Sunday, June 28, 2026

Figures have evolved with updates (e.g., from $12.2M to $14M+), and exact final accounting depends on closing documents, interest costs, and actual revenues.

 Approximately $12.2–14+ million in direct city (taxpayer) investment since the 2023 purchase, structured for partial/long-term recovery via hotel-specific revenues rather than a traditional upfront grant or broad TIF/STAR bond subsidy.

Here is the breakdown of the key numbers based on official city announcements, news reports, council actions, and Topeka Development Corporation (TDC) discussions (primarily 2023–2026):

1. Purchase (2023)

  • City of Topeka won the auction for the existing Hotel Topeka (at 1717 SW Topeka Blvd / City Center) in October 2023.
  • Winning bid: ~$7.6 million (commonly reported; one source cites $8,573,600 including costs/fees). The property had a 2023 appraisal around $3 million, so the city paid a premium.
  • Funded via bonds or city resources; purchase authorized by governing body (7-2 vote) to support tourism, conventions, and economic development after the hotel went to auction.

2. Total City Investment/Spending to Date

  • By July 2025 (official city announcement): $12.2 million total spent on Hotel Topeka (purchase + operations support, capital improvements, legal/fees, interest on temporary notes, etc.).
  • By December 2025: Reports of ~$14 million invested (including improvements and operations).
  • Additional context: ~$1.2 million supplementing operations in 2024 alone; further ~$1 million+ in one reported period. One 2025 reference mentioned $17.7 million spent so far (possibly including projections, interest, or broader accounting). Earlier 2025 council actions added incremental funding (e.g., $291k bringing a running total to ~$11.53 million).
  • These funds came from city resources (general funds, bonding capacity, possibly TGT allocations), representing the core direct taxpayer outlay/subsidy for acquiring and propping up a distressed asset.

3. Sale/Recoupment Structure with Endeavor Hotel Group (2025–2026 Deal)

  • Sale to Wichita-based Endeavor Hotel Group (which plans ~$6M rehab + $2M ops support; rebrand/reposition, possibly as Hilton DoubleTree or similar/Wyndham-related).
  • $1 million cash payment from buyer.
  • Remaining balance of city’s investment (~$11.2 million from the $12.2M baseline, or adjusted higher with later totals) to be recouped over ~17–20+ years via:
    • Community Improvement District (CID): 2% additional retail sales tax on sales at the hotel property (approved by City Council, e.g., 8-2 vote). Dedicated to recouping city costs.
    • Incremental/special Transient Guest Tax (TGT/bed tax): Captured incremental or dedicated TGT revenues from hotel guests (city council actions approved mechanisms; city-wide TGT also adjusted/increased, with portions tied to this). Earlier projections: redeveloped hotel could generate ~$440k+ annual TGT and ~$1M sales tax.
  • Official city framing (July 2025): Taxes collected only from hotel guests/spending; structured so the city recoups its investment as the hotel succeeds under private operation. Projections (e.g., RevPAR models) showed payback in 17 years for ~$9.8M or 19 years for ~$11.3M under strong performance assumptions.
  • Related county commitment: Shawnee County to provide long-term management of Maner Conference Center + invest ~$6 million in its rehab to match hotel upgrades.

This is more of a self-liquidating/public investment recovery via dedicated property revenues than an outright permanent subsidy. General taxpayers bear interim carrying costs (interest, opportunity cost, risk of underperformance/shortfall).

4. Additional Incentives Discussed (~$15 Million Scale)

  • During bid/offer processes (e.g., late 2024–2025), documents and reports referenced the City offering developers a $15 million economic development grant + a 20-year property tax increment (TIF-like mechanism to capture increased property taxes from improvements).
  • TIF discussions occurred in TDC meetings for potentially capturing increments to help reimburse purchase price + improvements (TIF can apply to purchase price and exterior/public improvements under Kansas law; CID handles on-site sales tax). A full TIF district for Hotel Topeka was considered but the executed structure emphasized CID + TGT.
  • The $15M figure likely represented the total contemplated incentive/support package value (grant equivalent + tax increment financing benefits) to attract private investment/rehab, in addition to or encompassing the low effective sale price and recoupment tools. It was not always framed as new cash on top of the $12M+ sunk costs in later official sale announcements.

