City offices closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth
City offices are closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth has long been celebrated in the African American community and was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. It marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the news that enslaved Black Americans were finally free.
 First and Kansas crossing now open
Heads up, east-side drivers! The crossing at East First and Kansas is now open!
The project was a partnership of the City Street Division and WATCO, KO Railroad's parent company. We appreciate the community’s patience with the disruption during construction!
Newton Open Streets draws crowds and connections
Open Streets was a great success last weekend, bringing neighbors together for an afternoon of activity, conversation, and fun. Thank you to the United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties, Healthy Harvey Coalition, and the many partners and volunteers who made the event possible.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with City staff, including members of Newton Fire/EMS and the Newton Police Department UAV Team, while learning more about the upcoming Rockets & Rails celebration on July 3.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! We're already looking forward to bringing Open Streets back next April!
Community members connect with Newton Fire/EMS and Newton Police Department staff during Newton Open Streets 2026.
Celebrating our Sanitation team – plus some helpful reminders
Keeping Newton clean is about more than appearances; it's about protecting public health and maintaining a community we can all be proud of. On Wednesday's Global Garbage Man Day, we recognized the Sanitation crews whose work helps reduce health hazards, keep neighborhoods welcoming, and ensure waste is collected safely and efficiently.
Residents can help support these efforts by properly containing household trash before collection day. Loose or overflowing trash can quickly become litter, especially on windy Kansas days, spreading into streets, neighboring yards, parks, and waterways.
A few reminders:
- Bag all trash before placing it in your cart.
- Make sure cart lids can close completely.
- Excess trash occasionally may be placed in plastic bags next to your cart, leaving at least 3 feet of clearance for automated collection.
- If your household regularly generates more trash than your cart can hold, consider requesting an additional cart.
Thank you to our Sanitation team for the essential service they provide every day, and to our residents for helping keep Newton clean.
|
 |
Career opportunities with the City of Newton
Looking for a new career opportunity that is both rewarding and fulfilling?
The City of Newton is currently hiring for several roles across multiple departments. Current openings include:
- Street Maintenance Worker
- Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor
- Water Maintenance Worker
- Meridian Event Center Server
Join a team dedicated to serving the community while building a rewarding career!
NPD and NFEMS will battle it out next Saturday, June 20th at 3 p.m. during the Battle of the Badgez kickball game.
2026 Police vs. Fire Battle of the Badgez kickball game
The rivalry returns THIS Saturday!
Join Newton Police and Newton Fire/EMS as they face off in the annual Battle of the Badges Kickball Game during Sand Creek Summer Daze. Fire/EMS enters as the defending champion, while NPD is determined to bring the trophy home this year.
Come cheer on your favorite team and enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, laughs, and community spirit. A button to enter is just $5.
- Saturday, June 20
- 3 p.m.
- Athletic Park, Kelsch Field
If you are on Facebook, check out this year's rivalry video!
'Report an Issue' stickers added to bike repair stations
After receiving feedback from the community about the bike repair stations, we realized there was a simple way we could help. Last week, City crews installed “Need to Report an Issue?” stickers on the bike repair stations at Centennial Park and Sand Creek Bike Path.
These are the two bike repair stations managed by the City, and both have been checked again this week and are fully operational. The new stickers provide an easy way for users to report issues so we can respond more quickly when repairs are needed.
We’re hopeful they’ll stay in great working condition for a long time, but if something does come up, now you’ll know exactly how to let us know.
|
Rockets & Rails schedule.
Your guide to Rockets & Rails on July 3rd
Get ready for a full day of Independence Day fun at Rockets & Rails! Before heading to the celebration, be sure to check out the event schedule and vendor map to make the most of your experience.
From live music and family-friendly activities to games, contests, opening ceremonies, delicious food, refreshing drinks, two concerts, and a spectacular fireworks finale, there will be something happening throughout the evening.
The map makes it easy to find your favorite food and beverage options, while the schedule helps you plan around performances and activities. Take a few minutes to map out your day and get ready to celebrate with friends, family, and the community at Rockets & Rails!
 Fresh Air Connections Block Party brings neighbors together
Our first Fresh Air Connections Block Party was a great reminder that sometimes the best community events happen right in our own neighborhoods. Residents gathered to share a meal, play games, meet new neighbors, and enjoy an evening of connection and fun!
Want to bring that same spirit to your neighborhood? Fresh Air Connections Block Parties are designed to help residents build stronger relationships and create lasting community connections. Whether you'd like City staff to participate or simply need help getting started, we're here to help.
Learn more about the new initiative and how to sign up!
Upcoming Events
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- June 19 – City offices closed for Juneteenth
- 7 p.m. June 23 – City Commission meeting
- July 3 – City offices closed for Independence Day
- 6 p.m. July 6 – Planning Commission meeting
|
