Commission approves vehicle leases after electric truck debate

Midwest Health Aquatic Center waterslides to be restored

Gage Park to get new electronic sign

Health department secures $433,000 early childhood grant

Election office reminds voters of filing deadlines and August ballot

Former clerk appointed to Mission Township board vacancy

Treasurer's office implements expanded summer hours

Commission approves vehicle leases after electric truck debate

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a vehicle lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management expected to increase annual costs by $38,962. Prior to the vote, Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent detailed the department's research into electric vehicles, noting that while an electric Ford Lightning costs roughly half as much to operate as a gas-powered pickup, poor trade-in values made the electric model twice as expensive over the three-year lease. Laurent added that the county will monitor the upcoming release of hybrid or electric Ford Mavericks for a potential pilot program next year.

Midwest Health Aquatic Center waterslides to be restored

TOPEKA, Kan. — The waterslides at the Midwest Health Aquatic Center, which opened in 2016, will receive a facelift following the commission's unanimous approval of an $89,277 contract with Safe Slide Restoration. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent said the project will focus on resurfacing the interior of the slides to prevent skin irritation and will take place in the fall after the pool closes for the season. The repairs will be entirely funded by interest generated from a Midwest Health endowment held by the Parks For All Foundation.

Gage Park to get new electronic sign

TOPEKA, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a $72,078 payment to a sign company for a new electronic sign at Gage Park, funded entirely by Gage Park sales tax revenues rather than the general fund.

Health department secures $433,000 early childhood grant

TOPEKA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a $433,450 grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to fund outreach, prevention and early intervention services. Family Health Division Manager Missy Middendorf explained the state funds will serve as a dollar-for-dollar match for the county's early childhood block grant. The money will support the Nurse-Family Partnership program and serve as pass-through funding for the Kansas Children's Service League's healthy families home visitation services.

Election office reminds voters of filing deadlines and August ballot

TOPEKA, Kan. — Assistant Election Commissioner Jake Fisher addressed the commission to remind local candidates and voters that the deadline to file for office or change party affiliation is noon on Monday, June 1. Fisher also noted that unaffiliated voters will still have a reason to cast a ballot in the August 4 primary election, as the proposed Elections for Supreme Court Justices Amendment will be up for a vote, which would subject state Supreme Court justices to partisan elections rather than the current merit-based appointment system. The election office is currently recruiting additional poll workers to staff polling locations on Election Day.

Former clerk appointed to Mission Township board vacancy

TOPEKA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously appointed a former township clerk to fill a vacancy on the Mission Township Board. The appointee, who previously served two terms as the township's clerk, was chosen over another applicant. The former clerk was recommended for the position due to eight years of direct experience as the best way to ensure a smooth transition for the township over the remaining two years of the term.

Treasurer's office implements expanded summer hours

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Treasurer's office announced the implementation of a summer schedule, opening early at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays and on the final day of each month to accommodate a seasonal increase in customers. Residents are encouraged to utilize the county's online appointment system to reduce wait times. Taxpayers are also reminded that the office does not process vehicle title work on the last day of the month, reserving that time strictly for processing late tag renewals.

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