Thank you!
Today marks a bittersweet occasion- we celebrate a lifetime of professional service to the City but mark the end of our daily work alongside the City of Newton's Public Works Director and City Engineer, Suzanne Loomis.
Suzanne Loomis is one of the leaders in this community who has been especially pivotal in the growth and success of Newton. I want to take a moment to thank her and recognize the incredible public service she has given to our organization. Suzanne came to this organization from the City of Wichita 28 years ago bringing with her knowledge, experience, and her natural ability to lead.
Much of what we have built these last three decades is a direct result of Suzanne's leadership, vision, and civility. She is without question one of the most knowledgeable and principled leaders I have encountered in all my years of public service. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude that can only be repaid by us continuing to evolve and grow our beautiful city.
On a personal note, she introduced me to the Process Communication Model to improve my communication with my leadership team, she taught me the moving parts of infrastructure development, and best of all, she became a trusted colleague and friend that exemplified servant leadership. Over the years, Suzanne has been a part of nearly every built environment project in the community, including gems such as the Sand Creek Golf Course and our new Newton Public Library.
Thank you, Suzanne, for your unwavering service to Newton.
Leadership begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.- Robert K. Greenleaf
 Crisis Drill
Staff from Newton Public Schools, Harvey County and the City of Newton are conducting a joint-crisis drill today, March 14, to ensure the safety and preparedness of our staff in the event of an emergency. You may notice increased activity around Newton High School, including emergency vehicles and personnel. Please do not be alarmed.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this important exercise. Your support helps us to create a safer environment for everyone in our community.
 Engineering and Public Works Updates
Highlights of the week include:
- Work resumed on the First Street water tanks
- Growth in the Fox Ridge development continues with eight new water meters and two new permits for duplex construction. This brings the total of new housing starts to 13 units for the year.
- Park crews helped to repair the Blue Sky Monument
- A new solar light was purchased and installed for the flagpole at Restlawn Cemetery.
- Development continues as Mies Construction began work on the NDV Plaza waterline to service new commercial development.
Warkentin House
The Warkentin House will host a Spring Tea from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, April 5. The menu will include tea sandwiches, scones, and cake. The program will be a history of Victorian Tea, a vintage dress review, music, and stories about the house. Tickets are $25, and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit museum. Space is limited, so reserve your spot online.
|
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 7:30 a.m. March 20 – City Commission agenda review
- 5 p.m. March 25 – City Commission work session with Newton Housing Authority
- 7 p.m. March 25 – City Commission meeting
|
