🌱 Marijuana Could Be Decriminalized + Rural Libraries Receive Funding

Hello, friends. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Topeka Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 68 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. Democrats in Kansas are pushing for the decriminalization of marijuana through a cannabis amnesty bill, which would release those convicted for marijuana-related offenses from their sentences and allow expungement of their records. However, despite efforts to legalize marijuana, Kansas remains one of three states where possession of cannabis for any purpose is still illegal. The push for legalization seems to be losing momentum, with marijuana legislation likely to meet a similar fate as it did in the previous legislative session. (Lawrence Times KS)
2. Several rural Kansas libraries have received funding from the Kansas Book Festival to provide resources to underrepresented communities. Some rural libraries in Kansas lack funding for new children's books, while others serve populations larger than their town. This grant money will be used to fulfill book requests and acquire updated technology. This year's Kansas Book Festival will take place at Washburn University in Topeka on Saturday, Sep. 15, and it is free and open to the public. (WIBW)
3. A woman from Topeka sustained moderate injuries in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Caldwell County, Missouri. The driver, 24-year-old Debora A. Blevens, reportedly ran off the south side of the road, struck a crossover, and overturned once before the vehicle eventually came to a stop on its wheels. Blevens was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Cameron Regional Hospital before being flown to the Truman Medical Center for treatment. (KCHI)

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Today in Topeka:

• After School Snack At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (3:15 PM)
• Open Mic Comedy Night At Happy Basset Barrel House (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• K.T. Tunstall will perform at Topeka's Jayhawk Theatre on May 18, with an opening act by the Ellie Smith Band. Tickets range from $30 to $50 and can be purchased here. (Jayhawk Theatre via Facebook)
• Have you considered acting? Auditions will be held this weekend Apr. 29 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy for an upcoming all-women production of "Romeo & Juliet." There are multiple roles available, and all experience levels are encouraged and welcome. (All Events)
• Save the date for the 2023 Paws in the Park at Topeka West Soccer Fields. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Helping Hands Humane Society. (Helping Hands Humane Society via Facebook)

That's it 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.