The Impact Avenues program successfully housed 99 children and 41 families in its first year. Impact Avenues is a program that aims to significantly reduce student homelessness in our community by assisting students and their families obtain stable housing through graduation. The City of Topeka and 38 partner agencies worked together to provide wrap-around services for our homeless student population to help significantly reduce homelessness in our community. During this time the Impact Avenues program had a 98% retention rate in keeping families housed during COVID-19.
“Topeka is dedicated to ensuring that no student has to endure the burden and stigma that is associated with homelessness,” said Carrie Higgins, Impact Avenues program coordinator. “I am very proud that Impact Avenues has been able to help ninety-nine children become housed, and continue to stay housed in its first year. I’m excited to continue the important work and continue to help eradicate child homelessness in our community.”
A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (i.e., living in cars, parks, public spaces, house sharing, couch surfing, living in motels or campgrounds due to the lack of adequate accommodations, living in emergency shelters, etc.). To qualify for Impact Avenues, a student has to be referred through a school liaison. Children and their families will get the support they need to obtain stable housing and assistance with overcoming barriers to success like transportation, employment, financial literacy, healthcare and others.
“Our superintendent partnered with Impact Avenues and Advisors Excel last year to reduce poverty and support economic prosperity in Shawnee County as part of the district’s strategic plan,” said Leslie Carr, Coordinator of Social Work for Topeka Public Schools. “As the coordinator of homeless programs and social work for Topeka Public Schools, I am proud of the positive effect Impact Avenues has had in moving families out of homelessness. The partnership between the district, the City of Topeka, and Advisors Excel has reduced homelessness for Shawnee County, and I am excited to continue supporting families in the coming year.”
Over 210 educational classes have been taken by families, which include classes offered by community partners that include Finance 101, Housing, 101, Employment 101, and Healthcare 101.
This year Impact Avenues will be taking referrals from social service agencies as well as from Topeka Public Schools in order to expand the reach of Impact Avenues and identify more children that could benefit from Impact Avenues.
“We are thrilled with the first-year successes Impact Avenues has had helping give Topeka families a hand up,” said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster. “This is an amazing partnership with 38 agencies and the City of Topeka, working together to provide families the tools and resources to get and keep them in permanent homes. We are very proud to be a part of this program, and hope to help even more families this school year,” Foster said.
Advisors Excel is providing up to $500,000 to support the Impact Avenues program for the first three years. The Topeka Community Foundation will administer the Impact Avenues funding on behalf of Advisors Excel through an existing partnership with the Topeka Community Foundation to support their charitable work in the Topeka community.
How to help:
For more information, please go to https://www.topeka.org/impact-avenues/.
If your organization is willing to assist us in this crucial effort, please contact Impact Avenues program lead, Corrie Wright at cwright@topeka.org.
To contribute to ongoing expenses for the program, you can donate online at https://topekacommunityfoundation.org/donate/ and select the “Impact Avenues Fund”, or send a check directly to the Topeka Community Foundation with “Impact Avenues Fund” in the memo line.
You can watch a video on Impact Avenues here: https://youtu.be/KWtLsCNQ7kU
The City of Topeka is making the difficult decision to cancel our involvement in this year’s Topeka E-cycle event due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health concerns. The Division of Community Engagement is dedicated to providing a safe environment to our neighbors, and with an event this large in size, it is not feasible to provide adequate social distancing and sanitization to ensure our neighbors, staff and volunteers remain protected from the potential spread of COVID-19. The decision is a difficult one because this event provides the opportunity for a large number of our neighbors to dispose of their electronic recyclable items. We look forward to the 2021 Topeka E-cycle during safer times in our community.
Please note that Household Hazardous Waste accepts all E-waste during their normal operational hours. Mon-Thurs: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm; Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. HHW is located at 131 NE 46th Street, Topeka, KS.
The City of Topeka continues to work through the investigation into the use of force that was generated during the arrest of Tamiko Mitchell on August 23. We are aware that the Facebook post about her interaction with a police officer is causing concern in our community. The Topeka Police Department is conducting their internal investigation into the use of force and we want you to know that we remain committed to being transparent throughout this process. At the conclusion of the investigations, findings will be released to the public when possible.
