🌱 Evergy Plaza To Host Event + Algae Blooms Possible This Summer

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including updates on...

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Not as warm. High: 74 Low: 48.
• Saturday: Nice with sunshine. High: 74 Low: 50.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Topeka, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Topeka Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. The Evergy Plaza will be hosting live local music, food trucks, and beer gardens this summer in an event called Envista Eats and Beats. Envista Credit Union, KSNT 27 News, and v100 Topeka's Rock Leader will be sponsoring, and Envista Eats and Beats will be held every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., through to Sep. 7. (KSNT News)
2. Shawnee County officials are keeping their eyes out for blue-green algae headed into this summer after algae blooms were responsible for the closures of lakes last year. Blue-green algae is a poisonous bacteria that grows in water and can cause illness in people and their pets. Tim Laurent with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation says there hasn't been any sign yet, but he expects it would happen soon if it happens at all, considering the warm and rainy weather. (KSNT News)
3. The owners of the Carlos O'Kelly's building on Kansas and Croix Avenue have converted the building into a new El Ranchito Mexican restaurant - the fifth location, and the second in Topeka. The restaurant opened its doors on Thursday, May 18, entirely revamped, with new features like handpainted murals and imported furniture from Mexico. The new location seats 299 guests and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. (WIBW)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Topeka Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Topeka Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Friday, May 19

• Open Studio At Mize Art Studio (10:00 AM)
• True North At Compass Point NOTO (7:00 PM)

Saturday, May 20

• Topeka Audubon Society Bird Walk At McDonald Field (8:00 AM)
• DJ HorseFly Slim Summer Bash At Doughboyz Pizzeria North (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

1. KTWU will be hosting the Women on Wheels Car Show. Men are free to attend, but prizes will be reserved for cars presented by women. It is the first car show in the state that features women and their motor vehicles, and will be hosted from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 3, at KTWU on the Washburn University campus in Topeka. (WIBW)
2. Topeka Police reported yesterday, May 18, that one person was in custody following a police chase that ended in East Topeka. As of last afternoon, Lawrence Police were assisting in the matter, but there are no additional suspects being sought. (KSNT)
3. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is celebrating National Trails Day on Jun. 3! There will be two hikes that day starting from Skyline Park. The first starts at 8:00 a.m. and will be a bird walk with the Topeka Audubon Society, and the second is at 11:30 a.m. and will focus on the park's wildlife and vegetation. (Shawnee County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll catch up with you soon with your next 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.