🌱 Topeka Residents Need Permit To Burn Wood + County Career Expo

Hello, Topeka! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Partly sunny and chilly. High: 41 Low: 23.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 51 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories today in Topeka:

1. The City of Topeka reminds residents that they must have a permit to burn wood on their property and then call dispatch to approve the conditions. The permit is free and can be obtained at the Topeka Fire Department (TFD). Alan Stahl said the TFD will come to a resident's property and assist with a safe burn, but once the residents have the permit and approval from dispatch they can do it themselves. Stahl said, "What we really ask is that you are 50 feet from any structure, and that includes any privacy fences and your house." (WIBW)
2. On Thursday, Mar. 16, the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners is hosting the Shawnee County Career Expo at the Shawnee County Health Department. The commissioners are hiring for multiple departments across the county and offer "robust benefits options." View the link for details and to see all open positions. (WIBW)
3. Topeka native and Kansas City Chiefs fan Hannah Schifman recently made challah, a braided bread typically eaten on Jewish holidays, for Travis Kelce ahead of his appearance on "Saturday Night Live." She also made the super bowl champ some Chiefs-colored Hamantashen, a Jewish dessert that is usually eaten on the holiday of Purim. (KSNT.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Monday, March 13

• Youth Art Month Exhibit At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Spring Spirits: Ages 10-12 At Shawnee North Community Center (2:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 14

• Spring Spirits: Ages 13-15 At Shawnee North Community Center (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Mar. 11, the Topeka Fire Department helped evacuate the TJ Maxx at 2107 SW Wanamaker Road due to a strange smell and multiple employees and customers coughing. One shopper said there were reports of pepper spray being sprayed near the entrance doors of the store, but it is unclear if it was done on purpose. (WIBW)
• The Topeka & Shawnee Co. Library is hosting a series of events and activities for Spring Break, including a Youth Art Month Exhibit, 3D Printing Workshop, Harp Roundtable, Teen Art, and more. (WIBW)
• Looking for your dream home or just curious about the housing prices in your local area? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Topeka area, including a three-bedroom on SW 29th Street for $249,950! (Topeka Patch)

That's it for today! 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.