🌱 Topeka City Council Race + Major Water Main Break + Local Fire

Hi all. I'm here right on time with your weekend edition of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 86 Low: 65.
• Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 83 Low: 63.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Topeka Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Topeka Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. There is competition for all four Topeka City Council seats that are on the ballot this election. Incumbent Christina Valdivia-Alcala will be challenged by Craig McCullah for District 2, David Banks and Dave Brede are both running for District 4, and incumbent Spencer Dunan will be challenged by Chris Phelps for District 8. And District 6 will be a four-way race between Bob Beers, Marcus Miller, Zachary Surritt and Craig Dunstan. (WIBW)
2. On Wednesday, May 31, a major water main break on SW Topeka Boulevard led to the closure of both southbound lanes, south of SW Fourth Street and Topeka Boulevard. Andy Rosebrook with the City of Topeka said crews began working on the repair May 31, but the "closure is expected to take two to three weeks to fix depending on weather conditions." (KSNT)
3. For the second time in six months, a major fire has occurred on the same block in Topeka. On Thursday, Jun. 1, Topeka Fire Department crews were able to put out the fire at 512 S.W. Lincoln. According to investigators, the Jan. 5 house fire at 516 S.W. Lincoln, right next door to the recent fire, was likely caused by trespassers. (WIBW)

Are you a real estate agent in Topeka struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Topeka newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Friday, Jun. 2

• Topeka's Backyard Music Festival 2023 At Lessman Farm Truckhenge (12:00 PM)
• Blithe Spirit At Topeka Civic Theatre (7:30 PM)

Saturday, Jun. 3

• Undercover 80's LIVE! At Blue Moose Topeka (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Germanfest is this weekend in Topeka’s Oakland neighborhood! Don't miss the great food, live music, a live auction, and more. You can learn more here. (WIBW)
• Topeka Police arrested 54-year-old Shawn H. Clark, of Topeka, for allegedly threatening someone with a weapon on the 2500 block of SW 24th Street. Clark was released on bond after being charged with aggravated assault and criminal damage to property. (WIBW)
• Four Topeka women are opening "The Mix," a new boutique shop, in August! The boutique will be located at 921 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka. The shop will sell clothes for many different occasions including active wear, leisure, and weddings, as well as jewelry and home decor. (KSNT)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all soon for 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.