Hey

You should put a light layer of hay (or preferably, weed-free straw) over freshly planted grass seed to protect your newly planted lawn, retain essential moisture, and shield the seeds from the elements. [1, 2, 3]  

Hay or straw serves several primary purposes for new seeds: 

• Retains Moisture: Seeds require constant dampness to germinate. The covering slows down evaporation, meaning you won't need to water quite as frequently. 

• Prevents Erosion: It shields the loose topsoil from washing away during heavy rains or strong winds. 

• Deters Birds & Pests: Birds and rodents will eat unprotected seeds. A light cover makes the seeds less visible and accessible. 

• Regulates Temperature: It insulates the soil slightly, keeping it warmer during cool nights and shielding delicate seeds from the harsh, baking sun. [2, 9]  

A Few Words of Caution 

• Hay vs. Straw: While often used interchangeably, straw is generally recommended over hay. Hay is made from nutrient-rich grasses and often contains viable weed and unwanted pasture seeds, which can take over your new lawn. Straw, which is the hollow stalks of grain plants, is cleaner and contains far fewer weed seeds. 

• Apply Lightly: Only apply a very thin layer (about ¼ to ½ inch thick). The soil should still be visible through the covering. Applying too much will smother the seed, blocking essential sunlight and trapping excess moisture, which can cause mold. [2, 10, 11, 12]  

If you'd like, I can: 

• Tell you how to properly remove or manage the hay as the grass begins to grow. 

• Suggest better alternatives to hay (like peat moss or erosion control mats). 

• Share a watering schedule to help you maximize germination. [10, 11, 13, 14]  

Let me know if you'd like to narrow down any of these options! 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/D7K8_p8u2ao

[2] https://lawnlove.com/blog/should-you-put-straw-over-grass-seed/

[3] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2732437180206924/posts/7502182079899053/

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kqNtdO5fns

[5] https://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/why-you-shouldn-t-use-straw-on-your-newly-seeded-lawn

[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2732437180206924/posts/7502182079899053/

[7] https://www.quora.com/Is-it-okay-to-use-hay-to-cover-grass-seed

[8] https://northwestmeadowscapes.com/pages/faq

[9] https://www.facebook.com/scottslawn/posts/avoid-straw-when-planting-new-grass-heres-why/1474596111376016/

[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/landscaping/comments/50ift5/is_straw_necessary_for_new_grass_seed/

[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/comments/inolgw/i_highly_recommend_against_using_straw/

[12] https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativegardening1/posts/1792757801209218/

[13] https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativegardening1/posts/1192331674585170/

[14] https://www.tamelings.com/grass-seed/

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Good morning

Drinking hot lemon water first thing in the morning rehydrates your body after sleep, aids digestion by stimulating the GI tract, and provides a gentle dose of vitamin C. It is a simple, zero-calorie morning habit that can also promote fullness and help prevent kidney stones. [1, 2, 3, 4]  

The primary benefits of this morning ritual include: 

• Rehydration: You lose fluids overnight, so drinking water as soon as you wake up wakes up your body's systems and prevents dehydration-related fatigue. 

• Digestion Support: The warm water helps stimulate gastrointestinal motility (the movement of your digestive system), while the citric acid from the lemon triggers digestive fluids. 

• Immune & Skin Health: A squeeze of fresh lemon provides a natural boost of Vitamin C, which supports your immune system and helps the body produce collagen. 

• Kidney Stone Prevention: The natural citrate in lemons can increase urine volume and pH, making it harder for calcium-based kidney stones to form. 

• Healthier Weight Management: Replacing sugary morning beverages (like juice or sugary coffee) with lemon water reduces your caloric intake and aids hydration, which is linked to better weight management. [2, 3]  

A quick word of caution: The acid in lemons can erode tooth enamel over time. Consider drinking it through a straw, waiting 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, or simply rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward. [3, 5, 6, 7, 8]  

If you'd like, let me know: 

• Is your goal for this habit hydration, digestion, or weight management? 

• What is your current morning beverage routine (e.g., coffee, tea, or straight from the tap)? 

I can help you adjust your morning rituals to best fit your personal health goals. 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-lemon-water

[2] https://www.verywellhealth.com/hot-lemon-water-benefits-11945031

[3] https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/is-drinking-lemon-water-good-for-you

[4] https://www.vogue.com/article/lemon-water-benefits

[5] https://www.guardianphysician.com/blog/7-reasons-to-start-your-day-with-lemon-water

[6] https://8fit.com/nutrition/rise-and-shine-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water-in-the-morning/

[7] https://www.coolwatercompany.co.uk/what-does-lemon-water-do-for-you/

[8] https://www.truemeds.in/health-library/benefits-of-drinking-warm-lemon-water

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Robert (Dr. Robert M.) Perez (May/July 2024 – present) — ongoing (as of late 2026). How long will he make it?

 Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. (often called Norton Bonaparte) was Topeka’s first permanent city manager.

Topeka switched to a council-manager form of government in 2005 (after earlier mayor-council and commission systems). Bonaparte started in March 2006 as the first person hired for the role on more than an interim basis.

List of Permanent City Managers

Here is the list of the five permanent (non-interim) city managers based on available records:

• Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. (March 2006 – ~2011; terminated by council) — ~5 years.
• Jim Colson (August 2012 – October 2016; resigned) — ~4 years.
• Brent Trout (October 2017 – end of 2021; resigned) — ~4 years.
• Stephen Wade (September 2022 – July 2023; fired) — ~10 months.
• Robert (Dr. Robert M.) Perez (May/July 2024 – present) — ongoing (as of late 2026).

Interims (e.g., Richard Nienstedt, Doug Gerber, others) served between some of these but are not counted as permanent.

