Topeka local news summary

Sunflower Crossing development project moves forward

Plan to eliminate 'readiness to serve' fee draws fire

City launches 'Pass the Hat' fundraiser for families affected by SNAP cuts

Parks department scales back tennis court lighting project

Commission approves $261,000 purchase for new tennis court lights

New sand volleyball courts to open at Gage Park

County approves retention bonuses for 911 dispatchers

Sunflower Crossing development project moves forward

TOPEKA, Kan. - The City Council unanimously approved setting a public hearing for a major retail development known as “Sunflower Crossing,” located northwest of the intersection of S.W. Topeka Boulevard and South Kansas Avenue. The project, a roughly $16 million investment on a 7-acre lot, is planned to include a convenience store, a restaurant and a retail store. The council set a Nov. 12, 2025, public hearing to consider establishing a Tax Increment Financing district for the project. These steps are preliminary moves to consider providing public incentives for the development.

Plan to eliminate 'readiness to serve' fee draws fire

TOPEKA, Kan. - A proposal to eliminate the city’s controversial 'readiness to serve' water and wastewater fee and replace it with a higher base rate for active customers was met with strong opposition from council members during a non-action discussion Tuesday. Utilities Director Sylvia Davis presented a plan, effective Jan. 1, 2026, that would shift the financial burden from owners of inactive properties to active utility users to make up for approximately $1 million in annual revenue. Several council members, including Spencer Duncan and Deputy Mayor Brett Kell, argued the original purpose of the fee was to incentivize development on vacant properties and that penalizing active customers was unfair. Davis said her department would explore other options based on the council’s feedback.

City launches 'Pass the Hat' fundraiser for families affected by SNAP cuts

TOPEKA, Kan. - City Manager Robert Perez announced a new initiative to support residents affected by the federal government shutdown’s impact on benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The “Pass the Hat” campaign will feature firefighters collecting donations at five major intersections on Nov. 14 and 15. Perez said the funds will be managed by the United Way of Kaw Valley to ensure they reach local food pantries and organizations supporting affected families. The city is also exploring ways to expand its utility assistance programs to help those facing financial hardship.

Parks department scales back tennis court lighting project

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — To align project costs with its budget, the Shawnee County Commission approved a change order Tuesday reducing the scope of the Kossover Tennis Center lighting project. The change eliminates new lighting for courts 10 through 18, resulting in a contract reduction of $226,971 with Multisports, LLC. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent said those courts will remain unlit for now, but electrical infrastructure will be installed to make future lighting additions easier. The plan was developed in coordination with local tennis associations.

Commission approves $261,000 purchase for new tennis court lights

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Following a decision to scale back lighting at the Kossover Tennis Center, the commission approved a $261,000 contract with Musco Sports Lighting to purchase materials for the revised project. The funds will cover new LED lighting for courts 1 through 9 and the newly constructed courts 19 through 22. Parks and Recreation Director Tim Laurent noted that even with the project changes, the total cost is about $34,000 over initial bond funding; the shortfall may be covered by bond interest earnings or other maintenance funds.

New sand volleyball courts to open at Gage Park

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — Shawnee County Parks and Recreation announced the grand opening of new sand volleyball courts at Gage Park. Ashley Gilfillan of the parks department invited the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. near 10th and Civitan Lane. The event was scheduled to feature a “first serve” by members of the nationally ranked Washburn University women’s volleyball team.

County approves retention bonuses for 911 dispatchers

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. — The Shawnee County Commission on Tuesday approved a temporary retention bonus for emergency communications staff to address critical staffing shortages. The agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) provides an incentive of $1.85 per hour for communications call-takers and $2.50 per hour for communications specialists one and two. Angela Lewis, the county’s director of human resources, said the measure is intended to help retain experienced personnel in the sheriff’s office emergency communication center. The incentive pay will be in effect until the pay period ending June 26, 2026.

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