 City staff attended the KAPIO conference where Erin McDaniel was awarded Communicator of the Year
2025 Communicator of the Year Award
City of Newton Communications Director Erin McDaniel was named the 2025 Kansas Communicator of the Year by the Kansas Association of Public Information Officers, a statewide association of government and quasi-government public information officers and communication professionals.
"Over her 20 years with the City, Erin has transformed communications from a support role into a strategic force – building a culture of transparency, accessibility, and trust that has reshaped how residents engage with their city. Her work, including initiatives like The Rundown and City Desk, as well as her leadership in bilingual communication and internal culture, has made Newton a model for authentic, community-centered communication."
Congratulations, Erin – Newton is fortunate to have you!
 Operation Blue Christmas
The Newton Police Department is now accepting nominations for our annual Blue Christmas Program, funded by officer donations and generous contributions from our community.
This year has been challenging for many, and we want to help spread holiday cheer to families in need. The program provides gifts for children and families experiencing hardship. Families selected will also receive food donations from the Harvey County Holiday Helpers Program.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please fill out our online nomination form.
The deadline for nominations is November 22.
Donations to support the program are also welcome! Cash, check, or toy donations can be brought to the Newton Police Department, 120 E. 7th St.
Or shop our Walmart registry to have gift donations shipped directly to the Police Department.
Please reach out to us at 316-284-6030 for more details and ask for Sgt. Gronau. Together, we can make this season a little brighter for local families.
 2025 Election Results
Harvey County canvassed provisional ballots this week and certified the results of the 2025 election. In the City Commission race, incumbent Melanie Watson and newcomer Jason Miller were the top vote-getters and will serve four-year terms. Incumbent Leroy Koehn will serve a two-year term.
Congratulations to those elected, and thanks to all the candidates for your work and willingness to serve our community. City Commissioners will be sworn in for their new terms on Dec. 9.
Fall Tree Planting Program
Cooler days and crisp nights make it ideal for adding new trees to your yard, and there’s still time to take advantage of our fall Tree Coupon Program.
Save 50% on the cost of a tree (up to $75) by picking up your coupon at City Hall, 3rd-floor reception desk.
If you’ve been thinking about planting but haven’t made the move yet, don’t wait! The program ends on November 30 or while supplies last.
November City Desk
Pull up a chair and join us for City Desk from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at The Table Community Meal, hosted at First United Methodist Church (801 N. Main).
Enjoy a free meal provided by The Table – Newton and take part in open, relaxed conversations about what’s happening across our city.
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing from our community!
Car Seat Check Lane hosted by NPD
Staff from Newton Police Department and Newton Fire/EMS are hitting the books and the pavement NEXT Thursday! Several of our staff members are completing a three-day Child Passenger Safety Technician training, learning how to properly install and inspect child safety seats.
To put their new skills into action, we’re hosting a Free Car Seat Check Lane from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the NPD Training Facility (east parking lot, 216 E. 6th St.).
No appointment is needed. For the best check, bring the vehicle and car seat you use most often (and your child, if possible).
This training helps our officers and firefighters keep Newton’s youngest passengers safe, one seat at a time.
Fresh Air Friday – with a Thursday Twist!
This month’s Fresh Air Friday is arriving early to join "NewtonsGiving" – Third Thursday! Join us downtown from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 for an evening filled with fresh air, fall spirit, and community connection. Bundle up, explore downtown shops, and celebrate gratitude with us!
Explore the downtown shops, play board games with Newton first responders at Norm's, and stroll down Main Street to see "thankful" art contributed by:
Community Playschool • Ms. Kristin • New Creation Preschool • NRC Clubhouse • Angel Wings Learning Center • BrightStar Discovery Center • Apple-A-Day Preschool • Little Railers Daycare • Norm's • Et Cetera Shop • Prairy • Carriage Factory Art Gallery
Upcoming Events
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Bernie's Bootleg Speakeasy, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Warkentin House. A Roaring '20s fundraiser with refreshments, music and a cash bar.
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City Desk, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at First United Methodist Church during The Table Community Meal, 801 N. Main. Come share a free meal and have an informal chat about City things.
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Third Thursday & Fresh Air Friday, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 20 in downtown Newton.
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Free Car Seat Check-Up, 3-5 p.m. Nov. 20 in the east parking lot next to the NPD Training Facility, 216 E. 6th St.
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30th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Grace Community Church, 1600 S. Anderson. Free Thanksgiving meal available for dine-in, delivery, and carryout.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 7:30 a.m. Nov. 20 – City Commission agenda review
- 12 p.m. Nov. 25 – City Commission meeting (NOTE: The meeting will be held at noon because of the Thanksgiving holiday.)
- Nov. 27-28 – City offices closed for Thanksgiving
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