Newell council approves sale of long-vacant house at 402 South Nelson Street

The Newell City Council unanimously approved the sale of an abandoned house at 402 South Nelson Street to Elwin and Char Jepson for $100 during a special meeting on Feb. 2, city officials said.

Mayor Justin Lyman opened the Feb. 2 meeting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall and told the council the property has been an eyesore for at least eight years and has attracted rodents and pests. The council opened a public hearing on the property at 6:01 p.m.

Only one sealed bid was received: Elwin and Char Jepson offered $100. Char Jepson told the council the buyers intend to demolish the house within the required 30–60 day timeframe, clean up the site and would not oppose later selling the lot to someone who wants to build a residence.

Councilors discussed the trade-offs of accepting the single low bid versus the city incurring demolition costs if the bid were rejected. Members expressed a preference for eventual residential construction on the lot to support the tax base and community growth. The council agreed the city would share a portion of back taxes and selling fees with the buyer as part of the sale terms.

On a motion by Councilor Bill Henrich, seconded by Councilor Qui nten Robinson, the council voted unanimously to accept the Jepsons’ bid, subject to required legal procedures and a final public hearing. The council scheduled that final hearing for Feb. 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. An earlier procedural motion to approve the meeting agenda passed on a motion by Henrich and a second from Larry Nielsen.

The meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.