Fwd: Friday Art Walk

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chuck Cowell <chuckthemediaguy@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Aug 31, 2025, 10:28 PM
Subject: Re: Friday Art Walk
To: Michael Siegel <westerncontinentalinvestment@gmail.com>
Cc: Tyler Wible <wible.pd@gmail.com>, Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>, Sarah Snipes <boutiqueofbliss23@gmail.com>

We made a post about it and will make another Wednesday. Super hopeful that it will be just the thing we need to kickstart some interest in the gallery. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Can't wait to see the bright future for Agape, the gallery, and your art!

Cheers,

Chuck

On Sun, Aug 31, 2025, 9:39 PM Michael Siegel <westerncontinentalinvestment@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey Tyler

Just checking in if you setup the "Flying Tigers" piece for the raffle?

Hope this Friday goes well!

Have a great holiday!!

Michael F Siegel
310 740-6788



Fwd: TopCity25 Voting Initiative

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Topeka Voter Collaborative <tvc.topeka@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Subject: TopCity25 Voting Initiative
To:

Dear Candidates and Local Elected Officials,

 

Thank you for your service to our community, either as a current elected official or candidate for local office.

 

I am writing to you today on behalf of the Topeka Voter Collaborative (TVC), a nonpartisan collective of individuals and organizations dedicated to empowering Shawnee County current and future voters by encouraging informed civic engagement and active participation in local elections.

 

You may have heard that we recently launched the TopCity25 voter initiative- a community-wide initiative aimed at raising voter turnout in this fall's Mayoral election to 25%. This would mark a 5% increase in turnout from the last Mayoral election.

 

We have every reason to believe we can hit this goal. In fact, turnout in the last three Mayoral elections has steadily increased! With the number of important issues facing our community, it is more important than ever that our citizens make their voice heard.

 

Whether you are on the ballot or not this fall, here are some ways you can support this important goal:

·       Utilize our toolkit available online at https://bit.ly/topcity25. The toolkit contains sample graphics, emails, and messaging you can use to promote the initiative. Graphics are even customized for each City Council District.

·       Mark yourself as "Going" on our Facebook event for Election Day, and invite others here: https://www.facebook.com/events/4275432516009707

·       Attend and promote the Candidate Meet-and-Greet on Monday, September 29 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Topeka Library. This will be one of the largest opportunities this fall for citizens to meet their candidates for local office.

·       Respond to candidate questionnaires- these are important tools for voters to be able to make an educated decision on Election Day. This includes the questionnaire from the League of Women Voters, which powers the Vote411.org election tool, which serves as a centralized location for nonpartisan voter information.

·       For candidates- actively campaign for office! When voters see you at events, notice your signs, or see your social media presence, it increases awareness of upcoming elections. Increased campaign activity from candidates has no doubt been a big driver of increased turnout in past local elections.

 

Thank you again for your public service. We can't wait to celebrate achieving this goal and more importantly, celebrate what's possible when our community comes together.

 

Sincerely,

 

Angel Romero

TVC Coordinator

 

--

The Topeka Voter Collaborative is a nonpartisan collection of individuals, agencies and organizations all working toward a common goal of raising voter turnout and participation in Topeka and Shawnee County. 

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

Supplement supplement supplements

Reviews of taking beef liver supplements are generally positive, with users reporting benefits such as increased energy, improved skin and nail health, and relief from symptoms of iron deficiency. Many users appreciate the convenience of a supplement to get the nutrients of beef liver without the strong taste. However, potential drawbacks include the high cholesterol content and the need for caution, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, and some users may experience mild digestive changes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]  

Reported Benefits 

• Nutrient Density: Beef liver is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins like A and B12, and minerals like iron and copper. [8]  

• Increased Energy & Motivation: Many users report feeling a sustained increase in energy levels and overall vitality after consistently taking beef liver supplements. [1, 3, 4]  

• Improved Skin & Nails: Several reviews mention positive changes to skin texture, reduced acne, and stronger, healthier nails after incorporating beef liver into their diet. [2, 9]  

• Support for Iron Levels: Users with low iron or anemia report positive changes in their iron levels and overall well-being, with the natural iron in beef liver being an effective alternative to pills. [4, 10, 11]  

• Convenient Way to Supplement: Users who dislike the taste and texture of cooked liver find that beef liver capsules or freeze-dried forms offer a convenient way to get the nutritional benefits without the unpalatable aspects. [1, 4]  

