🌱 Topeka Man Laid To Rest 81 Years Later + Taxpayers & City Manager

Hello again, everybody! It's Friday in Topeka and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A thunderstorm or two. High: 81 Low: 67.
• Saturday: Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 82 Low: 68.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. It's been 81 years since the Pearl Harbor attack, and Topeka native Cecil Barncord, an electrician's mate third class, was finally laid to rest in Washington state near Mossyrock. Barncord served aboard the USS Oklahoma, where he was responsible for maintaining electrical systems, motors, batteries, and fire controls. That ship was among the first to be attacked by Japanese torpedoes. He was laid to rest with complete military honor after his remains were positively identified in 2015. (Yahoo News)
2. Topeka taxpayers are currently paying $2,000 per week for an acting city manager, alongside the salary being paid to the city's actual manager who is on an indefinite leave of absence. The acting manager, Richard Nienstedt, also receives mileage expenses. The city has not provided further information, citing it as a personnel matter. (KSNT News)
3. From Jun. 23 to Jun. 25 Habitat For Humanity Pride Build events will take place at the Braided Haven Transitional House. This initiative aims to provide a secure environment for LGBTQ+ adolescents experiencing homelessness, allowing them to embrace their identity and thrive with the support of a caring community. The project will culminate in a Pride Build celebration and picnic on Sunday, Jun. 25 to bring all volunteers together to commemorate the successful transformation of the house into a welcoming home. (Habitat For Humanity Topeka via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Friday, June 9

• Friday Night Live Summer Music Series At The Weather Room (5:30 PM)

Saturday, June 10

• TacoTopia Streetfest At Topeka Vendors Market (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Topeka successfully won the auction bid to acquire Hotel Topeka at City Center for $7.6 million. While the purchase documents are currently being finalized, the sale will only be considered final once this process is complete. Learn more here. (City of Topeka Government via Facebook)
• Searching for summer activities to do with the whole family? Look no further! Get the Sunflower Summer app and start exploring. In a joint effort between the Kansas State Department of Education and local teachers, Sunflower Summer has been developed as an engaging and enjoyable platform to foster continuous student learning throughout the summer season. (Topeka Public Schools via Facebook)
• MET&L, The Prairie Pour Tour is in full swing. Sign up today before you start visiting participating locations and those who complete the tour will be entered in a $500 giveaway. (MET&L Prairie Pour Tour via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

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

That's it for today. I'll be 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.