Commission approves fireworks compromise, splitting "safe and sane" from aerial discharge

City commits $800,000 to major road improvement project

City secures option to purchase historic depot for downtown redevelopment

Resolution adopted for new housing district south of Fox Ridge

Comprehensive plan survey reveals trust gap

Street closures approved for 80th anniversary and school fun run

Commission approves moratorium on data centers

Committee assignments tabled following disagreement

Sheriff's office implements 'power shift' to boost patrols

Sheriff's office reports sharp rise in assaults, drop in burglaries

License plate cameras aid in drug seizures and arrests

Commission approves fireworks compromise, splitting "safe and sane" from aerial discharge

The Newton City Commission unanimously approved a new ordinance for the 2026 fireworks season, establishing a compromise between noise concerns and vendor interests. Proposed by T&M Fireworks owner Trinity Muth, the schedule permits the sale of fireworks from June 27 through July 4, while restricting the discharge of aerial and loud fireworks to July 2 through July 4. Residents may discharge "safe and sane" items, such as fountains and smoke bombs, throughout the entire sales window to balance veteran and pet owner concerns with business revenue.

City commits $800,000 to major road improvement project

Commissioners authorized a grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the 2027 City Connecting Link Improvement Program to upgrade North Main Street (K-15) from 13th Street to the northern city limits. The $1.2 million project relies on $400,000 in KDOT funding, with the city bonding the remaining $800,000 to be repaid from the general fund.

City secures option to purchase historic depot for downtown redevelopment

The commission voted unanimously to enter a $20,000 option agreement to potentially purchase the historic Santa Fe Depot for $500,000 within 12 months. City staff plan to bundle the depot with the adjacent former Dillons property at 320 N. Main to create a "Depot District" and solicit redevelopment proposals from private investors, ensuring the project aligns with downtown revitalization goals rather than retaining municipal ownership.

Resolution adopted for new housing district south of Fox Ridge

The commission approved a resolution determining a housing need for property east of Logan Street and along Southeast 14th Street, initiating the application process for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID). Developer Noah Morford of K2M Investments proposed constructing approximately 15 multifamily or duplex units and three single-family affordable homes, modeled after the nearby Fox Ridge development.

Comprehensive plan survey reveals trust gap

During an update on the "Newton Next" comprehensive plan, planning staff reported that a recent community survey indicated a lack of trust in local leadership, a metric they described as consistent with national trends. Staff outlined the next phase of the project, which includes design charrettes on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 at The Meridian Center, where the public can work with architects to shape development standards using the survey data.

Street closures approved for 80th anniversary and school fun run

Commissioners approved street closures for two May 2, 2026, events: Plum Street between 4th and 5th Streets for the Newton Recreation Commission's 80th anniversary (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and East 14th Street for the "Battle of the Schools" fun run (8 a.m. to noon).

Commission approves moratorium on data centers

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution implementing a temporary moratorium on data centers and related activities in unincorporated areas of Harvey County. Harvey County Planning, Zoning and Environmental Director Karen Rothe recommended the pause to allow time to draft regulations, citing concerns regarding significant water and electricity consumption associated with such facilities, as well as potential noise pollution and lack of job creation. The moratorium is effective upon publication and will remain in place through the end of 2028, unless the commission rescinds or extends it earlier.

Committee assignments tabled following disagreement

NEWTON, Kan. — The Board of Commissioners tabled the approval of annual committee assignments until next week following a discussion regarding board rotation. The delay stemmed from a disagreement involving Commissioners Don Schroeder and Becky Reimer. The discussion centered on a proposal to rotate assignments to broaden commissioner experience, specifically regarding the Newton City-County Aviation Commission and Newton Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast assignments. Counterpoints were raised regarding the value of remaining on the Aviation Commission to maintain momentum. The board delayed the decision to review a written proposal.

Sheriff's office implements 'power shift' to boost patrols

NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Sheriff's Office announced the creation of a new "power shift" for patrol deputies, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Two recently hired deputies will staff this shift to act as a force multiplier during the department's busiest hours. The shift is designed to increase coverage without disrupting the standard day and night shift rotations.

Sheriff's office reports sharp rise in assaults, drop in burglaries

NEWTON, Kan. — In a departmental report, the Harvey County Sheriff's Office presented year-end crime statistics showing a sharp percentage increase in aggravated assaults, rising from single digits in the previous year. Conversely, burglaries dropped by 50 percent compared to the previous year. The report attributed a slight rise in DUI arrests to increased proactive activity by younger officers rather than an overall increase in impaired driving.

License plate cameras aid in drug seizures and arrests

NEWTON, Kan. — The Sheriff's Office reported that recently installed Flock license plate reader cameras contributed to 10 arrests and the recovery of $3,000 in property during December. The system flagged vehicles involved in crimes, leading to the seizure of fentanyl, marijuana and more than four ounces of methamphetamine. Sheriff Chad Gay noted that the Newton Police Department is also considering acquiring Flock cameras, which would allow for shared data between agencies.

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