Newton local news summary

Commissioners sworn in following November election

Stinnett retained as mayor for ensuing year

Commission divided over vice mayor selection

City approves industrial revenue bonds for Hillsboro Industries

Themian Park renovation moves forward with phased approach

Maintenance of Hillside Drive transferring to city

Commission awards over $3.5 million in road and bridge contracts

City of Newton to assume maintenance of county roads

Official warning issued for drivers moving bridge barricades

Senior center meal program faces contract cancellation and funding shortfall

Transfer station rates and appliance fees set to increase

Treasurer highlights driver's license deficit, proposes fee hikes

Sheriff announces tax foreclosure sale

Commissioners sworn in following November election

NEWTON, Kan. - The city clerk administered the oath of office to three commissioners: newly elected Commissioner Jason Miller and re-elected Commissioners Leroy Koehn and Melanie Watson. The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the new legislative session and the reorganization of the commission's leadership.

Stinnett retained as mayor for ensuing year

NEWTON, Kan. - Following the reorganization of the body, the city commission voted unanimously to retain Rich Stinnett as mayor for the upcoming year. Outgoing Commissioner Rod Kreie nominated Stinnett prior to stepping down, citing his appreciation for Stinnett's leadership. The move to retain the current mayor breaks from the commission's typical rotation policy.

Commission divided over vice mayor selection

NEWTON, Kan. - In a departure from the city commission's tradition of appointing the top vote-getter as vice mayor, Commissioners Leroy Koehn and Kathy Valentine nominated an alternative candidate rather than Melanie Watson. Koehn moved to nominate Valentine instead, citing a need for greater commitment and presence at city events. Watson defended her record. Newly elected Commissioner Miller argued against overturning 30 years of precedent. The motion to nominate Valentine was withdrawn and the commission voted 3-2 to appoint Watson as vice mayor, with Koehn and Valentine opposed.

City approves industrial revenue bonds for Hillsboro Industries

NEWTON, Kan. - The commission approved an ordinance for the issuance of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, for Hillsboro Industries. The bonds will finance a facility expansion with a total capital expenditure exceeding $8 million, including equipment and furnishings. The approval grants the company a property tax exemption and a sales tax exemption on construction materials.

Themian Park renovation moves forward with phased approach

NEWTON, Kan. - Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding to supplement the interlocal agreement for the Themian Park renovation project. Due to funding shortages, the project will now be split into phases, with the city applying for a Community Development Block Grant to assist with costs. The supplemental agreement clarifies that the original $1.8 million commitment remains but provides a timeline requiring Phase 1 completion by Dec. 31, 2028, or a reaffirmation of support from all partners.

Maintenance of Hillside Drive transferring to city

NEWTON, Kan. - The commission approved an update to the road maintenance agreement between the city and Harvey County. Under the new agreement, maintenance responsibility for Hillside Drive between First Street and Southeast 12th Street will shift from the county to the city. Public works staff indicated the transfer allows for more efficient maintenance operations for both entities.

Commission awards over $3.5 million in road and bridge contracts

NEWTON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved bids for three major infrastructure projects for the 2026 budget year, all pending final staff review. Pearson Construction was awarded the hot mix asphalt contract with a low bid of $1,292,621.50 for approximately nine miles of pavement. Vance Brothers secured the microsurfacing contract for 20 miles of road with a bid of $1,080,624.33. Additionally, King Construction was awarded the contract to replace Bridge K-15.9 on N.W. 12th St. with a bid of $1,136,046.36. All selected bids came in under the engineer's estimates and budgeted amounts.

City of Newton to assume maintenance of county roads

NEWTON, Kan. — Road and Bridge Director Jim Meier announced a finalized agreement with the City of Newton regarding road maintenance jurisdiction. Under the agreement, the city will take over full maintenance responsibility for South Hillside and a portion of Full Vision Road. Commissioner Becky Reimer questioned the long-term implications of such agreements, specifically regarding whether city maintenance equates to annexation or future property ownership. Meier clarified that ownership equals maintenance responsibility and that the agreement simplifies jurisdiction, though he noted he could not predict future annexation plans by the city.

Official warning issued for drivers moving bridge barricades

NEWTON, Kan. — Road and Bridge Director Jim Meier issued a warning regarding Bridge F126 on S.W. 48th St., southeast of Halstead. The bridge is currently closed for repairs, but motorists have been moving barricades to drive across the unsupported structure. Meier emphasized that the bridge is unsafe for traffic and that drivers are putting themselves at great risk by ignoring the closures. Repairs are expected to be completed by the first of the year.

Senior center meal program faces contract cancellation and funding shortfall

NEWTON, Kan. — The commission learned that Everful, the current nutrition provider for area senior centers, has canceled its contract effective late November, impacting meal services in Newton, Hesston and Sedgwick. Lona Kelly, Harvey County Department on Aging director, presented a potential solution involving a new contract with Trio Community Meals. However, the new arrangement would require senior centers to staff the meal sites themselves. Kelly requested the county provide a matching stipend of $5,000 per center—totaling $15,000 to $20,000 if Halstead is included—to help cover these staffing costs. Commissioner Becky Reimer expressed concern regarding the unbudgeted expense and its potential impact on property taxes. No final vote was taken on the funding request.

Transfer station rates and appliance fees set to increase

NEWTON, Kan. — The board approved a resolution that increases rates at the Harvey County Transfer Station beginning in 2026. Solid Waste Director Justin Graham explained that because Reno County is raising its landfill tipping fees, Harvey County will pass on a $1 per ton increase for municipal solid waste and special waste. Additionally, the facility will implement a new $20 fee per item for appliances containing refrigerants, such as refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, to cover the cost of Freon extraction training and equipment.

Treasurer highlights driver's license deficit, proposes fee hikes

NEWTON, Kan. — County Treasurer Amy Perkins reported that the driver's license department is operating at a deficit, costing the county nearly $76,000 annually while bringing in roughly $35,000 in fees. Perkins suggested the commission consider raising the county service fee from $5 to $7.50 or $10 to offset the burden on property taxpayers. She also noted that beginning in January, the county will opt in to a $2.50 facility fee for in-person vehicle transactions, which could generate nearly $85,000 annually to help reimburse the county's general fund.

Sheriff announces tax foreclosure sale

NEWTON, Kan. — County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber announced that the 2024 tax foreclosure sheriff's sale is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. in the commission meeting room. Properties seized for nonpayment of taxes will be auctioned to the public. A list of the properties available for bid can be viewed on the Harvey County website under the geographic information systems tab.

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