Press Releases

In the coming weeks, Topeka’s Governing Body will work to define a process to find a permanent City Manager.

During Tuesday night’s Topeka City Council meeting, the Governing Body voted to terminate Stephen Wade’s employment with the City of Topeka effective immediately.

The Governing Body then named Richard U. Nienstedt as Interim City Manager. Nienstedt had been serving as Acting City Manager since June 6, 2023, when Wade requested a leave of absence.

“While I don’t intend to serve in the role long term, I am fully committed to serving the citizens of Topeka, our great City of Topeka employees, and our dedicated Governing Body members during this time of transition,” said Nienstedt.

“The Governing Body is focused on making sure that we continue to provide Topekans with the quality municipal services they expect from us. We are in good hands with Richard, and we know that he and his team of department leaders and staff are committed and will keep our community moving forward with the many great initiatives we have in the works,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla.

The Governing Body and Interim City Manager will look to share further updates and next steps with the community as this process moves forward.

 

During the December 5 Topeka City Council Meeting, Topeka’s Governing Body is expected to approve a contract extending Richard U. Nienstedt’s time as Interim City Manager. This extension will allow the city time to search for a long-term City Manager.

“The Governing Body is ready to move towards finding a long-term City Manager. Richard is doing a wonderful job serving as Interim City Manager, and we’re thrilled that he will stay on while we search for our long-term City Manager,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “The Governing Body believes it’s in the best interest of our citizens to get this process underway as soon as possible and move towards the permanency and stability our residents and employees deserve from the City Manager’s Office.”

Nienstedt first came on as Topeka’s Acting City Manager in June, before being named Interim City Manager in July. Nienstedt expects to stay for up to six more months, or until a long-term City Manager is named.

“Serving Topeka has been an honor and I’m pleased to be able to extend my time as Interim City Manager,” said Nienstedt. “I look forward to continuing to support the great work of our employees and work with our Governing Body on important policy decisions to positively impact our residents.”

The city is also negotiating amendments to its contract with Strategic Government Resources (SGR), who was initially contracted in September to search for a long-term Interim City Manager. The city now plans to have SGR conduct the search for a long-term City Manager.

In the coming weeks, the city expects to be able to provide an update about the search process for a long-term City Manager.

 

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) will host two public input sessions in September to allow community members to learn more about the department’s training practices, and to provide individuals with the opportunity to give input.

At the sessions, TPD’s Training staff will present the current curriculum for the Basic Police Training Academy, as well as continuing education for veteran officers.

After the presentation, community members will be able to provide public comment and ask questions, with a limit of four minutes per person.

 

Public Input Sessions

 

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Washburn Tech East, 2014 SE Washington St.

 

Thursday, September 22, 2022

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Washburn University, 1700 SE College Ave., Henderson Room 112

 

The public input sessions aim to fulfill one of the recommendations listed in the Police and Community Special Committee’s report that Topeka’s Governing Body approved in July.

The sessions will be recorded and later uploaded to the City’s YouTube page.

 

Effective today, pedestrian activity at certain intersections will be limited to simply crossing the street. The goal of the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety ordinance is to improve public safety by reducing crashes related to distracted driving caused by pedestrians.
This ordinance applies to all pedestrians within the Topeka city limits at only those intersections identified in the ordinance.
Pedestrians are increasingly using highways and roadways in a manner for which the roads were not designed or intended. These uses include approaching vehicles when stopped or in use, or staying upon medians and in the public right-of-way for purposes other than crossing the highway or roadway. This type of activity distracts drivers, which makes automobile accidents more likely and creates safety hazards for pedestrians.
The following intersections were identified in the MTPO Metropolitan Transportation Safety Plan as ranking high across all emphasis areas (intersections; speed; distracted driving; pedestrian & bicyclist):
 SE 15th Street and SE Adams
 SE 21st Street and SE Adams Street
 SW 6th Avenue and SW Gage Boulevard
 SW 21st Street and SW Gage Boulevard
 SW 29th Street and SW Gage Boulevard
 SW Huntoon Street and SW Gage Boulevard
 SW Huntoon Street and SW Fairlawn Road
 SW 21st Street and SW Fairlawn Road
 SW 29th Street and SW Fairlawn Road
 SW 12th Street and SW Jackson Street

 SW 10th Avenue and SW Lane Street
 SW 6th Avenue and SW Orchard Street
 SW 5th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 6th Avenue and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 8th Avenue and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 10thAvenue and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 21st Street and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard
 SW 21st Street and SW Wanamaker Road
 SW 17th Street and SW Wanamaker Road
 SW 21st Street and SW Washburn Avenue
 SW 29th Street and SW Wanamaker Road
 SW 17th Street and SW Westover Road and SW Oakley Street
Due to the high number of reported crashes involving pedestrians at these intersections, and the prevalence of distracted driving as a contributing factor in these crashes, certain activities will be restricted, as specified in section 10.80.030 of the ordinance.

The City of Topeka is giving away free computers to qualifying Topeka and Shawnee County 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, residents must reside in the areas of Auburn, Dover, Rossville, Silver Lake, Tecumseh, Topeka or Wakarusa, and 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. Residents can review the full eligibility guidelines here.

Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. Those interested in receiving a computer must pre-qualify by calling 785-368-3098 by September 27.

“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 Interim Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. “Although many 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.”

To learn more about TSC – Get Digital, visit the city’s website.

All pet owners know that eventually young pets grow old. When you work at a zoo or visit a zoo often, you realize that the same holds true for zoo animals. Knowing the truth doesn’t necessarily make it easier as keepers and guests realize that a beloved animal’s time is near.

