Gov. Lara Kelly, will sign a proclamation at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3rd, to designate April 26th Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, the Kansas Arborist Association, and City of Topeka Arborist Travis Tenbrink.
“This is an important opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day and the importance that tree’s play in our lives,” said City of Topeka Arborist Travis Tenbrink. “This is a great way to get the community involved in planting trees and we hope that it will encourage others to plant a tree during our celebration of Arbor Day.”
Following the signing the group will be planting a White Oak across the street from the Capital at the Judicial Center. The White Oak was selected to increase the diversity of trees being planted in the downtown area.
Beginning on Monday, April 29, 21st Street will be fully closed to vehicular traffic and open to pedestrians and bike on the north sidewalk. There will be a signed detour using 17th Street. I-470 off and on ramps will be fully closed on the east side of the bridge, the west side ramps will both be open. Although through traffic will be prohibited, local access to the businesses between Belle Avenue and I-470 will be maintained. This section of roadway carries about 27,000 vehicles a day.
The complete “emergency” closure is being done for several reasons:
• The concrete pavement was already showing signs of significant deterioration at the joints, and the situation was made noticeably worse by the harsh winter.
• KDOT will be starting their project to overlay I-470 northbound on or before June 15. The City’s project must be completed prior to the beginning of that overlay work or wait until it is finished. It is our opinion that 21st Street cannot be adequately and safely maintained until after the I-470 work, so we have to act immediately.
• Worker and driver safety. This is a high traffic location. In order to protect construction workers and drivers, full closure is a safer alternative than a complicated, ever changing maze of signs, cones and barricades.
• The full closure will allow the work to be finished in a much shorter time period. The Contractor is required to be finished on or before June 1st or they will face financial penalties.
• A full closure costs significantly less. The cost of maintaining through traffic while constructing roads is expensive.
• There are several construction projects already underway on the west side of Topeka. But there are more projects scheduled to start later in the summer. It is important that the 21st work be completed before these other projects begin to help with the inevitable inconvenience of multiple projects.
Sunflower Paving is the contractor for this project. The project will be completed by June 1st.
During an incident with a Sumatran tiger on April 20, 2019, a Zoo Keeper at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center sustained injuries and is currently recovering at a local Topeka hospital. The injured keeper is 40 year-old Kristyn Hayden-Ortega. Kristyn began working with the Topeka Zoo on July 30, 2001.
Kristyn is a passionate and dedicated individual in this field. She has taught and mentored many other zookeepers, educators, interns, and volunteers into becoming ambassadors for animals of all species. Whether training a tiger for a semen collection, a voluntary ultrasound, or working with an African painted dog to allow the use of a stethoscope to listen to his heart, she is very determined which allows her to approach obstacles with a realistic, but also “we’ll try it” outlook. She has a great sense of humor and is a great problem solver.
During Kristyn’s tenure at the zoo:
- She began her employment at the zoo in the zoo’s education department where she helped implement a state wide Safari Edventure Day program. She also made several trips to Paraguay to work with maned wolves and train zoo keepers in South America.
- After transferring to the zoo’s Animal Care Department in 2009, she developed a passion for working with a number of different animals including African painted dogs and Sumatran tigers.
- She is the zoo’s Institutional Representative to and sits on the steering committee of the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan Steering Committee.
- She recently presented at a conference in Texas on training techniques to enhance reproduction in Sumatran tigers.
- She has traveled to Thailand to work with Asian elephants.
- She was involved with the original release of black-footed ferrets into the Kansas landscape.
- She is the current president of the Topeka Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.
Kristyn is a highly valued member of our team. She is full of passion and performs great work. It is still uncertain when she will leave the hospital but a full recovery is expected.
Kristyn’s family would like to thank everyone who has sent prayers and well-wishes. At the same time, Kristyn’s family has experienced a traumatic event and needs time to process that. They have asked for privacy and hope the media and public can respect that.
At about 9:15 this morning, a Zoo Keeper found herself in the same outdoor space with a seven year old Sumatran tiger. The Keeper sustained injuries but is being treated at a local hospital and remains in stable condition.
