Yearly Archives: 2021

A program to pay people to move to the capital city will see another year, according to Topeka's Joint Economic Development Organization. GO Topeka said JEDO approved extending the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Incentive through 2021. It granted $300,000 in incentives meant to attract people to Topeka. Of that amount, 40% will be granted to remote workers in the incentive program. People who purchase a home can receive up to $15,000 while those who rent can get up to $10,000. “GO Topeka is ecstatic to see this program extended into 2021," said Barbara Stapleton, GO Topeka's vice president of business retention [...]

The Thacher building in downtown Topeka was recently approved for two grants totaling $110,000. One of the grants, worth $90,000, comes from Governor Laura Kelly who also awarded grants to 14 other historical sites. The grants were allocated to the Thacher building after Jeff Carson, co-owner of the building and the company Gizmo Pictures that it homes, applied for them. The historical venue was suffering from some structural deficiencies that were accumulated over the years and needed saving. Some tenants, including Juli's Coffee and Bistro, had to move out. The venue was designed in 1888 by world-renowned architect John G. Haskell. [...]

Beginning Friday, mass gathering limits in Shawnee County have increased to 300 participants or 50% of total capacity, according to a press release. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs can increase their hours until 12:00 a.m. Karaoke is now allowed as well as other live performances. Consumption of food and beverage at counters is also allowed with appropriate social distancing and barriers. Organizations that are planning events that are expected to go over 300 participants must submit a written plan for the COVID-19 Incident Response Team and the Shawnee County Health Officer to review. Source: KSNT News