The City of Topeka, the Department of Justice and Washburn University will be hosting a
Department of Justice Program on Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships on June 8th.
For the past several months a planning committee, made up of several diverse community members, has
been working on putting together the SPCP program. The day long program will be composed of two
large group sessions and two break-out sessions where Topekan’s can talk about their relationship
with the Topeka Police Department and issues in their community. For the morning session the small
groups will identify issues in the community. Once those issues are identified, the small groups
will be discussing solutions to the top five problems identified in the morning.
“Washburn University’s Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Department is honored to work with the
Topeka Police Department, the Department of Justice, and local community members in their efforts
to improve community and police relations,” said Dr. Ryan Alexander, the Criminal Justice and Legal
Studies Department faculty member helping to plan the event.
During the Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships program, a council will be formed from
community members who participate in the program. This SPCP council will be working together to
advise Chief Cochran and continue community conversations in Topeka.
“I am eager to get to hear from Topekan’s about their ideas and see how this diverse group can come
up with innovative solutions to Topeka’s issues,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “The
council formed out of this group will be a great asset to the police
department.”
The SPCP day-long event on June 8th will be invite only. Members of the planning group are inviting
influential community members who can go out into their neighborhoods and tell their friends and
neighbors about the SPCP program and continue the work and community conversation that the program
started.
Members of the planning group include:
Melissa Masoner
Major Russell Klumpp
Joe Ledbetter
Ed Collazo
Marty Hillard
Luis Estrada
P.J. Carter
Pastor Marcus Clark
Molly Hadfield
Ben Scott
With lights flashing and sirens blaring, Topeka law enforcement and fire personnel often arrive first at emergencies, always ready to help. These local first responders will help ensure blood is available during medical emergencies by partnering with the American Red Cross for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Thursday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison.
“The City of Topeka is excited to host another Battle of the Badges event. Last year was extremely competitive with the Fire Department winning by one donation,” said Fire Marshal Mike Martin. “We encourage everyone to come out and support the Topeka Police and Fire Departments and help save lives.”
During the blood drive, the Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give blood can cast a vote to determine who will win this year’s bragging rights.
“Thanks to first responders for not only keeping the community safe, but also helping with blood collection this spring,” said Susan Faler, Central Plains Blood Services Region account manager. “The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive offers a way for Topeka residents to support our local heroes and help save lives by giving blood.”
This May, during Trauma Awareness Month, the Red Cross is calling for donors to give blood regularly to be prepared to meet the needs of patients in emergency situations. According to the National Trauma Institute, trauma accounts for approximately 41 million emergency department visits and 2 million hospital admissions each year.
In trauma situations, when there’s no time to check a patient’s blood type, emergency personnel reach for type O negative red blood cells and type AB plasma because they can be transfused to any patient, regardless of blood type. Less than 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood, and only about 4 percent of the population has type AB blood.
Donors of all blood types are urged to roll up a sleeve to help meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions.
To make an appointment for the 2018 Topeka Battle of the Badges, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Topeka.
How to donate blood:
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
The City of Topeka’s Department of Neighborhood Relations and Advisors Excel will be giving away fans to people who meet income qualifications on Monday, May 14th.
The only location for fan pick up is from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 14th, on the first floor of the Holliday Building, 620 S.E. Madison. The fans will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The partnership will provide 120 box Fans to distribute, free of charge, to those who need help staying cool as the summer heats up.
“Thanks to the generosity of Advisors Excel, we’re able to help those in need this summer,” said Monique Glaude’, division director of Community Engagement. “The fan giveaway is an opportunity for the City to help our citizens find relief from the summer heat.
“Advisors Excel is thankful to partner with the City of Topeka to distribute fans to those in need. Providing simple comfort to those who may not be able to provide it for themselves.”
