Press Releases

More than 1,100 area fourth graders, their teachers and parents and more than 100 volunteers are registered to attend the 19th Annual Make A Splash Topeka Water Festival at Garfield Park and Community Center Thursday, Sept. 20. This event runs from 9:30 a.m. until 2:05 p.m.
The festival, “Make a Splash Topeka Water Festival,” is part of a program in which festivals are scheduled annually in hundreds of locations around Kansas, the United States and internationally.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an international, interdisciplinary, water science education program for formal and non-formal educators of K-12 students. The activities are correlated to the state standards and support what students are learning in school. The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE), in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, sponsor Project WET in Kansas.
“Water touches nearly every aspect of our lives. We use water to drink, brush our teeth, wash, cook, clean, grow food, produce energy and more. We depend on water not only to live, but for nearly everything we do. That makes conserving and preserving this vital natural resource essential,” said Laura Downey, KACEE Executive Director. “We designed this event for fourth graders, because water is a topic that is often covered by teachers at this grade and this event supports students’ understandings of this amazing resource. Through the hard work of our many volunteers, the 1,100 fourth graders will participate in hands-on education activity stations and learn about a variety of water topics. Stations will teach students about how water gets from the river to their taps, how we can save water, how we can make sure water is clean and healthy for living things and even how to be safe when recreating on the water, to name just a few. By the end of this fun day, students have a better understanding of how important water is to our lives and what they can do to be good stewards of this shared resource.”
The event is offered free of charge to those who register in advance. Many classes are provided financial assistance with transportation costs.
Sponsors of the Topeka Water Festival include the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE); Office of Utilities and Transportation, City of Topeka Public Works; Shawnee County Conservation District; Shawnee County Farm Bureau; Upper Wakarusa WRAPS and Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Westar Energy Green Team; Goodyear Tire & Rubber;Jackson County Conservation District; Pottawatomie County Conservation District; Scott Holloman, CPA, LLC; Franklin County Conservation District. Supporters include Arab Shrine Provost Guard Unit; Garfield Community Center and Park; The Salvation Army; Shawnee County Parks and Recreation; Kansas Department of Health & Environment/Bureau of Water, Watershed Mgt. Section; Kansas Water Office.
For information on KACEE programs, individuals may contact Laura Downey, KACEE Executive Director, at 785-532-3322. For more information about the water festival, contact Molly Hadfield at 785-368-0991 or Laura Downey at 785-532-3322.

The Topeka Municipal Court will close at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday August 27th due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The Municipal Court will be fully closed August 27th and 28th for a deep cleaning. All court dockets will be cancelled from August 27th through September 7th. Persons scheduled to appear during this timeframe will be mailed a notice of hearing for another court date at least thirty days out. Please note that court dates can be verified and payments can be made via the court’s online public access portal at www.topeka.org/municpalcourt.com. The court will be open in a limited capacity the week of August 31st to September 4th for defendants to recall arrest warrants, reset payment plans, set up different payment options, and file documents.
The Municipal Court will reopen fully on Tuesday, September 8th. The public can contact the

Due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in our community, and in an effort to reduce community transmission, the Topeka Municipal Court is cancelling all dockets, including trials, from Wednesday, November 18, 2020 through Friday, December 4, 2020.  During that time, the Court will continue to conduct its jail hearings via video conferencing on Mondays and Wednesdays.

All cases during that time will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel.  Defendants should call the Court Clerk’s office at 785-368-3776 to update contact information during normal business hours. Defendants are also encouraged to check the status of their case on the Court’s online public access portal at https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/ .

The Topeka Municipal Court will remain open for walk-in business Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m.  However, persons with court business are strongly encouraged to conduct their business by telephone, email, or facsimile wherever possible.  Payments may be made online, over the phone, or by mail.

Clerk’s Office: 785-368-3776

Clerk’s Office Fax: 785-368-3782

Email: Motions@topeka.org (MOTIONS ONLY)

Mail: 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603

Anyone directed to report to the Probation Division should continue to report as scheduled.  Probationers who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 of other related illnesses should contact the Probation Division at 785-368-3783.

The Municipal Court will reevaluate the presence of COVID-19 in the community during the week of December 1, 2020 and make a decision as to whether dockets will resume on Monday, December 7, 2020.

