🌱 Race For City Council Seats Is Underway + Boys & Girls Club Pantry

Hey, everybody. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Topeka Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Thursday: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 79 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. So far, seven candidates - including two incumbents - have filed to run for the four open Topeka City Council seats. There will be a primary election on Aug. 2 to narrow the field down to two candidates in each district where more than four candidates have filed to run. If a district has three or fewer candidates, they will all appear on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election. District Six currently has three candidates, District Eight has two candidates, and Districts Two and Four each have one candidate. (The Topeka Capital-Journal)
2. KSNT recently took a look at panhandling laws in Topeka. In January 2020, the Topeka City Council approved an ordinance that bans panhandling at 23 intersections throughout the city under penalty of a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $499 or 30 days in jail. The intersections were chosen due to the high number of collisions, and the ordinance applies to panhandlers as well as people who stop their cars to give money. The National Homeless Law Center recommends that cities address the underlying issues that lead to panhandling, such as a lack of housing, jobs, and services. (KSNT)
3. Teens with The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka have created a food pantry called "Feed the Need" that will be open on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The pantry will be open from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to members of the community who will receive a box full of pantry staples. The Boys and Girls Club will also be hosting a Health and Wellness Fair on Jun. 16 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the BGCT Teen Center. (KSNT)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, May 24

• Cricut Workshop: Creating With Cardstock And Vinyl At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Open Mic Comedy Night At Happy Basset Barrel House (6:30 PM)

Thursday, May 25

• Paint, Sip, Sing! At Studio 62 (4:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is offering a new Shape & Sculpt Fitness Class. The class takes place at Central Park Community Center and offers a low-impact workout that combines strengthening, stretching, and balance work. (Shawnee County Parks + Recreation via Facebook)
• This Friday, you can go on a bike ride with Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. Participants will gather at 12:45 p.m. at the City Hall parking lot. There will be extra bikes for people who need one, but participants are asked to bring a helmet. (City of Topeka Government via Facebook)
• The Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove will be officially opening this weekend! Beginning May 27, the Cove will be open from 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and will offer a variety of water activities, including paddle boats, canoes, and an aqua trampoline. (Visit Topeka via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Social Security Seminar at Washburn University - Memorial Union (May 30)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.