hudgins talk about how John’s upcoming title fight will support the charity.

We break format this week as host Melissa Brunner invites guest Linessa Frazier to join her for a conversation about aging gracefully as both celebrate milestone birthdays this year.

0:24 Meet Goose! He’s the state’s first SD-card-sniffing dog, tracking down evidence in child sexual exploitation cases. Shawnee Co. DA Mike Kagay and handler Brad Barrett tell us about their new partner.   5:44  Helping human trafficking victims. Find out what Topeka-area Rotary clubs are doing.   11:09  Valeo Behavioral Health’s Unmasking Stigma fundraiser returns this year. The man known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge is the keynote speaker.   15:50  Roth IRAs…for kids? It’s an option! Financial advisor Carl Carlson breaks it down.   20:21  A delight in Delia! Artist and teacher Garrett Larson tells us about the artwork he created for the small town in northwest Shawnee Co.

0:31 Sen. Roger Marshall discusses his week-long public awareness campaign on the dangers of fentanyl.   6:17  Topeka is grappling with several issues surrounding homelessness. Mayor Mike Padilla offers perspective on the challenges.   12:51 The Greater Topeka Partnership's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seminar is back.   17:21 Aug. 28 marks 60 years since the March on Washington, and Topeka plans to commemorate the event.   21:52 The Kansas Book Festival is set to open its next chapter. Hear what's in store.   26:20 The Historic Jayhawk Theatre in downtown Topeka goes country with its next act. Hear details — and an update on the status of planned renovations.

0:39 A money and mental health talk with Shawnee Co. Commissioner Kevin Cook and why he says your voice matters in the budget process.   6:31  The Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library rolls out the red carpet to celebrate 50 years of its Red Carpet Services Program.   11:12 Our guests race in with an invite to the Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a benefit for the Parkinson’s programs at Manhattan’s Meadowlark Hills.   14:55  Hello, Dolly! Dolly Parton visited Kansas to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program. Melissa recaps her exclusive one-on-one conversation with the icon and shares a bit of Dolly’s on-stage performance and comments.

0:26  The new leader of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Col. Erik Smith, talks about his background and how it will be a benefit in the challenges KHP faces.   6:03 Richard Nienstedt jumps right into his role as interim Topeka City Manager by leading the 2024 budget process.   11:23  Greater Topeka Partnership CEO Matt Pivarnik returns to the Red Couch with concerns the community lacks unity.   16:28  Free money for back-to-school expenses? Taimarie Adams explains the KEEP program.   21:04  August is National Make-a-Will Month. Edie Smith from Topeka’s Capper Foundation offers perspective on why it’s important.   26:08 Fun with a purpose! Local law enforcement and community volunteers look forward to a new season of the Police Athletic League.

0:31  Getting all kids in the game! Mike Bell with the Topeka Area Sports Commission talks about a new effort to ensure lack of resources doesn’t keep kids from participating in organized sports.   5:30  The 32nd Annual Race Against Breast Cancer has co-chairs with very personal reasons for supporting the cause.   10:35  The Creations of Hope Art Exhibit opens soon. Hear about this partnership between Valeo Behavioral Health and Topeka’s Heritage Bank.   15:26  The Serenity sculpture is no part of the NOTO landscape. We hear the story behind it.   20:21  A new cultural festival is coming to downtown Topeka’s Evergy Plaza. Find out about the India Mela.   25.22 Roots & Boots is coming to the Topeka Performing Arts Center – and Kansas native Travis Marvin is the opening act.

0:21  Meet Kuno! Kansas law enforcement leaders announced a new effort to combat fentanyl, that includes a new K9 team. Kuno is one of them. He and his handler, agent Brentt Donaldson, joined KBI Director Tony Mattivi on the show.   6:04  National Night Out events are coming up around the area. Marysville Police Officer Anne Escalante discusses their event and why these celebrations are so important.   10:41  The YWCA of NE Kansas is holding its 35th annual Women of Excellence celebration. Allison Marker tells us why the event remains relevant.   15:54  It’s back! Belinda Allen announces plans for the return of the Kansas Lawn and Garden Show.

