🌱 Topeka's 13th Homicide Of 2023 + Grace Cathedral Cross Returns

Hello, hello! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your fresh copy of the Topeka Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, today's weather:

A severe p.m. t-storm; windy. High: 79 Low: 51.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Topeka:

1. The 13th homicide in Topeka was recorded Monday evening after the shooting death of a man in the 2300 block of S.E. Bellview Ave on the city's southeast side. Upon arriving at the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m., Topeka police located the victim and arranged transport to the hospital where he was declared deceased. Police are still investigating the incident and have not released additional information. (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
2. Topeka's Potwin Presbyterian Church, built in 1924, will receive a second life thanks to the intervention of a historic preservationist. The church was in danger of closing due to the struggling economy and a deteriorating building. With the newly sealed deal, the education wing will be repurposed into six loft apartments, while the church portion will be leased back to the original owners, allowing services to continue. (WIBW)
3. After more than 12 years, the Grace Cathedral Cross now graces the Topeka skyline after crews worked on Monday to affix the cross to the top of the more than 200-foot building. The 500-pound cross was previously removed because chunks of concrete were falling from the stories-high building onto the ground. “I think it is going to be a big surprise to people,” said Grace Cathedral facilities manager, Kent Wingerson. (WIBW)

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Today in Topeka:

• In-N-Out Buckle Series Round #1 At Stormont Vail Events Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you're the parent of a child attending a school in Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437, there's a PTO meeting tonight (Apr. 19) at 6:30 p.m. at the Washburn Rural High School Library. (USD 437)
• As a reminder, the intersection of Paramore and Tyler in North Topeka has closed for the next three to four weeks, as of Monday. It's part of the larger NW Tyler project that was announced in 2022. (KSNT)
• Washburn University's WIFI Film Festival returns for its fifth year this weekend with the theme of "Health and Healing." Films will be played from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the library. (WIFI Film Festival)

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.