The City of Topeka is partnering with Shawnee County, The District Attorney’s office, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, state officials and Freedom Now USA to combat human trafficking in Topeka/ Shawnee County. A joint press conference held on April 5th, announced the partnership of these agencies in the fight against human trafficking.
Freedom Now USA, an initiative launched by the Topeka Rescue Mission, is uniting efforts to eradicate Human Trafficking in the United States. Barry Feaker, Executive Director of the Topeka Rescue Mission said, “Freedom Now USA is proud to partner with Topeka and Shawnee County leaders to win the fight against Human Trafficking in our back yard. Our nation needs a win against modern day slavery and Kansas has a rich history of not compromising on this issue. By uniting, we will eradicate Human Trafficking from our city, county and eventually our nation.”
A resolution to combat human trafficking was signed by the Topeka City Council on April 3rd. The Shawnee County Commissioners signed the same resolution on April 5th.
“The City of Topeka is proud to help out all of our partners in putting a stop to human trafficking in our community. Together we can all make a difference and help end suffering in our community,” said Topeka City Manager Brent Trout.
A Freedom Now Coalition will be formed for Topeka and Shawnee County which will create solutions to end human trafficking by identifying the unique challenges and concerns faced by our community. The coalition will work to address human trafficking on the local level while coordinating with the state and national Freedom Now initiatives.
“This joint effort is essential in helping out the men, women and children who are being abused and enslaved in human trafficking,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “It is crucial that we all unite to help stop human trafficking so that people are able to live without fear of being recruited and solicited for labor or sexual servitude.”
“The Resolution presented to the Shawnee County Commission reaffirms our position that Human Trafficking will not be supported or ignored in our community. As a County we support the endeavors to end the persecution of individuals who have been forced into human trafficking,” said Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook.
These agencies are partnering to eliminate human trafficking in Topeka and Shawnee County by identifying, addressing and eliminating situations that lead to or allow human trafficking to occur. To reach this goal these agencies will provide education to help identify victims and perpetrators of human trafficking, establish ways for victims to safely seek justice and be provided with access to restorative and support services, and to prosecute those individuals, businesses and systems that conduct and benefit from human trafficking.
By working together, sharing resources and creating action plans, these agencies in Topeka and Shawnee County will work to stabilize this community and decrease the vulnerability of our citizens to human traffickers. This coalition will meet once a month to discuss actionable plans with Freedom Now staff. These plans will influence policy at the city and county level. The action plans will establish a framework that allows these agencies to collaborate and share vital resources, best practices and data to help eliminate human trafficking.
For more information on the Freedom Now USA initiatives please contact Barry Feaker at the Topeka Rescue Mission (785) 354-1744.
TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department Responded to a structure fire located at 1112 SW Woodward Ave., Topeka Kansas at 11:45 AM on Sunday April 1, 2017. Upon arrival, fire crews found the two story wood framed residential structure with smoke showing from the second story. Firefighters began an offensive fire attack, keeping it confined to the structure of fire origin. Five occupants were out of the structure when firefighters arrived. A primary search of the structure revealed there were no other occupants.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to determine the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, associated with a juvenile playing with a lighter.
- Estimated dollar loss – $12,000.00 (Twelve Thousand Dollars); $10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Dollars) structural loss and $2,000.00 (Two Thousand Dollars) contents loss.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, One (1) Truck Company, One (1) Aerial Ladder Company, One (1) Battalion Chief, One (1) Shift Commander and an Investigator.
- Assisting agencies at this incident included the Topeka Police Department, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and the Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross.
- No working smoke detectors were located within the structure.
Mayor Michelle De La Isla announced the “Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence” for Topeka and Shawnee County on Monday, March 19th at 10 am at the YWCA Northeast Kansas (225 SW 12th Street).
“The Mayor’s Task Force against Domestic Violence is a project that is very close to my heart. The YWCA helped me get out of an abusive relationship and I believe that this task force will help many other women get out of harmful situations,” Mayor De La Isla said. “I believe that stopping domestic violence and abuse is key to improving people’s lives and improving the City of Topeka. Together with our partners we can all help to end domestic violence in this community.”
The task force is made up of representatives across the criminal justice system as well as community service agencies including Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, Shawnee County Court Services, local Batterer’s Intervention Programs, Washburn University, Department of Children and Families, Valeo Behavioral Health, and Stormont Vail Hospital. These agencies join together with the purpose of increasing victim safety, offender accountability, and community awareness. These agencies are committed to eradicating the problem of domestic violence and are willing to hold themselves and each other accountable.
“We know our communities are safer when we work together. The YWCA Northeast Kansas is proud to be a part of this large collaborative effort to ensure women, children and families are guaranteed access to justice and services that keep them safe,” said Kathleen Marker.
