 From left: Victim/Witness Coordinator Bethany Charlsen, Sgt. Brandon Deck, Lt. Jason Thompson
Police Department
Congratulations to Police Sgt. Brandon Deck, who was presented the Outstanding Criminal Justice Victim Service Award at the 2025 Kansas Crime Victims' Rights Conference this week. The award recognizes an individual who made a positive contribution regarding the needs of victims or offender accountability within the criminal justice response.
Brandon is an 11-year veteran of the Newton Police Department and has worked as a patrol officer and detective, specializing in domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault cases. He developed a strangulation investigation supplement in 2020 and collaborates with advocates, prosecutors, and law enforcement to improve domestic violence investigations. He chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Subcommittee, serves on Safehope’s board of directors, and presents for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence working to teach the concepts established in the toolkit to address high-risk intimate partner violence.
Bethany Charlsen, Victim/Witness Coordinator at Newton Municipal Court, who nominated Brandon for the award, said, "He is a great example of not needing to be in a (domestic violence) specific role to understand the complexities of domestic violence and help educate your peers. He is not afraid to put in the work needed to support those experiencing domestic violence."
 Wear Blue Day
City staff met Friday to celebrate Wear Blue Day and kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. We recognize the importance of social services, law enforcement, and communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent mistreatment of children.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please reach out to the following resources:
 Public Works
This week, our staff:
- Started sealing bridge decks.
- Completed 29 building inspections, five commercial and 24 residential.
- Prepared equipment for the upcoming mowing season.
- Completed a controlled burn at City-owned property on East First Street (above).
March Sanitation Stats
- Bulky item pickup orders: 291
- Roll-off Dumpster orders: 25
- Landfill coupons distributed: 574
- Landfill coupons redeemed: 200
- Trash collected: 595 tons
 South Spencer construction
Reconstruction of South Spencer Road between East First and Southeast 14th Streets began this week.
The contractor, Kansas Paving, is building the project in three phases, starting with the section from East First to just south of Southeast Third Street. The next phases will begin after completion of the previous phase. Each phase will take 8-12 weeks, weather permitting.
The road is open to southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic should follow the posted detour or find an alternate route for the safety of the construction crews and other drivers.
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
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