Newton local news summary

City Approves Sale of Industrial Land for Business Expansion

Local Manufacturer Granted Another Extension for Expansion

County to Survey Public on “Man Sheds” and Accessory Dwelling Units

Sheriff Highlights Staffing Troubles and Reports Deteriorating Jail Conditions

Multi-Agency Bust on I-135 Seizes Nearly Two Pounds of Meth

Newton to Offer Nearly $6 Million in Bonds for City Projects

1. City Approves Sale of Industrial Land for Business Expansion

NEWTON - In a move to support local industry, the Newton City Commission approved the sale of property in the industrial park to Beran Concrete for $60,000. The company, which had been leasing the ground since early 2025, plans to purchase the property for expansion. The sales agreement stipulates that Beran Concrete must merge the lots, construct a new building of at least 3,000 square feet, and install fencing and gates. The commission approved both the purchase agreement and the necessary resolution to finalize the sale.

2. Local Manufacturer Granted Another Extension for Expansion

NEWTON - The Newton City Commission approved a third addendum to its real estate agreement with Standridge Color Corp., granting the company a one-year extension to begin its planned expansion. Standridge Color originally purchased property from the city in 2017 but faced slowdowns due to the pandemic, leading to previous extensions in 2021 and 2023. While the company is now actively working on development plans, it requested the additional extension to September 1, 2026, to ensure all permits and plans are ready before the previous deadline of September 2025.

3. County to Survey Public on “Man Sheds” and Accessory Dwelling Units

HARVEY COUNTY - The Harvey County Planning and Zoning Department is launching a public survey to gather feedback on potential new regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The move comes in response to a “huge demand” from residents who wish to build small, secondary homes on their properties for aging parents or adult children, as well as the increasing popularity of converting sheds into living quarters, often called “man sheds” or “barndominiums.” The survey will run until September 19 and will help the planning commission gauge public opinion on issues like minimum acreage, home sizes, and septic system requirements before drafting any new rules.

4. Sheriff Highlights Staffing Troubles and Reports Deteriorating Jail Conditions

HARVEY COUNTY - Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay reported on the “extremely competitive” market for law enforcement officers, highlighting the recent departure of a deputy to Sedgwick County for a raise of approximately $7 per hour. “We can’t compete with that,” Gay stated, noting that the demand for officers is far outpacing the supply, causing the “price of cops” to go up. He told commissioners that while Harvey County was competitive in its wages as recently as January, the market has already shifted significantly, making it harder to retain staff. The department currently has one opening and another pending due to a recently announced retirement.

He also revealed ongoing infrastructure and security challenges at the detention center. As of July, 11 jail cells were out of service due to significant maintenance issues, including a collapsed pipe under the foundation of the female pod, broken door frames, and leaking toilets. The report also detailed a full-facility “shakedown” on July 11th, which was prompted by information about illegal items being trafficked into the jail. The search uncovered contraband including “hooch” (homemade alcohol), wires, and a door bearing, and resulted in three physical altercations between inmates and staff.

5. Multi-Agency Bust on I-135 Seizes Nearly Two Pounds of Meth

HARVEY COUNTY - In his monthly report, Sheriff Chad Gay detailed a highly successful two-day drug interdiction operation in July along the interstate in Harvey County. The effort, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties, the KHP, and local police departments, resulted in seven total arrests. The most significant seizure was 1.88 pounds of methamphetamine found in a single vehicle. The operation was the first of its kind hosted in Harvey County and was aimed at curbing the trafficking of drugs and people through the area.

6. Newton to Offer Nearly $6 Million in Bonds for City Projects

NEWTON - The Newton City Commission has authorized the offering for sale of $5,973,000 in general obligation bonds to finance a slate of upcoming projects. The bond issuance will cover the costs for four city-at-large projects and five special benefit district projects, specifically in the Fox Ridge Addition. The bonds, which will have a 20-year repayment term with an annual debt service of around $420,000, are designated as “tax-exempt bank qualified” because the total is under the $10 million threshold. This designation makes them more attractive to banks, which can result in lower interest rates for the city. The bonds are scheduled to be sold on September 4th.

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