Latest news with #Topekans
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A fourth candidate for mayor has entered the race. Now there will be a primary
A fourth Topeka mayoral candidate has entered the race, which will now require a primary election. Topeka cabinet worker Gabriel Killman, 22, has filed to run for mayor. "Growing up in Topeka, when you're going through high school, the main goal for most people is to move out of Topeka," Killman said. "They go to college, get a job somewhere else, and not stay here. They're worried about getting stuck here or living here most of their life, and it's kind of sad to see. So, I definitely want to bring enjoyment back to Topeka." Killman is a born and raised Topekan, arm wrestling enthusiast and the youngest mayoral candidate Topeka has ever seen. He said he gained his interest in politics from long talks with his father growing up. "I've definitely tried to become more partisan in all of my ideas, but it's just something me and him connected to when I was younger, and it's something that's always kind of stuck with me," Killman said. "Then seeing how politics can actually affect people's day-to-day lives, especially in local politics." While he hasn't had much experience in city government because of his age, Killman said it gives him a way to appeal to younger residents while still getting along with older Topekans. "I'm up to date on current events because I am on social media," Killman said. "I know how to connect with the younger generations and the older generations. I'm energetic. I love to be out there." Currently, Michael Padilla serves as Topeka's mayor. However, he announced in February that he would not seek a reelection. Since then, three other candidates have announced they're running: City Council member Spencer Duncan, local medical professional Chad Fay and local property developer Henry McClure. Killman said he wants the city to better communicate with the public and be more accessible. "There's so much you could improve on (in Topeka)," Killman said. "First, would probably be community outreach. I'd want members in the community to know what's going on here. Looking up things for being mayor was very difficult. It's hard to find local information." Killman went on to say that with more open communication, it would lead to better voter registration and community participation. He said Topeka's second main issue is a lack of term limits. "Probably my second biggest issue would be term limits," Killman said. "I would definitely like for the City Council and the mayor both to have term limits. It keeps people honest. It keeps people working on time and on a schedule. I think it levels the playing field. I think candidates that have been in for four terms would be much easier to get fifth term than somebody who's new and running, just because people are comfortable with that. I'd like it to be easier." Killman said road conditions are a main issue in Topeka. "Most people can just tell by driving day to day that the roads aren't that good," Killman said. "(You're) hitting potholes and messing with your suspension." He said he'd like to be more efficient with road repairs. "Getting the City of Topeka fixing roads quicker, and maybe spreading out the jobs you're doing instead of just one area, where people have to take massive detours," Killman said. Killman went on to say he also would like Topeka to take more responsibility for sidewalk repair. Currently, Topeka offers to pay half of the repair costs for sidewalks on people's properties. "It's a city-owned sidewalk," Killman said. "You can't change it. You can't get rid of it. You had no choice in it being there. It can be very expensive to fix, and you can be held viable for something you don't own. I'd like for that cost to brought back to the city, to save homeowners." Killman said Topekan's should vote for him "I think the community of Topeka should vote for me because I will make things cleaner," Killman said. "I'll make things smoother. I'll get things done faster. I'll make us feel like a community again." This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: What Topeka issues does mayoral candidate Gabriel Killman want to fix?
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers beautify parts of Topeka Boulevard for Earth Day
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Many Topekans are sprucing up parts of South Topeka Boulevard, one of the busiest stretches of road in the city, for this year's Earth Day. Dozens of volunteers from companies like Schendel Lawn & Garden and Polo Custom Products lent their expertise cleaning the area. They focused on landscaping and trash collection. Brian White, vice president of Polo Custom Products, says it's an important step in bringing more excitement and beauty to the area. 'Each of us has an opportunity to make where we live a better place, and so every little thing matters,' White said. 'So, take that time to see what difference you can make in your community and overall, we can have a place we're all proud to live in.' Disability job fair coming to Topeka Earth Day 2025 in Topeka saw a divide and conquer strategy, with volunteers heading north and south along the boulevard. White emphasizes that Earth Day is a great reminder to help out, but says the effort shown should carry on throughout the year. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disability job fair coming to Topeka
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A job fair for people with disabilities organized by the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) and the Loving Hearts Training Center will be held later this month. Participants will be able to connect with more than a dozen local employers that are eager to hire new workers. The event will go from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at the Hillcrest Community Center at 1800 Southeast 21st Street. 'We're committed to creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in the workforce,' said Shannon Kennedy, executive director at KYEA. 'This job fair is a step forward in connecting individuals to supportive employment environments and empowering them to achieve their personal and professional goals. We are incredibly proud of the businesses that have chosen to table at our job fair to show their support of hiring Topekans with disabilities.' Why will buildings in Kansas glow orange this week? Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and to be prepared for on-site interviews. For more information you can contact Jen Van Dalsem at jen@ or Shea Sheltrown at 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Topeka leaders invited to Lincoln, NE for networking event
