🌱 Oakland Aquatic Facility Approved + Young Kids Become Firefighters

Hello again, hello! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Sunday: Cooler with showers around. High: 74 Low: 55.
• Monday: Variable clouds. High: 78 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. Shawnee County Commissioners gave their approval on Thursday, Jun. 8, for the Parks and Recreation Department to collaborate with Dondlinger Construction, a Wichita-based company, in the construction of the Oakland Aquatic Facility. The project entails replacing the existing pool with a state-of-the-art aquatic facility, estimated to cost $4 million, that will offer a wide range of activities suitable for people of all age groups. With the necessary approvals in place, city officials are optimistic about commencing construction on this exciting project by 2024. (Subscription: The Topeka-Capital Journal)
2. The Topeka Fire Department recently hosted a camp, focused on providing young girls with real-world experiences that firefighters deal with daily. This program continued over the course of a week and gave participants the chance to use fire hoses, power tools, harness themselves down a building, and so much more. Through this opportunity, young girls were able to observe whether a career in firefighting is something they would like to pursue in the future. (WIBW)
3. A high-ranking U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official has been chosen by the Kansas governor to head the highway state patrol. This new appointment replaces the retiring superintendent that's currently facing federal lawsuit charges after allegations that he sexually harassed female colleagues came out. Erik Smith will begin as superintendent as early as Friday, Jul. 7 and until then, Lt. Col. Herman Jones will be serving in the interim. (Kansas.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, June 12

• Families United Celebration At Shawnee Country Club (5:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 13

• Harvesters Food Distribution At Topeka Bible Church (8:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Kansas Children's Discover Center has a brand-new interactive exhibit centered around teaching children about the state and all it has to offer. The exhibition officially opened on Friday, Jun. 9 and will be open through Sunday, Aug. 27. (WIBW)
• On Saturday, Jun. 10, a local cornhole league, 'TopCity Cornhole' partnered with Brass Rail Tavern to bring community members an exciting event. The purpose of this competitive event was to raise money for the city's upcoming 'Topeka Fiesta' festival taking place in mid-July. (KSNT)
• Topeka Family and Friends organized a meaningful Juneteenth celebration, the event featured a vibrant parade along 15th street, complete with various sponsors, organizations, a step-down performance, and even Target's participation. It's noteworthy that this parade took place on the very street where the Brown v. Board of Education schoolhouse once stood. (WIBW)

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Featured events:

• Enrollment Begins for Legacy Homeschool Enrichment Center (June 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.