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Parks Superintendent Hondo Collins and Fire/EMS Chief Steve Roberson celebrated 30 years at the City!
Honoring and celebrating our City team
In recognition of National Employee Appreciation Day, the City of Newton is proud to honor the dedicated employees who keep our community running each day.
This week, we celebrate team members reaching milestone anniversaries of service. These milestones represent decades of experience, commitment, and care invested directly back into the Newton community.
Pictured in this edition are this year's 30-year employees: Parks Superintendent Hondo Collins and Fire/EMS Chief Steve Roberson, whose three decades of leadership and service have made a lasting impact on our organization and our community!
From maintaining streets and parks to operating utilities, responding to emergencies, serving residents, and supporting operations behind the scenes, our employees' work makes a meaningful difference. This year's other honorees:
25 Years
Mike Southern
Mike Yoder
20 Years
Erin McDaniel
Kevin Wallace
15 Years
Clark Baldwin
10 Years
Patrice Akers
Jared Bergner
Brian Esau
Morgan Gronau
Zane Hanson
Jordan Hastings
Phil Jackson
Meghan Rupp
5 Years
Tim Ainsworth
Anthony Barber
Preston Barkdoll
Bethany Charlsen
Daniel Dennett
Jacob Garver
Tyler Gehring
Rebecca Likiardopoulos
Steve Reber
Matthew Salmans
Kyle Soldani
Building & Project Updates
- Work on Mennonite Housing's Harvest Pointe Phase 2 is moving forward. The State has approved sewer plans, and approval for water line plans is still pending. City staff are working with the developer to schedule a pre-construction meeting in mid-March.
- At Emberhope's Hope Estates, crews have finished the sanitary sewer line, including two new manholes and about 309 feet of pipe, and tested the new water line this week.
- The Water Tower Painting Project is moving through the review process. The project plans were sent to the State for approval.
- Work on the South Spencer Rehab Project is expected to restart in April. City staff are working with the contractor to confirm the exact start date and will share an update soon. A public notice is also being prepared to keep nearby property owners informed.
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Fire/EMS staff in the cafeteria having breakfast and connecting with students at South Breeze Elementary School.
Fire/EMS and Police celebrate School Breakfast Week
During National School Breakfast Week, some of our Fire/EMS personnel stopped by South Breeze Elementary to join students for breakfast. They spent time in the cafeteria visiting with kids, sharing laughs, and building positive connections. The morning was a big hit – our crews even received a few birthday party invitations!
Later in the week, Police officers spent the morning visiting with Slate Creek Elementary students, sharing plenty of high-fives and fist bumps. Moments like these are a great reminder that building positive connections with our youngest community members can start with something as simple as breakfast together.
Thank you to everyone who helped make these mornings a little brighter! Our departments value opportunities like this to connect with students and build positive relationships in our community.
NPD officers enjoying breakfast time with students from Slate Creek Elementary School.
Community Display Case slots filling up
Spots are filling quickly for the Community Display Case at City Hall, and we don’t want your organization to miss out.
Local groups are invited to reserve a month to showcase their programs, services, events, and impact in the third-floor display space at City Hall. It’s a simple but meaningful way to share your story and connect with the community.
We kicked things off with students from Newton High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program, and their display has already sparked great conversations. Now we’re looking ahead to the next organizations ready to step into the spotlight.
If your group has been thinking about participating, now’s the time! Available months include May, July, November, and December. Review the guidelines and apply at the link below to secure your spot!
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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!
Police and Fire/EMS visit Slate Creek for Career Day
City staff from the Newton Police Department and Fire/EMS recently visited Slate Creek Elementary to share about careers in our community. SRO Jefferis, Animal Control Officer Lyndsey Robinette, and Fire/EMS staff Garrett McEachern spoke with 1st grade students about their jobs, the tools they use, and how they help keep Newton safe.
Students asked lots of great questions, got a close-up look at some of the equipment- including a visit from ACO Robinette’s dog-and learned how exciting public service careers can be. These visits are a fun way for City staff to connect with students and inspire the next generation!
Last call for 2026 Environmental Sciences Scholarship
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 this Monday, March 9!
 Meridian to host Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
The Meridian Event Center is proud to host this year’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Trade Show, presented by the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 30 unique business ideas developed and brought to life by Newton High School students will be on display. The event is from 10-11 a.m. March 11.
Community members are invited to come and go throughout the event and visit with students about their innovative ideas, many of which have the potential to grow into real future businesses.
Upcoming Events
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NHS Musical, "Grease," 7-9 p.m., March 5-7, Newton High School.
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Dynasty Gymnastic Meet, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., March 7, Bethel College, North Newton.
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Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show, 10-11:30 a.m. March 11, Meridian Event Center.
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Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m. March 19, downtown Newton.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
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