Health + Wellness

Direct Primary Care

An Option For Those Who Struggle To Afford Health Insurance Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Dr. Douglas Iliff has spent the past 40 years caring for patients in his private family practice in the Fleming Place shopping center on Gage Blvd. He also spent time at Minor Med urgent care in the same building, treating walk-in patients for everything from colds and cuts and scrapes to routine injuries and physicals. This year, Dr. Iliff is transitioning out of his...

Life + Culture

Steep

A Story About The Past's Hold On Life Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography When retired neurosurgeon Dr. Craig Yorke first got the idea of writing about his past, he planned it as a letter to his two adult sons, Zach and Chris. Then he found himself facing the Black Studies section of a local bookstore. He was impressed by the scholarly books that diagnosed America's problems, but noticed they gave little mention of solving them. Thus was born "Steep: A Black...

Arts + Culture

When a City Believes

The Passion and Partnership that Brought Topeka Performing Arts Center to Life Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Butel Media & TPAC In 1940, the Topeka Municipal Auditorium opened. For more than five decades, it served as the center of entertainment in the city. It was the go-to spot to experience everything from circuses and basketball games to Broadway talent. Stars including Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and even Elvis Presley graced its stage. As time went on, however, Topeka’s...

Event Planning + Services

Love Is in the Air

Finding the Perfect Place to Say “I Do” Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography/Stacey B Photography No two love stories are the same, and neither are the spaces chosen to honor them. Today’s brides are redefining what a wedding looks like, embracing styles that range from timeless elegance and high-class glamour to relaxed, easygoing gatherings that feel effortlessly personal. Both visions are equally beautiful and equally meaningful. Love is in the air, and in...

Health + Wellness

KMC - Skin Health Leaders

KMC Dermatology introduces Kansas’ first image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT), advancing complete skin cancer care Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Tara Helton/The Upside Photography For more than two decades, KMC Dermatology has set the standard for comprehensive skin care. Founded by Dr. Shekhar Challa, CEO of Kansas Medical Clinic/KMC Dermatology, the business has grown from a single office into a statewide leader in both medical and cosmetic dermatology ...

Health + Wellness

From Newborn to Ninety

Bolz Chiropractic’s Family-Centered Approach Spans Generations Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Dr. Timothy Bolz opened his chiropractic practice in Topeka in October 1986. Over the decades, he has weathered a tornado, changed locations, treated thousands of patients, and raised a family. Today, one of those family members now stands beside him as a fellow chiropractor. Bolz Chiropractic is a family-rooted practice where generations of patients, from...

Health + Wellness

A Fitness Community

Sunflower Strength & Conditioning Brings People Together On Their Fitness Journey Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Yes, it's that time of year again when everyone starts to think about fitness and exercise. However, the team at Sunflower Strength & Conditioning adds one more important element to that yearly goal--community. Owners and coaches Marc and Stephine Limon and Bill and Brenda Komma got together to answer questions about this downtown gym and...

Life + Culture

Topeka's Santa Ken

The Man Best Known For Bringing Holiday Brightness To Children Article by Linda Ditch As the family photos with Santa Claus are brought out for display, chances are the jolly man with the white beard in the picture is Ken Sutton. Known as Santa Ken, he has been a Topeka Christmas tradition for generations of families. In fact, he's now listening to wishes from the grandchildren of kids who sat on his knee years ago.   This is Santa Ken's 57th season of bringing holiday cheer to children. He...

Arts + Culture

A Timeless Topeka Tradition

Kansas Ballet’s Nutcracker Brings Holiday Magic to Life Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Emma Tuttle Each December, the curtain rises at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, and the familiar strains of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker fill the air. Snowflakes swirl, toy soldiers march, and for two enchanting hours, audiences are swept into a world of imagination, tradition, and artistry — brought to life by the Kansas Ballet Company and Academy. At the heart of this holiday...

Life + Culture

Independent Living Plus

This Topeka Retirement Community Allows Residents the Freedom to Do as They Please Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Walk through the doors of Arbor Court Retirement Community, and it's obvious how the word community applies. Just outside the main doors, a woman enjoys a cup of coffee and a book while sitting on an outdoor bench. Inside, some residents are gathered in pairs working on puzzles, while others play cards or enjoy a chat. The tables in the...