[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6534704,"mediaKeyId","3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe","parentId",3526804,"title","Newton staff says recent rain averts immediate water warning; city remains in water watch","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",2989000,"endMs",3266000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe&start=2989&end=3266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe/thumbnail_2989000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534704/Kansas/Newton-staff-says-recent-rain-averts-immediate-water-warning-city-remains-in-water-watch","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534704-8419fa5a91034372aacd81286a53a901/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214707&Signature=EM2G3fttQ9E5jpzu-vk4V0Zz7U07RZeodxHsNRTwVZgzBKLYg-QeA-rsJNIBEBfFYsFYhcSijsazxe~r2V0bqUJlrVkfe142tj2kavDWc5VJFfjCYzARWB1swVouGPJspX5zfNVs8u6OG99ty01IgKb4DoTkqwP~ZuPuAuvz01jnzBD1fk2cdiru5UoM5UGLxF8Hd9Yww19h~f4XFoUlDre8hn5hBUadtzghjLoYJeOc~E3Okl79nYa5xTsXArBzt5vjbzsKO3lJEMXKXt1eQX4icaxTCZc5OpzKiGxHV6csprSpSPJkdg3R5GSXSjZ0kpZcBx9KBzrfYVmZtQbHIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Newton, KS","date","2025-05-23T20:19:57Z","article","City water staff told commissioners the city remains in a formal water watch but does not need to declare a water warning at this time because recent rains raised groundwater levels by roughly one foot in monitored wells.

Background and triggers: Staff said the city has been operating in a water watch since September 2023 after groundwater fell below a local trigger. Under the city’s conservation plan a water warning would be triggered if groundwater levels fall 10 feet below a 10-year running seasonal average. Staff reported readings on May 19 at 9.9 feet below that benchmark, prompting concern the city would need to move to a warning; subsequent rainfall increased measured levels.

What a warning or emergency would mean: Staff described three stages — water watch (heightened messaging and outreach), water warning (voluntary conservation measures intended to reduce peak demand by about 20% and overall consumption by 10%), and water emergency (mandatory restrictions intended to reduce demand by 50% and weekly consumption by 25%). Officials emphasized that a water emergency would trigger enforcement measures and prohibitions on wasteful uses.

Governor’s declaration: Staff noted the governor declared a water emergency for parts of Harvey County on May 13; staff said Newton was not in that emergency under the city’s criteria but that the declaration covered other parts of the county.

Commission response and next steps: Commissioners and staff discussed additional public education and agreed to keep water conditions on the agenda for future updates. Staff said they would present a brief slide or public-education update next time conditions warrant.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Commission - 27 May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City water staff told commissioners the city remains in a water watch but does not need to issue a water warning after recent rains raised groundwater readings by about a foot.","taxTitle","Newton, Harvey County, Kansas","taxId",61138,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534699,"Newton approves conveyance and farm-lease package with Clawson LLC for 0.13-acre right of way",137,2773000,2910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe&start=2773&end=2910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe/thumbnail_2773000.jpg","/articles/6534699/Kansas/Newton-approves-conveyance-and-farm-lease-package-with-Clawson-LLC-for-013-acre-right-of-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534699-c51aad13401d868fbf9d4c3267cdb702/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214707&Signature=bUYOj5TmkXH0ElqHtwCgdRbQf4IdZ2-DDJu1sn1vRMfxFB7wmtWdYBSr6F~3~CwVosfA8AJOsYVek4xVhsvc~SkcNGGVXwVEcNnvhyXFVxA5CnkflD8tjqG428BYLToUctbdddjae~p0R8qvOS5fwWSEM~DxSDyaSfBIfXAA3LLyOyiO8bAcJ8m9lh9xhZCc2Nu6vllWQ4CkBE7pbP5FV-EYuTA9ZtLpKEhDasn2qMtVFBMt-5l2-lGh82TOYclyQwvThsTgU1-u4Oh0HFU0KJ1wLYU4XDqX6AxhfATx7jK~jCcGKj4f01eLNPgTzKiDNhZTdP~NhxS-KRGNhQjq1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission approved a negotiated settlement with Clawson LLC that conveys approximately 0.13 acres of right of way, includes a recorded right-of-way conveyance, a seven‑year farm lease for adjacent land with early-termination provisions if the city develops the property, and a bill of sale transferring interest in an on-site well.

Financial terms and scope: City staff described the negotiated cash consideration at roughly $29,000 and a farm lease attached for a seven-year term. Staff told commissioners the city will also arrange for capping or decommissioning the well; staff estimated that the cost to cap the well would be about $5,000.

Why the agreement: The item followed earlier action to initiate eminent-domain proceedings; staff said negotiations and condemnation efforts ran in parallel and the seller signed the four documents presented in the agenda packet. The farm lease contains an early termination clause allowing the city to end the lease if it needs the land for development.

Vote and process: A commissioner moved to approve the four documents (the conveyance agreement, conveyance deed, farm lease agreement and bill of sale) and the motion passed by voice vote. The documents will be recorded with the register of deeds after execution.

