Road closure and detour heads-up for next week
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, North Boyd Avenue will be closed between West Broadway and West 8th Street. The closure is needed so contractors working on the EmberHope's Hope Estates development can extend the sanitary sewer main.
Traffic will be detoured to Glendale Avenue. The work will take about three weeks, weather permitting.
We appreciate your patience as this infrastructure work is completed!
Tree coupons available for spring planting
Spring is one of the best times to plant a tree. Warmer temperatures and seasonal rains help new trees establish strong roots before the heat of summer arrives.
To encourage more tree planting throughout the community, the City is excited to announce that tree coupons are now available for residents.
Program Details:
- Residents can receive 50% off the cost of a tree, up to $75
- Coupons are available at City Hall at the 3rd-floor reception desk
- Available while supplies last
- Must be a resident living within the city limits
If you’ve been considering adding a tree to your yard, now is a great time to take advantage of this program and help grow Newton’s tree canopy!
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 Equipment Operator Andrew Buchanan (left) and Sanitation Services Supervisor Carl Burch talk to students about the grapple truck.
Sanitation crew visits first graders for Career Day
A couple of staff from the City's Sanitation team recently visited first graders at Slate Creek Elementary School to talk about what it’s like to help keep our community clean. The visit was part of a project where students explore careers in the community and will later create their own presentations for a 1st Grade Career Fair this spring.
Equipment Operator Andrew Buchanan and Sanitation Services Supervisor Carl Burch shared where they work, what they do each day, how they got their jobs, and the tools and skills needed for sanitation work.
The biggest highlight? Watching the grapple truck in action. Andrew used the truck’s arm to pick up and move a street cone, earning cheers from the crowd of 1st graders that could probably be heard miles away. For a few minutes, Andrew may have been the biggest celebrity in the building.
Building & Project Updates
Several roadway and transportation projects are moving forward around Newton.
Transportation Safety Action Plan (SS4A):
The first round of community engagement is complete. Engineers are now working on a first draft compiling citizen input and stakeholder ideas.
Sand Creek Bike Path Extension:
The City Commission approved a $40,000 design agreement with BNSF Railway this week. Design work for the trail extension is still in progress.
E. 1st & Kansas Intersection Study:
Traffic counts have been completed, and conceptual design work is underway.
Annual Street Maintenance Projects:
The Annual Overlay and Surface Treatment projects are currently out for bids, which will be opened on March 24. Construction could begin as early as late May.
S. Spencer Rehabilitation:
Contractors expect to restart work in April. City staff will send updates to nearby property owners once a start date is confirmed.
2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project:
Design work has started for several street improvements, including sections of West 1st Street, Old Main Street, East Broadway, East 12th Street, and North Spencer. A traffic study along East 1st Street from I-135 to Spencer is also included.
Newton Police Department hosts awards banquet
Members of the Newton Police Department recently gathered for an awards banquet, a special event that has not been celebrated in several years.
It was a chance to pause, reflect on the past few years, and recognize the dedication of the men and women who serve and protect our community every day. Just as importantly, it was an opportunity to gather under one roof, reconnect, and celebrate the teamwork that makes their work possible.
We’re grateful for the commitment, sacrifice, and professionalism our officers and staff bring to the job every day. It’s an honor to serve this community together, and we’re proud of the work our team does to help keep our city safe.
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 Meridian full of ideas at Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
The Meridian Event Center was buzzing with excitement and creativity during the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, where Newton High School students brought their business ideas to life.
The event showcased more than 30 student-created businesses, each featuring unique products, creative marketing, and thoughtful pitches. From innovative products to services designed to meet real community needs, the students demonstrated impressive initiative, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Community members had the chance to walk through the trade show, visit with students about their ideas, and see firsthand the creativity and drive of the next generation of local entrepreneurs.
It was an inspiring day filled with big ideas, bright futures, and plenty of hometown pride. A big thank you to the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing this incredible opportunity for students and for choosing the Meridian Event Center as the place where these ideas could shine.
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 7:30 a.m. March 19 – City Commission agenda review
- 11 a.m. March 19 – Community Development Commission meeting
- 7 p.m. March 24 – City Commission meeting
- 6 p.m. April 6 – Planning Commission meeting
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