The City of Topeka will begin a major road construction project on SW Fairlawn Rd. from SW 28th St. to SW 22nd Pl. area on Monday, August 18, with work expected to continue through October, 2026.

The project will involve much-needed street, stormwater, waterline, and sanitary sewer improvements, as well as repairs to the bridge over Shunganunga Creek. Crews will also perform street widening to include left turn lanes at 25th St. and at 22nd Pl. into the Dillons parking lot. This work is part of the City’s ongoing investment in improving infrastructure and ensuring long-term roadway safety and reliability.

To accommodate construction, Fairlawn Rd. will be closed with a detour marked to Gage Blvd. Access will be provided to all driveways on Fairlawn, and school pedestrian crossings will be provided. A full closure is necessary from 25th Terr. thru 22nd Pl.

Residents, schools and businesses in the area will be notified in advance of any access restrictions or service disruptions. The City encourages drivers to use caution in construction zones and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of construction crews.

For more information and project updates, visit topeka.org or follow the City of Topeka on social media.

The City of Topeka invites residents to attend a quick, 1- hour informational session to learn how to host a National Night Out (NNO) event in their neighborhood. These sessions will provide step-by-step guidance on how to receive up to $200 in stipend support and to host a successful,
community-centered event.

Attendees will learn about:
• How to apply for the NNO stipend
• What expenses are covered
• Requirements to host an event
• Ideas for fun, safe, and engaging neighborhood gatherings

Attendees can reserve to attend one of the informational sessions.

May 22 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
May 23 – 11:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: City of Topeka, 620 SE Madison Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room

“National Night Out is one of the best ways neighbors can come together, connect, and strengthen their community,” said Monique Glaudé, Director of the Office of Inclusive Communities “These informational sessions are designed to make the process simple and to ensure everyone feels empowered to host an event.”

To RSVP or to ask questions, contact Monique Glaudé at mglaude@topeka.org or 785-368-4470

The City of Topeka is pleased to announce that Deputy Police Chief Jamey Haltom has been appointed as Interim Police Chief, effective June 25, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Wheeles.

Interim Chief Haltom brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) since June 1999. He has served as Deputy Chief since November of 2021, showcasing his dedication to the department and the community.

Throughout his extensive career in law enforcement, Interim Chief Haltom has held various leadership positions including roles as a corporal and sergeant in the field operations bureau and the support operations bureau. As a commander, he was promoted to lieutenant where he led teams in the support operations bureau. He was then promoted to captain where he made strategic decisions in the field operations bureau (patrol) and in the criminal investigations bureau, prior to assuming the position of deputy chief.

Haltom holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University and is a Certified Public Manager. He has also completed executive leadership training programs through the Northwestern Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command as well as the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School. He is rooted in the community, having previously served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. Haltom is from Pratt, Kansas, and he resides in Topeka with his wife and their three children.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Interim Police Chief for the Topeka Police Department,” said Haltom. “Over the past 25 years with this department, I have seen firsthand the dedication and hard work of our officers in keeping our community safe, and I look forward to leading the department as we search for a new police chief.”

“I am confident that Interim Chief Haltom will provide strong and steady leadership for TPD during this transition period,” said Interim City Manager Richard Nienstedt. “His experience and deep commitment to serving others makes him well-suited to guide the department as the city searches for a permanent police chief.”

Haltom will serve as Interim Chief until the governing body selects a permanent police chief.

The City of Topeka will begin road construction on NW 17th St. in front of Sunflower Sports Association (SSA) on Monday, August 18, with work expected to be complete within three weeks, weather-permitting.

The project includes asphalt overlay with some full depth patching and edge milling on NW 17th St. on the west side of the US-75 on/off ramp (see image below). This will address failing concrete and asphalt panels located in front of SSA.

This project is planned to close NW 17th St. to thru traffic during construction; however, access to and from the soccer complex will be maintained at all times. A detour will be clearly marked, carrying traffic on Vail Ave., NW 25th St., and Menoken Rd.

The City encourages drivers to use caution in construction zones and follow all posted signs for their safety and the safety of construction crews.

The City of Topeka is now accepting applications for the 2025 Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy.

The academy gives Topeka residents an opportunity to learn more about the departments that manage the city’s infrastructure, including water systems, street and building maintenance, and making Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget decisions.

“Understanding the complexity of what our Public Works and Utilities crews do – from maintaining safe drinking water to maintaining our streets – helps us appreciate the vital role they play in keeping our community running efficiently,” said Mayor Mike Padilla. “Giving citizens an opportunity to see and hear that firsthand is an important tool in the communication efforts between the city and the citizens that we serve.”

The upcoming citizens’ academy will take place over seven weeks, beginning March 31,
2025. The class is limited to 25 participants. All participants must be at least 18 years old. For more information and to register, visit City of Topeka Public Works and Utilities Citizens Academy.

About City of Topeka Public Works
The City of Topeka’s Public Works Department, nationally recognized through accreditation by the American Public Works Association, strives to meet our current and future needs. A well-run organization consisting of Engineering, Streets, Maintenance, Traffic Signs and Signals, Forestry, Parking, Fleet, and GIS Management ensures public funds are spent on projects and services approved by residents through their local City Council representative.

