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720 N Oak StreetNewton, KS 67114(316) 283-2890fax: (316) 283-2916 www.newtonplks.orglibrary@newtonplks.orgLibrary Hours:Mon-Tues, Thurs: 9 a.m.
Chad Frey
Rent-to-own contracts offer Kansans low barrier path to home ownership – at a higher risk of fraud
The home in Haysville was meant to be a safe place, a sanctuary, for Maria Robledo and Enrique Perez.The house had one more bathroom and bedroom than their former home.
Kansas Profiles: Making clearing trees and brush easier
Clearing trees and brush.
USD 373 Assistant Superintendent Sheila Wendling announces retirement
Following a dozen years as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Instructional Services, Sheila Wendling this week announced her retirement from Newton USD 373.A 34 year career in education will come to a close July 1, 2024.She taught in multiple school districts, and at the college level, before serving as a principal at the elementary school level before coming to Newton to become Director of Instructional Services.“Newton USD 373 will forever be in my heart.
First ‘Open Street’ coming to Newton
Months of discussion, planning and effort by Walk and Roll Harvey will culminate with an “Open Street” event April 28 in downtown Newton.
Newton Mid-Kansas Orchestra presents “Arctic Pastoral” Jan. 28
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra presents its Winter Classics Concert at 4 p.m.
Law firm adds partner
The Newton law firm of Adrian & Pankratz, P.A., recently announced the addition of Cindy Wiens as a partner and shareholder in the firm.
Time for a Raise?
Governor Laura Kelly rolled out her proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year on Jan.
Election 2024: Don’t fall for James Risen’s guilt trippery
“A progressive who stays home on Election Day -- or backs Robert F.
Letters to the editorTallgrass Prairie Energy Center questions still exist
If you live within range of the Tallgrass Prairie Energy Center project, this is something to keep in the forefront.Don’t let this project get passed without proper consideration.What makes Halstead a good site for this project?Since TPEC is for the benefit of renewable energy sources, and Harvey County has banned commercial wind and solar projects, where is there a nearby solar or wind power generating source?If the risks are greater than any possible profit, it’s a bad deal for Halstead.I know that in part, this project would be looked upon as an additional “Revenue Generator” for property taxes, but I’m not sure that the benefits outweigh the risks.Halstead USD 440 School District is proposing over $28 Million in spending for a new school bond Issue.It occurs to me that this project could be very dangerous to Halstead USD 440 students.One of the biggest concerns I have is that a fire at this lithium battery storage facility could result in a fire that would endanger the entire City of Halstead, including the USD 440 school buildings.It would be horrific to spend over $28 Million on school building improvements and additions and have a fire endanger the entire town or else render it unlivable due to pollutants from a fire.The LA fire department hasn’t figured out how to battle a fire in this type of facility in an effective manner.If the LAFD doesn’t have the equipment and methods to battle a Lithium BSF fire, then the HFD is going to need a lot of upgrades to effectively deal with a Lithium BSF fire.Will TPEC furnish needed equipment and supplies for HFD at their cost?Or will this cost be paid by taxpayers?Who’s responsible for the environmental issues if the BSF is breached, has a lithium leak or other hazmat leak onto the soil or into the Equus Beds?Is the proposed site far enough away from the railway, asphalt plant and anhydrous tanks in that area to avoid a cross-contamination issue?These are not alarmist questions.There have been over 25,000 lithium battery issues or fires in a five yearsBe sure to contact the city council members, the mayor and city manager with any questions and concerns you have.— Kevin Henderson, Halstead