Dr. Justin Spies alleges forced stripping, excessive force at Shawnee County jail and demands firings In public comment Dr. Justin Spies alleged he was forcibly stripped naked and subjected to excessive force at the Shawnee County Detention Center, said the county offered a $1,001 settlement, and demanded multiple staff firings; a second commenter corroborated that on at least one occasion a nurse said refusal to answer non-identifying questions would trigger suicide-watch/stripping.

Dr. Justin Spies is making explosive allegations against Shawnee County jail staff, claiming he was forcibly stripped and abused, and he's demanding accountability from the board.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #JusticeReform

Geeez, #Kansas come on! #Topeka is an amazing place to visit, and there are many areas in the state our family were hoping to see, but I don't want our tourist dollars supporting anyone who would vote for the lawmakers who overrode a Governor's veto to press this into action.
#ShawneeCounty #KS

Dr. Justin Spies alleges unlawful arrest and punitive detention conditions in public comment to Shawnee County commissioners At the Feb. 19 meeting, Dr. Justin Spies told commissioners he was unlawfully arrested on Sept. 8, 2025, alleges punitive treatment while detained at the Shawnee County Adult Detention Center, has filed lawsuits naming police officers and county staff, and said the Department of Corrections sought $190,818 to fulfill an open‑records request.

Dr. Justin Spies claims he was unlawfully arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment in a Kansas detention center, sparking multiple lawsuits against local officials.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LegalRights

Shawnee County commissioners approve vouchers, contracts and multiple revenue-bond authorizations At a Feb. 19 meeting, the Shawnee County Commission approved $3.8 million in vouchers, routine contracts and several revenue-bond resolutions to support housing, dealership expansion and retail development; all routine votes passed 3–0.

Shawnee County commissioners just greenlit over $3.8 million in vouchers and multiple revenue-bond authorizations to boost local housing and business developments!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #ShawneeCountyHousing #EconomicDevelopment #PublicFinance

Planning commission backs updated solar regulations, allows on-site battery storage under NFPA standards and sets 1,000-acre project cap After extensive public comment, the Shawnee County Planning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend updated solar energy conversion system regulations to the Board of County Commissioners; the recommendation allows battery energy storage systems as part of solar projects if installed pursuant to the most recent NFPA standard, strengthens decommissioning and fire-plan requirements, and sets a 1,000-acre project cap (with variance/waiver provisions).

Shawnee County is moving forward with updated solar regulations, allowing on-site battery storage and a new 1,000-acre project cap after a heated public debate!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #ShawneeCountySolar #PublicSafety #SustainabilityInitiatives #EnergyRegulations

Resident urges ‘housecleaning’ at MTAA, cites $1.8M judgment and other spending concerns At the Feb. 5 meeting, a resident alleged lack of transparency at the MTAA, claimed the authority faced an $1.8 million judgment and questioned a reported $10 million grant for a hangar; commissioners did not take formal action on the claims during the meeting.

A local resident is demanding accountability from the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority after raising concerns about a shocking $1.8 million judgment and questionable spending practices.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #FinancialResponsibility #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement

Shawnee County adopts Trails and Greenways Master Plan after yearlong study The Shawnee County Commission voted 2–0 to acknowledge and adopt a Trails and Greenways Master Plan developed with WSP USA and Parks & Recreation; the plan maps short- and long-term segments, provides GIS deliverables, and emphasizes maintenance and multi-agency coordination.

Shawnee County is paving the way for healthier living with a newly adopted Trails and Greenways Master Plan that promises to boost connectivity and promote active lifestyles throughout the region.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityConnectivity #PublicSafety

Shawnee County planning commissioners defer decision on draft solar rules after hours of public comment After a lengthy public hearing, the Shawnee County Planning Commission voted unanimously to defer action on draft solar energy conversion system regulations to Feb. 9, citing requests for clearer acreage limits, setbacks and separate consideration of battery storage.

Shawnee County's planning commissioners have hit the pause button on new solar energy regulations after passionate public testimony, raising concerns over acreage limits and safety.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CommunityPlanning #CleanEnergy #PublicSafety #ShawneeCountySolar #CitizenPortal

Sheriff announces $5 million grant for Real Time Crime Center; county approves Stormont Vail Wi‑Fi upgrade and chairs RFP Sheriff Brian Hill and District Attorney Mike Kegay announced a $5 million competitive grant to expand the Real Time Crime Center and related capabilities; commissioners also approved a $17,100 Wi‑Fi upgrade for Stormont Vail Exhibition Hall and authorized an RFP for replacement portable chairs with CIP funds not to exceed $350,000.

