🌱 Dutch Bros Opening + Man Arrested Again + Vehicle Collison

Good morning, hello! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Come along for the most important things going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 84 Low: 57.
• Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 64.

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. Topeka's first Dutch Bros location in the Wanamaker Square shopping center is set to open on Jun. 2, according to a spokesperson from the national coffee chain. The store will offer a variety of specialty coffees, cold brews, and Dutch Frost. Dutch Bros is known for its hand-pulled espresso, nitro cold brew, and exclusive Rebel energy drinks, aiming to provide a positive customer experience at its over 650 locations throughout the United States. (KSNT)
2. Daniel R. Gallow, a man who was already in custody for an April homicide in Topeka, Kansas, has been arrested again, this time for first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. The Topeka Police Department made the arrest on May 15 in connection with a shooting on Apr. 18 that resulted in the death of Troy Shepard. Another individual, Christopher F. Ray, was also arrested for first-degree murder related to the same incident. (WIBW)
3. In an early morning collision at the intersection of S.W. 6th and Fairlawn in west Topeka, a car and a sport utility vehicle crashed, resulting in one person being transported to a local hospital. The incident involved a black Honda Civic and a blue Toyota RAV4, with both vehicles coming to a stop with their front ends against each other. The individual from the Honda, described to have minor injuries, was taken to the hospital by an American Medical Response ambulance. (WIBW)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, May 17

• Computer & Gadget Help at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting - Virtual Attendance (11:00 AM)
• Brown v Board of Education Anniversary Concert at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park Auditorium (6:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• Wine Tasting at Tee Box (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• During Neurofibrosis Awareness Month, a Topeka family is working to raise awareness about neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Dylan Pottorf, a 12-year-old with NF, and his mother, Sara, shared their experiences and challenges related to the condition, including learning difficulties and teasing from peers. The family hopes that by sharing Dylan's story, people will gain a better understanding of NF and the various ways it can affect individuals. (WIBW)
• The Topeka Police Department has revealed that the 2023 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is only one week away. The event will take place on Monday, May 22, at the Law Enforcement Center, and individuals are encouraged to sign up for donation slots. (Topeka Police Department)
• Petco Love is sponsoring the "Dog Days of Summer" special at the Helping Hands Humane Society. As of May 16, all dog fees will be waived until further notice to find new homes for adoptable dogs and reunite lost dogs with their owners. Petco Love is sponsoring these fees to keep kennel spaces open and make this initiative possible. (Helping Hands Humane Society)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.