0:25 Washburn Law School dedicates its new building in honor of the late Sen. Bob Dole. WU President Dr. JuliAnn Mazacheck talks about what the facility means to the university.   6:31 Happy birthday, Sen. Dole! The Dole Institute of Politics celebrates its 20th anniversary on what would have been the late Senator’s 100th birthday.   12:00 Shawnee Co. has launched an aerial attack on noxious weeds! How they’re using drones to do it.   17.43 For The Culture, KS is a new festival coming to Topeka. Find out what it’s about and how everyone is invited.   22:39 Carswell & Hope – this Irish rock group is gracing the stage in Topeka’s NOTO district. But first, they showcase their talents in our studio!

1:03  Youth Suicide Prevention: Laura Moore, youth suicide prevention coordinator for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, discusses the issue and how a fairly new app is now available in Spanish as well as English.   6:36  Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Licensed counselor Phelica Glass discusses why mental health can especially be a struggle for racial and ethnic minorities and shared advice for everyone to take care of their mental well-being.   12:30 Helping the youngest victims: Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay talks about his support for LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center and how their work helps his office bring perpetrators of crimes against children to justice.   18:04  Building Momentum: Michelle Stubblefield with Greater Topeka Partnership updates the Momentum 2027 process.   22:38 Concert for a Child: Award-winning bluegrass artist Rick Faris is the featured performer for this year’s event benefiting Capper Foundation. He shared some music and his personal connection to the cause.

Topeka’s Mexican community has been sharing its culture and traditions for 90 years through the annual Fiesta Topeka. We look back at the history of the event and why its so important to the community.

0:23 Veterans are urged to sign up NOW for the PACT ACT. VA Undersecretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs explains why it’s important. 6:25 Congress is on a break, so Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-KS Dist 2, visited the studio to update what he’s been doing. 12:16 A new certification for two local mental health organizations could improve and expand services. Their CEOs – Kathy Mosher and Bill Persinger – explained. 17:33 Don’t trash downtown Topeka! Seth Wagoner, who chairs the new Clean and Safe Task Force, told us about their efforts. 23:11 Farewell, friend! WIBW-TV News Director Jon Janes retires June 30, ending a 51-year career in journalism.

0:21 Dying is a fact of life, but that doesn’t make those conversations about end-of-life issues any easier. Bobbie Kramm and Nick French from Accord Hospice in Manhattan, Kan., offer advice and preview an upcoming event to help. 5:23 As Topeka continues to tackle homelessness issues, ABATE of Kansas is holding its annual motorcycle ride to support Topeka Rescue Mission. Organizer Frank Votaw shares why it’s personal to him. 9:41 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas gets a boost from Patterson Gives Back! Carrie Greenwood discusses how the program empowers women who are wheelchair mobile. 13:19 The collective power of dollar bills is the premise of the Just a Buck campaign for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shawnee Co. 18:22 We have a new member of our 13 NEWS family! Get to know meteorologist Daniel McDonald.

0:40 Retiring Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones reflects on his 40+ year law enforcement career, as well as the turmoil of his time at KHP. 6:54  Cies and Jaxyn Smith, owner of Studio 62 in NOTO, talk about the upcoming Pride Fest and why it’s important. 11:54 The Master Gardeners Sick Plant clinic is a popular annual event! Shawnee Co. Horticulture Agent Lane Wiens joins the show. 17:10  Fiesta Topeka marks 90 years. Royalty candidate Monse Cortez and royalty chairperson Rosa Cavasos talk about the traditions.

0:26 City manager Steve Wade defends the city’s decision to pursue buying Hotel Topeka. 7:52 Shawnee Co. Commissioner Aaron Mays discusses the county’s interest and involvement in the hotel sale. 14:08 Restorative Justice – Regina Platt with Topeka Center for Peace and Justice explains the concept and how it can help communities. 18:35 Phelicia Glass offers insight into the grieving process. Spoiler: There are no right and wrong answers!

0:41 Enjoy our extended interview with Jordy Nelson! The retired NFL great shares details of the Nelson Family Community Foundation’s 15th annual benefit. Hear who it helps and how it’s grown over the years, thanks to community support. He also looks ahead to his upcoming induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and reflects on what sports have meant in his life. 14:04 Summer reading fun at the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library: Ginger and Zan share their enthusiasm for keeping children’s – and adult’s! – minds active. 19:01 Happy birthday to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center! The attraction in Topeka’s Gage Park turned 12 years old this week! 23:26 Fiesta Topeka’s royalty competition returns! Two young ladies are in the fundraising competition for the 90th anniversary Fiesta. For Lourie Rodriguez, it’s a family tradition.