Two giraffes at the Topeka zoo are pregnant. Eight-year-old Hope and seven-year-old Abi are both expecting their first calve late spring or early summer.
Many people will remember Hope and the story that surrounded her when she was born. In July 2010, Hope came into this world with a medical complication. Both of her rear legs presented with hyper extended fetlocks. Through a major effort and with the world watching, she beat the odds and overcame the condition. During her treatment, she was the subject matter of local news broadcasts, major networks, and TV specials. Even the today show came to Topeka to share her story.
With life in front of her, Hope represented the future of the giraffe program at the Topeka Zoo. In 2013, Sgt. Peppers, a male reticulated giraffe born at the Oklahoma City Zoo was transferred to the Topeka zoo to be paired with hope. Two years later, Abi, a giraffe from the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo was also transferred to Topeka and together the three giraffe formed the breeding heard that the Topeka Zoo has today. In 2016, the recommendation was made to breed Sgt. Peppers with both Hope and Abi.
Earlier this year, a hormone study showed that both Hope and Abby are pregnant. Gestation in reticulated giraffe is approximately 15 months. The Topeka Zoo is expecting the giraffe calve to be born sometime between May and June.
Both Abby and hope are being closely monitored. A medical team is evaluating their progress and planning for any possible complications.
Over the next month, plans will be announced that will allow the community to watch their progress through WebCams and a rules for a naming contest will be revealed to name one of the calves. The zoo will post regular updates through its social media on the progress of both expecting moms.
Hope – born at the Topeka Zoo on July 11, 2010
Abi (Abiquiu) – born at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo on April 20, 2013
Sgt Peppers “Sarge” – born at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Jan 17, 2012
For just over a week, Sunda the Asian elephant has been dealing with an illness that took a serious turn Sunday morning. “Last Monday, Sunda started blowing a discharge from her trunk,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “Sunday morning, the illness took a turn for the worse. She became very lethargic; almost unresponsive. She was very pale. By early afternoon on Sunday, she began to stabilize.”
Initially, the illness presented as an upper respiratory infection. When the symptoms began, Sunda was started on broad spectrum antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications. So far, cytology performed on mucus from the elephant’s truck last week has not shown any abnormal pathogens but the sample will continue to be cultured over the next two to three weeks. Radiographs of the trunk were also taken to rule out sinus blockages and potential tooth problems. She has also received additional hydrating fluids regularly.
“Although she is more stable now, until we can pinpoint exactly what is going on her prognosis is guarded,” said Staff veterinarian Dr. Shirley Llizo. “While it could just be a nasty upper respiratory infection, we can’t rule out pneumonia, lung cancer, or other systemic diseases.”
Sunda is 58 years old and came to the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center in 1966. She has been the matriarch since the day she arrived. She has been a favorite of the community and a mainstay for over 50 years. At 58 years old, she is a geriatric elephant. It is estimated that there are only twelve other female Asian elephants in North America that are older than Sunda.
Like people, some illnesses are harder to fight off particularly for elderly individuals or animals. “Sunda is one of those animals that just steals your heart,” said Wiley. “You hope they live forever but time has a way of catching up to all of us. We all hope Sunda will pull through this.”
As Sunda’s condition changes, the Zoo will post updates on their Facebook page.
Contractors have restarted one major street project and plan to restart two others on
March 12 as the road construction season gears up in Topeka.
The projects are:
SW 6th – Gage to Fairlawn
Work resumed Monday, February 26, on Phase 1, which is between Gage and the east
side of the entrance to the Chalet Apartments just east of Yorkshire Rd. The first layer of
asphalt was placed at the end of the construction season last year. That section is
expected to be completed by May or June.
On March 5, the contractor closed the section between Fairlawn to just west of the
Schendel Lawn and Landscape drive, about 600 feet east of Fairlawn. That section will be
closed until May or June. Access to the area will be Fairlawn or Gage to Westchester to
SW 6th during construction at the two ends of the project.
SW 10th and SW Wanamaker Intersection
Work is anticipated to begin March 12 on reconstruction of three quadrants of the SW 10th
and SW Wanamaker intersection. Construction was halted last year at the end of the
construction season after the northeast quadrant was completed. The city’s contractor will
finish the southeast quadrant first then move to the southwest corner. The last quadrant to
be completed will be the northwest quadrant on June 15.
Traffic will be allowed through the intersection in all directions but left turns will be
restricted at times depending on the phase under construction.
Completion of the intersection will mark the last portion of a project that began early last
fall from SW Wanamaker – SW 4th to 10th.
SW 21st and SW Wanamaker Stormwater Pipe Replacement Project
Additional stormwater pipe replacement work following last year’s road reconstruction
project in the SW 21st and Wanamaker vicinity will begin March 12 in two locations.