Zoo personnel responded immediately. In less than ten minutes, the tiger was called into an adjoining indoor holding space. The tiger was never out of its enclosure.
While the zoo briefly closed during the time of the incident, it reopened shortly after.
“The male Sumatran tiger, Sanjiv, simply reacted the way that is normal for a tiger to do,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “There is absolutely no consideration of euthanizing the tiger.”
Over the next several days, a complete investigation will be conducted that will also review all policies and procedures around tiger management at the zoo. “If we need to make updates to our current procedures, we will most certainly do that,” said Wiley.
The zoo staff is highly trained and experienced in working with tigers. Safety is always in the forefront. The entire zoo team routinely trains for emergency situations like this.
The Topeka Zoo considers its Sumatran Tiger Program to be one of its best well rounded animal programs. “For this critically endangered species we have an active breeding program, we make regular contributions to the science of caring for this species and our community financially supports a ranger on the ground in Sumatra,” said Wiley. “Right now, our focus is on our injured team member. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.”
The City of Topeka Utilities Department started construction on the Ash Street Force Main project on April 15th and is scheduled to be completed in April of 2020. The original station was constructed in 1928 with an expansion occurring in 1972. The project consists of construction and installation of a new 48” diameter force main as well as upgrades to the Ash Street Pump Station’s existing pumps, gates, instrumentation and controls. There have been two failures in the existing force main, therefore this is a mandated rehabilitation project as part of the Consent Agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Citizens in the area of the Ash Street Pump Station were notified of the construction by mail this spring. An open house and informational presentation was held on January 24th. The site of construction will have several pieces of large equipment working in the area. The City of Topeka asks that citizens be cautious around the construction work zone. Please follow all temporary construction work zone traffic control which will include detours for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. For more information please contact City Wastewater Engineer Michelle Neiswender at 368-4251.
When staff at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center confirmed with ultrasound that Cleo, an eleven year old black and white ruffed lemur, was pregnant, they were excited. The pregnancy was Cleo’s first. Cleo was pregnant with multiple babies. The excitement turned to sadness late Saturday evening as Cleo gave birth to a motionless baby.
As her due date approached, Cleo began spending more and more time in a nest box last Tuesday. A camera was placed near the box and staff began making periodic night time checks. Around 8:00 Saturday evening, Cleo gave birth to the first baby. When the baby appeared to be motionless, staff began to intervene.
Once it was determined that the baby monkey was stillborn, attention was focused on Cleo. Ultrasound confirmed that there was at least one more heartbeat in Cleo’s uterus. A radiograph confirmed three remaining babies inside Cleo.
Cleo was given a medication to help stimulate labor. After 90 minutes had passed with no further delivery progress, the decision was made to do an emergency caesarian section. Two of the remaining three had died in utero. One was born with a heartbeat but never took a breath. Each baby had some sort of abnormality.
Cleo continues to recover from her surgery and is doing well. She is getting extra of her favorite fruits. She will continue to stay at the Zoo’s hospital for another five to seven days so that her incision and medication intake can be monitored.
“It was a very sad night Saturday for the staff that were here taking care of Cleo and for our entire team as the news spread,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “We were all really looking forward to this birth. I am always amazed at what our staff accomplishes and the efforts they give to the animals that live here. The compassion that they displayed during this event was incredible.”
We need animal conservation heroes more than ever as the world is losing wildlife thousands of times faster than the natural extinction rate. A new public service announcement unveiled today by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) features four professionals who embody what it means to be a champion for wildlife and wild places. The winners of the AZA Find Our Wildlife Heroes contest, who star in the ad, share the unique paths they’ve pursued to help save endangered species. The full PSA and vignettes featuring each of the heroes may be viewed on AZA’s YouTube channel.
“The professional staff at AZA-accredited facilities are doing incredible work each day to educate and inspire the next generation of conservationists, provide exceptional care possible to the animals at their facilities, and working tirelessly in the field to save animals in nature,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA. “Amanda, Donnie, Josh, and Rachael are representative of those thousands of professionals, and I believe America will enjoy getting to know them.”
