🌱 Local Leads Deputies On Car Chase + Car Crash Felony Charges

Hello, everybody. 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 happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 93 Low: 66.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 93 Low: 70.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 36-year-old Michelle L. Baker of Topeka after she led deputies on a chase that went through multiple yards and ended when she struck a mailbox in the 3300 block of SE Bryant Street. Deputies had attempted to pull Baker over for allegedly driving a green 2007 Kia Sportage that was reported stolen by the Topeka Police Department. Baker was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property, felony flee and elude, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, and more. (WIBW)
2. Many locals disagree with the felony charges being filed against 33-year-old Amber Peery, a mother involved in an Oct. 8 crash that killed three Topeka Girl Scouts, including her own daughter. According to a highway patrol accident report, Peery accidentally took the southbound exit on the Kansas Turnpike southwest of Topeka and tried to illegally turn around which led to a vehicle crash with a semi-trailer. There are no off-ramps between the Turnpike's South Topeka interchange and Admire interchange, which are 30 miles apart, and many locals admit to having done the same thing. Others suggest Peery will be punishing herself for the rest of her life for that fateful day and does not need jail time. (CJ Online)
3. Members of New Hope Church Topeka, located at 2915 S.W. 8th Avenue, have voted to leave the United Methodist Church effective Jul. 1 because they don't want openly LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex weddings at their church. The church will change its name from New Hope United Methodist Church to New Hope Church Topeka, according to Pastor Chuck Higgins. Ed Claycamp, its chairman of the board, said New Hope Church Topeka is not "anti-gay" and welcomes all people. Sonja Feist, president of the Topeka chapter of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, said the church's stance is a "double standard" by refusing to marry LGBTQ+ people but letting them attend services. (CJ Online)

Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, June 19

• Free: Jazz Night Celebrates Juneteenth At White Concert Hall (7:30 PM)

Tuesday, June 20

• Stranger Things Teen Trivia At Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Free: Chamber Ensembles At White Concert Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, more than 80 letters containing a "suspicious" white powder have been reported across the state as of Saturday, Jun. 17. The FBI and multiple state agencies began their investigation on Friday, Jun. 16, after dozens of the letters were sent to Kansas state legislators and public officials. As of Jun. 17, no injuries have been reported but the Kansas Bureau of Investigation asks all residents to remain vigilant in handling mail. (WHIO)
• The Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries (TRM), a non-profit, has acquired the former North Topeka Baptist Church located at 123 Northwest Gordon Street. According to TRM, the building will not be used as a shelter. (KSNT)
• On Saturday, Jun. 17, a new nine-hole golf tournament in Topeka raised money for the Gage Park war memorial! Participants of all skill levels were invited to play for the fundraiser. This year, proceeds went to the Vietnam War memorial at Gage Park and next year proceeds will go towards the War on Terrorism memorial at Gage Park. (WIBW)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you all 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.