Potential Downsides & Risks 

• High Cholesterol: Organ meats like liver are naturally high in cholesterol, which can be a concern for individuals managing their cholesterol levels. [6]  

• Possible Digestive Changes: Some users have reported experiencing temporary changes in bowel movements, including mild constipation, when first starting beef liver supplements. [5]  

• Importance of Sourcing: Many reviews emphasize the importance of choosing grass-fed and pasture-raised beef liver for quality and nutrient preservation. [1, 2, 4]  

Considerations Before Taking Beef Liver 

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. [12]  

• Start with a Lower Dose: New users may want to begin with half the recommended serving size for a few days to allow their body to adjust before increasing their intake. [5, 13]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.cvs.com/shop/grass-fed-beef-liver-grass-finished-pasture-raised-freeze-dried-glandular-supplement-180ct-prodid-644233-reviews?skuId=644233&page=2[2] https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/887436506[3] https://www.vitalproteins.com/products/beef-liver-capsules?bvstate=pg:2/ct:r[4] https://www.iherb.com/r/codeage-grass-fed-beef-liver-180-vegetable-capsules-500-mg-per-capsule/104065[5] https://michaelkummer.com/best-beef-liver-supplement-brands/[6] https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/nutrition-and-diet/what-are-beef-organ-supplements[7] https://www.iherb.com/r/vital-proteins-beef-liver-120-capsules/71365[8] https://www.webmd.com/diet/liver-good-for-you[9] https://www.vitalproteins.com/products/beef-liver-capsules?bvstate=pg:3/ct:r[10] https://www.iherb.com/r/nutricost-grass-fed-desiccated-beef-liver-240-capsules-750-mg-per-capsule/129425[11] https://www.firstlight.farm/us/shop/wagyu/wagyu-beef-liver-supplement/[12] https://www.verywellhealth.com/beef-organ-supplement-11710185[13] https://ua.iherb.com/blog/beef-liver-health-benefits/1862

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

RE: Braxton can write this.

Good morning,

Thank you for your message.  This message serves as confirmation that your email has been received by the council members. 

 

Tonya L. Bailey

Sr. Executive Assistant to the City Council

City of Topeka

215 SE 7th St. Rm 255

785-368-3710

 

"The preceding email message (including any attachments) contains information that may be confidential, protected by the attorney/client or other applicable privileges or that may constitute non-public information. This message is intended to be conveyed only to the designated recipient(s). If you are not listed as a recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and then delete it from your system. Use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this message by unintended recipients is not authorized and may be unlawful."

 

 

 

 

 

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:05 PM
To: Robert M. Perez <rmperez@topeka.org>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>
Cc: Governing Body <governingbody@topeka.org>; MCRE Media <mcre1.snco@blogger.com>
Subject: Braxton can write this.

 

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

 

The department, rather than outside consultants, should fund police staffing studies. Our team understands the city's needs and can get the job done without incurring $150,000 in expenses for outsiders who are unfamiliar with our community.

Consultants use cookie-cutter solutions and don't understand our daily realities. When departments do the study themselves, results are more accurate and practical, and staff are more likely to support the changes.

Let's use our experience and save taxpayer money. Funding should go to our own officers so we know the results will fit Topeka, not some generic answers from far away.

 

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

 

www.henrymcclure.live

Pickles

Fermented pickles can be identified by several key characteristics: a cloudy brine, a potentially fizzy or bubbly liquid, a sour or tangy smell, and an ingredient list that includes salt but not vinegar. Fermented pickles are also often labeled as "lacto-fermented" or "naturally fermented". [1, 2, 3]  

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

• Cloudy Brine: The liquid in the jar will appear cloudy due to the microbial activity of the fermentation process. [2, 3]  

• Fizzing or Bubbling: You might see bubbles in the brine, especially when opening the jar, indicating the natural carbon dioxide production from fermentation. [2, 3, 4, 5]  

• Sour or Tangy Smell: Fermented pickles will have a distinct sour or tangy smell, different from the sharper, vinegary smell of pickled (non-fermented) pickles. [2, 6]  

• Ingredient Label: Look for "lacto-fermented" or "naturally fermented" on the label, or check for the absence of vinegar and the presence of salt. [1, 2]  