Shawnee County just scored a groundbreaking $5 million grant to supercharge public safety with cutting-edge technology!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #TechnologyInvestments #ShawneeCountyPublicSafety #CrimePrevention #CommunityPartnerships #CitizenPortal

⚠️TONIGHT!⚠️

The Shawnee County Planning Commission is considering a new ordinance that would replace a total ban on solar development. ☀️👈

Please show up to support solar in Shawnee County!

RSVP: bit.ly/4pmVR7W

#SierraClubKansasChapter #SierraClub #Kansas #ShawneeCounty #Solar #takeaction

Images from www.kansasmemory.org/item/213510/page/10

#OTD in 1956
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Aerial views of Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas. A series of aerial photographs showing construction of I-70 Interstate west of Gage Boulevard.
#TopekaCounty #ShawneeCounty #Kansas

Shawnee County planning panel recommends denial of Camp Hammond short‑term cabin permit after residents raise water, road and safety concerns After hours of public comment, the Shawnee County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of a conditional use permit for Hammond Partners LLC to operate up to 15 short‑term rental cabins on the former Camp Hammond; the matter goes to the Board of County Commissioners Dec. 8, 2025.

The Shawnee County Planning Commission has recommended denying a permit for short-term cabin rentals, facing fierce opposition from residents concerned about water, safety, and community character.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalImpact

Shawnee County commissioners approve $3.22 million in vouchers, contracts and staffing additions At their Nov. 10 meeting the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners approved vouchers totaling $3,224,703.40, awarded multiple contracts including weekend leases for county ball complexes, authorized contract negotiations for lobbying services, and approved four new 911 call-taker positions for the sheriff’s communications center.

Shawnee County commissioners just approved a whopping $3.22 million in vouchers and contracts, paving the way for new staffing and exciting projects!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #ShawneeCountyCommissioners #CommunityServices

Shawnee County approves vouchers, contracts, staffing and 2026 social services allocations The commission approved $3,001,407.46 in vouchers and a series of contracts, personnel actions and funding resolutions, including door replacement at JP Lewis Health Department, parks maintenance contracts, on-call trade vendor agreements, and two 2026 funding resolutions for social services and elderly programs.

Shawnee County just approved over $3 million in vouchers and key contracts that will shape essential services and infrastructure for 2026!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #ElderlySupport #ShawneeCountySocialServices #CommunityServices

LiveWell Shawnee County reports new grants, impact‑team projects and Community Health Improvement Plan timeline LiveWell Shawnee County director Sarah Kearns Vincent briefed commissioners on $100,000 Pathways funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Food Secure Communities initiative, impact‑team activities and a CHIP due in December.

LiveWell Shawnee County is making significant strides with new grants and impactful community projects, paving the way for a groundbreaking Community Health Improvement Plan set to launch in December.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #BehavioralHealth #FoodSecurity

Shawnee County’s new epidemiologist outlines priorities: mental health, heat illness, motor‑vehicle deaths Josh Van Drunen, Shawnee County epidemiologist, described his role in tracking disease, supporting community partners and analyzing local trends including higher suicide rates and barriers to mental‑health access.

Shawnee County's new epidemiologist, Josh Van Drunen, is tackling urgent local health issues like rising suicide rates and mental health barriers to improve community well-being.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CommunityInterventions #CitizenPortal #MentalHealth #PublicHealth

Mayor’s Task Force report: domestic‑violence calls and prosecutions rose; housing and transport cited as safety barriers The task force’s annual report to Shawnee County commissioners cited more than 2,100 domestic‑violence 911 calls in 2024, about 1,400 arrests, and barriers to leaving abusive relationships including lack of affordable housing and limited public transportation.

Domestic violence is on the rise in Shawnee County, with over 2,100 emergency calls and alarming barriers preventing survivors from escaping their situations.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #ShawneeCountyDomesticViolence #HousingAccess

Shawnee County to solicit design proposals for roundabout at Southeast 40th and Adams County public works received approval to issue an RFQ for design services to replace a signalized intersection at Southeast 40th Street and Southeast Adams Street with a roundabout; commissioners cited safety, pedestrian friendliness and lower long‑term maintenance as reasons.

