Shawnee County Commission Summary
Week of October 30, 2026
County approves more than $4.7 million in vouchers for road, sewer projects
Public works purchases new wheel loader for winter weather management
Public works hosts open house for regional transportation study
Stormont-Vail Event Center receives $332,000 seating upgrade
County funds repairs for aging Stormont-Vail Event Center elevator
$50,000 approved for ice rink maintenance ahead of hockey season
Event center officials warn of traffic delays amid packed weekend schedule
Fall festivals and Washburn University homecoming highlight weekend activities
Early voting draws heavy turnout as Election Day approaches
County approves more than $4.7 million in vouchers for road, sewer projects
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Voucher payments totaling more than $4.7 million were unanimously approved on Thursday. Notable expenditures include $355,758 to Bettis Asphalt and Construction for the Northwest 46th Street infrastructure project, $37,661 for quarterly sewer maintenance to the city of Topeka and $1.5 million for payroll benefits.
Public works purchases new wheel loader for winter weather management
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The $223,157 purchase of a 2027 Caterpillar 926 wheel loader from Foley Equipment Company of Wichita was approved. Shawnee County Public Works Director Curt Niehaus said the heavy machinery, which will be delivered after the new year, is a crucial piece of equipment used to load sand and salt into dump trucks during winter weather. The purchase will be funded with $150,000 from the 2027 capital outlay fund and the remainder from the public works special machinery fund to replace older equipment prone to rust.
Public works hosts open house for regional transportation study
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Shawnee County Public Works Department hosted a public open house Thursday evening at Washburn Rural Middle School to gather input on the Southwest Shawnee County regional transportation study. Public Works Director Curt Niehaus said the event provided an opportunity for residents to learn about the study's objectives and share their concerns about the area's transportation infrastructure directly with the project's planning and design teams.
Stormont-Vail Event Center receives $332,000 seating upgrade
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Stormont-Vail Event Center will receive 2,200 new padded folding chairs and 250 premium seats for the arena floor after a $332,275 contract with Spec Seats was unanimously approved. Assistant General Manager Matt Rockers noted the interlocking chairs will replace the center's original 1986 folding seating, which has endured nearly 40 years of wear and tear. The purchase, funded through capital outlay, will feature a neutral black or dark gray color scheme designed to match any future arena renovations.
County funds repairs for aging Stormont-Vail Event Center elevator
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - An original 1987 elevator at the Stormont-Vail Event Center will undergo repairs following the approval of up to $35,000 in capital expenditures. The project will replace a broken door and door operator at the arena's southeast entrance, formerly the main Americans with Disabilities Act entrance. Assistant General Manager Matt Rockers noted that replacement parts for the 39-year-old elevator system are no longer manufactured, necessitating the specialized repair.
$50,000 approved for ice rink maintenance ahead of hockey season
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Routine maintenance for the Stormont-Vail Event Center's ice rink was approved at a cost not to exceed $50,000 to prepare for the upcoming Topeka Scarecrows season. The capital funds will cover rebuilding an ice compressor, punching condenser tubes, painting and expansion joint repairs. Assistant General Manager Matt Rockers informed the commission that the arena plans to maintain six sheets of ice this year, an increase of one sheet from the previous season.
Event center officials warn of traffic delays amid packed weekend schedule
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Stormont-Vail Event Center officials are urging visitors to arrive early and plan their routes this weekend due to heavy road construction on 21st Street, 17th Street and Topeka Boulevard. The arena is hosting a series of major events, including the final weekend of its haunted house, the opening games for the Topeka Scarecrows and the United Rodeo Association finals in Domer Arena.
Fall festivals and Washburn University homecoming highlight weekend activities
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Several community events scheduled for the weekend were highlighted, including Washburn University's homecoming parade and football game on Saturday. Additionally, Flora Lumina: A Festival of Light at Old Prairie Town will remain open through Nov. 1. An upcoming work session is also scheduled for Monday to recognize county employee anniversaries and retirements.
Early voting draws heavy turnout as Election Day approaches
SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Shawnee County Election Commissioner Andrew Howell reported that more than 14,500 voters have already cast their ballots, averaging about 1,800 voters per day ahead of Tuesday's general election. Howell reminded residents that early voting at the election office closes statutorily at noon on Monday and urged Election Day voters to check their routes due to ongoing road construction near some of the county's 87 polling locations. Despite the rising popularity of early voting, which currently accounts for about 12 percent of the county's turnout, Howell said he has no immediate plans to consolidate polling places, citing accessibility and ballot complexity concerns.
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