Harvey County Commission
Week of April 21, 2026
Shield AI expands footprint at the Newton City/County Airport
Special meeting set to review 2027 airport budget and master plan
Sheriff's office authorized to sell surplus patrol vehicles
Surplus sales to fund major upgrades for new K-9 unit
Commission approves about $219,000 in county expenditures
Citizen road concerns prompt county review
Commission reminds residents of looming property tax deadline
America's 250th anniversary events draw local crowds
Shield AI expands footprint at the Newton City/County Airport
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Commission unanimously approved another land lease amendment for Shield AI at the Newton City/County Airport on Tuesday. The defense technology company will add 1.85 acres to its footprint on the east side of the runway, bringing its total leased land to 9.85 acres. Airport Operations Manager Jeff Lewis said the additional space will accommodate a taxi lane and a temporary hangar relocated from Texas as the company scales its operations.
Special meeting set to review 2027 airport budget and master plan
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A special aviation commission meeting is expected to conduct a preliminary review of the Newton City/County Airport's 2027 budget. The session would allow the advisory board to evaluate finances and issue recommendations before the budget advances to city and county commissioners. Officials are also expected to review the airport's master plan, drafted more than a decade ago, to address future developments and the anticipated economic impact of Shield AI's growing presence.
Sheriff's office authorized to sell surplus patrol vehicles
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a county resolution authorizing the Harvey County Sheriff's Office to sell several decommissioned patrol vehicles via the online auction site Purple Wave. The sale also includes a 2016 Ford Taurus obtained by the department. Undersheriff Shawn Chapman said online auctions historically yield a strong return for taxpayers, with proceeds feeding the department's equipment replacement fund.
Surplus sales to fund major upgrades for new K-9 unit
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Proceeds from the upcoming surplus vehicle auction will help offset the costs of a new Harvey County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit vehicle, according to Undersheriff Shawn Chapman. The new Dodge Durango, which is currently on order, will require major modifications, including specialized kennels, heat alarms and automated door-pop systems. Chapman stated he anticipates the auction revenue will cover the gap between the vehicle's base price and the upfitting costs, reducing the need for additional taxpayer expense.
Commission approves about $219,000 in county expenditures
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved about $219,000 in weekly warrant checks on Tuesday, covering several taxpayer-funded obligations. Notable expenses reportedly included bridge inspection and design work, the annual county audit, juvenile care services and fuel costs for the county's solid waste department.
Citizen road concerns prompt county review
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Citizen concerns regarding rural road conditions, including unpaved stretches and restrictive infrastructure, were highlighted Tuesday. During closing comments, a commissioner noted requests from residents to pave a rural east-side road near the interstate. The commission is also looking into a problematic culvert on 125th Street that residents say is poorly designed for heavy semi-truck traffic.
Commission reminds residents of looming property tax deadline
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County residents have less than a month to finalize property tax payments, the commission reminded the public Tuesday. When taxes are paid in halves, the second half is due May 10. The commission anticipated a seasonal uptick in citizen feedback regarding tax rates and county spending in the coming weeks.
America's 250th anniversary events draw local crowds
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Local celebrations honoring America's upcoming 250th anniversary are drawing attendance in Harvey County. During committee reports, the commission praised a packed screening at a local theater that explored the nation's founding and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
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