Newton local news summary

Themian Park Project Pivots to Phased Approach, Seeks Large Grant

Park Grant Eligibility Hinges on City-Wide Low-to-Moderate Income Survey

Downtown Historic Walking Tour to Be Expanded with HPF Grant

Fire/EMS Mutual-Aid Agreement Renewed with Area Cities

Treasurer-Elect Requests Early Transition Amid Incumbent Health Concerns

County Authorizes $100,000 Purchase of Real Property for Offices

Harvey County Secures $2.5 Million Grant for 14th Street Bridge

1. Themian Park Project Pivots to Phased Approach, Seeks Large Grant

NEWTON - Facing slower-than-anticipated fundraising, the community partners behind the Themian Park renovation are shifting to a phased plan and will pursue a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the $700k–$800k range to fund phase one. The original vision targeted ~$1.8 million of the $2 million budget before starting a single-phase build. Phase one would cover a preliminary report/design plus park upgrades (bathrooms, pickleball/basketball courts, some lighting). Staff noted next year’s CDBG availability is expected to drop significantly, creating urgency to apply before a mid-November deadline.

2. Park Grant Eligibility Hinges on City-Wide Low-to-Moderate Income Survey

NEWTON - Because the park serves a broad area, the city must demonstrate ≥51% Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) using a city-wide LMI survey (not a small target area) to qualify the project under CDBG rules. Kansas Commerce guidance describes how approved, statistically valid LMI surveys are conducted and tabulated; staff plan to hire a consultant to collect several hundred responses to meet thresholds.

3. Downtown Historic Walking Tour to Be Expanded with HPF Grant

NEWTON - The Commission accepted a $15,640 Historic Preservation Fund grant to expand and modernize the downtown walking tour with audio, new signage, and window clings with QR codes linking to more content; the match will be covered by existing staff time (no new cash outlay).

4. Fire/EMS Mutual-Aid Agreement Renewed with Area Cities

NEWTON - The City approved a renewed Fire/EMS mutual-aid pact with Hesston, Halstead, Burrton, and Sedgwick—supporting resource sharing during high-call periods. The refresh aligns with Sedgwick re-starting its own EMS service in 2025.

5. Treasurer-Elect Requests Early Transition Amid Incumbent Health Concerns

HARVEY COUNTY - Treasurer-elect Amy Perkins of Halstead addressed the Harvey County Commission Tuesday, requesting they facilitate her taking office ahead of schedule due to significant health issues facing the current Treasurer, Becky Fields. Citing the need for a fully staffed office and the stress on current staff, Perkins asked the commission to consider offering Fields a severance package through the end of her term on October 13, allowing Perkins to step in immediately. The commission said it must seek legal counsel before proceeding, as state law governs transitions for elected positions.

6. County Authorizes $100,000 Purchase of Real Property for Offices

HARVEY COUNTY - The Commission unanimously authorized the purchase of real property intended for use as county offices. The acquisition price is $100,000; closing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25 at Security 1st Title in Newton. Upon completion, the property will move to county ownership and come off the tax rolls.

7. Harvey County Secures $2.5 Million Grant for 14th Street Bridge

HARVEY COUNTY - Harvey County announced state support to replace the aging SW 14th Street bridge over Sand Creek near Newton. The Governor/KDOT release lists $2.55 million in KDOT match funds for the project, with a 15% local match shown in program tables. Officials noted the bridge has needed replacement for some time, and the project design will include a pedestrian component.

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