Friday, June 5, 2026

Based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data and analyses from aggregators like AreaVibes, SafeHome.org, and others. These sources draw directly from law enforcement reports submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and FBI.

 Yes, the YouTube Short's core claims are broadly factual, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data and analyses from aggregators like AreaVibes, SafeHome.org, and others. These sources draw directly from law enforcement reports submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and FBI.

Exact Video Claims and Verification

I accessed details via web searches for the Short (ID: jkF56OqtiH0) and related transcripts/summaries, plus primary crime data pages. The Short simplifies for brevity:

  • "Yodora" (or similar small safe town): Likely a reference to a tiny low-crime rural area (possibly a mishearing or placeholder like Udall or similar safe spots). This holds—many small Kansas towns/suburbs (e.g., in Johnson County: Overland Park, Leawood) have very low violent crime rates (<200 per 100k). Tiny outliers can appear safest due to low absolute numbers and stable reporting.
  • Coffeyville as a top dangerous spot (#5 in the video): Accurate in many rankings. Recent data (AreaVibes, drawing from FBI/KBI) shows ~530 violent crimes per 100k (21% above KS average), with high assaults (~459), plus property crime pushing total rates high (~3,132 per 100k). It often ranks in the top 10 for cities >5k population. Small size (~9,700 residents) amplifies per-capita stats; local issues include drugs and economic factors.
  • Topeka as #1 most dangerous in Kansas: This is commonly stated but depends on methodology.
    • Violent crime: Topeka ~857–966 per 100k (95–125% above state average of ~439). Chance of violent victimization ~1 in 117. It ranks #3 in recent AreaVibes lists (behind Parsons and Kansas City, KS).
    • Overall crime (violent + property): Topeka frequently tops or near-tops lists (~4,499 total per 100k). Larger population (~130k) means more absolute crimes.
    • Sources confirming high ranking: AreaVibes (2026 analysis), SafeHome.org (Topeka #3 violent), Reolink blog (high placement), and historical FBI data. Some videos/lists call it #1 for overall or capital-city context.

Proof/References (explicit sourcing for transparency):

  • Primary: FBI Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr.cjis.gov) and KBI annual reports (e.g., 2024 Crime Index PDF via kansas.gov/kbi). These compile agency-submitted UCR/NIBRS data. I cross-referenced via searches for "Topeka KS violent crime rate per 100000 2024" and KBI pages.
  • Aggregators: AreaVibes uses FBI UCR violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) per 100k for cities ≥5k pop. Their 2026 list: Parsons #1 (1,238), KC KS #2 (1,047), Topeka #3 (857). Coffeyville #7 (530).
  • Trends: KBI 2024 report shows statewide violent crime down 6.7%, property down 12.9%—lowest overall index in 20+ years. Topeka PD reported declines too (violent down to 933 cases in 2024).
  • Video alignment: Matches patterns in YouTube crime roundups using similar FBI-derived lists.

Deeper Statistical Dive

Key Metrics (per 100,000 residents, latest available ~2023–2025 data):

  • Kansas Statewide (2024 KBI/FBI): Violent ~439 (down), Property ~1,956 (down). Overall crime index ~23.3 per 1,000 (20-year low).
  • Topeka:
    • Violent: ~857 (AreaVibes) to ~966 (other analyses). Assaults dominate.
    • Total: ~4,499. Victimization chance ~1 in 22 overall.
    • Homicides: Fluctuate (e.g., high in 2023; declines noted later).
  • Coffeyville: Violent ~530; Total ~3,132. High per-capita due to size.
  • Comparisons: Small towns like Elwood can hit 1,600+ violent per 100k (extreme outliers). Wichita leads in absolute volume as the largest city.

Data Caveats (important for accuracy):

  • Rates use per-capita for fairness; small towns swing wildly year-to-year from single incidents.
  • Not all agencies report fully/timely (NIBRS transition affects completeness).
  • "Most dangerous" varies: Violent-only vs. total; population filters; year (2024 saw broad declines).
  • FBI "First Look" 2025 data shows national violent crime down ~9.3%. Kansas follows suit.
  • Local context: Topeka has seen policing initiatives, but challenges like poverty, drugs, and urban density persist in certain neighborhoods.