Summary of Taxpayer Subsidy

  • Direct/public funds committed: ~$12.2–14 million+ (purchase + ongoing costs through 2025–2026). This is the clearest “subsidized” amount—taxpayer dollars used to buy and sustain the hotel.
  • No major pre-2023 TIF/STAR/CID subsidies identified specifically for this hotel’s original development (city acquired an existing asset at auction).
  • Recovery mechanism: Mostly from hotel guests and on-site spending (CID sales tax + TGT increment), not ongoing general taxpayer levies. Full recoupment projected in 17–20+ years if performance targets are met; risk remains with the city/taxpayers.
  • Incentive context: Up to ~$15 million scale in grant/TIF-style support discussed in deal structuring to enable private redevelopment.
  • Broader context: Aimed at tourism/convention economic impact (~$20 million annual visitor spending projected if redeveloped successfully). Critics (including local advocates) highlight the premium purchase price, total outlay, carrying costs, and questions about net return vs. alternatives.

Figures have evolved with updates (e.g., from $12.2M to $14M+), and exact final accounting depends on closing documents, interest costs, and actual revenues. Official sources like topeka.gov and TDC materials provide the baseline; local reporting (WIBW, KSNT, CJOnline) tracks the debate. For the absolute latest post-June 2026 closing details, check city council/TDC minutes or recent financial reports, as the deal was progressing toward a mid-2026 handover.

This aligns with common Topeka economic development tools (CID, TGT increment, limited TIF discussions) but stands out due to the city’s direct ownership and large front-loaded investment in an existing property.

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Friday, June 26, 2026

Wible

Wible Property Development, LLC is a local commercial and residential development firm spearheaded by owner Tyler Wible. The company is actively driving local economic growth in the region, focusing on expanding community infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization. [1, 2]  
Key Projects & Initiatives 

• Southeast Topeka Gas Station: Tyler Wible is heading the development of a new gas station under local ownership to serve the southeast area of the city. 
• General Contracting & Remodeling: The company operates as an active commercial and residential developer, regularly executing localized build projects and property improvements. 
• Market Focus: Wible has a proven 5-year track record of driving residential and commercial real estate projects tailored for medium-to-large rural and growing urban markets. [2, 5]  

To review Tyler Wible's professional background, check his LinkedIn Profile. For information on business reliability and contractor licensing, you can view the Better Business Bureau Profile. 
If you are looking into commercial space, property investments, or residential development in the Topeka area, let me know. I can help provide insights into local zoning requirements or current construction projects. 
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Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Monday, June 22, 2026

More like an episode

You just caught The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters! It's a fun ride that serves as a self-contained cinematic adventure pulling together elements initially scripted for the show's fourth season. [1, 2, 3]  
Fans and critics alike have had plenty to say about the film since its release. While the reception is generally mixed, here are the biggest highlights and discussion points: 

• The Dynamic: Most fans on Reddit agree that the core father-son relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu remains the heart of the story, with Grogu showing a lot more independence and resourcefulness. 
• Cinematic Experience: The movie delivers exactly what you'd expect from a big-budget, standalone Star Wars adventure—from thrilling gunfights to an outstanding score by Ludwig Göransson. 
• Tone: Because it was originally retooled from series scripts, some reviewers note that the pacing and episodic feel resemble a super-sized, high-budget TV episode rather than a galaxy-altering blockbuster. [1, 2]  

What did you think of the movie? I'd love to hear your favorite scene, or we can discuss where you hope to see Din Djarin and Grogu go next! 
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Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Saturday, June 20, 2026

Summary of Memorial to James A. McClure (Judge McClure) Full Transcription of the Memorial to James A. McClure

 James Austin McClure (1882–1954) was a prominent Topeka, Kansas, attorney and judge known for his integrity, fairness, legal acumen, and community service.

Early Life and Education

  • Born December 14, 1882, in Clinton, Iowa, to Samuel T. McClure (Presbyterian minister) and Alta Case McClure.
  • Family moved to Topeka in 1890.
  • Attended Topeka public schools and Washburn University (then Washburn College) starting in 1902, combining law and college courses.
  • Worked as a stenographer at Santa Fe Offices while attending law school at night; later served as secretary to Chief Justice William A. Johnston of the Kansas Supreme Court.

