It is "extremely important" for Topekans to show they care for their neighbor by honoring a requirement expected to take effect Friday that masks be worn in public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained, Mayor Michelle De La Isla said Tuesday. The wearing of masks is a public health issue, not a political one, the mayor said. "It’s not about fear," she said. "It’s about the science, and making sure that we take care of each other." De La Isla and city manager Brent Trout spoke at their monthly news conference about Gov. Laura Kelly’s announcement Monday that she plans [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has given people a greater appreciation for many of life’s little gifts — things many took for granted not so long ago. Parks and recreation facilities are among those, primarily because they provided relief and space for people to focus on their own mental, physical and emotional needs during safer-at-home periods. Beginning Wednesday and throughout July, people are invited to celebrate those recreational spots during national Parks and Recreation Month, which since 1985 has recognized the importance parks and recreation play in health and overall well-being. "During July, we’re calling attention to the important role that parks and [...]

Beginning Friday, Kansans in public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained will be required to wear masks. Gov. Laura Kelly announced at a news conference Monday she plans to sign an executive order this week that would mandate mask use in public spaces statewide. She said the order would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, in advance of the Fourth of July weekend. "If we want a healthy Kansas economy, we need healthy businesses and healthy Kansans," Kelly said. "Therefore, I’m announcing that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask. "This [...]

The Topeka Metro Bikes program will be discontinued effective July 30. The board of directors of the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority voted 7-0 Monday afternoon to make that move. The TMTA board last June had approved cuts that included discontinuing Topeka Metro Bikes effective last December. But board members voted last October to give Topeka Metro Bikes an extension through June 30, which will be Tuesday. On Monday, Topeka Metro general manager Bob Nugent told TMTA board members that a company with which Topeka Metro had been working to provide the bicycle sharing program had pulled out on short notice. Nugent [...]