Residents urge support for local legal paper; Newton Kansan editor defends circulation; cruise‑night coordinator pitches drone show

During the citizens forum on Feb. 10, Lori Hartke urged the commission to reconsider awarding legal‑notice work to the Newton Kansan and instead use the locally owned Harvey County Now. Hartke argued the Now is owned and operated by Newton residents and would keep money in the community and reach more readers.

"I hope next year that you might reconsider the Now and practice what you preach about supporting local," Hartke said, noting that the Now reaches more readers, in her view.

An editor representing the Newton Kansan (identified in the meeting as being owned by Cherry Road Media of New Jersey) responded that the paper circulates three times weekly, that audited circulation exceeded 1,000 in its last required statement, and that the editor and the owner pay local property taxes. The editor said local staff and long‑term ties to the community counter the suggestion that the Kansan does not serve Newton.

Separately, Marion Wise, coordinator of cruise night, said organizers are planning May 2026 cruise night and are exploring a nighttime drone show to draw visitors and out‑of‑town participants. "They will do any design I want... the majority of it will be about cars because it's car night for the town," Marion said.

What’s next: The commission heard public comment; staff noted the RFP and packet materials contain the reasoning behind the legal‑notice selection and offered to share documentation on request.