 Winter weather
Newton was hit by not one, but TWO, winter storms this week, affecting travel conditions, schools, and local businesses. Public Works crews worked 12-hour shifts around the clock to clear snow and ice from the snow route. A layer of freezing rain and long-term freezing temperatures made the snowpack difficult to attack. The second snowfall on Thursday night with higher temperatures was more manageable.
Park staff worked to clear sidewalks and parking lots at public facilities. Sanitation staff collected trash on the usual schedule with only minor equipment issues due to cold. Fortunately, we had no problems at the water or sewer plants and no water main breaks during the storms.
Thanks to everyone for your patience as City crews continue doing our best to clear streets and keep our community running at a high level of service!
Economic Development Award
Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Monday that Kansas received a 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine in the Building Supply Manufacturing category. The award recognizes the planned commissioning of a new $300 million shingle plant in Newton by GAF, a Standards Industries company and North America’s largest manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing products.
“This significant investment from GAF in Newton was essential not only for growing the economy in Kansas, but also for expanding their portfolio to meet the needs of their customers,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “The recognition and award are proof of our state’s ability to provide companies with a resourceful business environment and a prosperous future in Kansas.”
Putting more than a century of shingle manufacturing expertise to work, GAF will build a world-class shingle manufacturing facility in Newton. The facility will bring more than 130 new manufacturing jobs spanning management, engineering, and operations to the area, with a focus on continuous process manufacturing.
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 Engineering & Building
Just after finishing a very strong year in 2024 for new home builds, the Engineering Office has already issued nine new single-family housing permits in 2025! The homes are all located on Southeast Eighth Street in Fox Ridge Addition, outlined in pink on the map. The other colored lots are those that have pulled construction permits so far.
 Leadership facilitator Scott Metzler leads a presentation at Ready to Run on Thursday at Station 50
Ready to Run
The inaugural class of Ready to Run began this week. Ready to Run is a new nonpartisan organization designed to help prepare those interested in elected or appointed office at the local level. The class includes eight half-day sessions on leadership, campaigning, conflict resolution, and how local governments work. There will be two sessions on City government, two on County government, and two on school districts. Ten individuals from Harvey County are participating, and the City is a presenting partner in the program.
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Christmas tree pickup
Because of this week's winter storm, Christmas tree pickup has been rescheduled for Jan. 13, 21, and 27. You don't have to schedule a bulky item pickup; this free service is separate from your trash pickup. Just put your tree at the curb with all decorations and lights removed.
You can also take your tree directly to the Harvey County Rodeo Grounds at 700 W. First St. Free mulch will be available starting Feb. 1. You must bring your own containers to transport the mulch.
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City Manager
City Manager Daniela Rivas was featured in the January 2025 issue of Public Management magazine, talking about her experience attending the Solace Summit, an international conference for local government leaders in Manchester, England. She was able to attend the conference as a recipient of the John Garvey Scholarship from ICMA, which provides an opportunity for ICMA members under 40 years of age to gain a global management perspective through participation in an international conference or event and to increase the number of underrepresented groups participating in exchange programs or other global activities.
You can also watch Daniela's interview on YouTube.
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Upcoming Events
- Newton Wrestling Tournament of Champions, Jan. 15-18 at Newton High School.
- Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Jan. 16 in downtown. Come downtown to shop, visit restaurants, walk the historic district. January's theme is Kansas Day!
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Celebrate Kansas Day!, 12-4 p.m. Jan. 25 at Kauffman Museum.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
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