🌱 Free Summer Lunches For Students + Mill Creek Restoration Begins

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Topeka and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A blend of sun and clouds. High: 87 Low: 68.
• Thursday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 88 Low: 68.

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. School may be out for the summer, but students in Topeka and Shawnee County will be able to receive free lunches through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program. This program provides meals for children between the ages of one and 18, and children may eat at any lunch program site, even if they don't go to that school. However, meals must now be eaten on-site, a change from previous years' "grab-and-go" style. Several Topeka schools and community organizations will be serving free meals from Jun. 5 - Jul. 28, including Topeka High School, Meadows Elementary School, and Southwest YMCA. (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
2. The Environmental Protection Agency has said that the recovery of discharged oil into nearby Mill Creek is now complete, and the focus will now shift to restoration. In December 2022, a leak in the Keystone Pipeline led to around 14,000 barrels of oil leaking into the creek. Although oil-impacted soil and sediment still need to be disposed of, the Army Corps of Engineers has authorized the company that owns the pipeline to begin restoration work, which includes bringing Mill Creek to its original form and function, as well as creating "enhancement activities" that will increase water resource functions and services. (WIBW)
3. Students in Topeka and Junction City worked with Jobs for America Graduates and the Jayhawk Theatre to launch a pilot program to help young people develop their creativity. Officials with the Jayhawk Theatre said this program has been in the works for the past year, and participants learned about why creativity matters and how it contributes to relationships and mental health. Students participated in break-out sessions where they explored the concept of creativity with songs, art, poetry, and more. Event organizers hope to expand the program throughout the state. (WIBW)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, May 31

• Unexpected Friends At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (All Day)
• Bubble Paint At Studio 62 (6:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Nerf Mini Camp At Capital Gymnastics & Athletics (1:00 PM)
• Compass Point Yoga At Dirty Girl Adventures (5:45 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Registration is now available for the Gibbs Elite Basketball Camp. This free camp is open to children in the 5th - 8th grades at Topeka Public Schools. Click here for more information or to register. (City of Topeka Government via Facebook)
• The mini-train and carousel at Gage Park have changed to summer hours! They will now be open Monday - Friday from 12:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and on weekends from 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Shawnee County Parks + Recreation via Facebook)
• As the weather warms up, Topeka has a vibrant golfing scene with several courses to choose from. There are also seven disc golf courses in Topeka, plenty of mini-golf courses, and indoor golf simulators. (Visit Topeka via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.