Broader Context for Topeka (your area): State capital status brings unique pressures (e.g., transient populations, economic mixes). Recent local reports note progress (e.g., fewer homicides, overall drops), aligning with your advocacy for better development and accountability—which can indirectly support community safety through economic stability.

No, Judette Padilla is not the mayor's wife.

Summary of the April 7, 2025, Topeka Capital-Journal article:

The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) ordered the removal of 15 children from group homes operated by The Villages Inc. in Topeka (10 children) and Lawrence (5 children). The children were relocated to another facility in New York.

Key Details:

  • Reason: Alleged violations of the code of conduct at the facilities.
  • Response by The Villages: Executive Director Judette Padilla and five other employees are no longer with the organization (resignation/firing details not specified). The organization is reorganizing its management team, with Chief Compliance Officer Mark Burenheide named as interim executive director.
  • Ongoing Efforts: The Villages is working with ORR on corrective action plans to address issues, ensure child safety, preserve its federal contract, and retain jobs. It has a long history of caring for children.
  • One Exception: A Kansas District Court judge issued an order preventing ORR from moving one additional child, who remains at The Villages.

Background on The Villages:

  • Nonprofit founded in 1964 by Dr. Karl Menninger on 400 acres west of Topeka.
  • Operates five houses in Topeka and two in Lawrence; capacity for 60 minors and ~95 employees.
  • Has housed unaccompanied immigrant children/refugee minors (including some separated at the U.S.-Mexico border) under ORR care since at least 2018.

The article frames the incident as a compliance and management issue at the local nonprofit, with leadership emphasizing commitment to corrective measures. This ties into broader local discussions in Topeka about group homes, refugee services, and child welfare. 


No detailed public information is available on Mark Burenheide’s specific prior knowledge of the alleged code of conduct violations that led to the ORR’s actions in early 2025.

Background on Mark Burenheide

  • He served as Chief Compliance Officer at The Villages Inc. before being named interim executive director (and later full CEO) following the April 2025 shakeup.
  • As CCO, his role inherently involved overseeing regulatory compliance, policies, internal controls, risk management, and adherence to standards — especially critical for an organization contracted with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) caring for vulnerable unaccompanied minors.
  • Post-incident, the organization (via Board President Elizabeth Bell) announced management reorganization, employee departures (including former Executive Director Judette Padilla and five others), and work on corrective action plans with ORR to address issues, ensure child safety, and preserve the federal contract.

Timeline and Context

  • March 28, 2025: ORR suspended new placements at The Villages, citing code of conduct violations.
  • April 7, 2025: ORR ordered removal of 15 children (10 from Topeka, 5 from Lawrence) to a New York facility. Burenheide was publicly named interim leader in the organization’s response.
  • The ORR contract (active since ~2018) was a major funding source, supporting up to 60 minors and ~95 staff. It ended by late 2025, prompting a pivot to other services like a maternity shelter for expectant mothers (opened 2026) and community programs (e.g., Sugar Works Adventure Challenge Course).

In a May 2026 TK Magazine profile, Burenheide described the post-ORR period as a time of “rediscover[ing] ourselves” and “starting from the ground up,” focusing on the organization’s original mission roots (founded 1964 by Dr. Karl Menninger) while adapting to new community needs. He emphasized therapeutic nature-based programs, skills training, and returning to core values.

What Is Known (and Not Known) About His Involvement

  • No public reports, investigations, lawsuits, or statements directly implicate Burenheide in the violations, cover-ups, or prior awareness of specific problems. Searches across news, public records, and organizational filings turn up nothing tying him personally to misconduct.
  • As CCO, it is reasonable to infer he would have been involved in compliance monitoring, audits, reporting to ORR, and any internal reviews — meaning he was likely aware of some operational or regulatory issues before the March/April 2025 actions. However, the exact nature, severity, and timing of what he “knew” (versus what escalated to ORR’s intervention) remain undisclosed publicly.
  • The organization’s response framed the issues as addressable through leadership changes and corrective plans, without assigning individual blame beyond the departures of Padilla and others.
  • Past scrutiny of The Villages (e.g., 2018 concerns over a staff member with prior allegations) was handled separately and did not involve Burenheide in available records.