To qualify for a free fan, a person must be a Topeka resident at least 55 years of age or someone with a disability and have an annual income of $28,150 or less for a one-person household. Two-person households must have an annual income of $32,150 or less; three-persons, $36,150 or less; four persons, $40,150 or less; five persons, $43,400 or less; six persons, $46,600 or less; seven persons, $49,800 or less and eight persons, $53,000 or less.
Those applying must provide proof of household income, social security card and photo identification. Those with a disability must provide documentation of the disability, such as a letter from a doctor or documentation from Social Security. Because of the limited stock this year, only those applicants who come prepared with all of the identification and documents will be accepted.
For more information, call Monique Glaude’ at 368-3711.
Gov. Jeff Colyer, signed a proclamation at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 23rd, in his office at the Capitol designating Friday, April 27, Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, the Kansas Arborist Association board, 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 on Arbor Day.”
Before the signing, the group planted a Swamp White Oak on the capital grounds at 9:45 a.m. The Swamp Oak will be the first tree of its kind on the capital grounds. It was selected to create a diversity of trees at the capital.
The City of Topeka is encouraging residents to sign up for Nextdoor, the free and private neighborhood social network, to help strengthen neighbor-to-neighbor and citywide communications. To help raise awareness for the City’s presence on the platform and to inspire residents to join, the City is unveiling a Nextdoor branded property maintenance truck that will tour Topeka.
“Topeka has always been an innovative and resourceful City. Nextdoor is another great tool we can use to help us better communicate and reach our residents,” said Monique Glaudeˊ. “We look forward to more residents joining us on Nextdoor so that we can work together to create stronger, healthier neighborhoods.”
With Nextdoor, Topeka residents can create private neighborhood networks to share information with each other, including neighborhood public safety issues, community events and activities, local services, and even lost pets. The City of Topeka launched with Nextdoor for Public Agencies in December 2013 and is using the platform to post information to residents, such as important news, services, programs, free events, and emergency notifications.
Since the City partnered with Nextdoor, membership on the platform has grown by 2200%. This increased membership and engagement on Nextdoor has successfully driven higher levels of participation in City discussions, workshops, and events. The City of Topeka asked residents if they feel more informed since the City of Topeka started using Nextdoor. Seventy-one percent of the 381 residents that responded to the poll told us that they do feel more informed since the City started posting on Nextdoor.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the City of Topeka’s amazing use of Nextdoor to better connect with residents,” said Joseph Porcelli, Senior City Strategist at Nextdoor. “Topeka is full of wonderful neighbors and we are looking forward to welcoming more onto the platform as the City continues its efforts to engage at the neighborhood level.”
Nextdoor is free for residents and the City. Each Topeka neighborhood has its own private Nextdoor neighborhood website, accessible only to residents of that neighborhood. Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor website and the City will not be able to access residents’ websites, contact information, or content. All members must verify that they live within the neighborhood before joining Nextdoor. Information shared on Nextdoor is password protected and cannot be accessed by Google or other search engines.
Those interested in joining their neighborhood’s Nextdoor website can visit www.nextdoor.com and enter their address. If residents have questions about their Nextdoor website, please visit help.nextdoor.com.
The City of Topeka is kicking off road construction projects for the summer of 2018. 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.
“The streets in Topeka are improving and we are committed to keeping streets in Topeka in the best shape possible,” 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. Two 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.
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 improvements, it was determine that a new method was needed to keep the good streets good. As a result the city started a micro-surfacing program that preserves the streets and keeps them in good condition for 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 micro-surfacing.
Together, micro-surfacing, 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 83 lane-miles this spring/summer. The same roads were crack-sealed in the fall. This fall and winter, the City plans to crack-seal between 40 and 50 lane miles of street followed in the spring of 2019 with more micro-surfacing.
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 or at https://www.topeka.org/streetmaintenance/street-projects/ .
The major street projects for 2018 include:
SW 49th – Wenger Road to the RR Tracks – Project #701027.00
Start Date: March 5, 2018
Completion Date: July 13, 2018
Details: This project will transform a rural two-lane unpaved road into a Concrete, 3 lane section, 41 ft. industrial road, with curb and gutter.