In this case and with any use of force that is generated during an arrest, a supervisor is notified immediately and they arrive on scene to speak to the citizen involved in the use of force. In this instance, the Shift Commander responded to the scene, which starts the official internal Use of Force Review Board process. This extensive review process goes through multiple layers to ensure the use of force was done legally, within policy and in accordance with our training procedures. This process is currently underway and has been since the arrest took place on August 23. You can find more information on the Topeka Police Department’s Use of Force Policies on the website: https://www.topeka.org/tpd/topeka-police-policies/
“The City of Topeka is moving as quickly as possible to complete the investigation. We take this incident very seriously and are committed to a fair and complete investigation of the facts related to Ms. Mitchell’s incident and injury,” said City Manager Brent Trout.
The Independent Police Auditor, Ed Collazo, will conduct an independent investigation of the incident. We understand the community’s desire to see the body worn camera video. The City of Topeka will be releasing the body worn camera video of the incident once legal requirements are met.
City Manager Brent Trout contacted a representative of Ms. Mitchell to request an opportunity to meet with her, that request has not been accepted at this time.
Operation Food Secure is a joint initiative between the Topeka Rescue Mission, the City of Topeka, and United Way of Greater Topeka and several other partners with organizations, churches, and neighborhood groups to distribute food boxes to those in need in neighborhoods across Northeast Kansas. The City of Topeka will host mobile food sites in specified neighborhoods through September and October.
“Many families in Topeka are struggling and we want to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry at night,” said Director of Community Engagement Monique Glaudeˊ. “I am grateful to all of our partners who have stepped up and done the work to make sure our community is fed.”
Topeka Rescue Mission also offers traditional food distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm. Please drive to the Northwest end of the Distribution Center (401 Norris) where you will be able to stay in your car and receive assistance.
If you are interested in volunteering you can contact LaToya Burnett at lburnett@topeka.org or (785) 368-3663. If you are interested in hosting a site in your community and would like to serve as an Operation Food Secure Neighborhood Site Captain, please contact Marissa Dake at mdake@trmonline.org.
You can also visit these links to sign up as a volunteer:
September Volunteer link: https://unitedwaytopeka.galaxydigital.com/event/detail/?event_id=68304
See the attached flyer for dates and site locations for the Operation Food Secure Mobile Food Sites.
The City of Topeka is offering a Small Business Grant Program for 2020. Any business that employed between 1-25 persons as of March 1st, 2020 is eligible for the program. The applicant can apply for up to $20,000 in assistance for eligible expenses. The owner of the business must be low to moderate income (LMI) or employ low to moderate income person(s).
HUD defines LMI as no more than 80% of the median family income for the area. Please refer to chart on Page 1 of application form.
The purpose of the Small Business Grant Program is to provide operating assistance to business owners to continue the operations of independent small businesses and keep residents employed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the City is utilizing federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, all operating assistance must be utilized under federal regulations. Completed applications will be accepted on or after October 1, 2020. Applications will be accepted continuously until funding has been depleted.
“The City of Topeka is grateful to work with our federal and local partners on stretching the safety net for our small businesses during recovery. Particularly so our most vulnerable population can keep working through these unprecedented times,” said Planning Director Bill Fiander.
Grant funds can be put towards the following expenses that occurred after March 17, 2020:
- Payroll
- Rent/Mortgage,
- Utilities
- Loss of Inventory
- And any purchases needed that were COVID-19 related, such as food packaging supplies, PPE equipment, changes required to work station to maintain social distancing, etc.
Applicants will have until October 20, 2021 to use the grant funds. Minority and Women owned businesses will receive priority in the selection process, and 25% of the total grant allocation will be set aside for MBE/WBE businesses. Grants can’t duplicate funding requested and received through other federal sources or programs. Grant funds cannot be used to pay off debt.
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
Last week the Topeka Human Relations Commission (THRC) published a document on its webpage titled the “Human Relations Commission Policing Recommendations,” which proposed various changes to the Topeka Police Department’s current policing practices. The City of Topeka wholly supports the mission of the THRC to promote justice and cultural understanding, and to improve relationships among all citizens of Topeka. However, these recommendations were not presented to nor approved by the Mayor or City Council prior to publication, and do not represent the opinions or beliefs of members of the governing body. To avoid confusion and misrepresentation of the City’s police practices, the City has removed this document from the Topeka Human Relations Commission webpage.
