Latest news with #TopekaRescueMission
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Far from cutting affordable housing in Kansas, we could use more resources for those in need
Government housing assistance provides a vital lifeline for Kansans, writes columnist Rebecca Phillips. (Getty Images) I have a dear friend who I have helped with different issues over the years. She is a disabled senior with limited eyesight, and she also has no car. I met her about 11 years ago, and while I am much younger we care about each other. About four years ago, I recommended that she sign up for a program I had heard about — Section 8. That's a housing assistance program funded by the federal government in which individuals in need — those who qualify — can apply and receive help in paying for a house or an apartment whose landlord takes the Section 8 voucher. I told my friend: 'You should sign up for this. It may take a while to hear from them but I think it's a good program.' I picked her up and drove her to the Topeka Housing Authority office, where she picked up an application. It took a couple of years for her name to come up on the list, but she was approved. It was just in time because her rent at her apartment was about to go sky high, and she couldn't afford to pay. Without the Section 8 voucher, who knows what she would have done. That is why when I read about proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development totaling $32.9 billion, along with the idea of creating a grant program to send rental assistance funds to the states, my heart grieved over the precious lives this would affect. The people who work at the Topeka Housing Authority are very special people, including the vice president of rental assistance programs, Annette Brown. They work hard to make sure those with limited incomes, the disabled and seniors find safe, affordable housing. We are in a time when homelessness is at an all-time high. If anything, we need more funding for housing programs, including those beyond Section 8. I attended a meeting for the public in which the former executive director of the Topeka Rescue Mission discussed homelessness and how so many individuals who grew up traumatized or experienced trauma as adults often end up homeless. Barry Feaker has a true heart for the homeless and has dedicated his life to the issue. People such as Theresa Douthart and Sehera Hays at the Topeka nonprofit organization Breakthrough House give of themselves to help assist clients to find housing. Robert Sanders, chair of the board of directors for Breakthrough House, works at the Topeka Rescue Mission and he helps the individuals there find employment and work on job skills. His work is vital and much needed. When I think of the Section 8 program, I think of my good friend who might have had nowhere to go if she had not received her voucher. These people are good folks who need shelter. It's time to make sure they get to stay in their dwellings and to continue to provide the funding they need to live a productive life. The time is now to help those in need of a place to live. I worked as a volunteer writer at the international headquarters of Habitat for Humanity in 1997 for a brief time, and I saw people from all over come together to help those who I believe are God's children. Let's be the light of Heaven to folks who would otherwise be homeless. Let's offer hope. It's needed more now than ever before. Rebecca Lyn Phillips is a published author, speaker and mental health advocate. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Judge sentences man to 21 years in prison after killing Topeka father of 2
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local judge delivered a sentence Tuesday to a man accused of killing a Topeka dad two years ago. A Shawnee County judge sentenced David Jackson, 41, to just over 21 years in prison and three years of post-release supervision on April 29. His sentence is connected to the 2023 shooting death of Durant R. 'Buddy' Redmond, 39, in 2023. Topeka Rescue Mission staffer found 'lifeless' by police after brutal attack Police were called around 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2023 to the 2200 block of Southwest Plass Avenue on reports of a shooting in the area. Officers arriving at the scene found a man, later identified as Redmond, suffering from life-threatening injuries and took him to a local hospital. Redmond died at the hospital a few days later on Sept. 28, 2023. His death marked the 24th homicide case of the year. The TPD arrested Jackson on Oct. 10, 2023 in connection to Redmond's death. The Shawnee County District Attorney later charged him with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon. Former Wolfe's Camera shop, nearby buildings for sale for $2.85 million Jackson entered a plea of not guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon on Jan. 18, 2024. However, he later pleaded guilty to both charges on March 26, 2025. 27 News spoke with Redmond's family in the days after his killing. The father of two was a graduate of Wasson High School in Colorado Springs and earned a bachelors degree in welding at Washburn Tech. Family and friends described him as a man with a contagious laugh and a fun-loving personality. One man charged in connection to Topeka's 5th homicide For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Court documents detail homeless man's alleged attack on Topeka Rescue Mission staff member