Two of the most popular exhibits at the Topeka and Zoo and Conservation Center are homes to two of the Zoo’s oldest animals. Cora, an Asian elephant cow, is 61 years old. Avus, a male African lion, is almost 15. Age is relevant to individual species.

During a routine medical exam in February of 2018, a mass in Cora’s reproductive tract was identified. The mass was determined to be non-operable at the time due to Cora’s status as a geriatric elephant and the complexities with both a surgical procedure and recovery. As the mass was putting pressure on Cora’s rectum, her care team began supporting her gastro-intestinal tract to alleviate potential discomfort the mass was causing.

A few days ago, Cora’s keepers noted that she was more lethargic than normal. That her appetite was tapering off and she was experiencing more and more discomfort. Blood results from a sample taken yesterday show that her condition is worsening. One blood index has more than doubled in the last six months and is five times as high as it should be. “The bloodwork tells us that there is tissue destruction going on in her body, possibly cardiac failure,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley.

A few weeks ago, Avus the lion was noted to be “wobbly” on his feet. For the past few years, Avus has received treatment for arthritis. The unsteady cat had Zoo staff wondering if the arthritis had progressed or was there potentially a new neurological issue he was dealing with. A CT scan last week revealed that Avus is now dealing with degenerative disc disease at multiple points along the spine from his neck to his lower back. “For both Avus and Cora our efforts right now focus on making sure they are comfortable,” said Wiley. “They are both loved members of our family here.”

Both Avus and Cora have storied pasts. Cora came to the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center from a private owner in Florida who could no longer care for her. She had spent most of her life travelling up and down the east coast participating in education programs. Under the stage name Charlotte, she co-starred alongside Bert Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit 2 as the secret cargo being transported across the country. Cora retired to the Topeka Zoo in 2016. Avus is always described as one of the most “chill” lions you will ever meet. He will do just about anything for meat flavored baby food. If you live within a mile of the Zoo, he has serenaded you throughout the night.

The United Way of Greater Topeka has been awarded the bid to administer the City of Topeka’s Social Service Grant Program for 2021. Approximately $435,000 in Social Service Grant Funds will be administered by the United Way of Greater Topeka to eligible applicants which include agencies providing services in the following areas:
•Senior Citizen neighborhood-based programming to include meals, activities & transportation
•Medical assistance for low-income individuals
•Programs for at-risk youth
•Emergency housing & utility assistance
•Neighborhood and independent living based services for persons with severe & persistent mental illness
•Support services for residents whom are non-English speaking
United Way of Greater Topeka brings together people, companies and nonprofits to create positive sustainable change in our community by connecting individuals and families to maximize their potential. The United Way of Greater Topeka works to achieve positive sustainable change through education, financial stability and health for everyone in our community.
“The City of Topeka is thrilled to have United Way of Greater Topeka as our partner to administer our Social Service Grant program,” said Topeka City Manager Brent Trout. “We couldn’t ask for more experience or commitment than UWGT’s eight decades of improving lives in the Topeka community.”
“United Way is honored to extend its grant management services to the City of Topeka Social Service Grant Program” said Jessica Lehnherr, Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Topeka. “Since we already use the same online platform, the transition should be virtually seamless for organizations applying for grants. We look forward to this new partnership with the City of Topeka.”
Social Service Grant applications will open in late April. The applications will be available on the City of Topeka and United Way of Greater Topeka websites.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the planned abatement along the Kansas River,
an individual was injured as a result of the cleanup process. Around 11:00 a.m., Utilities
Department employees were clearing the tree line on the north side of the Sardou Bridge when
a tent was picked up by machinery with an unsheltered individual inside. The person sustained
minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Abatement at this location
has been suspended for the day.

Per city policy, the employee operating the machinery was removed from the scene and
underwent drug testing. The Topeka Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit was present in
the area assisting affected residents and city staff were unaware of the individual’s presence at
that specific site before the incident.

As is standard procedure, city personnel maintain regular contact with residents when
performing abatements. City staff posted notice of abatement in the area during the week of
February 24.

The health and safety of the public is the city’s priority and we will continue to evaluate our
processes moving forward. The abatement process is on hold due to weather. The city will
continue to investigate how this incident occurred.

The City of Topeka Utilities Department will resume utility disconnections next week. Utility accounts not in good standing may be subject to disconnect. We encourage customers wanting to make payment arrangements or having difficulty paying their bills to call us at 368-3111 to take advantage of the various options we have available.

Utility bills can be paid at City Express at 620 SE Madison, the customer service call center or at authorized US Bank locations. City Express is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Customer Service Call Center is open between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is available to work with customers to help keep their balances due manageable during this time. Customers who need to pay their water bill in cash can do so at authorized US Bank locations at the drive through window. US Bank hours vary by location. Bills can also be paid by phone at 785-368-3111 or online at www.topeka.org/payonline.

Doorstep, Let’s Help, the Salvation Army and the City of Topeka created the Water Share Program to assist citizens in need with their COT water utility bill. Please contact one of the agencies directly to request assistance.

• Doorstep 785-357-5341
• Let’s Help 785-234-6208
• Salvation Army 785-233-9648

The Utilities Refund Program (Franchise Fee Program) also offers assistance for utility bills. Please contact the Community Resources Council to apply 785-233-1365. For citizens looking for a way to help, you may go to www.topeka.org/utilities/watershare or call 785-368-3111. Donations may be set up as reoccurring monthly or you may select to make a one-time donation. The donation amount will be added to your next City of Topeka water bill.