Both construction zones will be in the westbound lanes of SW 21st and will be done
simultaneously. One work zone will be about 50 feet east of the Wanamaker intersection
on the northeast corner. The other will be between the most westward entrance to
Westridge Mall and Arvonia Place.
On the northeast corner, all east and westbound traffic will be carried in the eastbound
lanes (south side) through the Wanamaker intersection. No left turns will be allowed. That
work is expected to take three weeks, weather permitting.
At the construction zone between the mall entrance and Arvonia Place, westbound traffic
will be carried in the eastbound lanes (south side) through the construction zone. A 30-foot
section of pavement will also be replaced. Work is anticipated to be completed in eight
weeks, weather permitting.
Last construction season, during demolition of the eastbound lanes (south side) of 21st,
pipes at both locations were discovered to be dilapidated. Enough time was available then
to replace them. Time did not allow for pipes in the westbound lanes and the other
roadwork to be completed.
“Due to approaching winter weather, the pending holiday season, and considering the high
volume of traffic at one of the busiest intersections in the City, a decision was made to
open both the intersection and SW 21st St. to the west and return in the spring to replace
the pipes under the westbound lanes and finish the other work,” said Robert Bidwell,
project manager.
TOPEKA, Kan. –The Topeka Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire located at 1021 NE Jefferson St. Topeka, Kansas shortly before 08:00 AM on Sunday March 04, 2018. Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy fire coming the first floor of the dwelling. One (1) occupant of the structure was able to be rescued from the interior by a roommate, prior to Fire Department arrival. This occupant sustained life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The other occupant was also transported for evaluation of smoke inhalation injuries.
A primary search for other occupants was conducted and the dwelling found to be empty. The fire was extinguished keeping it contained to the structure of fire origin, but not before the dwelling sustained substantial damage.
A Topeka Fire Department Investigation’s Unit responded to this incident to assist in determining the origin and cause for the fire. The following is a brief summary;
- Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Undetermined; more likely than not accidental associated with a failure/malfunction of a wood burning stove.
- Estimated dollar loss – $6,600 (Six Thousand and Six Hundred Dollars); $5,600 to the structure and $1,000 to contents.
- The initial response to this fire involved Three (3) Engine Companies, Two (2) Truck Companies, Two (2) Battalion Chiefs and an Investigator.
- Other agencies assisting with this incident include American Medical Response, Kansas Gas Service, Westar Energy and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
- Smoke alarms were present not within the structure.
The City of Topeka water system received notice on February 16th from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) stating that we went out of compliance on haloacetic acids (HAA), which is 1 of the 87 contaminants that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates for drinking water quality.
When disinfection (such as the use of chlorine) is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form compounds called disinfection byproducts (DBP). The EPA sets standards for controlling the levels of DBP in drinking water, including HAA. Compliance is based on the four-quarter average of sample results for each of the eight locations where HAA samples are collected in Topeka, called a locational running annual average (LRAA). The LRAA standard for any one location is 60 micrograms/liter. We received results on February 7th that showed 60.6 micrograms/liter at one location—all other locations were within the standard. According to our records this is the 1st time that The City of Topeka has been out of compliance for any drinking water standard.
This is not an emergency and customers do not need to seek an alternative water source such as bottled water. However, if you have specific health concerns please consult your doctor.
We are working with our consultant to evaluate and modify our water treatment process to avoid any future violations. The modifications to the treatment processes we are examining include the use of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and changes in our polymer. With the use of PAC and changes to the polymer we would be able to improve the removal of organics that cause the formation of HAA and provide improved taste and odor control. These process modifications would allow the City’s water treatment operators better control of the quality of water that is being delivered to our customers.
The City of Topeka Utilities Department is dedicated to providing clean and safe water to every customer, and we anticipate resolving this issue within 180 days. We will continue to keep you, the customer, informed as we move forward.
Please go to our City of Topeka website Topeka.org where we have crafted some FAQ’s.
If you have any other concerns regarding this incident please call
City of Topeka: 785-368-3111
February 26th, 2018 – The City of Topeka water system has levels of haloacetic acids (HAA) above drinking water standards.
Q: What does this mean?
A: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for 87 different drinking water contaminants. The City of Topeka water system is out of compliance for one contaminant, which was haloacetic acids.
Q: What are Haloacetic Acids (HAA)?
A: HAA are disinfection byproducts that are formed when disinfectants used in our water treatment system, such as chlorine, react with naturally-occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water.
Q: What is the level of HAA in Topeka’s water?
