Let's Talk Newton
294 episodes — Page 2 of 6
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton YMCA CEO George Sorenson
Newton YMCA CEO George Sorenson talks about Thursday’s 50th Anniversary Celebration for the facility’s current building, future renovations that are expected, and the broad use of the facility and its membership.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about how the district will address Pella’s departure from the Little Hawkeye Conference in two years, the importance of getting lots of information from throughout the community before a decision is
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the Newton school board’s decision Monday night to begin some facility planning for the future, dealing in particular to the High School, which has some ADA compliance issues and some
Let’s Talk Newton – Executive Director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce KayLea Marchant
Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Director KayLea Marchant talks about this past weekend’s Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Meeting, and announces the return of the Chamber’s Business Expo
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Habitat for Humanity Community Partnership Coordinator Becca Decker
Jasper County Habitat for Humanity Community Partnership Coordinator Becca Decker talks about the organization’s Home Ownership and Home Repair Programs and the qualifications associated with them.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler
Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler talks about a proposal to remove the stoplights at West 4th Street North and North 2nd Avenue West, and replace them with stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic, and what is
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Independent Filmmaker Tiffany Ketcham
Independent Filmmaker Tiffany Ketcham talks about her new film “The Littles” which debuts this weekend at Capitol II Theatre, her past movie success, and the large cast of Jasper County Children in her new movie.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler
Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler talks about the latest discussions involving the City of Newton’s 2026-2027 Budget, housing construction that is continuing in Newton over the winter, and the proposed public camping ordinance.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office Service Officer Josh Price
Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office Service Officer Josh Price talks about fundraising for a new Veteran’s Memorial at the city’s Union Cemetery, bricks with service members names that are being sold, and the design of the planned
Let’s Talk Newton – Naturalist and Administrative Assistant Liz Ventling with Jasper County Conservation
New Jasper County Conservation Department Naturalist and Administrative Assistant Liz Ventling talks about her new job, growing up in Newton and attending Conservation Department Programs, and her work history since graduating from the University of Iowa.
Let’s Talk Newton- Bill Peters, Executive Campus Dean at DMACC in Newton
Bill Peters, Executive Campus Dean at DMACC in Newton, talks about the start of spring classes this week, enrollment, and planned additions to the Legacy Plaza Greenspace.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Library Public Services Librarian Rebecca Klein
The Public Services Librarian at the Newton Public Library, Rebecca Klein, talks about the annual Tiny Art Show and Silent Auction fundraiser and how anyone can participate and the important dates associated with it.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School District Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the process of establishing a calendar for next school year, plans for the summer food program, and construction at Aurora Heights and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County RSVP Director and Grant Manager Sarah Patterson
Jasper County RSVP Director and Grant Manager Sarah Patterson talks about the RSVP’S Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, the guidelines to qualify for the free tax preparation, and how you can now schedule an appointment to get
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton State Representative Jon Dunwell
House District 38 State Representative Jon Dunwell talks about the new legislative session and priorities he believes will be addressed during the session, including controlling property taxes, and his individual legislative interests.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton YMCA Chief Executive Officer George Sorensen
Newton YMCA CEO George Sorensen talks about plans for a $2.78 million federal grant the YMCA has received to increase the facility’s daycare slots, and other future goals for improving the 50-year old building and its programming.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton YMCA CEO George Sorensen
Newton YMCA Chief Executive Officer George Sorensen talks about his first year at the facility, the number of people who utilized the YMCA last year, and the introduction of EGYM fitness equipment at the facility this past
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin talks about a loan the city will no longer pay for the Hotel Maytag Renovation that occurred years ago, and talks about the need for added revenue to reduce the city’s borrowing in
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess discusses 2025 crime statistics and the start of the new dog kennel for animal control.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess discusses police staffing and the school resource officer program.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin talks about the new Rail Park, TPI, and initiatives he has as he begins his tenure as mayor.
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton Mayor Randy Ervin
Newton Mayor Randy Ervin talks about city services on New Year’s Day, infrastructure, and personnel.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the stadium bleacher impact coming in the New Year, new board members, and future closed schools.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about school construction, enrollment, school finances.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Fire Marshall Jacob Halferty
Newton Fire Marshall Jacob Halferty talks about what the job of Fire Marshall entails, his career in the Newton Fire Department, and the need for volunteer firefighters in rural areas.
Let’s Talk Newton – FOCUSS Founder Darnell Loatman and Executive Director of Therapy House Devon Robertson
FOCUS Founder and Executive Director Darnell Loatman and Executive Director of Therapy House Devon Robertson talk about how their non-profits assist youth in need and their desire to have a facility in Jasper County.