About City of Topeka Utilities
The Utilities Department is comprised of the Water and Water Pollution Control Utilities and the City of Topeka Customer Service Center. As the producer and distributor of drinking water and manager of all sanitary and stormwater waste in the community, the Utilities Department is integral in the safety of all Topeka citizens

The Topeka City Council will convene a Special Meeting on Friday, April 12, to conduct follow-up interviews and discuss two final candidates for Topeka’s next city manager.

On April 8, 2024, the City Council held a series of interviews with five finalists for the city manager position. That included an interview by a Community Panel selected by Mayor Padilla, which included Laura Burton, Susan Duffy, Kerry Pancoast, Daniellé Twemlow, and Keith Warta.

Subsequently, candidates participated in a public Meet and Greet event at Hotel Topeka, where citizens had an opportunity to interact with each candidate and provide feedback to the Council.

On Tuesday, April 9, after the City Council meeting, Councilmembers held an Executive Session to discuss the five finalists and their interviews the prior day. Following the Executive Session, Mayor Padilla called for a Special Meeting to take place on Friday, April 12, to further discuss and consider the two finalists for the city manager position.

Stay tuned for additional updates expected next week.

The City of Topeka would like to invite the public to a special event to meet the newly appointed City Manager, Dr. Robert Perez. The event will take place on Thursday, September 26, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Tee Box, located at 906 S Kansas Ave Ste 100, Topeka, KS 66612. Snacks will be provided, and the event is held in partnership with the Greater Topeka Partnership.

This is an opportunity for Topeka residents to engage with Dr. Perez and give him a warm welcome to our community. Dr. Perez, who brings a wealth of experience in city management, is eager to meet with community members and discuss his vision for the future of Topeka.

Mayor Mike Padilla expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Topeka to come out and meet Dr. Robert Perez. We are confident that under his leadership, our city will continue to thrive and grow. I encourage everyone to take this chance to connect with Dr. Perez, share your thoughts, and extend a warm welcome to our new City Manager.”

“The Partnership is proud to partner with the City of Topeka in welcoming our new City Manager, Dr. Robert Perez. This open house event at The Tee Box is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, get to know Dr. Perez, and experience the warm hospitality that our downtown businesses are known for. We believe in fostering strong relationships between our city’s leadership and the residents, and this event is a perfect way to kick off what we know will be a successful tenure for the City Manager here in Topeka,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO Greater Topeka Partnership.

We look forward to seeing you at The Tee Box on September 26th. Join us in welcoming Dr. Perez to our community and learn more about his plans for the City of Topeka.

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) is now accepting applications for its 52nd Citizens Academy, a popular bi-annual program now in its 29th year.

The academy will be held Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., beginning August 20th, 2025, and concluding November 12th, 2025.

Participants will gain valuable insights into the challenges of modern law enforcement and how the Topeka Police Department addresses them. The program covers a wide range of topics including field operations, criminal investigations, community outreach, crisis negotiations, law enforcement technology, and crime scene investigations, among others.

In addition to the regular classes, participants have the opportunity to attend two optional Saturday sessions including a tour of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, demonstrations by the K9 unit and other hands-on training scenarios and demonstrations.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. To apply, visit the Citizens Academy webpage at https://www.topeka.org/tpd/opportunities-for-citizens/citizens-academy/#gsc.tab=0

For questions, contact Sergeant Michael Burns at (785) 368-2401 or via email at mdburns@topeka.org. Seats are limited, so submit your application soon!

The Topeka Police Department is proud to announce the launch of a new specialized initiative aimed at reducing violent crime in our city and increasing community engagement and involvement. The program, titled PACT (Police and Community Together) is built on the principle that
lasting public safety is only possible through strong, collaborative partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

To introduce this initiative and foster meaningful dialogue, the Topeka Police Department will host a community kickoff picnic on Thursday, May 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Little Oakland Park, 900 NE Chester Ave.

This event is a great opportunity for residents to meet Topeka Police Chief Chris Vallejo, his senior command staff, and the dedicated officers of the PACT unit. Attendees are encouraged to share their ideas, voice concerns, and help shape the department’s ongoing strategies to address and prevent violent crime in Topeka.

The evening will include complimentary food, community resource information, and time for one-on-one conversations with staff and officers.
All members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Come out, enjoy the evening, and be part of the conversation on making Topeka safer—together.

Event Details:
What: PACT Community Kickoff Picnic
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Little Oakland Park, 900 NE Chester, Topeka, KS
Who: Chief Vallejo, Topeka Police Department leadership, PACT officers, and the public
Why: To elicit meaningful dialogue between the Topeka Police Department and the citizens of Topeka to
talk about crime reductions strategies and exchange information.

The Topeka Police Department will be hosting car stop training to local high school students and their parents this summer. Students will learn what to do if pulled over by a Topeka Police Officer. Interactions with the police can be a stressful and intimidating experience for community members. The training sessions will allow students to interact with instructors and experience what a car stop might look like, both from the driver’s perspective as well as the Officer’s in both a classroom setting as well as a mock car stop in the parking lot.  

There will be two sessions available for students and their parents to sign up. 

• Saturday June 21st at Crestview Community Center, 4801 SW Shunga Drive, from 10AM to 1PM 

• Saturday July 19th at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 S. Kansas Ave, from 4PM to 7PM 

To sign up, students and their parents may contact Sergeant Mike Burns at 785-368-2401 or mdburns@topeka.org.