|
2026 Rockets and Rails yard decorating contest
Celebrating 250 years with community decorating contest
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and leading up to Rockets & Rails, the City of Newton is launching a community-wide yard decorating contest beginning June 5!
Residents are invited to decorate their yard or outdoor space in red, white, and blue – classic or creative – and submit photos along with basic contact information.
Entries will be judged on creativity, patriotic theme, overall impact, and community spirit, with bonus points for Newton-inspired elements.
Submissions will be accepted June 5-26. The winner will receive a prize and be recognized at Rockets & Rails, on City platforms, and at an upcoming City Commission meeting. We can't wait to see Newton shine!
City Commissioners were among those participating in the Harvest Pointe groundbreaking.
Mennonite Housing breaks ground on senior housing
City officials were pleased to participate this week in Mennonite Housing's groundbreaking for phase 2 of Harvest Pointe senior housing addition on West First Street. Phase 2 will add seven fourplex buildings, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents age 55+.
The City's housing studies in recent years have shown a need for all types of housing at all price points, including senior-specific and income-qualified rental units. Harvest Pointe's first phase of 32 units has been a great success, with each unit in very high demand – bringing in new residents and giving current residents a high-quality option for downsizing.
We are excited to partner with Mennonite Housing once again and grateful for their continued investment in the Newton community!
Parks staff mowing native platings along Sand Creek Bike Path, which is allowed only once every 2 to 3 years.
Not all green spaces are managed the same
Keeping Newton’s parks, cemeteries, and green spaces looking their best is a major task, with mowing playing a key role in maintaining many areas across the community.
But some spaces, like those along Sand Creek, are intentionally left more natural. These areas are managed with periodic mowing or controlled burns under guidance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support native plants, wildlife, and long-term ecosystem health.
If you are a Facebook user, take a peek at our mowing video as well as the Native Grasses Along the Creek video for additional info! Next time you’re out on a trail or visiting a park, take a moment to notice the difference and the purpose behind it.
|
Spring cleanup made easy with bulky-item pickup
Cleaning out large or hard-to-dispose-of items this spring? The City of Newton offers a Bulky Item Pickup service for items that don’t fit in your regular trash cart.
Residents may schedule pickup for up to five large items (such as furniture, TVs, or appliances), or one pile of tree branches (each counts as one pickup). The cost is $10 per pickup, which helps offset service costs.
Please note that regular trash or recycling, construction materials, hazardous waste, large tires, and contractor-generated debris (including tree limbs) are not accepted through this service.
Pickups are typically scheduled on your regular trash day and are first-come, first-served. To be eligible, you must be a City utility customer, have the account in your name, and reside at the service address.
To schedule a pickup, contact the Sanitation Division at 316-284-6070 or complete the online request form at least one day before your regular trash day.
|
Newton Police Department staff showing support and solidarity for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
City staff join Safehope in raising awareness for survivors
At the invitation of Safehope, the City of Newton was proud to stand in solidarity this Sexual Assault Awareness Month by participating in Denim Day.
Staff across the organization, including the Police Department, Municipal Court, and Law Department, joined together in support of survivors and to help raise awareness about sexual violence in our community.
Wearing denim may seem simple, but it represents a powerful message: You are not alone.
We’re grateful to Safehope and other community organizations for the work they do every day to support survivors and for inviting us to be part of this important effort.
 Municipal Court staff showing support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
2026 Water Quality Report now available
The 2026 Water Quality Report is now available on our website. The annual report offers a snapshot of the quality of the drinking water that we provided last year. It details where your water comes from, how it’s treated, what it contains, and how it compares to state and federal standards. It's transparency to help you feel confident that the water provided to you and your family is safe.
If you would like a paper copy of the report, please contact the Engineering Office at 316-284-6020.
HR Director Megan Kershner and Mayor Rich Stinnett interacted with residents at Centennial Park.
City Desk goes out to the ballgame
Last Friday, City staff traveled out to Centennial Park and ball diamonds, where we connected with game-goers, even some of our youngest citizens!
It was a great afternoon of community engagement, with meaningful conversations taking place throughout the evening. Staff shared and connected residents with numerous City resources, answered questions, and helped point people in the right direction for services and programs. We also provided supplies for a friendly bubble blowing and art activity, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity to the evening!
Stay tuned for a special announcement related to City Desk – you never know where we might head next!
Upcoming Events
- Newton Car Show Friday Night Cruise, 6:30 p.m. May 1 on Main Street from 12th to SE 14th Street. Line up to watch the classic cars go by, and stop by the Lions Club food drive at 320 N. Main!
-
Newton Car Show, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 2 in downtown Newton.
-
Newton Recreation Commission 80th Birthday Party, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 2 at the Rec Center. Family fun, free games and activities, food trucks, and more!
-
Unity in the Community, May 9 in Athletic Park. Celebrating Latino culture and connecting neighbors to resources, plus live music, free hot dogs, low rider cars, and more!
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
|
