🌱 Public Hearing For Evergy Rate Increase + Reconnecting Lost Pets

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Topeka Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy with a t-storm. High: 81 Low: 67.
• Saturday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 82 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories in Topeka today:

1. Evergy customers will have an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding a proposed rate increase add an average of $14 to most monthly bills in public hearings conducted by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Evergy filed an application in April requesting the rate increase, which requires approval from the Commission. The hearings will be held in various locations, including Topeka, Overland Park, and Wichita, with a virtual option available for remote participation. (WIBW)
2. During the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July, runaway pets are more common, making it crucial for families to act swiftly if their pet goes missing. Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka is offering assistance to reconnect lost pets with their owners. They advise individuals to immediately contact their Humane Society to file a lost report and provide necessary information to aid in the search. (WIBW)
3. During the Fourth of July weekend, the Topeka Police Department and Topeka Fire Department responded to more than 20 incidents related to fireworks. The Topeka Fire Department received at least 10 calls, while the Topeka Police Department responded to 20 fireworks-related calls. No citations were issued by the police department during the holiday weekend. St. Francis Hospital reported treating four patients for firework-related injuries between Jun. 30 and Jul. 4, but there is no information available from other hospitals in the area. (KSNT News)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Friday, July 7

• Duo Du Jour: Live Music In The Park At Redbud Park (6:00 PM)
• Paranormal Cirque At Heartland Motorsports Park (7:30 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Unexpected Friends: Summer Art Exhibit For Children At Alice C. Sabatini Gallery (All Day)
• Acoustic String Jam At Doughboyz Pizzeria (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Derby Informer has compiled a list of cities in the Topeka metro area with the most expensive homes based on data from Zillow. McLouth, Kansas, has the highest typical home value at $294,748, an increase of 12.8 percent from a year ago. (The Derby Informer)
• The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is set to release a new mobile app in partnership with Century Business Technologies. The app will provide an audio tour, help users locate amenities, and allow existing zoo members to link their memberships. (KSNT News)
• Discover the Topeka Area Sports Commission, an organization focused on promoting Topeka and Shawnee County as a sports destination for both youth and adult activities. In the latest episode of the Topeka Talk Podcast, explore their efforts to highlight inclusivity in sports and listen to their vision for the community. (City of Topeka Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Oakland Community Center (July 12)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good 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.