City sets schedule for 2027 municipal budget

City lowers interest in local business expansion to allow financing

Commission releases reversionary interest for a housing development

Defense tech company expands local airport lease

Construction bids awarded for Sand Creek Station expansion

Railroad crossing repairs underway at First Street and Kansas

Temporary alcohol permits approved for summer park events

High school student wins Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

City sets schedule for 2027 municipal budget

NEWTON, Kan. — The City Commission reviewed and adopted the official scheduling calendar for the proposed 2027 municipal budget. Public budget work sessions are planned for mid-June, with City Manager Kelly McElroy's official budget presentation slated for a late-July commission meeting. A final public hearing and adoption vote are scheduled for late August.

City lowers interest in local business expansion to allow financing

NEWTON, Kan. — The City Commission approved a resolution allowing a consent and subordination agreement involving Midwest Automotive, a local automotive-related business that previously received $1.2 million in industrial revenue bond support for a facility expansion. By temporarily lowering the city's interest in the project, the business is expected to be able to secure mortgage financing tied to the expansion.

Commission releases reversionary interest for a housing development

NEWTON, Kan. — The City Commission agreed to release the city's reversionary interest in the Sand Creek Station Addition housing development, located west of South Anderson Road. Because developer Andrew Reese met contractual requirements to construct a specified number of housing units by a designated deadline, the city relinquished its right to take the property back, providing the developer with a clear property title.

Defense tech company expands local airport lease

NEWTON, Kan. — Defense technology company Shield AI will expand its footprint at Newton City/County Airport after the City Commission approved an amendment to its hangar and ground lease agreement. The amendment adds 1.85 acres to the company's current site at a rate of 17 cents per square foot annually. The amended lease awaits final approval from the county.

Construction bids awarded for Sand Creek Station expansion

NEWTON, Kan. — The City Commission awarded a $1.4 million infrastructure bid for a Sand Creek Station 5th Addition expansion project to Kansas Paving, a contractor identified as the lowest responsible bidder among five candidates. The project will provide water, sewer, street, and storm drainage improvements for the new development. Officials said the surrounding benefit district will cover the full project cost rather than the general taxpayer base.

Railroad crossing repairs underway at First Street and Kansas

NEWTON, Kan. — City staff said the railroad operator has initiated repairs on the First Street and Kansas railroad crossing, which has drawn community feedback regarding track conditions. After track work is completed, city crews are expected to replace the surrounding concrete approaches to create a smoother drive, with traffic impacts to be announced.

Temporary alcohol permits approved for summer park events

NEWTON, Kan. — The City Commission approved two temporary alcohol permits for upcoming community events operating in city parks. A permit was granted for Unity in the Community scheduled for May 9. A second permit was approved for Rockets & Rails at Athletic Park on July 3, planned in conjunction with the Mexican American Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.

High school student wins Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton High School student Sarah Jenkins won first place and a $500 prize in the third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge for a business concept focused on natural landscaping and habitat restoration. Jenkins will advance to the state competition at Kansas State University in late April. Exchange student Lars Mueller placed second with a vegan protein bar concept, and David Chen took third with a craft-focused business concept.

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