Bottom line: Public sources do not provide a “smoking gun” or deep details on Burenheide’s knowledge. His promotion to interim/CEO amid the crisis suggests the board viewed him as part of the solution (leveraging his compliance expertise) rather than part of the problem. For more specifics, official ORR reports, internal audits, or Kansas regulatory filings (if obtainable via open records requests like KORA) would be needed, but nothing granular has surfaced in media or online. The organization has since stabilized and shifted focus under his leadership

No, Judette Padilla is not the mayor's wife.

  • Previous mayor (at the time of the April 2025 article): Michael "Mike" Padilla. His wife is Ronnie (or Ronni) Padilla.
  • Current mayor (as of 2026): Spencer Duncan, whose wife is Barbara Duncan.

Judette Padilla is a longtime employee (and former Executive Director) of The Villages Inc., a separate Topeka nonprofit. She has no publicly reported spousal connection to either mayor. Padilla is a fairly common surname, and searches show no family link between her and Mike Padilla in news coverage or public records

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Who is Jack Calcutt?

Jack Calcutt's career at FactSet spans roughly 11+ years (as of mid-2026), primarily in sales, business development, and optimization roles at the global financial data and software company (headquartered in Norwalk, CT). Public information on his specific quantitative impact is limited—no detailed revenue figures, client wins, or internal metrics are openly shared in news, his campaign materials, or professional profiles.

Career Progression at FactSet

  • Early Roles: Started with various sales and business development positions. By around 2019, he was described as a Global Manager of Sales Business Development, focused on introducing new clients to FactSet’s platform.
  • Mid-Career: Served as VP, Director of Business Development (noted around 2022). He managed aspects of sales teams and client acquisition.
  • Current Role (Sep 2025–Present): VP, Director of Marketing to Sales Optimization. This appears to be a senior leadership position bridging marketing strategies with sales execution—focusing on lead generation, sales enablement, pipeline optimization, and improving conversion from marketing efforts to closed deals.

He transitioned to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic (around 2020–2021) while based in the Greater New York area initially, then permanently relocated his family to Topeka, KS, under FactSet’s remote-friendly policies. He continued managing teams (including a global sales team) from Kansas.

Nature of Impact

FactSet is a major player in financial data services, competing with Bloomberg, S&P Capital IQ, and others. Its revenue comes largely from subscriptions to research, analytics, and workflow tools for investment professionals. Sales and business development roles like Calcutt’s are critical for:

  • Client Acquisition & Retention: Introducing portfolio managers, analysts, and institutions to FactSet’s tools. His earlier work emphasized new client onboarding.
  • Team Leadership: Managing and developing sales representatives and business development teams. Colleagues have publicly thanked him for mentorship and support in promotions.
  • Optimization Focus: His current role targets efficiency in the marketing-to-sales funnel. This likely involves data-driven improvements in targeting, content alignment, CRM usage (FactSet has its own tools for this), and overall revenue operations—helping reduce friction and boost win rates in a competitive B2B SaaS environment.
  • International Efforts: He has supported FactSet’s expansion, such as promoting Chinese-language materials for market growth.

Broader Context and Limitations

  • Strengths Leveraged: His CFA charter and finance lecturing experience (at University of Kansas) add credibility when selling complex financial software. This domain expertise helps in client conversations and internal training.
  • Company-Wide Perspective: FactSet has grown significantly over the past decade (revenue in the billions), driven by product innovation and sales execution. Individual contributors at the VP/director level in sales optimization would contribute through better team performance, higher conversion rates, and scalable processes—though not at the C-suite strategic level.
  • Public Visibility: Calcutt maintains a lower public profile on specific achievements, focusing more on general leadership, hiring insights, and motivational content (e.g., Toastmasters speeches on personal responsibility). No major awards, press releases on record-breaking deals, or quantified impacts (e.g., “grew territory by X%”) appear in available sources.

