 Rockets & Rails goes out with a bang
From the first bite of the eating contests to the last burst of fireworks, Rockets & Rails was packed with unforgettable moments. Incredible vendors, family activities, live music, community spirit, and a spectacular fireworks finale made for an evening we’ll be talking about for a long time.
To our sponsors, vendors, community organizations, volunteers, performers, contestants, City staff, the Rec Center staff, and everyone who spent their evening celebrating with us, thank you! We estimate about 10,000 event attendees! Events like this don’t happen without an incredible team working behind the scenes and a community that shows up to make it special.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate America250 and Newton!
Broadway and Main traffic signal update
A semi-truck was involved in an accident on Wednesday that took out a traffic signal at Broadway and Main.
City staff are working with our signal supplier to determine the best path forward for repairing or replacing the signal. While our goal is to restore it as quickly as possible, the age of the equipment, availability of replacement parts, and its connection to the downtown traffic signal system present additional challenges.
In the meantime, the intersection will remain a four-way stop. Please use extra caution when traveling through the area, and be especially mindful of pedestrians, as there is currently no protected pedestrian crossing. Remember:
- At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first should be given the right-of-way by other approaching drivers. If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- You must yield to pedestrians always. Even if they are jaywalking or crossing the street where they should not be, you must stop for them.
- When turning left, you must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead or turning right.
Mill and overlay project update
Our mill and overlay contractor, Kansas Paving, has experienced some equipment issues at their asphalt plant, which has delayed the overlay portion of the project. We know the milled streets are not the smoothest to drive on, but they remain open to local traffic so you can access homes and businesses.
Kansas Paving is still on schedule to complete the project by Aug. 1, as per the contract. Thank you for your patience while we work to improve our streets.
 Stay connected with the City of Newton
Ever find yourself seeing photos from a City event on Facebook and thinking, "Wait... I didn't know that was happening?" Check out the many ways you can stay in the loop!
Our all-in-one "How the City Communicates" flyer shows all the ways you can stay informed, from text alerts and email newsletters to our app, website, social media, and more.
Choose the communication methods that work best for you and stay in the know about events, road closures, projects, programs, and City news before they happen.
 City Desk and Chalk the Block at Third Thursday next week
Join us for City Desk + Chalk the Block during Third Thursday on Thursday, July 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Main and West 6th Street.
Stop by to chat with City staff, ask questions, share ideas, or simply say hello while enjoying an evening of creative fun with our friends from STAND.
Activities for all ages include:
- Sidewalk chalk creations
- Giant chalk spirograph art
- Ice chalk painting
- Free-design chalk spaces
- Yard games in the half-block closure on W. 6th Street
Whether you're creating your next sidewalk masterpiece, letting the kids burn off some energy, or exploring everything Third Thursday has to offer, we hope you'll stop by and join us.
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Jen Lehman named one of "Now's Best"
Congratulations to Jen Lehman for being named Harvey County Now's 2026 Best Person of the Year (who made the biggest impact)!
As the City's Convention & Visitors Bureau/Main Street Coordinator, Jen works daily to support our local businesses, create events that improve our quality of life, and promote Newton as a great place to live, work, and play. Her coordination of our Main Street program is bringing transformative new life to our downtown.
Thank you to everyone who voted in support of Jen's work!
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 Sand Creek Station Golf Course earns top 3 state ranking
The City of Newton is proud to congratulate Sand Creek Station on being ranked the #3 public golf course in Kansas in Golfweek's Best 2026 rankings.
Since opening in 2006, Sand Creek Station continues to earn recognition as one of the state's premier golf destinations. The course was one of 29 KemperSports-managed courses to be recognized in Golfweek's Best 2026 rankings, highlighting its commitment to providing an exceptional golf experience for residents and visitors alike.
Congratulations to the entire Sand Creek Station team on this outstanding achievement!
Meridian Event Center celebrating 15th anniversary
The Meridian Event Center will toast its 15th anniversary with an elegant dinner, live music and dancing, and a few surprises along the way.
The anniversary celebration is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, and will include a new, expanded dinner buffet prepared by the Meridian’s in-house chefs.
Wichita’s George Sanders Blues Band will perform their popular blend of delta blues, R&B, jazz, funk and classic rock. The evening will conclude with a special champagne toast to honor the Meridian’s first 15 years and celebrate the future ahead.
Tickets are $30 per person, or $50 including access to the pre-event cocktail hour, a special swag bag, and one included bar drink ticket. Or a group can reserve a table of 10 for $750, complete with two bottles of wine and a commemorative glass for each guest to take home.
Visit meridianeventcenter.com or call 316-284-3100 to reserve tickets or learn more.
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Upcoming Events
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Chalk the Block + City Desk, 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 16, corner of W 6th and Main. Stop by to chat with City staff, ask questions, share ideas, and enjoy creative chalk activities.
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Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., July 16 in downtown Newton.
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Newton Community Theatre's "Footloose," July 17-19. Tickets are general admission for $15.
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Meridian Event Center 15th Anniversary Celebration, 6-10:30 p.m., July 18. Dinner, dancing, and celebration await!
See all of the upcoming events on our Community Events calendar on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
- 11 a.m. July 14 – Main Street meeting
- 7 p.m. July 14 – City Commission meeting
- 7:30 a.m. July 23 – City Commission agenda review
- 5 p.m. July 28 – City Commission budget work session
- 7 p.m. July 28 – City Commission meeting
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