🌱 Topeka Gun Violence Demonstration + Senate Donations + Dutch Bros

Hi all. Nicole Fallon-Peek here with your Monday edition of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 89 Low: 64.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 91 Low: 66.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. On Saturday, Jun, 3, many gathered in Topeka to share their thoughts on gun violence for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Jeff Potter, pastor of University & Countryside Methodist Church, said "we need change" and more active measures to combat gun violence. Potter is a member of Topeka JUMP and believes there are many proven strategies that work, as long as lawmakers see the demonstrations and "come to the table and actually start addressing things." (WIBW)
2. According to legally required ethics reports, members of the Kansas Senate took more than $1 million from political action committees, special interest groups, large corporations or businesses, and out-of-state donors from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2022. Sen. Ethan Corson, D-Prairie Village, and Sen. Brenda Dietrich, R-Topeka, were the only Kansas Senate members to receive less than 60 percent of contributions from the above sources. The rest received 72 to 100 percent of their contributions from those groups. (Kansas Reflector)
3. The first Dutch Bros. location in Topeka is now open! The grand opening occurred on Friday, Jun. 2, at 5941 SW 17th Street. Headquartered in Oregon, Dutch Bros now has over 700 locations in 14 states. (WIBW)

Business owners and marketers in Topeka: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, Jun. 5

• Garfield Concert Series At Garfield Shelter (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, Jun. 6

• Unexpected Friends: Summer Art Exhibit for Children At Alice C Sabatini Art Gallery (9:00 AM)
• Tricksters and Wise Women At Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Topeka Shawnee County Public Library's Doggie Date Night at Evergy Plaza was a success! The winner of the best trick contest was a dog who can read, see the video at the link! (Shawnee County Parks + Recreation via Twitter)
• Shawnee County is hiring a Rec & Roll Ambassador! Drive the Rec+Roll van to local parks and community events for $10 an hour. Click here to learn more and to apply. (Shawnee County KS via Twitter)
• A three-bedroom with a nice porch is for sale in Topeka for $89,950! View the link to see more homes for sale in the Topeka area. (Topeka Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.