🌱 Thousands Left Without Power + Downtown Post Office Remains Closed

Hi, Topeka! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 95 Low: 69.
• Tuesday: Clouds and sun; hot, humid. High: 98 Low: 76.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. On Friday, Jun. 30, a storm bringing violent winds left nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in and around the Topeka area without power. According to spokesperson Gina Penzig from the Evergy electrical utility, the powerful storm ended up impacting about 37,000 customers in various communities through the city and crews began making repairs as soon as the weather was safe. By Saturday morning, less than 600 people were still left without power. (CJ Online)
2. Earlier this weekend, the United States Postal Service announced that downtown Topeka's post office will remain closed until Wednesday, Jul. 5. According to local representatives, the post office has been closed since the end of May for renovations and have been redirecting customers' PO boxes and retail services to another location in Topeka that's nearly six miles from downtown. Originally, the office shut down due to a suspension from the landlord to undergo remodeling, as well as handle lead and asbestos issues. (WIBW)
3. Governor Laura Kelly recently signed a bill into place that focuses on promoting and expanding a variety of educational opportunities across the state. The Kansas Apprenticeship Act is a new bill that will help match higher education institutions with grant programs based on the number of graduate students in the engineering industry. It'll focus on working with different businesses, healthcare organizations, education institutions and nonprofit groups to increase the number of new apprentices available for individuals. (KSNT)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, July 3

• Monday Farmer's Market at Topeka & Shawnee County Library (7:30 AM)

Tuesday, July 4

• Spirit of Kansas Festival at Shawnee Lake (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• This past weekend, WIBW-TV announced the promotion of Anchor/Reporter Melissa Brunner to now serve as the station’s official News Director. Brunner is excited to take on this next chapter after working with the television for the last 27 years. (WIBW)
• According to the National Weather Service, weather will begin to warm up just in time for Independence Day celebrations. Heat indices are expected to peak near 100 on the 4th, but as the day comes to a close, a cold front could sweep through bringing a chance of storms later in the evening. (National Weather Service Topeka Kansas via Facebook)
• The Spirit of Kansas’ annual fireworks show at Lake Shawnee will light up the sky this 4th of July. The show will begin around 10 p.m. and viewers can simulcast the display on KMAJ-FM 107.7. (CJOnline.com)

You're all caught up 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.