Let’s Talk Newton – Local Muralist Lauren Roush and Art Teacher Pauli Zmolek
Artists Lauren Roush and Pauli Zmolek talk about the mural they painted at the Dana King Ceretti Environmental Education Center in Newton, and how they came to work together on this painting and others.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County RSVP Director and Grant Manager Sarah Patterson
Jasper County RSVP Director and Grant Manager Sarah Patterson talks about the Connection Calls Program, where volunteers call seniors 55 years old or older once a week to talk about their health, what’s going on with them,
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about what was vital to her first interest in running for city council over a decade ago, her confidence in the newly elected Council members, and the volunteer interests she has going
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about joining the Newton City Council thirteen years ago, some of the important decisions that were made in her early years on the city council, and the improvements that have occurred downtown.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the results of a recent survey of the elementary school population based on existing elementary school boundaries, the priority of relaying elementary school assignments for students and staff right after
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess talks about the upcoming opening of the city’s new animal control facility, how the community stepped up to help return runaway animals while this facility was being readied, and when the animal
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Main Street Executive Director Erin Yeager
Newton Main Street Executive Director Erin Yeager talks about the requirements that must be met to qualify for the Main Street Program, what the program does to assist downtown businesses, and how shopping locally is important.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about where things stand with the school board’s discussion on the future of the Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools, and the conditions of the buildings.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton DMACC Campus Executive Dean Bill Peters
Executive Dean of the Newton DMACC Campus Bill Peters talks about Saturday’s upcoming Community Holiday Christmas at the DMACC Building, all the free activities that will be available for kids, and a Newton Main Street Vendors Market
Let’s Talk Newton – Centre For Arts and Artists in Newton Executive Director Sophie Kruger
Executive Director of the Centre For Arts and Artists in Newton Sophie Kruger talks about the facility and what it does and how it assists local artists, and the gift shop they have.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Pacesetters Dance Team Senior Lily Bowes
Newton Pacesetters Dance Team Member Lily Bowes talks about performing as a solo finalist at the Iowa State Dance Team Association Championship in Des Moines last week, as well as competing with the team in four other
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Ray Maxey
Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Ray Maxey talks about a monthly veterans comrade coffee they are starting in Newton, how well a similar event in November went, and the approximate number of veterans in Jasper County.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Historical Museum Board Member Dave Rorabaugh
Jasper County Historical Museum Board Member Dave Rorabaugh talks about the Museum’s 5th Annual Tree-Mendous Christmas Fundraiser which opens at the museum this weekend, and how it features around 200 decorated Christmas Trees.
Let’s Talk Newton – Discover Hope Ministries Founder and Executive Director Robbie Robinson
Discover Hope Ministries in Newton is celebrating its 10th anniversary and held an Open House this week, and the Founder and Executive Director, Robbie Robinson, talks about why and how he started Discover Hope and how it
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about the positive public response the city has received about snow removal from the storm last weekend, the Maytag Park Holiday Lights Display, and the continuing process of drafting a City Budget
Let’s Talk Newton- Rachel Faidley, Musical Director of the Newton Community Theatre production of “uh-Oh, Here comes Christmas.”
Rachel Faidley, Musical Director for the Newton Community Theatre’s production of “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” talks about the play, when the performances are, and how people can find out more information and get tickets.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Recorder Denise Allan
Jasper County Recorder Denise Allan talks about how long she’s been in the office, the changes that have occurred over the years, and what work goes on in the office.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Works Director Joe Grife
Newton Public Works DIrector Joe Grife talks about snow removal operations in Newton, the priority given to streets for clearing and how many miles of streets have to be cleared, how residents can help the snow removal
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messinger talks about the addition of a new school board member, an upcoming evaluation of elementary school boundaries, and the progress of the new bleachers at H.A. Lynn Stadium.
Let’s Talk Newton- Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director KayLea Marchant
Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director KayLea Marchant talks about the Chamber’s annual Lighted Holiday Parade and Holiday Festival, which accompanies the lighting of the Christmas lights on the Jasper County Courthouse in downtown Newton
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts
Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts talks about the Sheriff Department’s 4th Annual Lock Up Hunger non-perishable food and personal hygiene drive which recently got underway, with donations going to the Newton Salvation Army.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Pacesetters Dance Team Coach Graham Sullivan
Newton Pacesetters Dance Team Coach Graham Sullivan talks about all the work dance team members put into their season and the upcoming state competition.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton High School All-State Chorus Students Ian Alexander and Kaden Banwell
Newton High School juniors Ian Alexander and Kaden Banwell talk about their interest in Choir, the selection process for All-State Chorus, and what they enjoy about singing in a Choir.
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton High School Esports team members Levi Zaabel and Zach Schwab
Newton High School Esports team members Levi Zaabel and Zach Schwab talks about what the program means to them, and their expectations for the teams first season.