“The City remains dedicated to supporting all members of its police department while ensuring that the act of law enforcement is carried out with fairness and justice to all residents of Topeka,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “I call on all Topekans to come together at this time and address these issues with the kindness and civility that Topekans are known for.”
The role of the Topeka Human Relations Commission is to conduct outreach and educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding, and improve relationships among all citizens of the City of Topeka. Each board and commission is an advisory group that provides input and advises on current polices and issues within various departments in the City of Topeka. All boards and commissions for the City of Topeka are made up of volunteers who apply for open seats. More information on boards and commissions can be found here: https://www.topeka.org/government/boards-commissions/
The City of Topeka is holding a special City Council Meeting to discuss police and community relations on Tuesday, August 25th at 6:00 p.m. Any individual who would like to provide public comment in person or via Zoom can contact the City Clerk’s office at cclerk@topeka.org or (785) 368-3940.
The Topeka Fire Department is pleased to recognize the following individuals on their promotions and retirements. As we continue to face the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, employees are having to navigate a new normal in order to get the job done. Between learning and implementing new safety precautions, managing family needs and more, it’s a tough time for everyone – which is why it’s important to express our appreciation to our first responders. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Promotion and Retirement ceremonies have been postponed indefinitely.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to these individuals for their hard work and dedication in providing essential services to the Topeka community,” said Topeka Fire Chief Craig Duke. “Their sacrifice, determination and perseverance are admirable contributions to the Topeka Fire Department”.
Below is a list of retirements and promotions for the Topeka Fire Department:
RETIREMENTS
February 2020
Zachary L. Bottenberg, Investigator III – 24 years
March 2020
Captain David D. Owen – 32 years
Captain Claude E. Clark – 32 years
Captain Michael L. Claassen – 31 years
Captain Robert S. Williams – 28 years
Captain Jerome A. Benning – 28 years
Captain Thomas D. Wolfley – 31 years
June 2020
Captain Michelle M. Radmacher – 20 years
July 2020
Captain James J. Simpson – 24 years
August 2020
Exzetta Steele Accounting Specialist III – 29 years
September 2020
Deputy Chief Kelly R. Adams – 34 years
PROMOTIONS
January 2020
Advanced Firefighter
Matthew J. Conner
Brandon J. Wenger
Macon J. Ezell
Matthew M. Gromer
John G. Bills
Chase D. Labrador
Joshua L. Osborn
Firefighter 2nd Class
Coty R. Freiss
Cory A. Petit
James D. Klepees
Brooks W. McClane
Thomas N. Treantafeles
February 2020
Fire Inspector II Chadwick J. Holthaus promoted to Fire Inspector III
Fire Inspector II Adam J. Appelhanz promoted to Fire Inspector III
March 2020
Shift Commander Ty D. Christian promoted to Division Chief of Operations
Battalion Chief Melvin D. Bouton promoted to Shift Commander
April 2020
Lieutenant Prentiss J. Rice Jr. promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Michael D. Stapleton promoted to Captain
Lieutenant William C. Miller promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Jeffery R. Reynolds promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Keith J. Czechanski promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Mark D. Johnson promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Ryan R. Gay promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator John R. Crites promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Robert D. Forman promoted Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Brian J. Flott promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Nathan D. Hibbert promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Daniel J. Jacobs promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Jesse B. Moyer promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Nathan W. Decker promoted to Apparatus Operator
April 2020
Advanced Firefighter Dustin J. Howbert promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Kyle A. Hamilton promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Austin L. McClane promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Gabriel M. Schultz promoted to Apparatus Operator
New Hires
Firefighter 3rd Class
Tyler A. Abernathy
Kaleb D. Chockley
Chelsea D. Foster
Jonah M. Domann
Jacob M. Gardner
Mitchell A. Ridder
Cole E. Searles
May 2020
Battalion Chief Todd A. Harrison promoted to Fire Marshal
Firefighter 1st Class
Jeremy A. Steimel
John K. Bentler
Craig A. Stevenson
Jacob W. Pera
June 2020
Lieutenant Robert R. Aurner III promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Chad R. Swift promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Christopher R. Reece promoted to Apparatus Operator
July 2020
Captain Alan J. McKenzie promoted to Battalion Chief
August 2020
Lieutenant Ty C. Forshee promoted to Captain
Lieutenant Travis J. Thompson promoted to Captain
Apparatus Operator Charles A. Ridder promoted to Lieutenant
Apparatus Operator Joshua M. Mayer promoted to Lieutenant
Advanced Firefighter Chance W. Boyle promoted to Apparatus Operator
Advanced Firefighter Zachary R. Bradford promoted to Apparatus Operator
The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center would like to invite members of the media to the ribbon cutting ceremony which will mark the unveiling of the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden on Thursday, August 27, at 10:00 AM. Attending and speaking at the ceremony will be Consul General Kenichi Okada from the Japanese Consulate in Chicago and James Kanki Honorary Consul of Japan in Kansas City. The ribbon cutting will occur in traditional Japanese style.