SW 29th and Burlingame Intersection
Start Date: April 30
Completion Date: Nov. 9
Details: The intersection will be removed and replaced.
SW 21st and Kansas Avenue Intersection
Start Date: April 23
Completion Date: Nov. 2
Details: The intersection will be removed and replaced.
SW Arvonia Place/Huntoon Street/I-470 Ramp
Bid Opening: April 11
Start Date: May 7
Completion Date – Phase I of II: November 30, 2018
Details: This project will include complete removal and replacement as well as the relocation of the Arvonia Pl. and SW Winding Road intersection. This is a two-construction season project.
SW Gage – 21st to 25th
Bid Opening: April 24
Start Date: June 11, 2018
Estimated Completion Date: October 2018
Details: This project will include full-depth patching and a mill and overlay.
N. Vail – NW Gordon to Hwy 24 Frontage Road
Estimated Start Date: Fall 2018
Estimated Completion Date: Summer 2019
Details: The project will be a complete removal and replacement.
SE Adams – 29th to 33rd
Bid Opening: April 24
Start Date: May 29
Completion Date: November 9, 2018
Details: This project will include complete removal and replacement.
Public Open Houses for Road Projects:
A public open house for the SW 29th and Burlingame Project is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 12, Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road.
A public open house for the Arvonia/Huntoon/I-470 Project is scheduled from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monday, April 23, Washburn Tech, 5724 SW Huntoon, Bldg. A.
Additional public meetings will be scheduled for some projects as they near construction
The City of Topeka is partnering with Shawnee County, The District Attorney’s office, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, state officials and Freedom Now USA to combat human trafficking in Topeka/ Shawnee County. A joint press conference held on April 5th, announced the partnership of these agencies in the fight against human trafficking.
Freedom Now USA, an initiative launched by the Topeka Rescue Mission, is uniting efforts to eradicate Human Trafficking in the United States. Barry Feaker, Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission said, “Freedom Now USA is proud to partner with Topeka and Shawnee County leaders to win the fight against Human Trafficking in our back yard. Our nation needs a win against modern day slavery and Kansas has a rich history of not compromising on this issue. By uniting, we will eradicate Human Trafficking from our city, county and eventually our nation.”
A resolution to combat human trafficking was signed by the Topeka City Council on April 3rd. The Shawnee County Commissioners signed the same resolution on April 5th.
“The City of Topeka is proud to help out all of our partners in putting a stop to human trafficking in our community. Together we can all make a difference and help end suffering in our community,” said Topeka City Manager Brent Trout.
A Freedom Now Coalition will be formed for Topeka and Shawnee County which will create solutions to end human trafficking by identifying the unique challenges and concerns faced by our community. The coalition will work to address human trafficking on the local level while coordinating with the state and national Freedom Now initiatives.
“This joint effort is essential in helping out the men, women and children who are being abused and enslaved in human trafficking,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “It is crucial that we all unite to help stop human trafficking so that people are able to live without fear of being recruited and solicited for labor or sexual servitude.”
“The Resolution presented to the Shawnee County Commission reaffirms our position that Human Trafficking will not be supported or ignored in our community. As a County we support the endeavors to end the persecution of individuals who have been forced into human trafficking,” said Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook.
These agencies are partnering to eliminate human trafficking in Topeka and Shawnee County by identifying, addressing and eliminating situations that lead to or allow human trafficking to occur. To reach this goal these agencies will provide education to help identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking, establish ways for victims to safely seek justice and be provided with access to restorative and support services, and to prosecute those individuals, businesses and systems that conduct and benefit from human trafficking.
By working together, sharing resources and creating action plans, these agencies in Topeka and Shawnee County will work to stabilize this community and decrease the vulnerability of our citizens to human traffickers. This coalition will meet once a month to discuss actionable plans with Freedom Now staff. These plans will influence policy at the city and county level. The action plans will establish a framework that allows these agencies to collaborate and share vital resources, best practices and data to help eliminate human trafficking.
