Press Releases

The City of Topeka will plant a tree on Friday, April 29 at the Kansas Statehouse grounds in honor of Arbor Day.

Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.

On Friday at around 10:00 a.m., staff from the City’s Forestry Department will plant a tree on the southwest side of the Statehouse grounds.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day, and the important role that tree’s play in our lives and community,” said Travis Tenbrink, City of Topeka Forester. “Hopefully we will inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”

After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation at 11:30 a.m. designating Friday, April 29 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by members of the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Arborist Association board members, and City Forestry Department staff. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Evelyn Stidham. Stidham is a 5^th grade student at Highlands Elementary School in Mission, Kansas.

Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 36^th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the City’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the importance trees play in our community.

In order to be recognized as a Tree City USA member, the City must meet four requirements: form a tree board or department, create a tree-care ordinance, have an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

In recognition of Arbor Day, staff from the City of Topeka’s Forestry Division, will plant a tree at the statehouse grounds on Friday, April 28.

Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, and is recognized annually on the last Friday in April.

On Friday at around 10 a.m., city staff, will plant an Oregon Trail Sugar Maple tree on the east side of the capitol.
“We’re honored to carry on the Arbor Day tradition of planting a tree on the capitol grounds, followed by a proclamation signing,” said Travis Tenbrink, Forester at the City of Topeka. “We hope that by celebrating Arbor Day, we’ll inspire a few people to get out there and plant a tree of their own.”
After the tree planting, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation designating Friday, April 28 as Kansas Arbor Day. The Governor will be joined by city staff, Kansas Arborist Association board members and representatives from the Kansas Forest Service. Attendees will also be joined by the Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest winner, Alayna Wurdeman. Wurdeman is a 5th grade student from Osage City.

Additionally, the City of Topeka is celebrating its 37th year as a Tree City USA member. The membership demonstrates the city’s commitment to urban forestry, and recognizing the important role trees play in our community.

The City of Topeka is preparing to host the annual Point in Time Homeless Count. The count will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Approximately 35 employees and volunteers will work that day to count those who are experiencing homelessness in Topeka.

To receive funding for programs, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.

“The Point in Time Homeless Count pulls together resources from across the community to ensure we have the data and information needed to best serve those who are homeless in Topeka,” said Carrie Higgins, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “While this annual count is separate from the city’s ongoing Homeless Initiative, the information gathered in the count will be invaluable to the group’s work. We look forward to and appreciate everyone’s participation on January 25 to ensure we get everyone counted.”

The information gathered will help Topeka to understand the face of homelessness within the community, make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless population, raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness, and measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

In order to ensure everyone is counted, the city asks anyone who is homeless – or knows someone who is – to call 785-368-0168 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on January 25. Interviewers will also be available that day at the city’s Holliday Building, which is located at 620 SE Madison St.

In addition to the count, city staff and partners will be offering resources to individuals, including assistance available through the Equity.Access.Shelter. (E.A.S.) program.

The City of Topeka is preparing to host the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Approximately 25 employees and volunteers will work that day to count those who are experiencing homelessness in Topeka.

To receive funding for programs, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the City can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.

“Topeka is committed to helping the homeless in our community. The Point in Time Homeless Count is the first important step to see where the most need is in our community,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka.

The information gathered will help Topeka to understand the face of homelessness within the community, make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless population, raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness, and measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

In order to ensure everyone is counted, the City asks anyone who is homeless – or knows someone who is – to call 785-368-0168 between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on January 26. Interviewers will also be available that day at the City’s Holliday Building, 620 SE Madison St.

The City of Topeka is preparing to host the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.

The count will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Approximately 25 employees and volunteers will work that day to count those who are experiencing homelessness in Topeka.

To receive funding for programs, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the city can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.

“Topeka is committed to helping the homeless in our community. The Point in Time Homeless Count is the first important step to see where the most need is in our community,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka.

The information gathered will help Topeka to understand the face of homelessness within the community, make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless population, raise public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness, and measure community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.

In order to ensure everyone is counted, the city asks anyone who is homeless – or knows someone who is – to call 785-368-0168 between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on January 25. Interviewers will also be available that day at the city’s Holliday Building, which is located at 620 SE Madison St.

In addition to the count, city staff and partners will be offering resources to individuals, including assistance available through the Equity.Access.Shelter. (E.A.S.) program.

