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First Street and Kansas Avenue rail crossing improvements coming May 27th.
Rail crossing makeover coming to First and Kansas
The rail crossing at First Street and Kansas Avenue is preparing for a long-overdue makeover, with work expected to begin May 27, weather permitting.
The project will address the deteriorating road condition near the tracks and improve the area for drivers traveling through one of Newton’s most well-known crossings.
Beginning Monday, May 18, residents will start seeing large digital billboards to help prepare the community for the upcoming street closure and traffic impacts associated with the project.
Additional closure details and updates will continue to be shared through the City’s digital signs, newsletter, and social media channels as the project approaches, so stay tuned!
Bike to School Day with Fire/EMS and participants.
Rolling into school with wheels, excitement and smiles
Earlier this week, community members gathered for a fun and energetic Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day event that brought students, families, school staff, and local organizations together to promote safe and active transportation.
We estimate more than 50 attendees joined in for a fun-filled event promoting safe and active ways to get to school. Participants enjoyed music, games, bubbles, chalk activities, snacks, drinks, and plenty of community spirit before making their way to school together.
Students also received free helmets to encourage safe riding habits, and it was wonderful to see teachers, staff, and even Slate Creek Elementary’s principal joining in on the fun alongside students and families!
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the morning such a success, including Newton Fire/EMS, Newton Police, Harvey County Health Department, Healthy Harvey Coalition, Walk & Roll Harvey, Newton Schools staff, and Smet’s Happy Acres for providing our unforgettable baby goat chaperone. We can't wait for the next opportunity!
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 Leadership Newton class of 2026
Congratulations to City Commissioner Jason Miller, Meridian Center Sales & Marketing Manager Den Owen, and City Manager Daniela Rivas on their completion of Leadership Newton! We're so proud of your work to grow personally and professionally to better serve our community and residents.
Leadership Newton is a program of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and is led by our own retired Newton Fire/EMS Chief Scott Metzler. Participants in the eight-week course explore real-world adaptive leadership challenges, engage with community stakeholders, and gain fresh perspectives on leadership.
2026 Yard of the Year nominations open now until June 9.
City accepting Yard of the Year nominations
Have you seen a great-looking yard in Newton? Nominate it for 2026 Yard of the Year!
Nominate your favorite yards through June 9. Nominated yards will be judged based on appearance, creativity, and overall condition, with extra points for landscapes that require less water.
To be eligible, nominees shall not have violated any City of Newton code regulations within the past year. The winners will be honored at a City Commission meeting and will receive a gift certificate and a yard sign to display.
Water Division staff Clark Baldwin and City Commissioner Melanie Watson at the City of Newton table during the "Unity in the Community" event May 9th.
City connections at Unity in the Community event
What a lovely day at Athletic Park for the Latinos Unidos' Unity in the Community event this past Saturday!
It was great to see such a wonderful turnout as community members gathered to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the afternoon together. City staff from various departments enjoyed being part of the event and visiting with residents throughout the day.
Thank you to Latinos Unidos and everyone who helped make the event such a welcoming and successful community gathering.
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Newton High School's Azteca Dance Troupe provided entertainment at Unity in the Community.
NPD community policing celebrated during National Police Week.
Gratitude for NPD during National Police Week
During National Police Week, we recognize that community policing extends far beyond enforcement. Through school visits, youth activities, community events, safety education, local partnerships, and everyday interactions, officers with the Newton Police Department work to build relationships and strengthen connections throughout the community.
Whether supporting local schools, participating in community events, or simply taking time to connect with residents, these efforts help create a safer, stronger, and more connected Newton.
We appreciate the dedication and service of the men and women of NPD and their continued commitment to connecting with the community!
Fresh Air Connections Block Party Edition
Fresh Air Connections Block Party edition
One thing we’ve heard again and again through surveys, conversations, and community forums is that people want more opportunities to connect with their neighbors and build a stronger sense of community close to home. Fresh Air Connections was created to help make that happen!
This new initiative will encourage neighborhood gatherings and block parties that bring residents together for fun, conversation, and connection. Whether it’s lawn games, music, food, or simply getting to know the people down the street a little better, Fresh Air Connections is all about creating welcoming spaces for neighbors to gather.
With prior approval and availability, neighborhoods may even invite elected officials or City staff to stop by and connect with residents in a casual and informal setting!
We can support up to two neighborhood block parties per month through November, weather permitting, by helping guide hosts through the planning process and providing available resources. One event each month may also include participation from City staff and elected officials as part of a City Desk-style community connection opportunity.
Now’s the perfect time to start rallying the neighbors, planning a gathering, and getting your block on the calendar!
2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is back this year and we would love your support. Stay tuned for additional details as the day approaches. We would love to see Main Street lined with supportive community members helping cheer everyone on!
June 3, 2026 | 10 am-Noon | North to South Dillons
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 when Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to increase awareness of Special Olympics. He also saw it as an ideal way to get local law enforcement personnel involved in the Special Olympics community. The Torch Run was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Newton Police Department is proud to be part of this great tradition!
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Celebrating America250 with fireworks and community
The City of Newton is excited to bring fireworks back to the community as part of the celebration of our country’s 250th birthday!
Join us Friday, July 3, at Athletic Park in the Fischer Field area for an evening filled with hometown fun, live music, family activities, food vendors, yard games, and a fireworks finale to end the night.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and come early to enjoy the festivities throughout the park. The evening will also coincide with opening weekend activities for the Mexican American Men’s Fastpitch Tournament, creating an exciting atmosphere across Athletic Park.
It has been more than a decade since Newton last hosted a community Fourth of July celebration of this scale, and we look forward to celebrating together once again.
Event Schedule (subject to small changes)
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5 p.m. – Food vendors, kids' area, activities, and games open
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7 p.m. – Opening concert featuring The Sassanachs (band shell)
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7:30 p.m. – Opening remarks, National Anthem, and Colors Presentation (Fischer Field)
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8 p.m. – Headliner concert featuring Stolen Winnebagos (Fischer Field)
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10:15 p.m. or dark – Fireworks display begins
Upcoming Events
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NHS graduation, 7:30 p.m. May 16 at Park City Arena.
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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.
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Beat The Heat Barrel Series, 5:30-10 p.m. May 26 at Newton Saddle Club Arena, 701 W 1st St, Newton.
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Big Fat Fun concert, 6 p.m. May 30 in Military Park.
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Concert in the Park, 7 p.m. May 30 at Athletic Park band shell. A fundraiser for Fine Arts Booster Club, featuring icoNic, The Flannelbacks, and The Sassanachs.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 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
- 6 p.m. June 1 – Planning Commission meeting
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