 Newtonians help plan for Newton's future
Newton residents, business leaders, and other interested citizens turned out this week for the Newton Next Planning & Design Workshops, part of the public input process for Newton's next comprehensive plan.
Attendees provided feedback about transportation, housing, quality of life, and growth of the community. They also had the chance to weigh in on potential new uses for the old Dillons property at 320 N. Main, and reimagined development on South Meridian and ballfields at Centennial Park.
If you missed the in-person events, don't worry! An online version of the workshop will be available soon. In the meantime, to learn more about the plan, visit www.NewtonNextPlan.com.
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Engineering & Building Project Updates
- Paving of South Hillside between First and SE 14th Street is progressing. The contract expects to start forming up and paving more sections at intersections next week. When Hillside is complete, reconstruction work on South Spencer will resume this spring.
- Design work is in progress on the Sand Creek Bike Path extension to SW 14th Street. City staff reviewed a BNSF concept layout and provided comments to the engineers last week.
- Utility work is ongoing at EmberHope's Hope Estates expansion.
- A demolition permit was issued this week for the former Harvest Greenhouse site on East 11th Street.
Environmental Science scholarship application open
The City of Newton is accepting applications for its Environmental Sciences Scholarship for the Fall 2026 semester. This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students who are enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a post-secondary program in environmental sciences, biology, environmental engineering, or a related field.
Preference is given to Newton residents or graduates of Newton High School or a surrounding area high school. The scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable. All applicants will be notified of their award status.
Applications are due Monday, March 9, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
 New resident packet gets a refresher
The City’s New Resident Packet has been updated to be more helpful, more local, and more connected than ever.
In addition to essential City information, the packet now includes expanded community-based resources designed to help residents feel at home more quickly, including:
The packet still includes important City essentials such as utility information, homeownership tips, the 2026 holiday trash schedule, stormwater education, and seasonal inserts.
We hope this refreshed packet helps both new and longtime Newton residents start off on the right foot and stay connected to everything our community has to offer.
 HR Director Megan Kershner and Fire/EMS Division Chief Zane Hansen
Careers with purpose start in Newton
HR Director Megan Kershner attended the Careers for a Cause Career Fair at Wichita State University yesterday, where she connected with students about career opportunities at the City of Newton.
Numerous Newton Fire/EMS were also attending a different conference and swung by the table to say hi and connect.
Looking for something new? Ready to take a step toward a fulfilling career?
 Congratulations to Sand Creek Golf Course
What an honor for Sand Creek Station and the City of Newton! Thanks to feedback and support from golfers nationwide through National Golf Foundation's GolfersVoice, Sand Creek Station was recognized as:
- #1 for Course Condition
- #1 for Loyalty / Net Promoter
- Top 3 for Staff & Customer Service
These awards are not determined by a panel – they come directly from the golfers who play our course, support our staff, and choose Sand Creek Station as their destination.
To everyone who took the time to share your feedback, thank you for helping Sand Creek Golf Course achieve this recognition!
Famous stray safe thanks to NPD Animal Control Officer
Good news, Newton! A stray dog who became famous on social media in the past week for eluding capture has been safely caught. Kudos to Animal Control Officer Lyndsey Robinette for her patience and persistence. This pup was not an easy catch, but Lyndsey, with support from members of the community, didn’t give up.
A special thank you to Caring Hands Humane Society for their assistance and for providing care while the dog awaits adoption.
And for those curious, what finally did the trick? This four-legged celebrity had refined tastes: Regular store-bought treats didn’t work, but deer meat did!
Thank you to everyone who shared tips to help ensure this dog’s safety!
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 Newton on display at 2026 WABA Home Show
This weekend, Business Development Director Zach McHatton represented the City of Newton at the WABA Home Show, sharing what makes our community feel like home. The Choose Newton booth welcomed conversations with residents and visitors from across the region, ranging from housing opportunities to hometown stories and everyday experiences in Newton.
While interest in living or building in Newton is always encouraging, the true value of the event was in the connections made. Whether a conversation inspired someone to explore downtown, support local businesses, or envision a future here, each interaction was a success. The Home Show served as a reminder that Newton’s greatest strength continues to be its people and the sense of community they help create.
 Share your feedback about Newton road safety
Newton residents, business owners, and visitors are invited to participate in one of five open houses to share your traffic experiences, identify trouble spots, and help shape long-term safety priorities:
- 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Norm’s Coffee Bar, 613 N. Main
- 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Harvey County Camp Hawk, 1801 SW 36th St.
- 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Newton Public Library, 223 E. 7th St.
- 5:30-7 p.m. March 4 at Harvey County East Park Volunteer Hall, 314 N. East Lake Road
- Noon-1 p.m. March 5 online at bit.ly/45UIjJU.
The feedback will be used in developing a Transportation Safety Action Plan designed to create a safer, more connected community for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The plan is a partnership of the City of Newton and Harvey County and is funded by federal and state Safe Streets 4 All grants.
 Newton Birthday Express coming in February
Mark your calendars now for our community-wide Birthday Celebration this February. There will be local "stops" along our week-long birthday celebration-kicking off Monday 2/16 with participating business specials, rolling through Third Thursday on 2/19, pulling into Friday night during the home NHS basketball games, and ending at the final stop: the HUGE birthday party at the Newton Recreation Center!
Take a peek below for more specific details about each day's offerings-
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Thursday, Feb. 19 – Third Thursday
Birthday-themed Third Thursday fun downtown, Railer Mascot photo ops, and FREE NHS basketball concession tickets to use Friday night.
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Friday, Feb. 20 – Pack the House
Cheer on NHS home basketball with free admission for the first 50 fans, a mascot halftime performance, and in-game giveaways.
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Saturday, Feb. 21 – Newton Birthday Bash
11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Newton Recreation Center
Family fun with inflatables, games, music, a balloon artist, teen game room, food vendors (for purchase), and Pep Band & Railaires performances.
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 7 p.m. Feb. 10 – City Commission meeting
- Feb. 16 – City offices closed for Presidents Day
- 7:30 a.m. Feb. 19 – City Commission agenda review
- 7 p.m. Feb. 24 – City Commission meeting
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