The City of Topeka’s new digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital, is giving out 1,200 desktop computers to qualifying applicants.

The desktop computers are available for 60 and older residents living within the City of Topeka city limits. To qualify, residents must receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program, or have a household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines on an annual basis.

“As we are living longer, our world is becoming increasingly digital. Information and communication can enable healthy and active aging by facilitating access to information, health and healthcare, socio-economic participation and other factors that promote full engagement and participation as we age,” said Monique Glaudeˊ, Director of Community Engagement and Ombudsman for the City of Topeka. “Although many older adults are frequent users of information and communication technologies, many still lack access, and the pace of digital innovation is yet to be inclusive of their needs. We are appreciative of the donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging which will assist us in providing desktop computers to 1,200 of our 60 and older low-to-moderate income neighbors.”

The funding for the computers was made possible thanks to a $140,000 donation from the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging (JAAA).

“Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging is pleased to be a part of the TSC – Get Digital Coalition and able to help support the efforts of Get Digital and extremely pleased that we will be able to assist such a large number of older adults gain access to technology that will enhance their lives in many ways from helping them stay connected socially with friends and family, to allowing for telemedicine visits, and much more,” said Susan Harris, Executive Director, Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging.

Qualifying applicants should call 785-368-3098 to pre-qualify for a free desktop computer.

The TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka. The TSC – Get Digital Coalition was made possible through a $250,000 grant the City received from the Kansas Health Foundation.

View the program flyer here.

The City of Topeka is giving away 375 laptop computers to qualifying Topeka residents who are between the ages of 18 and 59 years old.

The program is part of the city’s digital equity initiative, TSC – Get Digital, that aims to connect Topeka neighbors.

To qualify, Topeka residents must receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit Program, or have an annual household income that is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Those interested in receiving a laptop, should review the eligibility requirements before calling 785-368-3098 to apply.

The funding for the laptops was made possible thanks to a $250,000 grant the city received from the Kansas Health Foundation.

The city’s desktop computer program for those who are 60 years or older is still active. To learn more about that program, visit the city’s website.

The City of Topeka invites the public to a special ceremony on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cyrus K. Holliday parking lot, where members of the USS Topeka namesake committee will present the city with memorabilia from the recently decommissioned USS Topeka submarine. These
historic items will be displayed at City Hall.

The event will include a celebration featuring performances and recognitions:

• The Topeka West High School Band will perform Armed Forces on Parade.
• The Topeka West Color Guard will present the colors, accompanied by a performance from the
Drill Team.
• Mayor Mike Padilla will read a Proclamation recognizing Military Appreciation Month
acknowledging the multiple branches of Armed Forces.
• The mayor will also present certificates of appreciation to high school students who are planning
on entering the military. The Topeka West drill team will also be receiving a certificate of
achievement and a special recognition.

“These events are a powerful reminder of Topeka’s deep respect for those who serve and have served,” said Mayor Mike Padilla. “Whether through honoring the legacy of the USS Topeka or recognizing local students entering the military, our community continues to show its gratitude and commitment.”

Following the City Hall ceremony, community members are encouraged to attend a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Band at 7:30 p.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

The City of Topeka and PC’s for People, an area technology refurbishing company, are partnering together to host a free digital e-cycle event.

The drive-thru event will take place on Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the City Hall parking lot. City Hall is located in downtown Topeka at 215 SE 7^th St.

During the event, area residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unused computers, while making a difference in the community. Recycled computers are refurbished and distributed back into the community to support equal access to technology for low-income families. If items are not reusable, PC’s for People will recycle every component, keeping millions of pounds of e-waste out of landfills.

Devices that are being accepted include desktop computers, laptops, monitors, and tablets. The devices can be in working or non-working condition. After collection, PC’s for People will safely wipe all existing data from the donated computers. The computers will then be provided to individuals in Topeka who are in need of digital devices.

This event is a part of the City’s digital equity program, TSC – Get Digital. TSC – Get Digital is a coalition made up of community members and stakeholders who want to help close the digital divide in Topeka. The coalition hosted a similar collection event in April 2022, and to date, 497 computers have been donated back into the community.

Other electronic items can be disposed of at the Shawnee County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 131 NE 46^th St. There is no charge for disposal with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors. For additional information, please contact the County at 785-286-4381.