• Taste: Fermented pickles have a unique, complex flavor profile, often described as more nuanced and less intensely sour than those preserved with vinegar, according to Tasting Table. [2, 6]  

• Texture: Fermented pickles may have a slightly softer, sometimes effervescent texture due to the fermentation process, says Quora. [7]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://fermentaholics.com/are-pickles-fermented/[2] https://www.wildabundance.net/blog/pickling-techniques/[3] https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2015/08/fermented-pickle-recipe.html[4] https://www.theculturedcollective.co.uk/blogs/recipes-blog/kimchi-sauerkraut-fermented-foods-faq[5] https://alchemypicklecompany.ca/why-alchemy/[6] https://www.tastingtable.com/1512978/check-store-bought-pickles-fermented/[7] https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-difference-between-store-bought-pickles-and-fermented-pickles

Not all images can be exported from Search.

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

Fwd: Good job

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: Good job
To: Lanell Griffith <lanell.griffith@gmail.com>

The total overhead (burden) expenses for the Greater Topeka Partnership, excluding business incentives, amount to $3,869,613 for 2024. This includes all administrative, occupancy, travel, insurance, depreciation, office, and similar indirect expenses across all departments.02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

Overhead Expense Summary

Overhead Category	Total Budgeted 2024
Payroll/Benefits	$847,04402.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Other Compensation	$5,28002.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Shared Services	$588,00002.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Office Expense	$24,07002.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Occupancy (Rent)	$135,84702.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Sales Travel	$46,27502.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Hospitality	$8,80002.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Depreciation/Amort.	$105,06902.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Insurance/Taxes/Fees	$17,86002.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Dues/Subscriptions	$23,29202.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Advertising	$181,86202.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Professional Services	$277,65902.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Other Employee Costs	$73,63602.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
Interest Expense	$83,02802.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg
	$2,417,722
Total Before Incentives	$3,869,613

Note: The sum above ($2,417,722) directly comes from visible line items, but the actual "Total Expenses Before Incentives" on the statement is $3,869,613, showing all indirect/burden allocations, including some grouped or departmentally-distributed items.02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

Key Points

• Overhead includes costs for staff, rent, travel, office supplies, insurance, depreciation, dues, advertising, professional services, and all other non-incentive expenses necessary to operate the organization.02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

• Business incentives, at $3,179,182, are excluded when calculating "burden" or "overhead," as requested.

• The largest single overhead items are payroll/benefits ($847,044), shared services ($588,000), and professional services ($277,659).02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

• Occupancy/rent across all departments totals $135,847; travel is $46,275.02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

All listed amounts strictly exclude any direct business incentive distribution, focusing solely on administrative and operational expenditures.02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

1. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/images/90824090/965dc493-6d10-476d-ad5c-90f8fb97277a/02.14.24-JEDO-Meeting-Agenda-FINAL_Page_11-Copy.jpg

On Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 11:22 PM Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C7ro2m7xi/

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

Braxton can write this.

The department, rather than outside consultants, should fund police staffing studies. Our team understands the city's needs and can get the job done without incurring $150,000 in expenses for outsiders who are unfamiliar with our community.

Consultants use cookie-cutter solutions and don't understand our daily realities. When departments do the study themselves, results are more accurate and practical, and staff are more likely to support the changes.

Let's use our experience and save taxpayer money. Funding should go to our own officers so we know the results will fit Topeka, not some generic answers from far away.

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

here we go

The proposed City of Topeka 2026 operating budget outlines general fund and departmental budgets, major fund balances, enhancements, reductions, and highlights from the City Manager's message and supporting tables. The adopted mill levy is set at 36.956 mills, holding the mill flat compared to prior years.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

General Fund Overview

• Proposed Budget: $132,985,265 for FY2026, an increase of about 4% from $127,570,984 in FY2025.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Personnel Costs: $100,999,790, accounting for over three-quarters of the general fund—up 4.2% due to finalized union contracts and 3% COLA pool for non-union employees.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Non-Personnel Expenses: Increased by 4% (about $1.2M), largely from inflation.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Use of Reserves: One-time reserves will be drawn down, including the unassigned fund balance, to balance the FY2026 budget, with a plan to maintain a 15% minimum unassigned reserve.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Estimated Revenues:

  • Sales Tax: $41.7M (projected 2.25% growth)Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