Shawnee County is set to transform the last traffic light on 40th Street into a modern roundabout, boosting safety and efficiency for everyone!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationInnovation #CommunityPlanning

Shawnee County OKs study to assess impact of proposed KTA interchange near Auburn The Shawnee County commissioners approved an RFQ to fund a regional transportation study to evaluate traffic, safety and land-use impacts of a potential Kansas Turnpike Authority interchange near Auburn; the county will cover about 35% of an estimated $500,000 study and Auburn officials urged quick action, saying KTA has offered $9 million toward a

Shawnee County is set to embark on a crucial transportation study that could reshape the future of Auburn and its surrounding areas, with a significant $9 million offer from KTA on the line!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #TrafficSafety #LandUsePlanning #EconomicDevelopment

Commissioners approve conditional use for Evergy substation near Topeka museum and trails The board approved Resolution 2025-79 to allow Evergy to obtain a conditional use permit for an unmanned electrical substation in Mission Township, with conditions and a requested waiver of a 24-month automatic-expiration rule.

Shawnee County Commissioners have given the green light for Evergy's unmanned electrical substation, paving the way for major grid improvements in the area!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityPlanning #ShawneeCountyUtilities #EnergyInnovation

Treasurer’s office lease for Motor Vehicle Annex extended six months at $25,149 The county approved a six-month extension of the Motor Vehicle Annex lease with Beverly Post for $25,149, covering Jan. 1–June 30, 2026; Treasurer Susan Duffy said the small parking lot remains tight and no county-funded parking repairs are included in the extension.

Shawnee County just approved a six-month lease extension for the Motor Vehicle Annex, but will the parking lot issues get addressed before it's too late?

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #PublicServices #CommunityInfrastructure #ShawneeCountyMotorVehicle

Commission approves CanPay addendum, CodeRED renewal and VMware subscription The Shawnee County commission approved an addendum to a CanPay payment-services contract to expand use countywide, renewed a three-year CodeRED public notification agreement with Topeka police and renewed a VMware subscription for courts.

Shawnee County is making strides in public safety and technology with new contracts for payment services, emergency notifications, and virtual court systems!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #ShawneeCountyPublicServices #TechnologyInnovation #CivicAccountability

Shawnee County approves $3.67 million in vouchers, including $986,031 payment to JADO At its Oct. 6 meeting, the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners approved voucher payments totaling $3,667,515.46, with the largest single disbursement of $986,031.58 going to JADO; the clerk presented line-item highlights and commissioners approved the payments.

Shawnee County just approved a whopping $3.67 million in voucher payments, with nearly a million going to JADO alone—find out what this means for the community!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #CommunitySupport

Shawnee County Commissioners Approve $3.6M Voucher Payments and Contracts Commissioners authorize voucher payments including $986K to JADO and approve several contracts.

Shawnee County Commissioners just approved a staggering $3.6 million in voucher payments, signaling a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and community services.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ShawneeCountyCommission #CommunityEngagement

Proposal to Complete Third Floor of New Behavioral Health Unit Proposed next steps aim to finalize the third floor of the behavioral health unit.

Shawnee County is taking a bold step to enhance mental health care by expediting the completion of a new behavioral health unit's third floor, addressing a critical community need.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #ShawneeCountyBehavioralHealth

County Commissioners Approve $2.4M Voucher Payments for Road and Park Projects Commissioners approve voucher payments for engineering and construction projects totaling $2.4 million.

Shawnee County Commissioners just approved over $2.4 million for vital road and park projects that promise to transform community life!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #TransportationImprovements #CommunityDevelopment #ShawneeCountyInfrastructure

External Auditor Jacob Hallman Presents 2024 Audit Results to County Commissioners Jacob Hallman reports clean audit findings and no material adjustments to commissioners.

Shawnee County's latest audit reveals a shining financial health, with no adjustments and a clean bill of compliance that boosts community confidence!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #AuditCompliance #FiscalResponsibility #ShawneeCountyFinance #TransparencyInGovernance

Department of Corrections approves leasing seven Chevy Traverses for community corrections Commissioners approve new lease agreement for vehicles to update community corrections fleet

Shawnee County is modernizing its community corrections fleet with a new lease for seven Chevy Traverses, ensuring better services for our community!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FacilityImprovements #CommunityCorrections

Shawnee County Approves $258K Master Plan Update with Landworks Studio LLC Commissioners approve contract for Gage Park master plan update amidst cost concerns.

Shawnee County is poised for transformation as commissioners debate a bold $258K master plan update for Gage Park, but not everyone is on board!

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSpending #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructureDevelopment

Shawnee County approves $62K roof replacement for Old Prairie Town mansion Commissioners authorize Gardner Roofing to replace the mansion's roof funded by parks department.

Shawnee County's commissioners are tackling urgent park funding issues and preserving historic sites, including a $62K roof replacement for the beloved Old Prairie Town mansion.

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#ShawneeCounty #KS #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #CommunityTransparency