Ending: Staff said the agreement settles the immediate right-of-way need and preserves flexibility for future city development.","The commission approved a package of four documents with Clawson LLC transferring a 0.13-acre right of way and related interests for roughly $29,000 and an attached seven-year farm lease.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534694,"Newton approves zoning change setting accessory sidewall height at 80% of primary structure (Ordinance 5167-25)",122,3483000,3605000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe&start=3483&end=3605","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe/thumbnail_3483000.jpg","/articles/6534694/Kansas/Newton-approves-zoning-change-setting-accessory-sidewall-height-at-80-of-primary-structure-Ordinance-5167-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534694-e78f1e284a7a81294d23aca75db2a577/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214707&Signature=AW5xVtAOaewq2PjyVWybz-zetAJXuRRtcjb4q2wZcGfGVUHfd3XDMBKXYDpNUksiSMq~AOPVGm-fZPp6rPtV87j0q8ZqSyzRDa2DBWNZ0ijopW9nSDCyMW9gLK~Bxg-6YPpLPGqN4FSJD8Ly3ApsDX0WbUVJQodRtxAeVw7N7cucYBvtCd00L-D~S1NHuyzy44X0PJ6K75IR3NUbuxH7U7IzP081RstxSBu75bGNWx2wIsUQ5j6VxlQpV8Zo3Al~jHRnCSoIWdrmgbVz~TOrIiLwmFPY4BXoloTiAipOuIXDVi0cGPfXXKwcFH~-ZRuwF7L13HJz8vUw0n8SsKfncg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newton City Commission voted to adopt Ordinance 5167‑25, amending Article 3 of the zoning code to change the maximum sidewall height for accessory structures such as detached garages and shops from a fixed 12‑foot cap to a variable limit equal to 80% of the height of the primary structure.

Planning review and rationale: City staff and the planning commission reviewed the amendment and compared local standards to surrounding communities. Staff said the proposal aligns Newton’s accessory‑structure standards with other municipalities, including the City of Wichita, and that the planning commission conducted the required public notice and hearing.

Vote and implementation: A motion to approve Ordinance 5167‑25 passed by voice vote. The amendment becomes part of the municipal code as adopted and will apply to accessory-structure permits reviewed after codification.

Ending: Staff said the ordinance update was the product of planning commission review and public notice; commissioners expressed general agreement with the change.","The commission approved Ordinance 5167-25, a zoning-code amendment that replaces the former 12-foot maximum sidewall height for accessory structures with a standard set at 80% of the primary structure’s height; staff said the change aligns Newton with neighboring communities including Wichita.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534709,"Harvey County EDC asks Newton commission for continued support and 5% funding increase for special projects",322,1692000,2014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe&start=1692&end=2014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe/thumbnail_1692000.jpg","/articles/6534709/Kansas/Harvey-County-EDC-asks-Newton-commission-for-continued-support-and-5-funding-increase-for-special-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534709-e5c14652c23d98b241623683626998f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214707&Signature=PEE-cPstblu7-8mU-gmM9aKZX-hXqxpNHYli73Zf1zkX1OpojP9TMC5EMXDsGfk5HMkDq7dZPupdvdgxnAJpi~deQIG1xEfTez-S~S9CmSxXkFITjyUGk4aq4rYM8QRblpi6muQCSdfHJGJJpK3f-DQHP7jnQCiPLsH~R3kSl3ikKfqRgT60HMBZjzO-mnJ4iL5elq0fZf6t~dQOs~OF8ZsN3JOgTs-K~qsHKzs0P2POpak75dn6NqT-7uHK13PFPw0fUW4x4iJsdCjhzZP2r6ezhAuutRs4unIeb7HX5AtrPZkWbQf5ho58AzcwHOFRr1c~FOGGld-TTPSJiw-Tcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beth Shelton, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development (EDC), presented the EDC’s 2026 budget request to the Newton City Commission and asked member governments to consider a 5% increase to cover rising operating costs and to fund “special projects,” including an updated competitive realities report.

Why it matters: Shelton said the EDC’s work supports countywide economic growth that benefits all municipalities. She told the commission that the EDC recorded roughly $21.5 million in capital investment over the previous 12 months and cited several incoming or expanding companies as evidence of ongoing activity.

Details presented: Shelton said the EDC has operated on a funding ask level set in 2008 that was re-evaluated in 2017, and that rising costs and new initiatives — including funding a refreshed competitive realities study by Garner that previously guided local economic strategy — justify an increase. The special projects line in the proposed budget would also support workforce pathway projects and optioning land for future development.

Board and governance: Shelton explained the EDC’s funding structure: Newton and Harvey County, as the largest partners, each appoint three board members; other municipalities appoint two. She said the county manager is an ex officio member and that the EDC uses reserves and targeted funding for one-off projects.