0:39 The City of Topeka has seen 17 homicides in the year's first five months. In addition, several shooting incidents in the city and county have gained attention, including one at a South Topeka bar that injured one person, left more than 70 shell casings behind, and led to seven arrests. Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay visited Eye on NE Kansas to update his investigation role and offer his perspective on recent crime. Kagay said a common thread in the violence is the absence of conflict resolution skills. In most instances, he said, these are not random acts of violence. 6:41 The 2023 legislative session is in the books. It ended in a flurry of vetoes and override votes — some successful, some not. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, returned to Eye on NE Kansas for a post-session briefing from his perspective as the leader of the House Republicans. 14:20 United Way of Kaw Valley's Day of Giving is June 7. On that day, the community will be encouraged to contribute to UWKV to support any of a dozen focus areas. Many of those areas will have a corporate partner offering to match donations. Among the focus areas is basic needs. Melissa Goodman with Mirror, Inc. visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain their organization partners with United Way to meet basic needs through their Works for Success program. 19:12 Topeka's Fiesta marks its 90th anniversary this year, with a few changes to accompany all the great traditions. Fiesta Topeka chairperson Deborah Ortega and Travis Lamb, principal of Holy Family School, visited Eye on NE Kansas with an overview of what's planned. 23:33 What started as a benefit for the family of a man who lost his life to cancer continues today to support the youngest fighters. The Rock Chalk Roundball Classic is celebrating its 15th year. Voice of the Jayhawks Brian Hanni started it. He visited Eye on NE Kansas with one of this year's "Starting 5," Nolan Anderson, age 5, and his mom Amanda.

0:34 Things usually wind down for our area schools this time of year, but USD 437 has some significant happenings just firing up. Auburn Washburn district superintendent Dr. Scott McWilliams visited Eye on NE Kansas to detail three construction projects getting underway. All three result from a bond issue that district voters approved last year. 6:37 Shawnee Co. commissioners gave final approval to new boundaries for their districts. District 2 commissioner Kevin Cook appeared on Eye on NE Kansas to discuss the process and the next steps for Gage Park now that the Gage Park Improvement Authority has been established. 11:51 United Way of Kaw Valley’s Day of Giving is June 7. People can designate gifts to various areas to unlock matching gifts. One area of focus is basic needs. Thom Fox, manager of proposals and relationships for Catholic Charities, visited Eye on NE Kansas to discuss how his group and other partner organizations assist with meeting food needs and rent and utility assistance.  17:43 May 17 marks the 69th anniversary of the landmark Brown vs. Board U.S. Supreme Court decision de-segregating public schools. An event planned for Saturday, May 13, will commemorate the ruling and Topeka’s key role. Tennessee Town NIA President Michael Bell organized the program. He spoke with Eye on NE Kansas about the plans. 22:11 May is NF Awareness Month. NF stands for neurofibromatosis, a group of genetic conditions causing tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. NF affects about 1 in 2,000 births. Dylan Pottorf of Topeka is one young fighter. He and his mom Sara visited Eye on NE Kansas to share how NF affects him and how they hope to raise awareness. 27:51 You might not realize it, but Shawnee Co. Parks and Recreation has 60 miles of trails to enjoy. Nearly half of those are nature trails. Recreation leader Devin Cooper has organized a dozen hikes in the months ahead as a fun way for you to explore them. She visited Eye on NE Kansas to share details of the programs.

0:44 The Greater Topeka Partnership is looking to the future with its next strategy for building a stronger community. GTP’s Senior Vice President of Strategy Michelle Stubblefield visited Eye on NE Kansas with a closer look. 6:21 Washburn University hopes to remove financial barriers to higher education for Shawnee Co. students. Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek visited Eye on NE Kansas to discuss two new programs the school announced last week. 12:55 A new partnership aims to encourage reading among young people. TJ MacDonald with United Way of Kaw Valley and Angie Grau, owner of Paper June book store in NOTO, visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain what they’re doing. 18:09 You could get a nice payday while helping a good cause. The “United We Win” raffle is a fundraiser for Konza United Way. Their CEO Tara Claussen and board member and 2023 campaign chair Shawn Drew with Commerce Bank visited Eye on NE Kansas to share information about the raffle and the work the agency supports. 23:27 How much impact can you have on the community in one day? A lot if we all work together. That’s the concept behind United Way of Kaw Valley’s annual Day of Giving. Trey George, 2022-2023 UWKV Campaign Chair, visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain how it works.