City offices closed Monday for Presidents Day
City facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day.
Trash services will be altered:
- Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday.
- Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday.
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 Love is in the air...and so are members of the gobble squad
The famous Newton Gobble Squad is spreading Valentine’s Day cheer, one feathered pun at a time. Check out these turkey-approved messages from our unofficial town mascots and share the love and joy with your friends, neighbors, and families this Valentine’s Day!
Spreading love in our community
As Valentine’s Day approaches, our community has been reminded just how powerful simple acts of kindness can be.
Students from Sunset and Slate Creek Elementary shared heartfelt notes and creative drawings with the teams at Newton Police Department and Newton Fire/EMS, spreading encouragement and appreciation. Their thoughtful messages brought big smiles and served as a meaningful reminder of the strong connection between our schools and first responders.
At the same time, students at New Creation Preschool crafted Valentines highlighting how they spread love in their community. Now displayed at City Hall, their colorful creations are brightening the building and reflecting the compassion and creativity of our youngest residents.
These thoughtful efforts demonstrate that community spirit starts early and continues to grow stronger when we lift one another up!
Reflecting on a landmark: Newton Depot
While discussing Newton’s future at last week’s Newton Next workshops, we couldn’t help but celebrate and reminisce on a true landmark – the Newton Depot.
Thanks to the Harvey County Historical Museum, we got a peek at the original 1929 blueprints and a 1957 photo of the Harvey House entrance. The detail, craftsmanship, and care in these drawings are incredible and they reminded us why the Depot has stood the test of time, and serves as hope for the future!
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Meridian Event Center goes tropical for a good cause
The Meridian Event Center was full of island vibes, beautiful decor, incredible food and drinks, and great company as Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Harvey County held a luau for a cause. The Meridian team not only hosted the event, but Chef Reuben Garcia and crew also whipped up crowd-pleasing menu items like pork wonton tacos and a delicious dessert, serving it all with plenty of smiles to match the atmosphere.
Interested in hosting your own unforgettable event? Contact the Meridian Event Center team!
 Chief Craig Dunlavy with Officer Sam Claassen
NPD hires new officer with Newton roots
The Newton Police Department is proud to announce the hiring and official pinning of Officer Sam Claassen. Officer Claassen is a Newton native, and we are especially honored to welcome someone who calls this community home to our department.
Please join us in congratulating Officer Claassen as he begins his service with NPD. Welcome to the department, Officer Claassen!
 Environmental Sciences Scholarship application open
The City of Newton is accepting applications for its Environmental Sciences Scholarship for the Fall 2026 semester. This $500 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. Applications are due Monday, March 9.
 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.
The feedback will be used to develop 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.
February City Desk – coffee and conversation
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City Desk is an intentional series that brings residents together with elected officials and City staff for open, informal conversations. The goal is simple: create face-to-face connections, encourage transparency around City projects and initiatives, and welcome questions in a relaxed, approachable setting.
Grab a coffee or treat, share your thoughts, and connect with City leaders. We’d love to see you there!
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Location: Norm’s Coffee Bar
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Date: Thursday, February 26
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Time: 8:30–9:30 a.m.
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Address: 613 N. Main
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 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:
- 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
- 6 p.m. March 2 – Planning Commission meeting
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