Life + Culture

A Flying Good Time

A Perfect Father-Son or Father-Daughter Interactive Experience Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Kilo Hobbs and Dave Murray The Combat Air Museum in Topeka attracts over 15,000 visitors a year, and it’s no wonder. In addition to the amazing aircraft and aviation artifacts found there, many of its volunteers are military veterans and some have even flown the planes, now on static display. “We can share a lot of history with them,” says Gene Howerter, the museum’s president and CEO...

May 2024

Health + Wellness

Prioritizing Men’s Health

Advice for a Fuller Life from Heartland Health & Wellness Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Create Uplift Matthew O’Shea and Kenneth Troupe, longtime co-workers and college classmates from Topeka, turned a workplace watercooler idea into a business partnership. Their dedication to healthcare led them to establish a medical clinic - Heartland Health & Wellness - where programs are individualized and tailored to the patient. From weight loss to testosterone replacement therapy, their...

May 2024

Sports + Recreation

Perfecting Your Putt

From Topeka’s Greens to the PGA Tour Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Create Uplift Andrew Beckler’s golf journey began as a toddler swinging his first toy, a golf club he called “gocker.” Born and raised in Topeka, Beckler’s love for the game was nurtured by his father and the fairways of Topeka Country Club and Western Hills. “My dad taught me the fundamentals that I still practice to this day,” Beckler says. “He also used golf to teach me valuable lessons about life.” Beckler’s...

May 2024

Sports + Recreation

A Passion for Powersports

Sometimes the Road to Success Requires a Little Off-Road Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Jon Haas, owner of Cycle Zone Powersports in Topeka is what you would call a serial entrepreneur. “I’ve always liked building things,” Haas said. His main business, HME, Inc., supplies structural steel all over the country. Then there’s Topeka Foundry & Iron Works, Topeka Foundry Commercial Door, Haas Crane and Equipment Rentals, Peak to Peak Engineered Railings...

May 2024

Shopping

Threads of Love

A Story of Fashion, Family and Faith Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Moms and daughters share a special bond and sometimes that bond is so strong and shines so brightly that onlookers can’t help but notice. Such is the case with Monica Rivera-Martinez and her two daughters, Jessica and Christina. “My mom was a single mom. Many nights she worked the second or third shift to make ends meet,” said Jessica, the eldest daughter. “We all had to pitch in to...

April 2024

Professional Services

Dear Younger Me

A Local Entrepreneur’s Letter to Her Younger Self Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Dear Younger April,  As I sit down to write this letter to you, a flood of memories and experiences rushes through my mind, each shaping the person you will become. If only I could reach back through time and whisper words of wisdom and encouragement into your eager, uncertain ears. There is so much I want to share with you. First and foremost, I want to tell you to embrace...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Uncovering Beauty, Dreams, and the Scent of Success

The Somerset Lavender Story Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography At the west edge of rural Topeka lies a hidden gem known as Somerset Lavender. In the summer, you can find rows of the beautiful lavender plants, with their signature purple flowers, nestled within the nearly 10 acres of land owned by Joe and Teryl Studebaker. Despite the serene picture, the journey to establish this farm has been a test of faith, patience, and perseverance. The couple’s...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Nurturing Bonds

The Healing Relationship Between Patient and Doctor Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography When wife and mother Jessica Morton-Williams first felt a lump in her armpit in October 2022, she decided to also check her breasts and discovered a tiny bump. She wasn’t too concerned because earlier in the year she had had a mammogram, and nothing showed. Plus, she was only 42, and cancer didn’t run in her family. To be on the safe side, she saw her doctor. After...

April 2024

Home Services

On the Fence

A Fresh Take on Fence and Deck Maintenance Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by EcoFresh Power Wash Your home is your biggest investment and it takes a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. Luckily, some home maintenance projects fall into the DIY category - like deck and fence staining. Or do they? We talked to Nic Luttman of EcoFresh Power Wash and we learned a lot. TCL: Is there a wrong way to stain a wood fence or deck? Luttman: There are actually more wrong ways to do it than...

March 2024

Arts + Culture

Legacy Worth Leaving

Faith, Family and Love Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography When we hear the word ‘legacy’, our minds may fill with ideas of wealth, property or children. For Rick and Tiffani Smith, their legacy is taking shape in the form of faith, family and skillset. Both Rick and Tiffani were raised in homes filled with love and respect, which shaped the values they live by today. “When I was young, I admired my grandpa’s skill with the hammer and steady work...

March 2024