Commissioner questions and staff notes: Commissioners asked about recent reductions in specific office costs; Shelton described shared service decisions (consolidating copier contracts, turning off lights) as part of cost control. Shelton noted the EDC awarded $10,000 last year to support a career pathway at the Brooks Trade Center and that the EDC occasionally uses reserves for strategic investments.

Ending: The commission received the presentation; Shelton thanked the commission for longstanding support and offered to provide follow-up information on specific budget lines on request.","Beth Shelton, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development (EDC), summarized recent economic activity, asked funding partners for a 5% increase to cover rising costs and to set aside funds for an updated competitive realities study, and cited $21.5 million in recent capital investment countywide.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6534714,"Newton senior center asks commission to restore $20,000 annual support to cover $12,750 shortfall",1548,128000,1676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe&start=128&end=1676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3526804-ec1789ae1f790dad28cdb74f169fe2fe/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6534714/Kansas/Newton-senior-center-asks-commission-to-restore-20000-annual-support-to-cover-12750-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534714-5ef01fd67e75930e1212930a3c6e9a5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214707&Signature=H5~Aec5Sh8BLzZaxSOCj3HnexXT8KnKs8MFTjI30qrPz3gxA2BpqHSO2oxhaIxGLaiwmpwZdfF-LlLZHzSuXryvBNogrYt5fLq4OMoNvg8~L7Wc3KL0nBHKW7g8sBeeWqOq~GY-xxEDqQfPULq9vOqCijwHOD1T6juXxzSL-F281pm4odsICkqJDOWNw1o8YT81gafEFLOkdhNppHGqxwdAASYTj31Azqfimh7wvLlS~P060WLfTM8Mn6UQ7nydjy0GsOwXVMXa3swZCV-19o7x0I91lNK9nNBg7t~4~zefMDrf0n5AW6M6S6K7R2H5bavEeKGm6ZOt9RMtnotnSlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynn, director of the Newton Senior Center, told the City Commission Monday evening the center’s 2025 operating budget is $45,000 and that the organization faces a $12,750 deficit despite raising funds through donations and frequent small fundraisers.

The request: Lynn asked the commission to consider restoring the $20,000 annual city support the center reportedly received in prior years. She said that $20,000 would eliminate the current deficit and create room for additional programs and building improvements, including a planned roof replacement estimated at $80,000–$90,000.

Why it matters: Lynn said the center recorded 15,393 individual visits in 2024 and 6,842 visits so far in 2025 — numbers she said reflect activity rather than unique people — and that growing participation has increased the center’s role in Newton’s senior services. The center reduced its budget from $70,000 in 2022 to $45,000 in 2025 by raising deductibles, installing LED lights and smart thermostats, and cutting discretionary costs, but Lynn said the current fundraising model is not sustainable.

Details presented: Lynn said the center’s 2025 budget shortfall of $12,750 is currently covered by donations and fundraisers held October–April; funds raised April–September are reserved for building projects. She told commissioners the center has $8,000 pledged toward the roof and a donor has offered to match up to $5,000 from an upcoming concert. Lynn said the center spent donor funds last year on renovation of bathrooms constructed in 1968 and plans to replace floors later. She described the roof as a membrane roof patched in places and said local contractor Ray Roofing has patched leaks and deferred billing while the center pursues fundraising.

On participation metrics: Commissioners asked whether the “visits” Lynn cited are unique individuals. Lynn clarified that the center counts door entries as visits (so repeat visits by the same person are counted multiple times), that the 15,393 figure is duplicated by activity attendance counts, and that a participant list exists but is not always used. She offered to provide the commission with counts of individual participants if requested.

Requests and next steps: Lynn invited commissioners to visit the center and to upcoming events: a robotics demonstration by Newton High School, an open house and donors’ viewing of recent bathroom renovations, a parking-lot concert, and a June potluck. She asked specifically that the commission consider restoring annual funding to $20,000 to reduce pressure on volunteer-run fundraising and support programming and building repairs.

Context and quotes: \"We are still short $12,750 to make budget,\" Lynn said. \"That $20,000 would take care of our deficit and allow us to have some extra money to add more programs.\" She described the center as \"a community of seniors, learning how to cope with our ever changing world.\"

Ending: The commission received the presentation; no formal vote on a funding increase was taken at the meeting. Lynn said the center can provide more detailed participant lists and financial reconciliation to commission staff on request.","At a City Commission meeting, the director of the Newton Senior Center outlined a $45,000 2025 budget, said the center faces a $12,750 operating shortfall and requested the city restore a prior $20,000 annual contribution to cover the gap and fund building repairs including an $80,000–$90,000 roof.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Newton staff says recent rain averts immediate water warning; city remains in water watch

Newton approves conveyance and farm-lease package with Clawson LLC for 0.13-acre right of way

Newton approves zoning change setting accessory sidewall height at 80% of primary structure (Ordinance 5167-25)

Harvey County EDC asks Newton commission for continued support and 5% funding increase for special projects

Newton senior center asks commission to restore $20,000 annual support to cover $12,750 shortfall