Last fall, AZA invited members of its 233-accredited facilities to submit personal stories of their passion for animal care and conservation. Over 100 entries were received, highlighting the diverse work of professionals at AZA-accredited facilities and the love they have for their jobs.
After deliberation from a panel of judges, as well as a public voting period, four members from AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums were chosen as Our Wildlife Heroes. These four heroes represent professionals at AZA facilities who play a hands-on role in the care and conservation of animals:
- Amanda Hodo from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Amanda followed her dream to pursue aquatic biology and serves as a role model to the next generation of scientists through outreach to underserved communities.
- Donnie Alverson from San Diego Zoo Global – Donnie, a conservation researcher, is studying, breeding and reintroducing Hawaiian honeycreepers to ensure sustainable populations in the wild.
- Josh Lucas from Oklahoma City Zoo – Josh, a herpetologist, grew his childhood love of reptiles into a lifelong passion for caring for animals and traveled across the globe to help rescue endangered radiated tortoises from illegal wildlife trade.
- Rachael Rost from Topeka Zoo – Rachael, an educator, directly connects with thousands of students per year, engaging them in citizen science and inspiring conservation in the classroom.
More than 800,000 animals receive quality care at AZA-accredited organizations, which includes ensuring a diverse wildlife population for generations to come. Because of exceptional staff members like these heroes, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are uniquely suited to fight extinction through:
Resources – They contributed $220 million in 2017 to field conservation, benefitting over 800 species worldwide.
Research – They conducted over 1,000 animal care, health, and welfare projects in 2017.
Recovery – They reintroduce extinct species such as the scimitar-horned oryx and the black-footed ferret and rehabilitate animals who cannot survive on their own.
Education – They inspire nearly 200 million annual guests, in addition to the countless education and volunteer programs in their community.
The PSA encourages viewers also to be a hero for wildlife through five simple steps: Advocate, Volunteer, Donate, Share and Visit. Animal lovers can deepen their commitment to wildlife conservation by going to www.aza.org/joinus.
ABOUT AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
The City Manager’s office has made it a strategic goal to work in many aspects throughout the City to improve communication, increase effective data-driven decision making, and increase sustainability. As a part of the strategic plan, a direct goal is to conduct a survey every other year to receive feedback from the Citizens of Topeka in regards to their satisfaction levels of City services.
“The citizen satisfaction survey is important to get feedback on what Topekan’s feel about our community, both good and bad,” said City Manager Brent Trout. “The feedback allows the city to identify our strengths and find out what aspects of our city that citizens want us to improve on.”
In November of 2018, the City of Topeka contracted with the ETC Institute to administer a citizen’s satisfaction survey to assess the opinions and priorities of Topeka residents. To ensure the community was represented as a whole, a total of 3,000 surveys were mailed out to a random sample of households covering all parts of the city. To get statistically accurate data, ETC set a goal to receive 400 completed surveys. The goal was exceeded with 438 household responses, giving a 4.7% margin of error or a 95% level of confidence rate.
The data collected should be considered along with other factors such as input from City officials and City staff when making budget and policy decisions. The city has also concluded from this survey that there are areas in which the City of Topeka needs to do a better job telling their story and educating the general public.
According to the survey report, the Citizens top three priorities, in order, are:
1. Maintenance of City Streets
2. Flow of Traffic & Congestion Management
3. Enforcement of City codes & ordinances
The survey will be a great resource not only for staff but for other individuals in the community as well. The feedback we received will be a consistent tool we utilize to identify opportunities to improve on, measure trends over time and compare Topeka’s performance with other communities.
As listed on the City of Topeka webpage our mission is to provide exceptional, cost-effective services in partnership with the community, which add value and enhance the quality of life for all. We believe that conducting the survey and utilizing the feedback keeps our promise of this mission as well as the goal to build citizen satisfaction, confidence and trust in service delivery and operations management. The full survey findings can be found on the city website at: https://www.topeka.org/citymanager/citizen-satisfaction/
In an effort to reach out to citizens, City Manager Brent Trout is starting a mobile office. The mobile office will give citizens a chance to interact with the City Manager and share their concerns outside of city hall. The mobile office will take place once a quarter. Citizens can set up a fifteen minutes meeting by calling the City Manager’s office. Open hour timeslots will also be available for anyone wanting to drop in. The first mobile office will take place on April 15th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Juli’s Coffee and Bistro on 110 SE 8th Ave.