As previously stated, the Topeka Municipal Court remains open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m. As part of our continual assessment on how to respond to the ongoing changes in the health of the community and Courthouse employees, additional measures are being implemented to protect the health of those who visit the Courthouse or Probation Division, effective March 17, 2020. All previous restrictions remain in place.
1. All dockets and pre-sentence investigation appointments are canceled through March 27, 2020. All cases will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel. Defendants should call the Court Clerk’s office at 785-368-3776 to update contact information during normal business hours. Defendants are also encouraged to check the status of their case on public access at: https://court.topeka.org/fullcourtweb/start.do
2. Anyone directed to report to the Probation Division should report by telephone, and NOT report to the Probation Division in person. Probationers shall contact their probation officer at the following numbers at their scheduled appointment time:
Tricia Wiebe: 785-368-0332
Lacie Wiggins: 785-368-3669
Probationers who are uncertain of their probation officer should contact the Probation Division at 785-368-3783.
3. Persons with court business are strongly encouraged to conduct their business by telephone, email, or facsimile wherever possible. Payments may be made online, over the phone, or by mail.
Clerk’s Office: 785-368-3776
Clerk’s Office Fax: 785-368-3782
Email: Motions@topeka.org (MOTIONS ONLY)
Mail: 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603
Your cooperation is appreciated, and we hope that these temporary measures will help safeguard your health and the health of the community. We will continue to evaluate additional measures in the coming weeks. Please contact the court at 785-368-3776 with any concerns.

The Municipal Court will resume in-person court dockets on Monday February 1, 2021.  All patrons entering the courthouse will be subject to a temperature check and must be properly wearing a face mask. Other safety measures include plexiglass in both courtrooms, strict social distancing requirements, UV lighting, and hand sanitizer stations.

Defendants are encouraged to check the status of their case on the Court’s online public access portal at https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/. Parties may also visit the Court’s website to determine if their matter qualifies for resolution via video conference hearing.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other related illnesses should contact the Prosecutor’s Office to discuss a continuance of their scheduled court date.

Municipal Court Clerk’s Office: 785-368-3776

City Prosecutor’s Office:  785-368-3910

Administrative Judge Karan M. Thadani, in conjunction with City Manager Brent Trout, has made the decision to cancel court dockets, including trials, for an additional two weeks beginning December 7, 2020, and lasting through December 18, 2020.  The decision was made after careful consideration of the Shawnee County COVID-19 Community Transmission Index and reports from local hospitals that occupancy rates and community spread of COVID-19 remain high.

During this time, the Topeka Municipal Court will continue to conduct its jail hearings via video conferencing on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Court will remain open for walk-in business Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Anyone with court business are strongly encouraged to conduct their business by telephone, email, or facsimile whenever possible.  Payments may be made online, over the phone, or by mail.

All cases during this time will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel. Defendants should call the Court Clerk’s office at 785-368-3776 to update contact information during normal business hours. Defendants are also encouraged to check the status of their case on the Court’s online public access portal at https://www.topeka.org/municipalcourt/. Parties may also visit the Court’s website to determine if their matter qualifies for resolution via video conference hearing.

Clerk’s Office: 785-368-3776

Clerk’s Office Fax: 785-368-3782

Email: Motions@topeka.org (MOTIONS ONLY)

Mail: 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603

Anyone directed to report to the Probation Division should continue to report as scheduled.  Probationers who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 of other related illnesses should contact the Probation Division at 785-368-3783.

The presence of COVID-19 in the community will be reevaluated over the next two weeks and a decision will be made at that time in the best interests of its patrons and staff as to when dockets will resume.

Due to health and safety concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Topeka Municipal Court will continue to keep in-person dockets suspended through Friday, January 29, 2021.

During this time, the Court will continue to conduct daily video conference hearings.  The Court will remain open for walk-in business Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, for defendants to set court dates, resolve non-appearance required cases, recall warrants, file documents, make payments, and reset payment plans. Defendants are strongly encouraged to conduct their business by telephone, email, or facsimile whenever possible.  Payments may be made online, over the phone, or by mail.

All cases during this time will be rescheduled and notices of hearing will be sent by mail to defendants and defense counsel.  Defendants should call the Court Clerk’s office at 785-368-3776 to update contact information during normal business hours. Defendants are also encouraged to check the status of their case on the Court’s online public access portal at www.topeka.org/municpalcourt.org.  Parties may also visit the Court’s website to determine if their matter qualifies for resolution via video conference hearing.

Clerk’s Office: 785-368-3776

Clerk’s Office Fax: 785-368-3782

Email: Motions@topeka.org (MOTIONS ONLY)

Mail: 214 SE 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603

Anyone directed to report to the Probation Division should continue to report as scheduled.  Probationers who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 of other related illnesses should contact the Probation Division at 785-368-3783.

