Newton City Commission Summary
Week of February 25, 2026
Commission approves new fireworks regulations in split vote
Valentine dissent cites resident surveys in failed motion
Thieman Park renovation plan moves forward
Athletic Park road closure approved for April event
City approves land sale for $6 million APAC facility
Shield AI expands footprint at Newton City-County Airport
Main Street program reports $1.3 million in private investment
Health Ministries Clinic reports patient growth and job creation
Meridian Center stabilizes operations ahead of 15th anniversary
Commission approves new fireworks regulations in split vote
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission voted 3-1 to adopt Ordinance 5197-26, which establishes new dates and times for the sale and discharge of fireworks within city limits. Commissioner Jason Miller introduced the compromise measure, which permits fireworks sales for eight days but limits discharge to noon through midnight from July 1 to July 4. The ordinance also sets vendor permit fees at a flat rate of $500 per day per location, and commissioners agreed to review the regulation's impact after the upcoming July holiday season.
Valentine dissent cites resident surveys in failed motion
NEWTON, Kan. — Commissioner Kathy Valentine cast the lone opposing vote against the new fireworks ordinance, advocating for a stricter "four-and-four" model that would have limited both sales and discharge to four days. Valentine attempted to introduce a motion for the tighter restrictions, noting that a resident survey showed 67 percent support for a shorter timeframe, but the motion failed due to a lack of a second. She expressed a commitment to representing constituents who have voiced concerns about fireworks noise and its effect on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Thieman Park renovation plan moves forward
NEWTON, Kan. — Commissioners advanced a coordinated master plan to renovate Thieman Park, one of the city's oldest recreational spaces, in partnership with the Newton Recreation Commission, USD 373, and the Railer Foundation. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost nearly $900,000 and will include the installation of three pickleball courts, two lighted basketball courts, a new restroom facility, and a shelter. Subsequent phases of the renovation are expected to add a turf soccer field, baseball fields, and expanded parking to the site.
Athletic Park road closure approved for April event
NEWTON, Kan. — The commission voted unanimously to close Athletic Park Circle on April 25 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to accommodate the Newton Bible Christian School's annual 5K run. City staff from police, fire, and public works departments reviewed the application and recommended the closure to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. The event is expected to draw community attendees to the park for the morning race.
City approves land sale for $6 million APAC facility
NEWTON, Kan. — The commission approved the sale of approximately 20 acres in the Kansas Logistics Park to APAC Kansas for $241,000, equating to $12,000 per acre. APAC intends to build a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on the site with a minimum capital investment of $6 million. The facility will process limestone aggregate into a powder used for shingle production at the adjacent GAF facility, and the agreement includes the vacation of Hawk Avenue to consolidate the property parcels.
Shield AI expands footprint at Newton City-County Airport
NEWTON, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the lease agreement with defense technology firm Shield AI, expanding the company's ground lease at the Newton City-County Airport from three acres to eight acres. The modified agreement increases the monthly lease rate to $5,000 and authorizes the construction of a larger concrete pad to support the company's testing and development operations. The lease expansion requires final approval from Harvey County before taking effect.
Main Street program reports $1.3 million in private investment
NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Main Street Coordinator Jen Lehman reported to the commission that downtown property owners invested nearly $1.3 million in private funds for building renovations in 2025. Lehman noted that the city's contribution of $30,000 in facade improvement grants helped spur this development, resulting in a significant return on investment for the district. The annual report also highlighted the addition of six new downtown businesses and a total district workforce of approximately 4,100 employees.
Health Ministries Clinic reports patient growth and job creation
NEWTON, Kan. — Health Ministries Clinic CEO Matthew Schmidt presented the organization's annual update, reporting that the clinic served nearly 16,000 unduplicated patients across approximately 58,000 visits in 2025. Schmidt told commissioners that the clinic expanded its workforce by 10 positions to a total of 270 employees, with nearly half of the staff residing in Newton. He stated that municipal funding remains essential for securing federal and foundation grants that subsidize healthcare services for uninsured and Medicaid patients.
Meridian Center stabilizes operations ahead of 15th anniversary
NEWTON, Kan. — Meridian Center General Manager Michael Parker reported that the venue hosted 106 events in 2025, generating approximately $309,000 in revenue during what he described as a year of operational restoration. Parker noted that the facility focused on staff restructuring and cleanup efforts over the past year and is projecting an increase to 121 events for the upcoming year. He outlined plans for new community programming, including a potential New Year's Eve celebration, as the center approaches its 15th anniversary in July 2026.
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