 Streets
Congratulations to Street Supervisor John Verbeek, who took third place in the Kansas APWA Backhoe Roadeo last week! These competitions showcase the operator's skills through delicate maneuvers like scooping tennis balls and putting them into a bucket or hooking a bowling ball attached to a cable and using it to knock tennis balls off of cones. We're glad to have such skilled operators on our team!
 Animal Control
This week, Animal Control Officer Lyndsey Robinette joined Manhattan Animal Control, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Hutchinson Animal Shelter, and the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City in assisting the Jewell County Sheriff's Department with a large-scale dog seizure. 49 dogs were rescued from horrific conditions. Tragically, several deceased dogs were also discovered on the property.
The surviving dogs — ranging from young puppies to seniors over 7 years old —showed signs of neglect, including scars, wounds likely from fighting, and heavy flea and tick infestations. The rescued dogs were placed in the care of the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, Manhattan Animal Shelter, and the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City. The investigation is ongoing.
We’re grateful to all the organizations involved and will continue fighting for justice and the welfare of all animals.
 Information Technology
City IT Director Brenda Ternes and Chief IT Security Officer Nathan Wallace both participated in sessions at the Public Sector Cyber Security Summit last week in Wichita. Nathan presented on a panel about Building Strong IT & Cybersecurity Governance, and Brenda moderated a panel on the power and value of GMIS, a professional association of government IT professionals. Brenda currently serves as GMIS International president. We're proud to have these industry leaders on our team!
 Parks staff prepare Military Park for installation of a new swing set
Parks & Public Works
Parks & Cemetery
- Began prepping for installation of new swing sets at Military and Roosevelt Parks (above).
- Began spring cleaning in the cemeteries.
- Completed maintenance and repairs to drinking fountains throughout the parks and bike path.
Building & Engineering
- In April, 58 building permits were issued, including one new single-family home and four new duplexes. That makes 24 new residential units so far this year.
- Construction continues on South Spencer. The road is open to southbound traffic only.
- Construction began on South Hillside. The road is open to northbound traffic only.
Streets & Sanitation
- Provided traffic control for several community events.
- Began preparing equipment for the annual slurry resurfacing season.
- Repaired a traffic light camera detection issue at South Kansas and Wheatridge.
- Junk-Free Curbs Program: April 21-25, our inspector tagged 20 locations. One scheduled a bulky item pickup and was charged $10, four were charged $20, and 15 were taken care of by the resident.
Environmental Control
Initiated 10 new cases this week, which included:
- 1 off-street parking
- 2 nuisance
- 6 tall grass and weeds
- 1 improper trash container placement
Water & Wastewater
- Installed six new water services in the Fox Ridge Addition.
- Completed some sprinkler system maintenance at the Mission Plant.
 Environmental Sciences Scholarship
Last week, Director of Public Works Ed Bonham was pleased to present this year's Environmental Sciences Scholarship to Newton High School senior Margaret Oswald. Margaret plans to study biotechnology and research, with an emphasis on genetics, at Bethel College. Congratulations, Margaret!
 Fire/EMS staff with the popular smoke house
Newton Open Streets
City departments had a great time participating in the second annual Newton Open Streets last weekend. Oak Street was closed to vehicle traffic between Fifth and Seventh, and food trucks, community booths, games and activities, and live performances filled the space. It was a great afternoon of connecting with the community, hanging out downtown, and enjoying the spring weather. Hope to see you at Open Streets next year!
 Animal Control Officer Lyndsey Robinette
Upcoming Events
-
Chisholm Trail Bike Ride, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 3, with distances of 62.13, 42, and 32 miles offered.
- Third Thursday Passport to Newton, 5-8 p.m. May 15 in downtown Newton.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 6 p.m. May 5 – Planning Commission meeting
- 7:30 a.m. May 8 – City Commission agenda review
- 5 p.m. May 13 – City Commission joint work session with Harvey County
- 7 p.m. May 13 – City Commission meeting
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