|
Bike to School Day at Slate Creek and Chisholm Middle School, Wednesday May 13th.
Bike to School event rescheduled for next week
Due to inclement weather, the Bike to School event has been postponed to Wednesday, May 13, from 7–7:50 a.m. in the Shalom Mennonite Church parking lot.
Join us for a fun-filled morning featuring:
- Support from staff with the Harvey County Health Department and the City to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
- A pre-bike-to-school gathering with music, bubbles, chalk, games, snacks, and drinks
- A baby goat chaperone to help guide riders along the route, courtesy of Smet’s Happy Acres
- A high-five tunnel hosted by Newton Fire/EMS on the way to Slate Creek Elementary or Chisholm Middle School
- A guided ride led by Newton Police SRO Jefferis
Students, family members, and community members are all welcome to join, and we hope to see you next week! More information can be found on social media.
 Environmental Sciences Scholarship
Last month, Communications Director Erin McDaniel was pleased to present this year's Environmental Sciences Scholarship to Newton High School senior Ezri Mitchell. Ezri plans to study synthetic biology, focusing on addressing environmental challenges worldwide, at the University of Rochester in New York.
Since 2021, the City has awarded an Environmental Sciences Scholarship for post-secondary students who may choose to use their education to work in the field of water quality or pollution control. The program is part of the City's stormwater pollution reduction efforts.
Congratulations, Ezri, and good luck!
Newton Police co-host Hunter Education Field Day
Last Saturday, Newton Police Department teamed up with Hesston Police Department to host a Hunter Education Field Day, helping local students work toward their hunting license.
Students practiced firearm safety, learned hunting laws and regulations, and took part in a simulated hunt and live-fire exercises, all focused on building safe, responsible habits in the field.
Before attending, participants completed a 7-hour online course through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, followed by this 4-hour hands-on session.
The departments plan to offer this course locally at least once a year. The minimum age to participate is 11. Learn more
|
Printed resources around City Hall get a refresher
We’ve been working to make helpful information and resources more visible and accessible throughout the building, so no matter where you go, information is easy to find.
Here are a few additional spots to check out during your next visit, as seen in the above photo, going clockwise:
-
Main Entrance Foyer: This area showcases City-based, county, and community organization information and resources.
-
Between the 2nd and 3rd Floors: The landing features additional City information, along with a community display case that showcases a rotating local organization.
-
Utility Billing: Right when you walk in, you’ll find a countertop with displays and corkboards featuring quick, easy-to-grab information.
-
First Floor (West Entrance): As you enter and move through the entryway, look for wall displays highlighting tourism and Main Street resources.
Our goal is to make City Hall not just a place to conduct business, but a place where you can easily discover programs, services, and opportunities happening throughout the community!
May City Desk with Vice Mayor Melanie Watson and Public Works Director Edward Bonham at the Harvey County Resource Network
May City Desk at Newton Public Library sparks conversations
May City Desk saw nice turnout and a lot of meaningful conversations with community partners and attendees.
There were several thoughtful questions asked throughout the event, creating valuable dialogue and opportunities to share information about city services, projects, and resources. Several conversations also opened the door for future follow-up and continued communication with attendees and community partners.
Opportunities like this continue to strengthen collaboration, improve communication, and help build stronger connections between the City and the community organizations serving Newton and Harvey County.
May Community Display Case organized by Latino Vision Association
May community display case featuring Latino Vision Association
This May, the City’s community display case is featuring Latino Vision Association and the important work they do throughout Harvey County.
Latino Vision Association is dedicated to bringing the Latino community together through connection, celebration, and support. Through events, outreach, and resource-sharing opportunities for all ages, the organization continues to strengthen community relationships and create meaningful impact locally.
We are proud to highlight organizations like Latino Vision Association that help make our community stronger and more connected. Be sure to stop by the display case to learn more about their mission and ongoing efforts!
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!
Public Works updates and information
Newton Water Tower Painting: Coordination and review efforts are ongoing as the project moves toward the next phase, with advertising anticipated in the coming months.
Sand Creek Station 5th Addition Public Infrastructure: Construction has started this week with stormwater BMP placement and starting on sanitary sewer.
S. Spencer Roadway Rehab Project: The project is anticipated to move forward in the coming weeks, weather permitting, with staff continuing coordination efforts and preparing updates for impacted property owners.
Upcoming Events
-
Unity in the Community, 1-4 p.m. May 9 in Athletic Park. Celebrating Latino culture and connecting neighbors to resources, plus live music, free hot dogs, low rider cars, and more!
- NHS graduation, 7:30 p.m. May 16 at Park City Arena, 8151 N Hartman Arena Dr.
-
Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m. May 21 in downtown Newton. The theme for May is "Passport to Newton," exploring all there is to do in Newton this summer.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 11 a.m. May 12 – Main Street Board meeting
- 7 p.m. May 12 – City Commission meeting
- 7:30 a.m. May 21 – City Commission agenda review
- May 25 – City offices closed for Memorial Day
- 7 p.m. May 26 – City Commission meeting
|