Legal Career

  • Admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1909 and began private practice.
  • Served as Assistant County Attorney of Shawnee County (1911–1913).
  • Joined the law firm headed by Judge Monroe (with Lee Monroe, Cyrus M. Monroe, and W. S. Roark).
  • Appointed in 1919 by Governor Henry J. Allen as Judge of the First Division of the District Court of Shawnee County to fill an unexpired term. Elected in 1920 and re-elected in 1924; served nine years on the bench until resigning in 1928.
  • Praised for keen perception of the law, sound judgment, fairness, impartiality, patience, and kindness — especially toward first offenders and the inexperienced. Known for listening attentively and tempering justice with understanding.
  • Resumed private practice in 1928 as a member of Stone, McClure, Webb, Johnson & Oman (later McClure, Webb & Oman), where he became the senior member. Regarded as a “lawyer’s lawyer” who counseled many attorneys.

Public Service and Community Involvement

  • Elected to the Topeka Board of Education (1929), serving 12 years.
  • Instructor at Washburn University School of Law.
  • President of the Topeka Bar Association (1926); member of the American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Topeka Bar Association, Masonic bodies, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Alpha Delta, First Presbyterian Church, Kansas Children’s Service League, and Capper Foundation for Crippled Children.
  • Active in political affairs and public service; described as a tireless, thorough, modest, and delightful colleague who never sought personal glory.

Personal Life

  • Married Louise Allison of Topeka in 1915. They had two sons: Dr. James A. McClure and Robert A. McClure (a practicing lawyer in Topeka).
  • Enjoyed a happy marriage until Louise’s death in 1951.
  • At his death on June 8, 1954, he was survived by his sons, five grandchildren, and a sister (Mrs. Victor G. Kropf of Chicago, Illinois).

The memorial was respectfully submitted on May 27, 1955, by a committee chaired by Robert L. Webb (with Marlin S. Casey, T. M. Lillard, Harry W. Colmery, and John E. DuMars).

This document highlights Judge McClure as a dedicated legal figure deeply rooted in Topeka’s institutions and a model of professional integrity. It aligns well with your family heritage interests in the McClure line in Kansas. Let me know if you'd like a cleaned-up full transcription, family tree notes, or anything else!





Full Transcription of the Memorial to James A. McClure

MEMORIAL TO JAMES A. McCLURE

JAMES AUSTIN McCLURE died at Topeka, Kansas, on June 8, 1954. His death resulted in great loss to his associates, to the Topeka Bar Association and to the Bar of the State of Kansas, as well, not only because of his outstanding ability as a lawyer but also because of his high sense of integrity and fairness.

James A. McClure was born at Clinton, Iowa, on December 14, 1882, the son of Samuel T. and Alta Case McClure. His father was a minister of the Presbyterian Church who moved to Topeka in 1890.

Mr. McClure attended the public schools of Topeka and entered Washburn University (then Washburn College) in 1902, combining law and college courses. In 1907, he became a stenographer in the Santa Fe Offices and attended law school at night. Later, he became secretary to William A. Johnston, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas, remaining in that position until he finished his law course.

He was admitted to the bar in 1909 when he began the private practice of the law. From 1911 to 1913, he served as Assistant County Attorney of Shawnee County. He then joined the law firm headed by Judge Monroe and consisting of Lee Monroe, Cyrus M. Monroe and W. S. Roark.

Page 2
Memorial

In 1919, Mr. McClure was appointed by Governor Henry J. Allen as Judge of the First Division of the District Court of Shawnee County, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Robert D. Garver. Judge McClure was elected to that office in 1920 and re-elected in 1924. During his nine years on the bench, he distinguished himself not only by his keen perception of the law and his sound judgment but also by his fairness and impartiality, and his patience and kindness. Judge McClure took a great deal of interest in first-offenders and those inexperienced who came before him, and he tried always to temper justice with understanding. He always found time to listen to the complaints and troubles of a juror, a witness, a bailiff and perhaps even a lawyer, and to give them such help as was proper under the circumstances.

Judge McClure resigned the judgeship in 1928 to resume the private practice of law and became a member of the firm of Stone, McClure, Webb, Johnson & Oman. In 1929, he was elected as a member of the Topeka Board of Education in which position he served for twelve years. For a number of years, he was an instructor at Washburn University School of Law.

Judge McClure was a consistent member of one of the major political parties and always maintained an active interest in political affairs. He also maintained an active interest in other public affairs, and for many years prior to his death he

Page 3
Memorial

served on the governing bodies of The Kansas Children’s Service League and The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Masonic bodies, The American Bar Association, the Bar Association of the State of Kansas, and the Topeka Bar Association, and served as President of the Topeka Association in 1926. He was also a member of Phi Delta Theta and Phi Alpha Delta.