It has been a really active past nine months for animal babies at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation center. People anticipated, watched and celebrated the births of two giraffes, four Sumatran tigers, a three-banded armadillo, a Hoffman’s sloth and a golden lion tamarin. Now through a series of ultrasound exams of a female black and white ruffed lemur, the Zoo is confirming the pregnancy of its female, Cleo.
“Maybe there’s something in the water or maybe it’s just really good animal care,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “Like with so many of the animals that live here, our lemurs participate in a cooperative animal training program that benefits their health. Our female lemur voluntarily participates in ultrasound exams. This training has allowed us to confirm one and possibly a second baby. We can only see into the part of the uterus that Cleo allows us to see. This is one of the reasons that we repeat the sonogram on the same day in consecutive weeks.”
The Zoo estimates that the female lemur is in the latter part of her third trimester. Gestation of this species is approximately 102 days. In North America, they typically give birth in either April or May. As part of the planning for the imminent birth, visitors to the zoo will see a thick layer of hay bedding and a new nest box on the floor in the lemur habitat. Zoo staff plan to continue the voluntary ultrasounds until parturition occurs.
The City of Topeka is kicking off road construction projects for the 2019 construction season, which are typically constructed from March through November. These projects are essential to restore roads in Topeka and to maintain them in order to keep roads in good shape for as long as possible.
Projects starting soon are:
SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – April 1st
Chesney Park, Phase 1 – April 1st
SW Gage – 25th to 29th – April 2nd
SW Arvonia/Winding Road – April 8th
“The passing of the half cent sales tax was critical to fixing our streets,” said Public Works Director Jason Peek. “The city is using new and innovative techniques to extend the life of our roads and keep them in the best shape possible while also replacing the streets that need the most work.”
The Public Works Department has been hard at work putting the city’s half cent sales tax to good use by improving streets all over the city. Three years ago, the city embarked on a new pavement management program heavy on analytics and effective processes. The first step was to gather data. In the fall of 2016, the city hired an independent firm to gauge the condition or our streets from 0 (the worst) to 100 (the best). Poor condition pavement ranks between 0-54; Fair between 55-70, and Good between 70-100.The most effective investment for Poor condition pavement is complete reconstruction; Fair condition, major to minor rehabilitation; and Good, regular preventive maintenance. Information regarding the program and condition results can be found at https://www.topeka.org/streetmaintenance/topeka-street-conditions/#glossary
The second step was to review various street maintenance methods and determine which ones were effective, which ones could be improve, and which ones may be missing. Following eight years of major construction, the City also added effective preventive maintenance program to keep the good streets good. As a result the city began micro-surfacing and crack-sealing to preserve the streets and keep them in good condition longer. Streets that are in good, satisfactory or fair condition, but not yet a candidate for a mill and overlay or replacement, are treated with preventive maintenance techniques. Eighty-three lane miles of streets received preventive maintenance treatment last year.
Together, the combination of crack-sealing and micro-sealing are a cost-effective way to “keep our good roads good”. The process takes a lot less time at a much lower cost than the more extensive mill and overlay project. The City plans to micro-seal approximately 100 lane-miles this spring/summer. Several major projects are in the works including mill and overlay and replacements of streets and intersections. Those projects can be found below.
Street crews will be working hard all summer to build the best roads for Topeka so please keep these safe driving tips in mind during construction season:
Be alert and watch for workers.
Be prepared to stop when necessary.
Follow all traffic control.
Don’t take shortcuts through private property.
Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Don’t tailgate.
Major road project details can be found on the front page of the City of Topeka’s website at www.topeka.org.
2019 Major Street Projects are as follows:
SE Adams – 33rd to 37th – Project #841017.83
Start Date: April 1, 2019
Completion Date: October 25, 2019
Details: This project is a complete removal and replacement.
