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Jan. 30, 2026

Upcoming Newton Next Planning and Design Workshops

Mark your calendars next week! The next step in the Newton Next Comprehensive Planning process is a two-day Planning & Design Workshop.

We will review the public input gathered so far on topics like housing, transportation, parks, and economic development. Then we'll focus on a few specific areas of town for design concepts.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, student, or simply care about Newton’s future, we need your voice! Learn more at www.NewtonNextPlan.com.

• Session 1, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m.-noon
• Session 2, Feb. 4 from 3-4 p.m. 

• Open House, Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. 

Recap of Winter Street Operations 

It’s hard to believe a full week has already passed since winter weather and snowfall moved through Newton. Although the snow ended, the work did not. This update highlights what happened behind the scenes, as Coney joined the Streets crew, rode along in a snowplow, and gained a firsthand look at the coordination and effort that go into winter street maintenance.

Beginning last Friday, 1/23 at 7 p.m., two crews of 12 employees worked 12-hour shifts through Sunday morning. Plowing concluded around 11 a.m. Sunday, even though snowfall ended earlier, as clearing streets requires time and multiple passes.

Crews then transitioned to salt operations, which depend on temperature, time, and friction from vehicle traffic to be effective. Residents may have noticed plows traveling with blades raised; equipment remained fully operational, but conditions did not require pushing snow at that time.

Throughout the event, crews also managed several equipment breakdowns, an added challenge common during winter operations. As conditions improved, staff continued monitoring routes, completing additional salting, and clearing storm sewer inlets to support proper drainage during melting.

Thank you to the Streets team and supporting staff from other departments for their work in keeping Newton moving, and thank you to residents for their patience.

Snowball Showdown with NPD at Military Park

The Newton Police Department was recently outnumbered by snowball-wielding kids. A group of local youth stopped by the station with a challenge officers couldn’t resist: an old-fashioned snowball fight at Military Park!

Officers accepted and put up a valiant effort, but were ultimately outnumbered and outflanked, resulting in a strategic retreat. No officers were harmed in the exchange, and the kids claimed a well-earned victory.

Moments like these reflect NPD’s continued focus on community policing – building trust, approachability, and positive relationships through everyday interactions that strengthen connections with the community.

Vice Mayor Melanie Watson and Commissioner Jason Miller in Topeka

Local Government Day at the Capitol

Vice Mayor Melanie Watson and Commissioner Jason Miller traveled to Topeka this week to participate in Local Government Day at the Capitol, hosted by the League of Kansas Municipalities. The annual event gives local officials a chance to meet with legislators to discuss community-specific issues and build collaborative relationships.

Save the date – Rockets & Rails Fourth of July Celebration

The City of Newton is excited to bring back a community fireworks celebration on Friday, July 3rd, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.

Join us for an evening of food, games, music, and fireworks as neighbors, families, and friends come together to celebrate our independence, our shared history, and our community – all under a fireworks-filled Kansas sky.

More details will be shared soon!

Fire/EMS Ice Water Rescue Training

Newton Fire/EMS personnel recently completed Ice Water Rescue Training, strengthening readiness for rare but high-risk emergency situations. Ice rescues are considered low-frequency, high-risk events, meaning they occur infrequently, but when they do, lives are at stake and conditions can be unpredictable.

During the training, team members received hands-on instruction using specialized equipment, including ice picks, throw bags, flotation devices, ice rescue suits, and other tools critical to safe and effective operations. Emphasis was placed on responder safety, victim protection, and proper techniques when operating on unstable ice.

This training ensures Fire/EMS remains prepared to respond quickly and effectively to ice-related emergencies, reinforcing the department’s commitment to protecting the community in all conditions, even those rarely encountered.

Donkey Basketball games galloping into February

The rescheduled Donkey Basketball games are slate for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Ravenscroft Gym at Newton High School. Join us for a night full of laughs and community spirit, packed with action, a few surprises, and plenty of smiles. Newton first responders are proud to support this fun and unforgettable fundraiser for Newton High School Prom.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 5 and under are free, and there will be free donkey rides for children during intermission. Tickets are available at B&B Lumber, the NHS front office, or online.

Newton Birthday Express coming in February

Upcoming Events

• Celebrate Kansas Day!, 12-4 p.m. Jan. 31 at Kauffman Museum. 
• BCAPA's 30th Anniversary Concert, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Krehbiel Auditorium, Bethel College. 
• USD 373 Bond Information Sessions and Tours. February dates, times, and locations found via the link.

• Newton Fine Arts Booster Club Hog Roast, 5-9 p.m. Feb. 6 at Newton High School commons area.

See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.

Meetings & Reminders:

• 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Feb. 3 – Newton Next Planning & Design Workshop 1
• 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Feb. 4 – Newton Next Planning & Design Workshop 2
• 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Feb. 4 – Newton Next Planning & Design Open House 
• 7:30 a.m. Feb. 5 – City Commission Agenda Review
• 7 p.m. Feb. 10 – City Commission Meeting