 Newton Birthday Bash at NRC featured bounce houses, balloon artist, face painting, and games
Celebrating Newton – a weekend to remember
Our community came together last weekend to celebrate Newton’s birthday, and what a celebration it was!
Several of our downtown businesses joined in the fun during Third Thursday, helping kick off the festivities and making the celebration feel citywide. We are so grateful for their support and partnership.
The excitement continued Friday night as fans packed the Newton High School gyms to cheer on the Railers and support our student-athletes. The energy and pride in the stands set the tone for a weekend centered on connection and community spirit.
Thank you to White Eagle Credit Union, The Citizens State Bank, and Union State Bank for providing concession tickets and helping families enjoy the evening together.
The celebration continued at the Newton Recreation Center on Saturday, where families gathered for the Newton Birthday Bash. The event featured games from Harvey County D-FY and STAND and South Breeze Elementary PTO, face painting by Latino Vision Association, a teen area hosted by Newton Public Library, numerous inflatables, balloon art, pep band performances, and treats courtesy of INTRUST Bank and NRC.
A special thanks to the Newton High School National Honor Society students who volunteered their time and talents! Strong partnerships. Local support. Neighbors showing up for neighbors.
Thank you, Newton, for celebrating with us. We look forward to doing it all again next year!
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 NHS varsity boys basketball student section was lively Friday evening!
Building & Project Updates
- Engineering staff are managing five federal/state grant projects that total almost $8 million in grant funding.
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South Hillside paving: The contractor has paved the remaining portion of the Ninth Street intersection and expects to finish all remaining concrete work next week, weather permitting, which would make the project substantially complete.
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Sand Creek Bike Path extension: A design agreement with BNSF is expected to go to the City Commission next month.
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KLP rail extension: Activities this week included building rail on the subballast and then placing the larger ballast on top and in the gaps. Next week will include more ditch grading and storm sewer pipe installation.
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Hope Estates: Sanitary sewer and storm sewer construction is in progress.
 City Clerk Denise Duerksen, Business Development Director Zach McHatton, and City Commissioner Jason Miller speak with residents at Norm's.
February City Desk a time for coffee and connection
This week, City Clerk Denise Duerksen, Business Development Director Zach McHatton, and City Commissioner Jason Miller gathered at City Desk at Norm's Coffee Bar – and as always, it was a great time of conversation and connection.
We shared updates, answered questions, and most importantly, listened. These casual come-and-go mornings are one of our favorite ways to stay accessible and hear directly from the community we serve.
A special thank you to Norm’s Coffee Bar for hosting our February City Desk. We appreciate the space and the warm welcome. We’ll see you in March!
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 Annual street tree trimming begins
The City’s contractor, Wichita Tree Services, began tree trimming in the public rights-of-way this week in maintenance area 2, which is west of South Pine Street between Southeast 14th and East First.
Crews started on the west side (highlighted in yellow on the map) and will work their way east. Door hangers will be distributed to affected property owners. The work will take about two weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Although property owners are responsible for the street trees on their property, the City bids out tree trimming in one maintenance area per year to alleviate the burden for property owners. Street trees must be trimmed to keep limbs from scraping high-profile vehicles and to remove any hanging branches that could be dangerous.
 Residents share feedback about traffic safety at an open house
Share your feedback about Newton road safety
Newton residents, business owners, and visitors have two more chances to share traffic experiences, identify trouble spots, and help shape long-term safety priorities:
- 5:30-7 p.m. March 4 at Harvey County East Park Volunteer Hall, 840 Campers Row, Newton KS
- 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.
Newton Next designing the future of Newton
What kind of housing does Newton need? What kind of business growth? What should happen with the old Dillons site at 320 N. Main? Are there streets in Newton where you have safety concerns?
You have the chance to share your thoughts on questions like these in an online open house as part of the Newton Next comprehensive planning process.
Community members are invited to review a draft vision statement and explore priorities for housing, transportation, recreation, and economic growth. Participants can also give feedback on preliminary site design ideas, including the redevelopment of 320 N. Main.
Newton Next is about dreaming big, gathering input, and shaping a shared vision together. Take a look, share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going!
 Community Display Case initiative live at City Hall
We’re excited to launch a new way to spotlight the amazing work happening right here in Newton! Local organizations are invited to be featured in the Community Display Case at City Hall, located on the third-floor landing.
Each month, one organization can create a display showcasing its programs, services, events, and impact on our community. It’s a great way to share your story and connect with residents.
We’re proud to kick things off with students from Newton High School and their Jobs for America’s Graduates program. After touring City facilities in September, students turned what they learned into creative projects, from brochures and videos to posters and postcards highlighting Newton.
Stop by to check it out. And if your organization would like to be featured, we’d love to have you. Take a peek at the link here for guidelines and to apply for a spot!
 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.
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 6 p.m. March 2 – Planning Commission meeting
- 7:30 a.m. March 5 – City Commission agenda review
- 7 a.m. March 9 – Public Building Commission
- 5 p.m. March 10 – City Commission work session on Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts (RHID) at Police Training Facility
- 7 p.m. March 10 – City Commission meeting
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