A: The locational running annual average (LRAA), a four-quarter average of HAA sample results, has exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the Environmental Protection Agency at one of the eight (8) locations in the city. The MCL is 60 micrograms/liter. The one location that exceeded the MCL was 60.6 micrograms/liter.
Q: How much is 0.6 micrograms/liter?
A: Compared to the volume in an Olympic-size swimming pool (660,000 gallons), the volume of 0.6 micrograms/liter would less than 1/3 teaspoon.
Q: What do I need to do?
A: There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. No alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply is needed.
Q: Can I shower or wash my hands with tap water?
A: Yes, there is not a significant risk of haloacetic acids present in water being absorbed through the skin.
Q: Can I get sick from drinking the water? What are the health concerns?
A: If you have any specific health concerns, please consult your doctor. People who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Q: How long has the City of Topeka water had high levels of HAAs?
A: The City of Topeka has not been out of compliance with the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for HAA since the MCL was implemented in 1998. Test results from February 7th caused the four-quarter average HAA concentrations to exceed the MCL established by the EPA. The HAA levels exceeded the MCL of 60 micrograms/liter at only one test location.
Q: Where was the test location that exceeded the maximum contaminant level?
A: Northeast of 29th and Urish – 6650 SW Mission Valley Dr.
Q: What caused the City of Topeka to go out of compliance?
A: Given the configuration of our treatment facilities, the high organic load in the Kansas River and upstream reservoirs has resulted in an increase in disinfection byproducts.
Q: How long will the tap water have high levels of HAA?
A: We cannot give a definite timeline. The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate and make modifications to the water treatment process to ensure compliance in the future. We anticipate resolving this issue within 180 days.
Q: What is being done to correct the violation?
A: The City of Topeka is working with an engineering consultant to evaluate the water treatment process to correct the issue and maintain the delivery of high-quality water.
Q: Can I buy a home treatment device to remove HAAs?
A: The City of Topeka cannot recommend a specific device, however to make a well informed decision we suggest you consider identifying a device that has been independently certified to remove haloacetic acids. NSF International, the Water Quality Association, Underwriters Laboratories and CSA International all certify home treatment products for removal of contaminants. The relevant haloacetic acid removal standards are NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53. If you choose to use a home treatment device, it is very important to follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions carefully to make sure the device works properly.
Q: Will the City be supplying bottled water to drink?
A: No, this is not an immediate health risk. You do not need to use an alternative water supply at this time.
Timeline:
February 7th – Results received from laboratory
February 8th – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contacted
February 16th – Official notice of violation from KDHE
February 26th – Press release and press conference
February 27th – Mailing of notice to public
*Per Kansas Department of Health & Environment – This is a Tier 2 violation for which public notice must be issued within thirty (30) days of receipt of violation notice from KDHE.
References / Additional Resources
The point-in-time count of homeless persons in Topeka took place on January 25th. In 2017 the Topeka Rescue mission saw a record number of guests in the shelter with the biggest increase being in persons with mental health challenges. Kansas schools have also seen an increase in homeless children and youth. There was an increase in the point-in-time count from last year. In 2017 there were 356 people experiencing homelessness, this year that number jumped to 419.
“The point-in-time count helps us to identify those people in need and to attain the resources that we need to help them,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “We want to thank all the volunteers who helped us with the count and who are helping to make this community better.”
The information gathered during the point-in-time count helps the City of Topeka understand the face of homelessness in the community so that we can make sure services are meeting the needs of homeless persons. This count also helps to raise public awareness surrounding issues with homelessness and measures the community progress towards preventing and ending homelessness.
The City of Topeka’s Housing Services Division has totaled the numbers from this year’s point-in-time count. This one day event produced a snapshot of individuals in our community experiencing homelessness. This data supports federal funding for both the Continuum of Care initiative and Housing and Urban Development.
- 419 People experiencing homelessness.
- 332 Households experiencing homelessness.
- 183 individuals have a serious mental illness.
- 153 individuals are chronically homeless.
- 66% of people were in an emergency shelter, 17% were in transitional housing and 15% were unsheltered.
Fifty-four individuals helped with the point-in-time homeless count, including thirty-eight community volunteers. Below is a chart that details and compares the numbers from 2017 and 2018.
2017 2018
| People | 356 | 419 |
| Households | 274 | 322 |
| % of single adults | 69 | 88 |
| % of adults with children | 31 | 12 |
| % of youth households | 3 | 7 |
| % of veteran households | 22 | 19 |
| People with serious mental illness | 161 | 183 |
| People who are chronically homeless | 119 | 153 |
| People with a substance abuse disorder | 58 | 69 |
| People who are victims of domestic violence | 93 | 34 |
| % in an emergency shelter | 74 | 66 |
| % in transitional housing | 16 | 17 |
| % unsheltered | 10 | 15 |