Also speaking at the event will be Mayor Michelle De La Isla, Friends of the Zoo Board President Pat Colley, Japanese Garden Master Koji Morimoto and Trustees Elaine and Howard Schwartz.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, attendance at the ribbon cutting is by invitation only.
Guests will be greeted at the event by Three Trails Taiko, a Japanese drum group. As guests check in, they will be given an origami crane. At the conclusion of the ceremony after the Sake drum has been broken, a procession will lead to the Garden’s entrance. Along the way, guests will be instructed to hang their origami crane with a wish on one of the plants. Kimonos will be on display in the Event Venue.
Members of the media can arrange for a preview of the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden beginning Monday, August 24. Interviews can be arranged during the preview with the Zoo Director, Garden Master and Trustees if desired. We would ask that any stories developed through the preview experience be embargoed
The City of Topeka, Kansas (the “City”) will hold a public hearing in the ECR Room on the third floor of City Hall, 215 SE 7th St., Topeka, KS, on August 13, 2020, commencing at 2:00 P.M., regarding the proposed issuance by the City of its health facilities revenue bonds in one or more series in the maximum aggregate principal amount of approximately $13,000,000, as part of a plan of finance for the purposes of (1) paying for all or a portion of the costs rel ated to the acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, repair, equipping and furnishing of certain health facilities and related facilities for the benefit of Midland Care Connection, Inc. and its affiliates (the “Company”) Company”), including without limit ation, for the Frazier campus, construction of a parking garage, renovation of existing interior spaces for the residential care center creation of a retention pond and construction of a new main entrance (the “Frazier Campus Projects” – approximately $4,235,000, and miscellaneous capital improvements for the Company’s locations together with the Hospice House Campus Projects and the Frazier Campus Projects, collectively, the “Projects”), (2) refunding all or any portion of the Health Care Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2013 (Midland Care Connection Inc.) previously issued by Shawnee County, Kansas for the benefit of the Company (the “Refunded Bonds” – approximately $2,365,000 outstanding principal), (3) refinancing certain outstanding loans and indebtedness (the “Refinanced Debt”) of the Company previously incurred to finance or refinance projects of the Company at its Westport Facility (approximately, $44,605,000 outstanding principal) and its Lawrence, Kansas Facility (approximately, $210,000 outstanding principal), and its Valley Falls, Kansas Facility (approximately, $600,000 outstanding principal), and (4) funding certain interest and paying certain costs of issuance. The locations for the Projects and the facilities relating to the Refunded Bonds and the Refinanced Debt include the following (in certain cases such locations consisting of campuses which have multiple addresses): 120 and 200 SW Frazier Circle, 2134 SW Westport Drive, all in Topeka, Kansas, 319 Perry Street in Lawrence, Kansas, and 1509 Linn Street in Valley Falls, Kansas. At the Company’s discretion, up to the entire maximum principal amount of the bonds may be allocated to any of the above described Projects and facilities to finance all, part, or none, of the capital expenditures at each location. The Company may finance a portion of the Projects above with equity or other available funds in addition to proceeds of the bonds. The Company will own and operate the facilities financed and refinanced with proceeds of the bonds.
As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of novel coronavirus in Kansas and in compliance with IRS Revenue Procedure 2020-21 limited in-person attendance will be allowed. Interested individuals may attend and participate in the public hearing via conference call. Please call 785-368-2575 to join the conference.
The hearing will be open to the public. All interested persons may attend the hearing and will have an opportunity to express their views with respect to the issuance of the bonds and the facilities financed or refinanced pursuant to the plan of finance for the bonds. Written comments may also be submitted to the undersigned prior to the hearing.