Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much more will your Topeka water bill cost by 2030?

Also, don't miss 2026 Stormont Vail Health Maternal Child Symposium on the Topeka Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
Thursday September 10th Patch AM (keith H.)

Hi there, Topeka! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much more will your Topeka water bill cost by 2030?
  • Could your Topeka property face a lien over unpaid water bills?
  • How Topeka residents can get free smoke alarms installed at home

Also on today's calendar: Page Turners and 9 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Keith H.!

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 84 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: Humid with clouds and sun, temps: high: 88, low: 70. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 85 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Topekans' water bills set to rise over the next four years (cjonline.com) — Topeka residents should expect higher water charges after the City Council approved multi‑year rate increases that raise both base fees and per‑gallon costs through 2030. Residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and outside‑city customers will all see gradual hikes, with some inactive accounts losing their base charge exemption, so it's worth checking how your own bill will change.
   

2. Topeka may put liens on 139 properties over water utility bills (cjonline.com) — Topeka officials are weighing whether to place liens on 139 properties with more than $125,000 in overdue water bills, following a close earlier vote authorizing such collections. With some council members concerned about base charges and billing deceased residents, the final decision at the Sept. 15 meeting could significantly affect how delinquent accounts are handled.
   

3. Topeka Fire Department checks out smoke alarms after Labor Day fire (ksnt.com) — After a fatal Labor Day fire, Topeka firefighters went door to door in north Topeka checking smoke alarms, offering safety education, and installing free detectors. City leaders and the fire chief stress that working alarms dramatically cut fire death risk, and residents can still request free installations through the Topeka Fire Department's Smoke Alarm Program.
   

4. Kansas Board of Education working to limit distractions from school issued devices (ksn.com subscription) — From a meeting in Topeka, the Kansas Board of Education is drafting a policy to keep school‑issued devices focused on learning and give parents more control over classroom technology use. Board members are debating limits, transparency and opt‑in or opt‑out options, aiming to send final guidance to districts by November that could shape how your child uses laptops and tablets at school.
   

📸 Around Topeka

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📸 Washburn Athletics held their third annual Community Kickoff party Wednesday evening in Sneed Indoor Athletic Facility.The Washburn University sports teams were present to meet fans. —keith H. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Laptop for sale
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/377482158547?var=&mkevt=1&mkcid=16&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ss0&ssuid=rmyqpcrpt0o&ssspo=rmyqpcrpt0o&stype=1&widget_ver… (Nextdoor Oakland)
  • Has anyone made easy ice cream at home ?
    2 cups heavy cream 1 can condensed milk 1 tablespoon vanilla (optional) If so what was your honest opinion-vs- all the fake ice creams out there… (Nextdoor Sherwood Estates)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Floor Clerical in Topeka. Apply here.
  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for CSR / Pizza Maker - $11.00/hr in Topeka. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Topeka here.

Ok Topeka! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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