August 2022

Historic voter turnout in the Aug. 2 primary surprised even the state’s chief election officer. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced four days before the election that he predicted a 36% voter turnout, or around 700,000 voters. Historically, midterm primaries draw 20% to 25% of voters. Schwab’s prediction padded that number by about 50% to account for voter interest in a constitutional amendment that, if it had passed, would have nullified a state Supreme Court decision that says the Kansas Constitution contains the right to an abortion.

While kids have headed back to school for the 2022-23 school year, the Newton Public Library has not stopped creating events and programs for kids. In fact, the fall will be a busy time for the library - in addition to traditional programs for youth there is a new program being added to the calendar.

A semi-truck making deliveries in downtown Newton attempted to go around a train - and that created a bit of a problem in the 100 block of East Fourth Street on Aug. 26.