Let's Talk Newton
294 episodes — Page 1 of 6
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Library Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter
Newton Public Library Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter discusses the special activities that will occur at the library in July, as part of the Summer Reading Program.  
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter
Newton Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter talks about all the free special programming coming up in June, as part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin discusses the proposed 2026-2027 City Property Tax Levy and Budget, the now adopted chicken and ducks ordinance, and more upcoming street improvements.
Let’s Talk Newton – Stacy Wilson, Jasper County Youth Coordinator for the Iowa State University Extension Service
Jasper County Youth Coordinator for the Iowa State University Extension Service Stacy Wilson discusses the 4-H Program in Jasper County, what it teaches the youth in Jasper County, and how volunteer and community support is important to
Let’s Talk Newton – Kirk Douglas with the Operation Finding Freedom Veterans Support Group
Kirk Douglas discusses the Veterans Support Group he leads the first Friday evening of every month at the Church of the Way in Newton, and how pride and a lack of having someone who can understand their
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton High School Senior Miles Soppe
Newton High School Senior Miles Soppe discusses her participation in high school plays and speech competitions, signing with Depaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts in Chicago, and her goal to have a career in the film industry.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Conservation Department Naturalist Katie Cantu
Jasper County Conservation Department Naturalist Katie Cantu discusses the department’s upcoming summer camps, where the available camps can be viewed, and the April 15th opening for camp registrations.
Let’s Talk Newton – New Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ella White
The new Executive Director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, Ella White, talks about her past education and work experience, and how she wants to help the community grow and prosper.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Conservation Department Maintenance Technician Tristan Hunt
Jasper County Conservation Department’s Maintenance Technician at Mariposa County Park, Tristan Hunt, discusses the opening of camping season, the county facilities that are available, and how to reserve the county’s campsites.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Firefighter/EMT Kyle Esery
Newton Firefighter/EMT Kyle Esery discusses the Fight For Air Climb fundraiser he and other Newton Firefighters participated in Sunday in Des Moines, what proceeds from the fundraiser are used for, and another fundraiser the Newton Fire Department
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton School District Athletics and Activities Director Ryan Rump
Newton School District Athletics and Activities Director Ryan Rump talks about upcoming public meetings on Newton’s fit with the Little Hawkeye Conference, and how district administrators will be evaluating future conference alignment.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Jamey Robinson
Jasper County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Jamey Robinson discusses severe weather awareness, the Jasper Ready App, and items to have in your home to get through an emergency.
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger discusses the proposed 2027 Tax Levy, upcoming school board action on the current school year’s calendar, whether to pursue renaming the two elementary schools that will remain open, and construction project updates.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Board of Supervisors Chair Thad Nearmyer
Thad Nearmyer, Chair of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, discusses this evening’s public hearing on the proposed property tax levy and county budget, the full staffing at the sheriff’s department, and how property tax bills are
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thad Nearmyer
Jasper County Board of Supervisors Chairman Thad Nearmyer discusses the difference between being a County Supervisor and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, how he prepared for the Chairman’s role, and what has surprised him about
Let’s Talk Newton – Focuss Executive Director Darnell Loatman and Therapy House Executive Director Devin Robertson
Focuss Executive Director Darnell Loatman and Therapy House Executive Director Devin Robertson discuss the youth and young adult crisis service they providie in Jasper County from facilities in Polk County, and why they believe a location in
Let’s Talk Newton – United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
The Executive Director of the United Way of Jasper County Jessica Lowe Vokes discusses the Washer City Card Convention at the Newton DMACC building this Friday and Saturday and how it raises money for the local United
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin discusses the State Certification of the Newton Rail Park and how that will benefit the industrial development site and some personnel moves involving the City’s Finance Department and the Clubhouse at the city-owned
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts
Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts discusses the preparations for last weekend’s winter storm, his assessment of how well the new interstate closure gates worked, and how all his staff responded to the storm.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts
Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts discusses the first K9 for the department in several years, how “Tex” made his way from Slovakia to Jasper County, and the training “Tex” and his handler are currently undergoing.
Let’s Talk Newton- Vice-President of the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Board of Directors Ina Hiedemann
Vice President of the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Ina Hiedemann discusses upcoming events, including a free Lunch and Learn March 26th and an April 2nd Dessert Auction Fundraiser.
Let’s Talk Newton – Chloe Jenkins, MercyOne Newton Foundation and Mission Manager
MercyOne Newton Foundation and Mission Manager Chloe Jenkins discusses the hospital’s upcoming annual Gala Saturday, April 25th at the DMACC Conference Center in Newton, where the proceeds from the event will go, and how to get tickets
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School District Director of Business Services Tim Bloom
Newton School District Director of Business Services Tim Bloom discusses new playground equipment coming to Aurora Heights Elementary School, the on-going construction project at Aurora Heights, and the purchase of internet service and Chromebooks.
Let’s Talk Newton – Nicholas Pietrack, Founder of Open Arms of Jasper County
Open Arms of Jasper County Founder Nicholas Pietrack talks about the organization’s “Jasper County Guardian Award”, who is eligible to receive it, the award nomination deadline, and what Open Arms of Jasper County does.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal
Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal discusses his long career in law enforcement, how working in the Sheriff’s Office differs from his prior law enforcement work, and what prompted him to choose law enforcement as a career.
