Newton local news summary

City Secures $5.5 Million in Bonds at Favorable Rate for Projects

'Newton Next' Comprehensive Plan Process Officially Underway

Funding Secured for New Main Street Sound System

Investigation Continues into Mysterious Fox Ridge Gas Release

County Adopts 2026 Budget with Mill Levy Increase for Sheriff's Office

New Cell Tower Approved for Southwest Harvey County

Recent Rains Cause Further Damage to Closed Bridge on E151

City Secures $5.5 Million in Bonds at Favorable Rate for Projects

NEWTON - The City of Newton has successfully sold over $5.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund a slate of upcoming projects. The 20-year bond sale, which will finance five special benefit district projects and four city-at-large projects, was awarded to a syndicate of banks with a low true interest cost of 3.8196%. During a report to the commission, the city's financial advisor congratulated the city on receiving an excellent AA- credit rating from S&P, which praised Newton's robust economic development, strong financial reserves, and sophisticated management practices, noting such high standards are uncommon for a city of its size in Kansas. The commission formally ratified the sale.

'Newton Next' Comprehensive Plan Process Officially Underway

NEWTON - The city is embarking on a major update to its long-term vision with the launch of the "Newton Next" comprehensive plan. The initiative, which will replace the "Renew Newton" plan developed in 2010, will guide future development and policy. A project website, newtonnextplan.com, has been launched for public updates and engagement. A random, scientific community survey has already been mailed to households to gather initial feedback. The public is invited to an open house on October 8th, and city leaders will participate in workshops on October 7th to help shape the plan's direction.

Funding Secured for New Main Street Sound System

NEWTON - A new sound system for downtown Main Street is officially a go after a successful fundraising effort. It was announced during the meeting that a local foundation provided a significant contribution that, when combined with a matching Patterson Family Foundation grant, secured the necessary funds for the project. The new system is expected to enhance community events and atmosphere downtown, including providing holiday music along the full length of Main Street during the winter season.

Investigation Continues into Mysterious Fox Ridge Gas Release

HARVEY COUNTY - County officials provided an update on the ongoing underground natural gas release in the Fox Ridge housing development, confirming that the source remains unknown. The incident, first detected on August 22, has led to precautionary evacuations and a multi-agency response. The county has approved an initial expenditure of $44,000 from stabilization reserve funds to hire an environmental consulting firm to analyze gas samples and help pinpoint the cause. Kansas Gas Service has conducted pressure tests on its lines, which were found to be fine, but has not yet officially ruled out its infrastructure as the source pending further lab results. The response involves local, state, and private entities, including the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

County Adopts 2026 Budget with Mill Levy Increase for Sheriff's Office

HARVEY COUNTY - The Harvey County Commission unanimously adopted the 2026 county budget, which includes a tax levy of $18,942,066. The final budget establishes an estimated mill levy of 44.601 mills, an increase of just under one mill from the 2025 budget. Officials noted the primary driver for the increase is the funding for two new Sheriff's Deputy positions, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and providing better support for officers in the field. Commissioners praised the collaborative budget process and thanked staff and the public for their input, which led to a reduction from the initially proposed maximum levy.

New Cell Tower Approved for Southwest Harvey County

HARVEY COUNTY - To improve cellular coverage and data speeds, the commission approved a conditional use permit for Nex-Tech Wireless to construct a new 250-foot self-supporting communication tower at 868 Southwest 48th Street. The project has received clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration and was reviewed to ensure it would not interfere with the county's 911 communication systems. The new tower is expected to fill a significant coverage gap for residents in the area.

Recent Rains Cause Further Damage to Closed Bridge on E151

HARVEY COUNTY - Public Works Director Jim Meier reported that recent heavy rains have worsened the condition of bridge E151, which was previously closed due to damage. Floodwaters have moved more timber and debris downstream, causing the bridge's damaged pilings to shift even further. While a repair design is in place, the new damage complicates the situation and will require more cleanup and a longer wait for the area to dry out. The county is now weighing the costs of repairing the 90-year-old structure against other options.

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