Traffic Impact: The road will be closed. A signed detour will be provided.
Est. Budget: $1.6 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Project Public Meeting: 6-7 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at CRC Center, 455 SE Golf Park.
Chesney Park Neighborhood Project – Phase I – Project #841017.60
Start Date: April 1, 2019
Completion Date: November 15, 2019
Details: This two-construction season project includes some curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline. 2019 construction includes the area from 17th to 21st and Washburn to Clay. 2020 construction will include the area from 17th to 21st and Clay to Western.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Est. Budget: $2.7 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
SW Gage – 25th to 29th – Project #841017.84
Start Date: April 2, 2019
Completion Date: August 9, 2019
Details: This project will include full-depth patching and a mill and overlay.
Traffic Impact: Traffic will be allowed through the project during construction. Some turn restrictions may apply.
Estimated Budget: Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Project Public Meeting: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Monday, April 1, First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage.
SW Arvonia Place/Winding Road – Phase II Project #701014.01
Start Date: April 8
Completion Date – Phase II: September 20
Details: This 150-day project is complete removal and replacement as well as the relocation of the Arvonia Pl. and SW Winding Road intersection.
Traffic Impact: Arvonia will be closed to through traffic.
Estimated Budget: $2.13 million
Funding: General Obligation Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
A public open house is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Washburn Tech, 5724 SW Huntoon, in the Conference Center.
NW Vail – NW Gordon to Hwy 24 Frontage Road – Project #841017.82
Bid Date: April 9
Start Date: May 13
Completion Date: September 13
Details: The project will include complete removal and replacement of the pavement.
Traffic Impact: The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. A signed detour will be provided.
Estimated Budget: TBD
Funding: City Half Cent Sales Tax; Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
North Kansas Ave. – Morse to Soldier – Project #841017.85
Bid Date: TBD
Start Date: Summer 2019
Completion Date: Fall 2019
Details: This project will include complete pavement removal and reconstruction and limited sidewalk improvements.
Traffic Impact: Through traffic will be allowed during the project; some turn restrictions may apply.
Estimated Budget: TBD
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Robert Bidwell, P.E., 368-3842
Clarion Woods Neighborhood – Phase II of II – Project #841040.15
Start Date: March 18
Completion Date: November 30 – Phase II
Details: This project is a complete reconstruction of residential streets and underdrains to eliminate water saturation under the roadway.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Estimated Budget: $2.0 million
Funding: Citywide Half Cent Sales Tax; City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842.
Tennessee Town Neighborhood Project #601075.02
Bid Date: April 10
Start Date: May 6
Completion Date: November 8
Details: This project will include portions of curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement; full depth patches in the street and a mill and overlay, extensive storm water piping and inlet boxes, and three blocks of waterline.
Traffic Impact: Minimal, only in front of residences where construction is occurring.
Est. Budget: $1.4 million
Funding: SORT GO Bonds; City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Bikeways Construction – Phase III – Project #861005.02
Bid Date: TBD
Start Date: Spring 2019
Completion Date: TBD depending on the start date.
Details: This project includes construction of bike lanes on SW 8th – Topeka Blvd. to College Ave. and on Washburn and Lane from SW 6th to SW 17th. It also includes pavement markings on all of Route 12; Route 19, Sections 6, 7 and 8; and Route 5, Section 23. The routes and other information regarding the progress of the master plan can be found at http://www.topekampo.org/bikeways-master-plan.html
Budget: $1 million
Funding: State Grant
City Project Manager: Linda Voss, P.E., 368-3842
Micro surfacing – Project #601071.02
Bid Date: April 16
Start Date: TBD
Completion Date: 120 days after Start Date
Details: Crack sealing will take place during the 2018-19 winter; micro surfacing will occur after crack sealing has set for several months.
Traffic Impact: Projects on neighborhood streets will only impact those who park in front of their home or use the street regularly to come and go from the neighborhood. On busy streets, work may close a section for a short period but will be open by evening in most cases.
Funding: $3.0 million in remaining Countywide Half Cent Sales Tax
City Project Manager: Keith Duncan, P.E., 368-3842