  • Ad Valorem (Property) Tax: $43.8M, with a 4.24% assessed value increaseAgenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

  • Franchise Fees: $16.2MAgenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

  • PILOTS, Fees for Services, and others fill out the remainder.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Projected Gap: $7.54M budget gap for FY2026 to be filled by reserves.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Major Policy Actions

• Maintain Mill Levy: The property tax mill levy remains at 36.956, which is above the calculated revenue-neutral rate of 35.183.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Use of Reserves: General fund reserve projected to decrease to the 15% policy threshold for end-of-year balance.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Staffing Adjustments: Reduction of 19 FTEs from the 2025 budget and assumption of 21 FTEs held vacant to reduce personnel costs.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Departmental Highlights

Police Department

• FY2026 Budget: $52.7M (a planned decrease from FY2025's $54.5M).Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• New Initiatives: Funding for a police staffing study ($150,000), Lexipol policy system ($40,000), addition of 6 civilian positions in specialty units, and removal of 11 positions.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

Fire Department

• FY2026 Budget: $37.3M (down from $38.8M in FY2025).Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Adjustments: Replacement of critical equipment (air compressors), reduction of 2 FTEs, and planned vacancy credit for positions.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

Public Works

• FY2026 Budget: $7.6M from the general fund for departmental operations, plus capital outlays from special funds.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Projects: Pavement and bridge improvements, vehicle and equipment upgrades, and citywide maintenance goals.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

Utilities

• Water Utility: $62.3M, with major investments in infrastructure, treatment plant upgrades, and capital projects. 15% increase in chemical costs and 11% increase in utility expenses anticipated.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Stormwater Utility: $12.6M, focused on compliance, infrastructure replacement, and maintenance efficiency.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Wastewater Utility: $45.4M, emphasizes ongoing plant improvements, regulatory compliance, and increased biosolids processing.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

Human Resources / IT / Other Departments

• HR: $2.3M; focus on recruitment, job description updates, and training.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• IT: $6.0M; enhancement includes a new cybersecurity director and expanded software investments.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Planning & Development: $3.9M; targets affordable housing and code compliance.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Notable Budget Changes and Enhancements

• Fee Schedule Increases: Across multiple departments, projected to add $200,000 in revenue.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• No General Fund Subsidy for Hotel Topeka: Saving $1.4M compared to prior budgets.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Non-Departmental: Increase to $15.6M, mainly to cover IT/facilities allocations, prisoner care, social service grants, and other citywide expenses.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Major Funds and Balances

Fund	2025 Ending Balance	2026 Ending Balance (Proj.)
General Fund	$23,028,432	$19,975,720
Special Highway Fund	$188,836	$0
Water Utility	$15,721,730	$14,054,172
Wastewater Fund	$20,744,099	$19,752,344
Stormwater Utility	$4,575,626	$4,038,213
Sales Tax Maint.	$34,759,722	$27,738,979

Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Revenue & Tax Summary

• Tax Revenue Breakdown (2026 est.):

  • Sales Tax: $86M

  • Ad Valorem Tax: $64M

  • Motor Vehicle Tax: $5M

  • Transient Guest Tax: $3M
    Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Top Taxpayers: Evergy Kansas Central Inc. / Westar ($91.7M assessed value), followed by Kansas Gas Service, Target Corp., and others.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Top Employers: State of Kansas (10%+ of city jobs), Stormont-Vail, Hills Pet Nutrition, USD 501, Blue Cross.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Summary of Risks and Considerations

• Budget Sustainability: The City is using one-time reserves to close the FY2026 gap; future years will require either new revenues or expense cuts to avoid a projected $13M deficit in FY2027.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Inflation Pressures: Personnel costs and health insurance premiums are increasing.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Special Highway Fund: Present structural deficit addressed by $2M transfer; not sustainable long-term.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

Public Hearing & Adoption Timeline

• Public Hearing: Scheduled for September 9, 2025 at City Council Chambers.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

• Adoption: Possible final vote on September 16, 2025.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

---

All references are drawn directly from the "City of Topeka 2026 Proposed Operating Budget"—including detailed department presentations, fund tables, City Manager's letter, and supporting legislative resolutions and notices.Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

1. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/90824090/9340490e-2ac9-42e6-96c7-acc125573c8e/Agenda_2025_9_9_Meeting-1042.pdf

--

Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live