Senior center requests increased funding for 2027 budget

Senior nutrition program experiences growth after administrative overhaul

Senior center launches fundraising campaign to replace 1965 asbestos flooring

Commission approves Highland Avenue right-of-way vacation

Adjacent company outlines property expansion and emergency access plans

Commissioner abstains from Highland Avenue vacation vote over family ties

Commission tables airport ground lease until summer wheat harvest

Catering service granted temporary alcohol permits for summer events

Residents protest late-night noise disturbances near Sand Creek Station

City to mediate noise dispute, weigh ordinance changes

Senior center requests increased funding for 2027 budget

NEWTON, Kan. - Newton Area Senior Center Director Lynne Beth presented a $25,000 budget request for 2027 to the city commission Tuesday. The request includes $20,000 for operating expenses and an additional $5,000 to fund a site manager's salary for the center's nutrition program. The county provided one-time funding for the position this year, leaving the center responsible for securing the required funds for 2027.

Senior nutrition program experiences growth after administrative overhaul

NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Area Senior Center's federally subsidized nutrition program has grown to average 20 participants a day following a rocky administrative transition early this year. The Central Plains Area Agency on Aging took over the program, which required the center to sign an 18-page contract and hire a dedicated site manager. The center now pays a site manager $12 an hour for 15 hours a week to accept food deliveries, ensure correct temperatures and submit federal paperwork.

Senior center launches fundraising campaign to replace 1965 asbestos flooring

NEWTON, Kan. - The Newton Area Senior Center is aiming to raise $80,000 to replace the building's original 1965 asbestos tile flooring, which has begun to break and become a trip hazard. Director Lynne Beth said the center currently has $12,000 saved for the project, which will likely be completed in phases due to economic constraints. Upcoming fundraising efforts, including a donor campaign in September and matching funds from a local foundation, will also target much-needed electrical upgrades in the building's kitchens.

Commission approves Highland Avenue right-of-way vacation

NEWTON, Kan. - Vacating an unconstructed portion of the Highland Avenue right-of-way between West Second and West Third streets was approved to allow for adjacent industrial expansion. The ordinance will maintain a reduced 35-foot public utility easement, down from the standard 60 feet. Final approval of the vacation is contingent upon city staff verifying the physical relocation of an existing utility company line.

Adjacent company outlines property expansion and emergency access plans

NEWTON, Kan. - Plans for a fourth industrial property expansion in 28 years prompted the petition to vacate the Highland Avenue right-of-way. An adjacent house will be bulldozed following police and fire department training exercises on the property. The expansion plans also include extending West Second Street by 58 feet to provide a new access point for emergency vehicles.

Commissioner abstains from Highland Avenue vacation vote over family ties

NEWTON, Kan. - The Highland Avenue right-of-way vacation was passed with one abstention due to a conflict of interest regarding family ties with the adjacent property owners. During the public hearing, sentimental attachment to the land was expressed, along with opposition to any street construction and concerns about the visual impact of the impending industrial expansion.

Commission tables airport ground lease until summer wheat harvest

NEWTON, Kan. - An airport ground lease agreement with a neighboring aviation business was tabled until a future meeting, likely in June or July. The proposed lease would convert currently farmed land at the Newton City/County Airport to grass to mitigate farming activity complaints from the neighboring aviation business. The delay allows the current farmer to complete a final wheat harvest before the business assumes the lease at a higher rate.

Catering service granted temporary alcohol permits for summer events

NEWTON, Kan. - Two temporary alcohol permits were approved for a state-licensed catering service. The permits will cover the Newton Saddle Club Rodeo on July 31 and Aug. 1, as well as the Bulls and Barrels Bash on Aug. 8. Because the business holds a state license, it met all requirements and bypassed additional paperwork typically required for temporary event permits.

Residents protest late-night noise disturbances near Sand Creek Station

NEWTON, Kan. - Excessive late-night noise stemming from an event venue near Sand Creek Station was brought to the city's attention for resolution. Amplified bass music continuing as late as 1 a.m. has been disrupting sleep and outdoor activities in the neighborhood. While police have been called multiple times, officers are unable to enforce noise restrictions under the area's current commercial zoning regulations.

City to mediate noise dispute, weigh ordinance changes

NEWTON, Kan. - City staff announced plans to broker a mediation meeting to resolve ongoing noise complaints stemming from an event venue near Sand Creek Station. If a mutual agreement to mitigate amplified music cannot be reached, existing noise and zoning ordinances may be reviewed and potentially amended.

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