Press Releases

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 is joining communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, 2025. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities.

“Drinking Water Week is a reminder of how essential safe, reliable water is to every part of our lives – from the moment we wake up to the time we turn in for the night. I’m proud of the dedicated professionals in our Utilities Department who work around the clock to ensure our customers have access to clean water every single day,” said Utilities Director Sylvia Davis.

During Drinking Water Week, the City of Topeka will share a behind-the-scenes look at the treatment process, water conservation tips, and messages from water staff and Director Davis on its social media platforms. The City also shared activities and information with local elementary schools to encourage water education for young residents.

“Drinking Water Week is a time to celebrate the incredible journey of our water, from source water to treatments to our taps,” said AWWA CEO David LaFrance. “This year, we invite communities to explore the science and recognize the dedicated professionals behind our water who ensure every drop meets the highest standards of quality and safety.”

The City of Topeka Utilities Department is marking Drinking Water Week by engaging the community in understanding the vital role of clean, safe water in daily life, including its importance for public health and environmental protection.

About Drinking Water Week
For several decades, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week, a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives. Free materials for download and additional information about Drinking Water Week are available on the Drinking Water Week webpage.

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.

The City of Topeka’s utility relocations are underway in Downtown Topeka in preparation for the larger Polk-Quincy Viaduct Reconstruction project, which is being led by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

The city must relocate sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water utilities before reconstruction of the viaduct can begin in the spring of 2025. Work will include replacing and relocating aged infrastructure, some of which is nearly 100 years old.

The city’s utility relocations include six total projects in the general area of the viaduct. The viaduct spans I-70 from MacVicar Ave. to 6^th St.

In total, approximately 12,600 square yards of pavement, 7,035 feet of sanitary sewer, 2,644 feet of storm sewer and 6,009 feet of water line will be removed and replaced.

The first of the six projects, identified as Project 2, included the closure of 1^st St. between Polk St. and Taylor St. This project included new water line and is scheduled to be complete in January 2024.

The remaining five projects, referred to as projects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are set to begin in early 2024. Project timelines will be coordinated to help minimize traffic and construction impacts to businesses, drivers and residents. While the city will make efforts to minimize full road closures and maintain two-way traffic throughout construction, commuters who regularly drive the I-70 corridor through downtown should plan for potentially significant traffic delays. Alternate routes are encouraged. Detour information will be posted and shared in advance of any full road closure.

The city developed a website that is dedicated to these utility relocation projects. To view detour information, status updates and more, please visit https://www.topeka.org/utilities/pqv/.

City of Topeka Utilities Director Sylvia Davis is expected to make a presentation about these projects to the Governing Body during the January 9, 2024 Topeka City Council Meeting. Listen in person or watch live on Cox Local Channel 4, Facebook or the City4 Livestream. Community members are encouraged to tune in to learn more about the projects.