Overall Assessment: Calcutt’s impact at FactSet seems solid in the “middle-to-senior management” tier of sales/operations—emphasizing team enablement, client growth, and process optimization rather than headline-grabbing executive decisions. This aligns well with his campaign messaging on fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and data-driven governance. His long tenure and progression indicate competence in a demanding industry, but without proprietary metrics, it’s hard to gauge outsized influence versus steady contribution.

For deeper insights, a full LinkedIn review, FactSet internal reports, or direct outreach would be needed. His role strengthens his credentials for county commission work involving budgets and economic development. Let me know if you want to explore related angles! 

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Policy and finance today.

**Summary:** This is a recording of the City of Topeka, Kansas **Policy & Finance Committee Meeting** held on June 3, 2026 (starting around 1:30 PM). It was a relatively short, routine local government committee session (~41 minutes) chaired by Council Member Marcus Miller (District 6), with Council Members David Banks (District 4) and Michelle Bradberry (District 7) participating.

The meeting covered consent items, several ordinances and policy discussions, staff presentations, and public comment. Key topics included redistricting processes, building code fee amendments, economic development incentives, backyard chicken/rooster regulations, and procedural follow-ups from a citizen review committee. No major controversies erupted, and the tone was collaborative and procedural. The meeting adjourned after public comments.

### Agenda Highlights & Timestamps (from video description)
- **0:00** — Call to Order & Attendance
- **0:58** — Consent Agenda (approval of prior minutes)
- **1:39** — Charter Ordinance on Redistricting Commissions
- **4:14** — Ordinance on Redistricting Commission
- **4:30** — Ordinance amending TMC Chapter 14 (Building Code fees)
- **7:50** — Community Impact Measures for City Economic Development Incentives
- **30:05** — Citizen Government Review Committee Recommendation - Follow Up Procedures
- **36:02** — Chicken and Rooster Ownership
- **39:29** — Public Comment
- **~41:00** — Adjournment

### Deep Dive on Key Items

**1. Redistricting Commissions (Charter Ordinance & Related Ordinance)**  
Staff (Brandy Roy Bachmann from the Legal Department) explained recommendations from the prior Citizen Government Review Committee. Changes included:
- Adding an at-large elector appointed by the Topeka Municipal Court judge to serve as chairperson.
- Guidance on how the commission draws district boundaries (e.g., avoiding certain considerations for fairness).

This aims to improve independence and transparency in the redistricting process after census data. The items moved forward procedurally with committee support.

**2. Building Code Amendments (TMC Chapter 14, Section 14.20.060(i), Subsection 109 Fees)**  
A routine update to adjust fees for building permits or related services. These adjustments help cover administrative costs for the city’s inspection and permitting processes. It passed without noted opposition.

**3. Community Impact Measures for Economic Development Incentives**  
This involved discussion on evaluating and requiring measurable community benefits (e.g., jobs, local investment, equity impacts) when the city offers tax abatements, grants, or other incentives to businesses. It reflects growing emphasis on accountability in local economic development—ensuring public dollars deliver tangible returns. The conversation lasted notably longer, indicating it was a substantive policy topic.

**4. Chicken & Rooster Ownership Ordinance (Item 5C)**  
A lighter but engaging topic. The committee discussed regulating backyard poultry in city limits. Council members noted significant public feedback (some supportive of urban farming/homesteading, others concerned about noise, odors, pests, or property values). Jokes about "ruffling feathers" lightened the mood. No final decision was detailed in snippets, but it was framed as ongoing community engagement.

**5. Citizen Government Review Committee Follow-Up**  
Procedural discussion on how to handle and implement recommendations from this citizen advisory group for better governance transparency and processes.

