With the help of new life downtown and collaboration across the community, Topeka appears to be hitting its stride after years of false starts. But challenges remain and it could take time to fully  win over a populace that had significant concerns about the community’s quality of life, image and safety as recently as three years ago. On any given day or night, Topeka’s rejuvenated downtown can be bustling. Entrepreneurs selling high-end jewelry and art. The Pennant serving up gourmet burgers, arcade games and themed celebrations for the cocktail crowd, with The Tee Box beckoning golfers... Source: KLC Journal

Thanks to an effort organized by civic groups, Reno County residents could weigh in about community priorities for spending about $18 million in federal pandemic relief funds. Improving the affordability and accessibility of child care overwhelmingly ranked as the highest priority. What happens next lies in the hands of elected officials, who have the last word. The people came together by twos and threes, unsure what to expect as they chatted with their neighbors and re-lived two long years of experiences battling COVID-19. In 90-minute facilitated discussions from August through October of last year, residents shared their thoughts ... Source: KLC [...]