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Court documents released Monday shed light on a brutal attack that left a Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) staffer fighting for his life in a local hospital. 27 News obtained new information on April 28 regarding the attack on a staff member of the TRM in early April. The 52-year-old staffer was only recently released from a local hospital and is continuing to recover from his injuries sustained in the attack. Topeka police responded around 11 p.m. on April 4 to the TRM at 600 North Kansas Avenue on reports of an assault. A 911 caller told police he witnessed Xavian M. Locke, 25, attack a TRM staff member, according to court documents. Family mourns loss of Topeka police lieutenant, dad Officers arrived in the area a few minutes later, finding Locke on his knees near the 'lifeless' body of the TRM staff member, according to court documents. Police took Locke into custody while medical personnel treated the TRM staffer for 'blunt force trauma to the head.' The TRM staffer was transported to a local hospital for urgent care and was not expected to survive, per the court documents. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) later obtained video surveillance from the TRM building. The video showed the TRM staffer conducting his final checks for the night around 10:50 p.m. with a flashlight in hand. Locke can be seen running up to the TRM staffer and attacking him unprovoked, according to court documents. Locke allegedly punches the TRM staffer before knocking him to the ground. Locke then stomps on the TRM staffer's head with his foot before taking the flashlight and striking him over the head with it repeatedly, according to court records. Police arrived a short time later to find Locke kneeling beside the TRM staffer's body and arrested him. 2026 I-70 shutdown in Topeka to last for six months, what to know The TRM staffer injured in the attack was involved in banning Locke from the TRM on March 26, 2025, according to court records. The TRM moved Locke's property outside the mission and asked him to leave but, when he became aggressive, contacted police to help with his removal. The Shawnee County District Attorney charged Locke on April 9. His charges include the following: Attempted murder in the first degree; intentional and premeditated. Aggravated robbery; inflicts bodily harm. Aggravated battery; knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement. Interference with law enforcement officer; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution. Four-year sentence issued to man involved in shooting death of 23-year-old in Topeka For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Topeka Rescue Mission staff member injured in attack exits hospital
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) staff member who was severely injured earlier this month is out of the hospital this week. Kim Turley with the TRM said in a press release the staff member is on the road to recovery after being released from the hospital. The staff member is now at a rehabilitation facility. Turley said there have been encouraging signs of progress in the staff member's ongoing recovery journey. The organization continues to emphasize the 'power of prayer' in helping the staff member heal. 'There are no adequate words to express the deep gratitude we have for each of those in our community who reached out to offer support and prayers during this situation,' said TRM CEO La Manda Cunningham. 'Each of our staff members is precious to us, not just as employees but as loved children of God's family. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff and will continue working closely with authorities to understand this event. At the same time, we rejoice in the progress we have witnessed in the healing process of our injured teammate and continue to support all of our staff as we move forward.' Kansas Highway Patrol to move Topeka headquarters Police were called just before 11 p.m. on Friday, April 4 to the 600 block of North Kansas Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene found a 52-year-old man suffering from life-threatening injuries including 'blunt force trauma'. The man was hospitalized with injuries including broken bones, a severe cut and a possible internal injury in the aftermath of the incident, according to a police report obtained by 27 News. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) arrested Xavian M. Locke, 25, of Topeka in connection to the incident. The Shawnee County District Attorney later charged him with attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated robbery and other counts. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Charges filed against man accused of attacking Topeka Rescue Mission staff member
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Shawnee County District Attorney has filed criminal charges on Wednesday against a man accused of attacking a Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) employee earlier this month. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay has charged Xavian M. Locke, 25, of Topeka with four charges in connection to an alleged attack on a TRM employee last week. Locke's charges include the following: Attempted murder in the first degree; intentional and premeditated. Aggravated robbery; inflicts bodily harm. Aggravated battery; knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement. Interference with law enforcement officer; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution. Police identify driver killed after falling off I-70 in Topeka Police were called just before 11 p.m. on Friday, April 4 to the 600 block of North Kansas Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene found a 52-year-old man suffering from life-threatening injuries including 'blunt force trauma'. The man was hospitalized with injuries including broken bones, a severe cut and a possible internal injury in the aftermath of the incident, according to a police report obtained by 27 News. The TRM announced in a press release on Monday, April 7 the employee was in stable but critical condition following the alleged attack. TRM CEO La Manda Cunningham said the TRM is working with law enforcement to understand what caused the incident. Police later arrested Locke in connection to the encounter. The TRM announced on April 9 that its staff member remains in stable, but critical, condition following the incident. People who have information regarding this investigation are encouraged to contact the TPD via email at telltpd@ or call 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or by going online. Funeral plans released for slain Kansas priest For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