Attention Pokémon Trainers: Topeka was selected to join seven other cities in hosting a preview opportunity to play the upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! The other cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, and New York. Topeka was selected because of our history with the Pokémon franchise. Back in 1998, Nintendo chose Topeka as the site for the national debut for a series of Pokémon games.
The Topeka Zoo will host the Pokémon Let’s Go Road Trip on October 27th, from 9:00-6:00. A pair of Pikachu and Eevee themed demo trucks will be in the Topeka Zoo parking lot. All Gage Park guests will have the opportunity to test out the new games, as well as the new Poké Ball Plus accessory for the Nintendo Switch. This event is completely free and open to the public.
Friends of Topeka Zoo Executive Director Jared Bednar says, “Pokémon has been such an important component of our pop culture. The television shows, video games, and card games are ingrained in many of our childhood memories. We are so excited to be one of the cities selected to participate with this exciting promotion.”
In conjunction with the Pokémon Let’s Go Road Trip, the Topeka Zoo will be bringing back our Pokémon Go Safari Zone for Oct. 27. Avid Pokémon collectors know that new Pokémon were just released on Oct. 16 within the Pokémon Go game for iOS and Android. With the assistance of local trainers, lures will be dropped throughout the day to increase Pokémon spawns.
Oct. 27 is also the second date of our annual Boo at the Zoo event. Dozens of vendors will provide candy and activities within the zoo for a safe, trick-or-treating environment. Standard general admission rates apply; Friends of Topeka Zoo members receive free admission.
For Further Information please contact Jared Bednar, Executive Director, FOTZ (785)368-9162

The City of Topeka’s Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is beginning its first community outreach phase, focusing on mowing, through a new mowing program.

Currently, the City of Topeka is seeking proposals from qualified businesses, organizations, or individuals, to develop and run a community mowing service pilot program. The pilot program will provide mowing services for underserved neighborhoods, by developing a fixed, and affordable rate model. The pilot program will primarily serve the City’s low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods, and those living in Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) areas. The City will provide up to $25,000 to help develop the pilot program. Once up and running, the goal is for the program to become self-sustaining, and independent from City financial support.

The City will host a pre-proposal meeting on Thursday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holliday Building for potential bidders to learn about the program initiative, and to ask questions.

“This summer, mowing will be our first action initiative. The goal is to get as many properties as possible mowed, not just one time, but for the season and with a sustainable future plan,” said Councilwoman Karen Hiller. “Watch for further developments with the initiative, including volunteer opportunities for neighbors, families, churches, businesses, organizations, and more to get engaged with helping residents with mowing!”

The Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is a five-year plan, created by the Topeka City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee. The initiative is a collective effort by City of Topeka departments, the Topeka City Council, and the community to improve property condition, reduce substandard housing, motivate property owners to care for their properties, and encourage investment in vacant and deteriorated properties. The Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance Initiative is championed by Councilwoman Karen Hiller and Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala.

“We are so encouraged with the possibilities of the initiative for both the City of Topeka and our neighbors across the city. It’s vital we all lean in towards each other to help re-create neighborhoods and community – this is the time,” said Councilwoman Valdivia-Alcala.

Visit https://www.topeka.org/citycouncil/changing-our-culture-of-property-maintenance/ for more information about the initiative.

 

The City of Topeka and community partners on Tuesday launched a new program that aims to create a more collaborative community approach to ensuring equity and access to housing and shelter in Topeka.

The program, known as Equity Access Shelter (E.A.S.), will enhance homeless services to ensure all people receive rent assistance with a single point of access. E.A.S. is located within the City’s Housing Services Division.

“No longer does a person needing rent assistance have to call multiple agencies to try to get help. One phone number means individuals are able to access help quickly, and without further trauma,” said Carrie Higgins, Senior Program Administrator for the City of Topeka. “E.A.S. uses an assessment to score each individual’s level of need, as well as coordinated entry to assist those individuals based on prioritization.”

E.A.S. partners include Catholic Charities, Community Action, Community Resources Council, Doorstep, Let’s Help, Salvation Army, Topeka Housing Authority, Topeka Rescue Mission, and Valeo.

The program was initiated by Topeka City Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala, and inspired by the housing first model and the national Built for Zero movement.

“The E.A.S. program is needed in Topeka now. Staff has been working hard on the initiative for a year. Topekans are ready to learn more so they can have faith the city is doing all possible to address the chronic unsheltered and over all homeless crisis we are experiencing.  Equity. Access. Shelter., is based on a model similar to Built for Zero, and it’s crucial all organizations that partner with the city understand real and lasting reduction in homelessness is possible working together with the single point of entry and the vital importance of consistent data, tracking and sharing information to help make this program a success,” said Councilwoman Valdivia-Alcala.

E.A.S. has a dedicated staff member with years of social work experience in Topeka. The goal is for the program to expand in the future to include clothing, food, and other services.

To contact E.A.S. to request rental assistance, please call 785-368-9533, or email EAS@topeka.org. Walk-ins are also welcome at the City’s Holliday Building, which is located at 620 SE Madison Ave.