Average Tenure

Using approximate completed or current tenures for the first four (to allow a full calculation): roughly 5 + 4 + 4 + 0.83 years = ~13.83 years total → average of about 3.5 years per permanent city manager.

This is a bit below the national average for city managers (often cited around 5–7 years in studies, though it varies), which aligns with Topeka’s pattern of relatively short stays, often due to resignations for personal reasons, firings, or better opportunities elsewhere.

Note: Exact start/end dates can vary slightly by source, and interims fill gaps. For the most authoritative details, check the City of Topeka’s official site or archives.

Me. Barber

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXIb_HM0J9U&t=397s 

Topeka Factor

Summary: "Henry McClure 'Live'" (YouTube video)

This is a casual, lengthy live stream (about 1 hour 13 minutes) by Henry McClure, a licensed real estate broker in Topeka, Kansas, and former mayoral candidate.

Key Details:

• Format: Informal live broadcast, likely on Facebook/YouTube, featuring conversation, local commentary, and audience interaction.
• Main Topics (from transcript snippets):
  • Light-hearted banter (e.g., "Sober October" jokes).
  • Local Topeka government discussion, including city salaries, hiring an assistant city manager, bureaucracy, and costs (e.g., criticizing high salaries for administrators while promoting his own business experience).
  • Real estate and business talk — McClure highlights his deal-making experience as a real estate professional.
  • Personal promotion: Mentions his real estate listings, career (started in 1979), and contact info.

The description notes some segments are sponsored by SNCO First (with McClure listed as Treasurer), and he promotes his real estate work and blogs.

Context on Henry McClure:

He ran for Mayor of Topeka in 2025 but lost to Spencer Duncan. He positions himself as an advocate for reducing bureaucracy and bringing business sense to local government.

The stream feels like a personal update/live chat style video rather than a polished, structured presentation. The user-linked timestamp (t=397s ≈ 6:37) falls early in the casual conversation portion.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of specific sections or topics, let me know!

Henry McClure’s Real Estate Strategies (MCRE, LLC, Topeka, KS)

Henry McClure is a veteran real estate broker with ~45 years of experience. He founded MCRE, LLC in 2000 after earlier roles at Coldwell Banker and the MaceRich Company (a major mall owner/operator). His career emphasizes commercial real estate, with a strong track record in redevelopment, leasing/sales, and navigating local government processes.

Core Focus Areas

• Commercial & Retail Specialization: Heavy emphasis on shopping mall redevelopment, commercial leasing, and sales. He also handles mixed-use developments and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects.
• Residential Involvement: Consistent work in residential sales alongside commercial activities.
• Advisory & Deal-Making Role: Acts as a broker, advisor, and "dealmaker," helping clients with site selection, investments, partnerships, zoning, platting, and complex transactions.

Key Strategies & Approach

1. Redevelopment Expertise McClure specializes in revitalizing underperforming retail properties (e.g., malls) and mixed-use/TIF projects. This involves working with public incentives, infrastructure improvements, and repositioning assets for new tenants or uses. He stresses making land "shovel-ready" through utilities, demolition, and site clearance.
2. Local Market Knowledge He frequently notes that "Real Estate is local in Nature," shaped by economic conditions, regulations, demographics, and community factors. His strategies prioritize deep understanding of Topeka/Shawnee County dynamics over generic national approaches.
3. Government Navigation & Bureaucracy Reduction A recurring theme is fighting bureaucratic hurdles in zoning, platting, incentives, and approvals. In his mayoral campaign, he advocated for uniform TIF and CID (Community Improvement District) agreements to streamline deals, reduce legal costs, and create predictability for developers.
4. Client-Centric Deal Making
   • Provides tailored solutions for new locations, profitable investments, strategic partnerships, or smooth transactions.
   • Strong negotiation focus to deliver favorable deals.
   • Long-term relationships (e.g., family involvement, such as working deals with his daughter).
5. Marketing & Visibility
   • Active content creator: Live videos, vlogs, blogs, and social media (YouTube @HenryMcClure, personal site) to share insights, listings, and build community trust.
   • Listings promoted via platforms like Crexi and LoopNet (commercial focus).
   • Personal branding as an experienced, creative, and accessible broker ("Inspiring creativity through the art of Real Estate").
6. Investment & Development Mindset
   • Encourages exploration of real estate investment opportunities.
   • Example: Developing land at 37th & Gage in Topeka for fast food, coffee shops, restaurants, and other users (including selling parcels to growing organizations like a church).

Business Model Highlights

• Independent Brokerage: Runs a lean operation (MCRE, LLC) rather than a large firm, allowing flexibility and direct client service.
• Long-Term Leasing: Interestingly, McClure himself leases his office (10-year) and home (20-year), which may reflect a strategy of preserving capital for deals rather than heavy personal ownership.
• Diversified but Specialized: Balances commercial redevelopment (higher complexity/value) with steady residential/commercial leasing.

Strengths

• Deep experience in complex, incentive-driven projects.
• Strong local network and government navigation skills.
• Personal branding through media builds visibility and trust.
• Pragmatic, results-oriented "dealmaker" approach.

Potential Limitations (Observed)

• Primary focus on Topeka metro may limit scalability for clients seeking broader regional/national opportunities.
• Emphasis on fighting bureaucracy suggests strategies rely heavily on local policy and incentives, which can be unpredictable.

Overall Assessment: McClure’s strategies suit clients needing an experienced local expert for commercial redevelopment, leasing, or TIF/mixed-use projects in the Topeka area. His approach combines traditional brokerage with modern content marketing and a pro-development, anti-bureaucracy philosophy. He positions himself as a practical problem-solver who leverages incentives and local knowledge to close deals efficiently.

Dr. City Manager