🌱 $30M Investment In Kansas Tourism + Highland Park Students Graduate

Hey, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High: 66 Low: 57.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 74 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories today in Topeka:

1. To boost tourism spots within the state, the state of Kansas is investing millions of dollars into its historic landmarks. The Kansas Department of Commerce is granting $30 million to various tourism spots across the state, including the Historic Jayhawk Theater in Topeka. The funding was made available by the State Park Revitalization & Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program. (KSNT)
2. On Saturday, May 13, Highland Park High School celebrated the Class of 2023 with a graduation ceremony at Stormont Vail Events Center. The program began with Jack Williams playing the bagpipes for the Staff Processional before the 215 graduating seniors took their seats. The celebration ended with the Highland Park's High School band playing their school song. (WIBW)
3. Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force recently issued a search warrant as they investigated four suspects with drug allegations. As authorities conducted the search warrant, police officers found various drugs including marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. All four suspects remain at Shawnee County Department of Corrections. (Hutch Post)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, May 15

• Monday Farmers Market at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (7:30 AM)

Tuesday, May 16

• Tap Takeover at Axe & Ale (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Thursday, May 18, the City of Topeka along with the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Office will host representatives from the Consulado de México next week. The Mexican Consulate will share information about their services and answer any questions audience members may have. This event is for Topeka's Mexican community members and will be held at Washburn Tech East. (City of Topeka Government)
• After a weekend of rain, the National Weather Service is predicting additional chances heading into this week. There is currently no speculation of severe thunderstorms coming through the area and showers are predicted to decrease as Tuesday approaches. (US National Weather Service Topeka Kansas)
• Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its Ensley Art & Garden Party at Lake Shawnee on Saturday, Jun. 10. The event is dedicated showcases fine art, as well as includes a filled with shopping and yard games. It's completely free to attend, but some of the activities will come with an additional cost to participate. (Shawnee County Parks and Recreation)

That's it for today! See you soon for another 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.