Judge McClure was a tireless worker, and no suggestion was too small to enlist on his part a thorough investigation before calling the job “done.” He was never satisfied with the meager facts given to him in the first instance but delved and searched for all facts that might bear on his problem. He searched for the law in the same manner. He almost never quit. Until ten years before his death, he seldom closed his office before six o’clock. Despite his close attention to duty, he was a delightful person with whom to work, and he never sought personal glory. He was in fact a very modest person. In his twenty-six years of practice after leaving the bench, he counselled many lawyers who sought his aid, and he could very properly be called a lawyer’s lawyer. He was known to many of his acquaintances as Judge McClure although to most of his friends he was just plain “Jim.”

At the time of his death, he was the senior member of the firm of McClure, Webb & Oman.

Page 4
Memorial

In 1915, Judge McClure was married to Louise Allison, of Topeka, and to them were born two sons. Judge and Mrs. McClure enjoyed a happy and congenial life together until Mrs. McClure’s death in 1951. Surviving Judge McClure are his sons, Dr. James A. McClure, of Topeka, and Robert A. McClure, a practicing lawyer of Topeka, five grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Victor G. Kropf, of Chicago, Illinois.

Respectfully submitted this
27th day of May, 1955.

Marlin S. Casey
T. M. Lillard
Harry W. Colmery
John E. DuMars
Robert L. Webb, Chairman

Memorial Committee.

This is a complete, clean transcription of the four-page memorial document. It preserves the original wording, spelling, and structure as closely as possible. Let me know if you would like it formatted as a Word document, PDF, or with any annotations (such as potential family connections



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Friday, June 19, 2026

Topeka Needs More Retail — And Here’s Why It’s Good for All of Us

Topeka friends and neighbors,

We all want a stronger city with more jobs, better services, and money to fix our streets and parks without raising property taxes every year. One of the smartest, most practical things we can do right now is focus on attracting more quality retail to our community.

Here’s why it makes simple sense:

Our real market is much bigger than just Shawnee County.
The official Topeka Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes about 233,000 people across five counties. But our true economic reach is even larger. Topeka already pulls in shoppers from many surrounding counties, and we have enormous untapped potential from travelers and visitors.

Tens of thousands of people drive through Topeka every single day.
I-70 alone carries around 40,000 vehicles a day near downtown (with even higher volumes on other stretches), plus traffic on the Kansas Turnpike (I-335) and other major routes. That adds up to millions of travelers passing through our community every year. These are people from other towns, other states, and all over the country. Many of them would stop and spend money here if we gave them good reasons — nice stores, restaurants, and places to shop.

Tourism is already happening — and retail makes it stronger.
People come to Topeka for the State Capitol, historic sites, events, and more. When we have strong retail options, visitors stay longer, spend more on food, gas, gifts, and shopping, and they tell their friends. Good retail doesn’t just serve tourists — it actually creates more tourism by turning Topeka into a place worth stopping for.

Retail brings in “imported” money from outside our county.
Every time someone from outside Shawnee County buys something here — whether they’re from a surrounding county, passing through on the highway, or visiting — that’s new money coming into our local economy. It’s like we’re exporting our stores and services and importing dollars from other places.

This isn’t something to feel guilty about — it’s smart. It grows our sales tax base, which pays for police, fire, roads, parks, and city services. The more of these “outside” sales we capture, the less pressure there is on local property taxpayers. Successful cities do this all the time. We should too.

We can actually measure this.
We should track how much of our retail sales are coming from the broader region, the MSA, and from visitors/pass-through traffic. That data shows the real economic impact and helps us make better decisions about where and how to grow retail.

Right now, Topeka needs stronger sales tax revenue. Focusing on retail development — by making it easier for good projects to happen, updating zoning where it makes sense, and supporting businesses that serve both locals and the bigger region — is one of the best tools we have.

Here’s what you can do:
Call or email your City Council member and Mayor Spencer Duncan. Tell them:
“I want Topeka to prioritize attracting more retail. Our real market is over 233,000 in the MSA plus all the travelers on our highways and shoppers from surrounding counties. This brings in outside money and grows our sales tax base. Let’s make it happen.”

The more of us who speak up, the clearer the message becomes. Topeka can be a place where people want to stop, shop, stay longer, and invest. It starts with recognizing that our opportunity is bigger than our city limits.

Let’s get to work.














 

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