🌱 Topeka's 18th Homicide + Locals Concerned About New Homeless Camp

Hello again, Topeka! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Topeka Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

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Now, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 92 Low: 69.
• Thursday: Partial sunshine. High: 90 Low: 67.

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From our sponsor:

Today's Topeka Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today's Topeka Patch newsletter possible.

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Here are the top four stories today in Topeka:

1. Topeka Police are investigating the city's 18th homicide death this year, which occurred late Sunday night, Jun. 18, in the 4100 block of S.W. Twilight Drive. Investigators are allegedly investigating whether the fatal shooting may have been justifiable. According to Lt. Donna Eubanks, all parties involved have been interviewed as of Tuesday, Jun. 20. (Subscription: Topeka Capital-Journal)
2. Residents in a South Topeka neighborhood are concerned about a homeless camp that popped up on Saturday morning, Jun. 17. Branden Bullocks and his wife have set up a tarp and camp on city-owned land near 21st and Washburn. Neighbors have complained that the camp is an "eyesore," that it will make their property value go down, and one said she is scared for her safety. Homeowner Cory Chandler told Bullocks that the cops have been called and Bullocks allegedly yelled at her. (KSNT)
3. The Paranormal Cirque is coming to Topeka! The five performances featuring acrobats, illusionists, mysterious creatures, and more will take place at Heartland Motorsports Park from Friday, Jul. 7 to Sunday, Jul. 9. Due to the use of adult language and material not intended for those under the age of 17, the shows have an "R-rated status" and anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 must have a parent or guardian accompany them. Click here for tickets and more information. (KSN)
4. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation released a statement on Jun. 18 that confirmed there were about 100 letters containing white powder sent to people across Kansas. According to the statement, the preliminary tests indicated the white powder was "presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern." The investigation is ongoing and more accurate testing will be done. (NTD)

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Today and tomorrow in Topeka:

Wednesday, June 21

• Sunflower Music Festival At White Concert Hall (All Day)
• Juggler & Comedian Brian Wendling At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (1:00 PM)

Thursday, June 22

• Sunflower Music Festival At White Concert Hall (All Day)
• BINGO At Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Topeka Metro will host three Public Meetings to discuss proposed service changes and reductions. The meetings will take place at Quincy Street Station on Jun. 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Jun. 27 from 7:00-9:00 a.m., and Jun. 28 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. (Topeka Metro via Twitter)
• According to Topeka Police, there were three overnight shootings on Jun. 18 in less than four hours. The first shooting occurred around 10:00 p.m. on the 1300 block of SW Clay Street and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to one victim. The second shooting occurred around 11:25 p.m. in the 4100 block of SW Twilight Drive and resulted in the death of a father of two. The third shooting occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Jun. 19 in the 1300 block of Western Avenue and resulted in one victim suffering non-life-threatening injuries. (WIBW)
• Topeka PD is searching for 21-year-old Kylin T. Goudeau of Topeka as a person of interest in connection to the Jun. 18 shooting in the 1300 block of SW Clay Street. Police ask anyone with information about Goudeau's whereabouts to call 911 or make an anonymous tip by calling 785-234-0007 or online here. (Topeka Police Department via Twitter)
• A baby Great Dane puppy named Lady needs a fur-ever home! See Lady and more adorable adoptable pets in the Topeka area at the link. (Topeka Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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.