🌱 Woman Sentenced To 7 Years + Clinic For Your Sick Plants

Hi all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 91 Low: 68.

Tomorrow:

Light rain. High: 84 Low: 60

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. A woman has been sentenced to just over seven years in prison following a May 2021 car crash in Topeka that led to the death of an unrestrained child. Jhanae Alexus Tate was driving when she was involved in a two-vehicle accident that caused the death of an 18-month-old child. Tate faced multiple criminal charges, including first-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. (KSNT News)
2. Are you having problems with your lawn, garden, or potted plants? Local experts will host a Sick Plants Clinic inside the Fairline Mall on Jun. 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p. m. Gary Boutz, local tree expert and Master Gardener from the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will be available, along with Kansas State officials Judy O’Mara, Raymond Cloyd, Chad Bullock, and John Landon. Plan to bring your problems, plants, and puzzlements for expert answers. (WIBW)
3. Eric Perkins will go to trial on 13 charges following last September's deadly shooting and car chase. Witnesses testified during a preliminary hearing on Monday, including Kristi Mendez, who was caught in the middle of the chase as Perkins' unwilling passenger. Perkins is accused of intentional and premeditated first degree murder in the shooting death of Gregory Dean Butts. (Topeka Capital-Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, June 7

• Dance Fit Cardio At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (8:00 AM)
• Computer & Gadget Help At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (10:00 AM)

Thursday, June 8

• Undercover Rocks Eats & Beats At Evergy Plaza (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Cora, a beloved Asian elephant at the Topeka Zoo has just passed her 65th birthday last Sunday, June 4. While patrons helped Cora celebrate by throwing confetti, blowing up balloons, and sharing her cake and animal crackers, they learned from zookeepers that the oldest known Asian elephant lived to be about 85. With continued care, Cora is expected to easily reach her 66th and celebrate many more. (KSNT News)
• Shawnee County Parks and Recreation has announced an upcoming 4th of July Family Tie Dye event. On Jun. 28 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Central Park Community Center, attendees will tie-dye white t-shirts with patriotic colors. (Shawnee County Parks + Recreation via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! See you all soon for 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.