|
Mayor Rich Stinnett and a community member chat about City happenings during the September City Desk.
Connecting with community at City Desk
This past Saturday, Sept. 12, we took City Desk to the Harvey County Farmers Market and enjoyed connecting with residents, hearing what’s on their minds, and learning more about what brought people to Newton.
We especially enjoyed talking with several residents who had moved to Newton within the past couple of years. Many shared how much they’re enjoying aspects of small-town living, from the community atmosphere to the connections they’ve made here.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with us! These conversations are a valuable part of staying connected to the community we serve.
 Annual staff vs. students kickball showdown full of fun and connections
Staff from Opportunity Academy, EmberHope, and Newton Police joined forces this week for a friendly kickball competition between staff and students.
The competition was fierce; the stakes were high (as in, their egos), and the games were close – but ultimately staff took the "W!" Thankfully, the students weren't too upset and enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, and even some photo booth fun with us afterwards.
We appreciate the friendly competition, connections, and a great afternoon with our community partners!
Newton to host Safe Routes to School Open House
The City of Newton has secured a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning & Programming Grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), building on community input and previous efforts to identify opportunities for safer ways to get to and from school.
Over the next few months, Newton will work with KDOT to develop our SRTS plan, which will include policy, program, and project recommendations to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer and more enjoyable. Now, we’re looking for even more input from our community for the next steps!
The SRTS Open House is on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 5-8 p.m. at Fischer Field during the Newton High School JV and Varsity soccer games.
Additional ways to get involved:
Whether your student walks, bikes, gets dropped off, rides the bus, or travels another way, your perspective can help us better understand how students get to and from school and where improvements are needed.
Stay tuned as we share more about the Safe Routes to School planning process and opportunities to get involved!
Celebrating our IT professionals
Behind every click, connection and City system is a team working to keep it all running. This week, we give a big thank you to our three IT professionals Nathan Wallace, Quentin Nelson, and Tyler Baldridge!
These three work behind the scenes to protect the City’s digital infrastructure, keep our systems running, troubleshoot the inevitable tech hiccups, and help City staff stay connected and productive. From cybersecurity and networks to hardware, software and the everyday “my computer is doing something weird” moments, they’re there to keep Newton’s technology working safely and reliably.
We appreciate everything you do to keep the City connected, secure and moving forward. Thank you!
 Coffee and Cops with NPD and Norm's
The Newton Police Department is teaming up with Norm’s Coffee Bar next week for the third annual Coffee & Cops event!
Join us on Friday, Sept. 25, from 7-10 a.m. at Norm’s as some of our officers trade their patrol cars for aprons and put their barista skills to the test.
Bringing the kids along before school? Stop by for a Junior NPD sticker, a high five from an officer, and a chance to take a peek inside a patrol car parked right out front!
This community favorite is always a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors in a relaxed setting, and maybe discover which of our officers has a future behind the coffee counter.
 A little prep goes a long way for power outages
As part of National Preparedness Month, we're sharing a few simple ways to help your household prepare for a power outage. Outages can happen during severe weather or unexpectedly, and a little preparation now can help keep your family safe.
-
Have a plan: Create a family communication plan and keep a paper copy available.
-
Check alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure you have battery backups. Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include flu-like symptoms.
-
Plan for medical needs: Know how you’ll power medical devices, store medications and manage other essential needs without electricity.
-
Charge up and stock up: Keep phones charged and have backup charging options, along with several days of emergency supplies.
-
Prepare your vehicle: Fill your gas tank before predicted severe weather.
-
Use generators safely: Follow manufacturer instructions, store fuel properly and never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
-
Protect your food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, use ice if needed, and monitor temperatures with a thermometer. When in doubt, throw it out.
A few minutes of preparation now can make a big difference when the power goes out.
Newton Firefighters Stevens, Pfannenstiel, Gay, and Castro after the stair climb.
Remembering 9/11, 25 years later
Four Newton Fire/EMS firefighters; Noah Stevens, Steven Gay, Mason Pfannenstiel, and Ashton Castro, joined firefighters from across the region last week for the Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
Participants climbed the equivalent of 110 floors, representing the former World Trade Center Twin Towers, while carrying the name and photo of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
More than a physical challenge, the stair climb is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We’re proud of our firefighters for taking part and helping keep their memories and sacrifices alive.
Fall tree coupons now available
Fall tree-planting season is upon us and the City's fall tree coupons are now available! Some important info:
- Get 50% off the cost of a tree (up to $75)
- Pick up coupons at City Hall, 3rd-floor reception desk
- Available while supplies last
Fall tree coupons are available until Nov. 30 or until they run out, whichever comes first. Some years these coupons go fast, so make sure to pick one up early!
Upcoming Events
- Safe Routes to School Open House, 5-8 p.m. Sept. 22, outside the front gates of Fischer Field. Help to gather input on how students get to and from school and where improvements are needed.
- Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 23, with the parade on Main Street from 7th to 5th streets and ending with a rally at Themian Park.
- Coffee and Cops, 7-10 a.m. Sept. 25 at Norm's Coffee Bar. Join officers for coffee with cops and connections!
-
Mystery in the Stacks, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 3, at Newton Public Library. A fundraiser & dinner with entertainment all evening!
See all of the upcoming events on our Community Events calendar on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
|
