🌱 E15 Gas Approved For Sale In Kansas + Christmas Day Crash Arrest

Hi there, Topeka. I'm here in your inbox this spring morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy. High: 81 Low: 60.
• Saturday: Very warm and humid. High: 91 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. Despite it having fallen into disrepair, Grove Township residents are fighting to keep a 100-year-old bridge after Shawnee County officials declared that it is too expensive to replace. Currently standing on the county's northwest side at 70th Street and Valencia Road, the bridge continues to deteriorate, including a 9-foot-long crack that continues to expand. “As the public works director, I have to look out at the whole county, and I have a limited budget,” Shawnee County Public Works Director Curt Neihaus said. “So, I feel I should spend money where it will do most good for Shawnee County citizens and those people using the roads who may not live in the county.” The county plans to inspect the bridge every two months and will remove it should its condition get worse. (KSNT News)
2. Topeka police have arrested a man they believe was responsible for the deadly one-vehicle crash that happened on Christmas Day 2022. Justice R. Cox, 23, is behind bars on a $1 million bond after being charged with several crimes, including murder in the first-degree. Investigators determined that the crash in the 100 block of SE 37th St. happened when the car veered off the road and hit a utility pole. (WIBW)
3. Prepare to save some cash at the gas pump this summer thanks to an emergency waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency that allows the sale of E15 gasoline, a blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, in Kansas. E15, which is about 25 cents cheaper per gallon than E10, was last approved for sale in summer of 2022. Governor Laura Kelly had requested permission in prevent a return of last year's record-breaking gas prices. (WIBW)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Friday, May 5

• Redbud Festival Chalk Walk At NOTO Arts & Entertainment District (All Weekend)
• Cinco De Mayo/Mariachi Estrella Teresa Cuevas Statue Unveiling At Evergy Plaza (6:00 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Safe Kids Day At The Topeka Zoo (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Topeka Capital-Journal has published a list of 12 buildings that the city plans to demolish. For full details on the properties and reasons for their demolishment, check the following link to avoid a paywall, or visit the Capital-Journal website with your subscription. (Topeka Capital-Journal via Yahoo)
• The Topeka Fire Department kicks off the revamped Topeka Fire Post Explorers Program for those aged 14 to 20 this Saturday! If you know someone who could benefit from this opportunity, make sure they attend starting at 11:00 a.m. (Topeka Fire Department via Facebook)
• The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale is also this Saturday back for its 15th year! Stock up on your favorite vegetables, herbs, perennials, and annuals or grab a special item like a Mother's Day basket. (K-State.edu)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Washburn University - Memorial Union (May 9)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you 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.