Newton local news summary

Commission awards $3.4 million contract for KLP rail extension

Commissioners question out-of-state rail contractor

New County Treasurer Amy Perkins takes oath of office

Search for detention center medical provider extended after no bids received

County departments begin move into renovated Pine Street building

WIC program faces funding uncertainty amid federal shutdown

Commission awards $3.4 million contract for KLP rail extension

NEWTON, Kan. - The city commission on Tuesday awarded a $3.449 million contract to Complete Track Works for the Kansas Logistics Park rail extension project, a major infrastructure initiative that has been in development since 2023. The contract approval is contingent on a final review by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Commissioners question out-of-state rail contractor

NEWTON, Kan. - Before approving the Kansas Logistics Park rail extension contract, commissioners raised concerns about the low bidder, Complete Track Works, a company based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with which the city has no prior experience. A commissioner noted feeling “a little bit nervous” about a firm from several states away but acknowledged the significant cost savings of nearly $1 million ultimately outweighed the concerns.

New County Treasurer Amy Perkins takes oath of office

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Amy Perkins was officially sworn in as the new Harvey County treasurer during the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday. County Clerk Rick Piepho administered the oath of office. Following the ceremony, Perkins expressed her excitement to begin her duties. The Treasurer’s Office was closed for the day to allow for the transition. Perkins takes over the key elected position responsible for managing the county’s financial assets and property tax collections.

Search for detention center medical provider extended after no bids received

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County will repost a request for proposal for medical services at its detention center after receiving no formal bids by the initial deadline. County Administrator Kevin Frymire informed commissioners that one potential provider requested more time to prepare a submission. The current medical services contract expires Oct. 31, but Frymire confirmed the existing provider has agreed to continue services on a month-to-month basis until a new contract is secured, ensuring no lapse in inmate medical care.

County departments begin move into renovated Pine Street building

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Several Harvey County departments have begun moving into the newly renovated county building on Pine Street, the county administrator reported Tuesday. While the health department has occupied the second floor for some time, the first floor is now complete and ready for occupancy by departments including Planning and Zoning. Work is still underway on the third floor. The commission will eventually decide whether to move its official meetings to the new conference room in the renovated facility.

WIC program faces funding uncertainty amid federal shutdown

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Health Department is closely monitoring the impact of the federal government shutdown on the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program, which serves an average of 515 local participants per month. Health Department Director Lynnette Redington reported Tuesday that while funding for food and formula benefits is secure through Oct. 31, federal funds for administrative staff have been held back. Redington assured the commission that the county has sufficient reserve funds to cover staffing costs through October and that layoffs are not currently being considered.

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