For more information on the Freedom Now USA initiatives please contact Barry Feaker at the Topeka Rescue Mission (785) 354-1744.
TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department Responded to a structure fire located at 1112 SW Woodward Ave., Topeka Kansas at 11:45 AM on Sunday April 1, 2017. Upon arrival, fire crews found the two story wood framed residential structure with smoke showing from the second story. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. Five occupants were out of the structure when firefighters arrived. A primary search of the structure revealed there were no other occupants.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to determine the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, associated with a juvenile playing with a lighter.
- Estimated dollar loss – $12,000.00 (Twelve Thousand Dollars); $10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Dollars) structural loss and $2,000.00 (Two Thousand Dollars) contents loss.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, One (1) Truck Company, One (1) Aerial Ladder Company, One (1) Battalion Chief, One (1) Shift Commander and an Investigator.
- Assisting agencies at this incident included the Topeka Police Department, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and the Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross.
- No working smoke detectors were located within the structure.
Mayor Michelle De La Isla announced the “Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence” for Topeka and Shawnee County on Monday, March 19th at 10 am at the YWCA Northeast Kansas (225 SW 12th Street).
“The Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence is a project that is very close to my heart. The YWCA helped me get out of an abusive relationship and I believe that this task force will help many other women get out of harmful situations,” Mayor De La Isla said. “I believe that stopping domestic violence and abuse is key to improving people’s lives and improving the City of Topeka. Together with our partners we can all help to end domestic violence in this community.”
The task force is made up of representatives across the criminal justice system as well as community service agencies including Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, Shawnee County Court Services, local Batterer’s Intervention Programs, Washburn University, Department of Children and Families, Valeo Behavioral Health, and Stormont Vail Hospital. These agencies join together with the purpose of increasing victim safety, offender accountability, and community awareness. These agencies are committed to eradicating the problem of domestic violence and are willing to hold themselves and each other accountable.
“We know our communities are safer when we work together. The YWCA Northeast Kansas is proud to be a part of this large collaborative effort to ensure women, children and families are guaranteed access to justice and services that keep them safe,” said Kathleen Marker.
Two giraffes at the Topeka zoo are pregnant. Eight-year-old Hope and seven-year-old Abi are both expecting their first calve late spring or early summer.
Many people will remember Hope and the story that surrounded her when she was born. In July 2010, Hope came into this world with a medical complication. Both of her rear legs presented with hyper extended fetlocks. Through a major effort and with the world watching, she beat the odds and overcame the condition. During her treatment, she was the subject matter of local news broadcasts, major networks, and TV specials. Even the today show came to Topeka to share her story.
With life in front of her, Hope represented the future of the giraffe program at the Topeka Zoo. In 2013, Sgt. Peppers, a male reticulated giraffe born at the Oklahoma City Zoo was transferred to the Topeka zoo to be paired with hope. Two years later, Abi, a giraffe from the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo was also transferred to Topeka and together the three giraffe formed the breeding heard that the Topeka Zoo has today. In 2016, the recommendation was made to breed Sgt. Peppers with both Hope and Abi.
Earlier this year, a hormone study showed that both Hope and Abby are pregnant. Gestation in reticulated giraffe is approximately 15 months. The Topeka Zoo is expecting the giraffe calve to be born sometime between May and June.
Both Abby and hope are being closely monitored. A medical team is evaluating their progress and planning for any possible complications.
Over the next month, plans will be announced that will allow the community to watch their progress through WebCams and a rules for a naming contest will be revealed to name one of the calves. The zoo will post regular updates through its social media on the progress of both expecting moms.
Hope – born at the Topeka Zoo on July 11, 2010
Abi (Abiquiu) – born at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo on April 20, 2013
Sgt Peppers “Sarge” – born at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Jan 17, 2012