> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Shawnee County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/shawnee-county-commission-summary-35/ - Published: 2026-10-02T12:14:20.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-02T12:14:20.000Z - Description: Week of October 2, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: Topeka, #summary, dnn # Aggregate shortages and price hikes impact county road projects # Design phase initiated for Northwest 86th Street bridge replacement # County forestry division struggles with severe staffing shortages # Gage Park sales tax funds approved for tree removal and signage # Polygraph tests screen out 30 percent of corrections applicants # Residents urge commission to reject proposed data center # Treasurer's office announces parking disruptions and upcoming closure --- ### Aggregate shortages and price hikes impact county road projects SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — A supply shortage of lightweight aggregate for chip seals will force Shawnee County to use crushed limestone for upcoming road projects. The commission approved a contract with Martin Marietta, a building materials company, for 3,500 cubic yards of lightweight aggregate — only half of the county's requested amount — at a price that has increased by $20 per cubic yard since 2025\. Shawnee County Public Works Director Curt Niehaus assured commissioners the alternative limestone will not result in loose aggregate being left on the roadways. --- ### Design phase initiated for Northwest 86th Street bridge replacement SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The county will begin seeking engineering services for a bridge replacement project on Northwest 86th Street over Cross Creek. The commission unanimously approved a request for qualifications for preliminary design and construction engineering services for the three-span bridge. The project is scheduled for construction in 2029, adding to the county's ongoing management of its 260 bridges following the recent completion of Calhoun Bluff Road. --- ### County forestry division struggles with severe staffing shortages SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department is relying heavily on outside contractors for tree maintenance due to ongoing staffing challenges within its forestry division. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent reported the division, which previously employed several full-time foresters, is down to a single supervisor because young foresters frequently leave the county for higher-paying positions elsewhere. --- ### Gage Park sales tax funds approved for tree removal and signage SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved the use of $18,195 in Gage Park sales tax funds for recent and upcoming park improvements. The total includes $17,595 for a tree service contractor to remove nuisance and dying ash trees and $600 to a sign company for eight "Welcome to Playland" signs. Tim Laurent apologized to the commission for purchasing and installing the signage prior to receiving formal board approval, citing a rushed timeline for a recent grand opening event. --- ### Polygraph tests screen out 30 percent of corrections applicants SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Shawnee County Department of Corrections renewed a $170-per-exam polygraph testing contract to screen potential detention center employees. A department representative told commissioners that 30 percent to 40 percent of applicants fail the examination. The failures primarily occur when candidates self-report prior drug use or poor work attendance during pre-qualification questioning. --- ### Residents urge commission to reject proposed data center SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Several community members utilized the public comment period to voice strong opposition to a proposed data center near the Montara community, citing noise pollution, extensive water usage and a lack of local tax benefits. Residents presented studies indicating that such data centers offer minimal financial or environmental benefits to the host county and urged commissioners to enforce strict noise decibel limits and reconsider allowing heavy industrial zoning in the area. --- ### Treasurer's office announces parking disruptions and upcoming closure SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Shawnee County Treasurer Susan Duffy announced the annex parking lot on 17th Street will undergo sealing and striping over the next few weeks, advising visitors to utilize alternative parking at nearby businesses. Additionally, both the treasury and motor vehicle offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, for an annual staff training day, though online payment and registration systems will remain operational. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/tcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/tcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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