Good morning Topeka! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Wakarusa Presby. Church 37th Annual Ham and Bean Feed and 10 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!
Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 'It's a huge need in the community': Project Period helps women in Topeka (ksnt.com) — A new Junior League of Topeka project is assembling "period packs" to help local women and girls who can't afford menstrual products, after a community assessment identified this as a major need. The group is raising money through a "30 Days of Cash" raffle, with ticket sales open through Oct. 31 to support Project Period Topeka's work in the community.
2. One injured in west Topeka shooting Friday (ksnt.com) — Police are investigating a Friday afternoon shooting in a west Topeka shopping area near Southwest Wanamaker and Winding Roads that left one person seriously injured and taken to a local hospital. Officers say there is no ongoing threat to the public while they continue gathering details about what happened.
3. Rising hotel taxes need better disclosure. Here's the fix. (travelersunited.org) — Staying in Topeka will cost visitors more starting January 1, when the city's transient guest tax jumps from 7% to 8.5% to help fund Visit Topeka, Evergy Plaza, the Jayhawk Theatre, Constitution Hall and a planned downtown ice rink. The columnist argues hotel bills should clearly itemize each tax so travelers understand what they're paying for and can respond accordingly.
4. Pit masters compete for cash prizes at 'Smoke on the Water' barbecue competition (wibw.com) — Barbecue fans in Topeka saw pit masters battle for trophies and up to $1,500 in prizes at the Smoke on the Water competition, where cooks entered chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Mike Arnold dominated by winning three categories, earning nearly $2,400 and the grand champion title, while emphasizing the camaraderie that keeps teams traveling to events like this.
5. Shawnee co. Deputy District Attorney named Kansas Prosecutor of the Year (wibw.com) — Shawnee County Deputy District Attorney Lauren Amrein, based in Topeka, has been honored as Kansas Prosecutor of the Year for her work on multiple homicide, sexual offense and gang-related cases. Local leaders say her seven homicide trial convictions in a single year reflect strong preparation and dedication to justice for Shawnee County victims and families.
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Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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