**6. Public Comment**  
Standard opportunity for residents to address the committee near the end.

### Overall Context
This committee handles policy development and financial oversight before items potentially go to the full Topeka City Council. Meetings like this are where detailed work happens on ordinances that affect daily life (zoning, fees, animals, development). The June 3 session was efficient, with staff presentations and member dialogue focused on practical governance rather than partisan debate.

Topeka (population ~125k) is a mid-sized Midwest city dealing with typical issues: balancing growth/incentives, updating codes, and responding to resident input on livability topics like urban chickens.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of any specific section, quotes from speakers, or follow-up on outcomes (e.g., what the full council did later), let me know—I can dig further. The video is publicly available on the City of Topeka’s YouTube channel for full viewing.

Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Say good by Bobble Head

Jack Calcutt, CFA, is a Republican candidate running for the Shawnee County Commission District 1 seat in the 2026 election. He is the only Republican filed for the position.

District 1 covers much of western Topeka and western Shawnee County. Incumbent Commissioner Bill Riphahn (who has held the seat since 2019) is not seeking re-election.

Background and Qualifications

  • Professional Experience: VP/Director of Marketing to Sales Optimization at FactSet, a global financial data and software firm. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has lectured in finance at the University of Kansas.
  • Move to Kansas: Relocated to Shawnee County in 2020 from the East Coast with his wife, Katie-Scarlett (a Topeka native). They participated in the "Choose Topeka" remote worker incentive program.
  • Community Involvement:
    • Appointed to the Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
    • Served on a municipal zoning board.
    • Contributed to urban renewal initiatives.
    • Volunteer youth soccer coach.
    • Owner of a local residential property renovation/management company.
  • Personal: Married with nine children; lives in Dover Township. Member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Interests include music, pets, and marathon running (he has completed at least one).

Campaign Platform and Key Issues

Calcutt's campaign slogan is "Step Forward". His website (jack4snco.org) and public statements emphasize fiscal conservatism, practical governance, and growth. Core priorities include:

  • Lower Property Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility: He has publicly opposed county tax increases, arguing they harm housing affordability and property values. He compares Shawnee County's effective tax rates unfavorably to neighboring counties. He wants to review departmental budgets (e.g., the $50M+ Corrections budget) for efficiencies to avoid mill levy hikes.
  • Government Transparency and Waste Reduction: Advocates for deeper scrutiny of budgets and less "finger-pointing."
  • Public Safety and Infrastructure: Prioritize roads and safety.
  • Smart Growth and Population: Shawnee County's population has been essentially flat (~178,000–179,000) for over a decade. He wants pro-growth tax policies to attract residents, especially to unincorporated/rural areas, while supporting balanced development (e.g., density in downtown Topeka).
  • Personal Freedom: General emphasis on protecting liberties.

He frames his run as a "spiritual calling" and a response to frustration with local governance, wanting competent, entrepreneurial voices in office.

Election Context (as of June 2026)

  • Filing: Calcutt filed as a Republican (fee paid).
  • Opposition: Democrats Cooper Melvin and Lance Royer are in the August 4, 2026 primary. The winner faces Calcutt in the November 3 general election.
  • Activity: Active in local meetings (Parks & Rec, Planning Commission, public works), Greater Topeka Partnership events, and community appearances. He uses his X account (@JackCalcutt2026) to share updates on local issues.

Strengths and Potential Appeal

  • Financial Expertise: Positions him well for budget/tax oversight in a county role.
  • Outsider/Insider Balance: Newer resident (moved 2020) but already involved in boards and community.
  • Local Ties: Family man, church involvement, property owner, and participant in incentives aimed at growing the area.
  • Timing: Open seat increases competitiveness; focus on taxes and growth resonates in a mid-sized county dealing with flat population and rising costs.

A deep dive shows Calcutt as a fiscally focused, faith-and-family-oriented candidate leveraging his CFA background to address stagnation and affordability in Shawnee County. His campaign is in early stages but active locally. For the latest, check his site (jack4snco.org), CJOnline coverage, or local filings.