By Kelly McElroy, Newton City Manager

Aug. 25, 2023

Recent Employee Recognitions

Erin McDaniel

At the July 12 meeting of the Newton Lions Club, former Lions Club president and City Communications Director Erin McDaniel was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship for her dedicated service to the club and the Newton community. Erin serves as the Lions communications/marketing chair and has also organized the annual Halloween Walk and Parade of Lights for many years. The fellowship, named for the founder of Lions Club International, includes a $1,000 donation in Erin’s name to the Lions Club International Foundation.

Brenda Ternes

Last week, City IT Director Brenda Ternes was awarded the President’s Award at the Government Management Information Sciences International (GMIS) conference in Kansas City, MO. This award is given to a person believed to have shown growth within their place of business and within the GMIS organization. She has been very active in the GMIS group and serves on the national executive board. Brenda is currently 1st President Elect and will be President in 2024.   Brenda was also selected as a “Woman Who Leads in Technology” by the Wichita Business Journal last week and will be featured in the Sept. 29 edition.

Building, Zoning & Engineering

Our staff are currently working on the following permits and projects:

• Issued a stop work order at 1701 E. First St. for illegal dirt work in the flood plain.
• Under review:
• NMC Pharmacy addition: $1,370,000 projected valuation; permit cost: $5,642
• Koerner Heights Church remodel: $225,000 valuation; permit cost: $1,426.86
• Dillon's South remodel: $448,000 projected valuation; permit cost: $2,428.13 
• Dillons Fuel Center plan review
• Comfort Care Homes remodel and addition, 1504 Terrace Drive, plan review
• Prairie View internal remodel plan review
• Issued Certificates of Occupancy for:
• 220 Springlake Ct
• 218 Springlake Ct
• 419 SE 14th St Ct A and B
• 417 SE 14th St Ct A and B

Newton Public Library

Thanks to cooperative (although very hot!) recent weather, work continues to progress at the new library. Last week began some of the interior improvements. The project remains on schedule for completion in July 2024, weather permitting. This photo shows the children's area.

Upcoming Events

• Second Saturdays at Carriage Factory Art Gallery: Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-noon.
• Local Small Business Pop Up Shop: Sand Creek Event Center, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-noon.
• Annual Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet: The City is pleased to be a Platinum sponsor for the 102nd Annual Chamber Banquet on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at Meridian Center.
• United Way Annual Chili Cook-Off: Downtown Newton, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Blues, Brews & Barbecue: Athletic Park, Sept. 23 from 4-11 p.m.

See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.

Meetings & Reminders:

• Sept. 4 – City offices closed for Labor Day
• 7:30 a.m. Sept. 7 – City Commission agenda review
• 7 p.m. Sept. 12 – City Commission meeting
• 7:30 a.m. Sept. 21 – City Commission agenda review
• 7 p.m. Sept. 26 – City Commission meeting