TOPEKA (KSNT) – City leaders and other professionals have been invited to join a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, as a follow-up to last year's trip to Boise, Idaho. The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) announced in a press release on April 17 that this year's City Swap trip will work to build a deeper connection between Topeka and Lincoln. Topekans will travel to Lincoln on July 30-31 in a visit that will include tours, innovation sessions and more. Lincoln locals will travel to Topeka to visit the Capital City on June 17-18. 'We're excited to continue this unique partnership with the Lincoln team as we take the next step in our intercity exchange,' said GTP CEO Matt Pivarnik. 'After traveling together to Boise last year, we discovered just how powerful regional collaboration can be. Now, we have the opportunity to reconnect and go deeper—this time by experiencing Lincoln's own momentum up close. This visit represents more than just a trip; it's a commitment to shared growth, mutual learning, and strong relationships that benefit both of our communities. Together, Topeka and Lincoln are shaping a brighter future for our region.' City spokesman Dan Garrett confirmed to 27 News that City Manager Robert Perez will not be attending the retreat. Last year, Perez said he didn't join city leaders on their trip to Boise, ID. Instead, he stayed in Topeka to work on the city's $15 million budget deficit. The GTP is inviting community leaders, young professionals, business owners and other citizens to attend. They can purchase tickets before the June 30 deadline here for $500 each. Attendees will have transportation and other accommodations provided in the ticket cost. MAP: Where are the biggest measles outbreaks in the US right now? Garrett said he is still checking with city councilmembers to see if they will be attending the event. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exploring Topeka's oldest businesses and their lasting legacy
TOPEKA (KSNT) – 27 News is looking at some Topeka businesses that have survived the test of time this week. We combed through online directories and cross-referenced older publications to build a list of businesses that have been operating for over 100 years. The Topeka Cemetery may be the oldest business in Topeka still in operation today. It was established in January 1859 and later incorporated in October 1877. Superintendent Lisa Ford said when Topeka's founders saw the city was growing faster than anticipated, the city cemetery at 10th Street and Kansas Avenue was moved to the Topeka Cemetery. Ford said Topekans didn't want a cemetery in the center of town, so a donation was made by Dr. Franklin Crane to build the Topeka Cemetery. Ford said that in recent years, bones were found at the original city cemetery site at 10th Street and Kansas Avenue; she said those bones were later repatriated to the Topeka Cemetery. 'We were originally designated a cemetery,' Ford said. 'It's never been anything else; it has always been occupied by someone residing in the cemetery; it's changed hands several different times.' Topeka author publishes third book in series Rhonda Jensen is the owner of Reuters Shoes, a business that has been operating since 1880. Jensen said there has always been a need for shoe repair, which has given her business longevity, but noted the business has had to adapt to the times. '[We] work with problematic feet, that's how we've had the same business,' Jensen said. 'Back when polio was a big deal in the 50s and 60s, a lot of the shoe repair people collaborated with the doctors. It kind of evolved. Polio is pretty much gone now, but now we have diabetes, which is a pandemic; there are about 38 million diabetics in the country.' Jensen said the COVID-19 pandemic nearly killed her business. She said customers had a hard time seeing their doctors to be prescribed pedorthic remedies. 'I'm still struggling from the pandemic; we were basically closed for two years,' Jensen said. Junction City Eagle Scout cleans community skate park Joseph Frobisher, the owner of The Aurora at Vinewood, said it's going on 150 years in business. Frobisher said The Aurora at Vinewood has been many things over the years. He said it started as an amusement park and has been a roadhouse, dancehall and event venue at different times over the years. 'We hosted the Capper Foundation for a fundraiser, they were telling us Mr. Capper used to throw his birthday party there,' Frobisher said. 'He would trolly people out. They would trolly everyone back.' Frobisher said The Aurora at Vinewood has changed over time to fit the needs of the community. He said one of the most important things for the business is community involvement. 'We host a lot of nonprofit fundraisers because it's a way for us to plug ourselves back into the community,' Frobisher said. 'I think community involvement is critically important.' Gov. Kelly proclaims April as Kansas Safe Digging Month 27 News compiled a list of some of the oldest businesses in the Capital City in the table below. Have we missed any? Let us know by contacting Year Company Service 1859 Topeka Cemetery Cemetery 1876 Topeka Foundry & Iron Works Foundry 1880 Reuters Shoes Shoe Store 1890 The Aurora at Vinewood Wedding Services 1893 Newcomer Funeral Services Funeral services 1893 Capitol Federal Financial Banking & financial services 1894 Penwell-Gable Funeral Home Funeral services 1900 Johnson Storage Moving service 1904 Family Service & Guidance Center Family Service & Guidance 1909 Einsteins Outdoor supplies 1914 Senne Co. General contractor 1916 Brennan Mathena Funeral Services Funeral services 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