Let’s Talk Newton – Iowa State Fair Butter Sculptor Sarah Pratt
Iowa State Fair Butter Sculptor Sarah Pratt discusses speaking as part of the United Way of Jasper County’s “Voices of Inspiration” series, how she got into butter sculpting, and how her children are following in her footsteps.
Let’s Talk Newton – Erica Paterson of Backyard Birds for Newton
Erica Paterson of Backyard Birds for Newton discusses the effort to get an ordinance passed allowing chickens and ducks on residential property, how many supporters are in her group, and the benefits residents can get from owning
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin discusses a recent meeting with NASCAR and Iowa Speedway and the upcoming Card Show that the United Way of Jasper County is going to host at DMACC this year.
Let’s Talk Newton – Colfax Businessman and Iowa House District 38 Candidate Brad Magg
Colfax Democrat and businessman Brad Magg explains why he is running again to represent Iowa House District 38, and discusses what his goals would be if elected and his extensive business background that began in 4th grade.
Let’s Talk Newton – United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes discusses the final three speakers in this spring’s “Voices of Inspiration” speaker series.
Let’s Talk Newton – United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes talks about the third spring season of the “Voices of Inspiration” guest speaker series which begins March 5th, and the first two guest speakers.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the 2026-2027 school calendar approved by the school board this week, a proposed drop in the school district’s levy rate, and upcoming community meetings on conference affiliation for Cardinal Sports
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Housing Development Corporation Executive Director Bruce Showalter
Newton Housing Development Corporation Executive Director Bruce Showalter discusses home interest rates, how many new homes are being purchased by residents outside of Newton, and the need for new homes and low to moderate income apartments.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Housing Development Corporation Executive Director Bruce Showalter
Newton Development Corporation Executive Director Bruce Showalter talks about moving forward with developing Phase 3 of the Arbor Estates Housing Subdivision in northeast Newton, the record pace of new housing that’s occurring in Newton, and the rise
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik
Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik discusses the city’s outdoor warning sirens, the protocols for when they are used, and other ways to become aware of severe weather threats.
Let’s Talk Newton – Kikis Food Truck Owners Damon and Alice Poole
Kikis Food Truck Owners Damon and Alice Poole discuss expanding their business into the Grey Moon Public Market in Newton and their Grand Opening coming up on Monday.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Community Education Foundation President Kelly Sorenson
Newton Community Education Foundation President Kelly Sorenson talks about what the organization does annually, the Excellence in Education Awards, and this year’s award recipients.
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin talks about the city council looking at generating revenue by implementing a Franchise Fee, where the City Council is in the process of adopting a budget for the coming fiscal year that starts
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Community Theatre Director Sue Beukema
Newton Community Theatre Director Su Beukema talks about the play “Three Viewings” which opens this coming weekend, the local support the Newton Community Theatre has, and how the plays they put on are chosen.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Parks Operations Superintendent Nick Cummins
Newton Parks Operations Superintendent Nick Cummins talks about goals that have been set by the Newton Park Board, which include adding more security cameras at park facilities, creating a better skate park, and getting an inclusive playground.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers
Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers talks about the possible addition of a restroom facility at Harmony Park, the seasonal hiring for park maintenance jobs, and a potential facility addition at Cardinal Pond.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about proposed legislation this legislative session that could impact schools such as property tax reform and teacher licensing, and an upcoming visit local lawmakers will make to a school board meeting.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger shares the latest information about the new visitor’s side bleacher project at H.A. Lynn Stadium and talks about proposed state legislation pertaining to the setting of State Supplemental Amount Funding.
Let’s Talk Newton – Discover Hope 5:17 Founder Robbie Robinson
Discover Hope 5:17 Founder and Executive Director Robbie Riobinson talks about Restoration House For Men, who the program is targeting and how it works.
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton High School Ag Education Instructor and FFA Advisor James Horn
Newton High School Ag Education Instructor and FFA Advisor James Horn talks about the local Ag Education Program, job opportunities related to agriculture, and the middle school ag program.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Library Director Nicole Terry
Newton Public Library Director Nicole Terry talks about a new Five-Year Strategic Plan the library’s Board of Directors has just approved, why the plan is important, and the five priorities identified in the plan.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Recorder Joe Otto
Jasper County Recorder Joe Otto talks about his recent appointment to the County Office, his education and work background, and how he’s adjusting to the new position.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Police Captain Chris Wing
Newton Police Captain Chris Wing talks about the CIty of Newton’s requirement that all dogs,cats, and miniature pigs within the city limits be licensed, and those licenses are to be renewed annually by March 31st
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin explains what areas are being discussed for possible development projects, two issues on tonight’s City Council meeting that deal with Public Camping and the City’s Stormwater Utility Fee, and the permanent closure of
Let’s Talk Newton- Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa Executive Director Rita Baker
Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa Executive Director Rita Baker talks about how the pro-life non-profit in Newton helps parents-to-be prepare for the arrival of their baby, and provides educational opportunities and supplies after the baby has arrived.