Let's Talk Newton
294 episodes — Page 4 of 6
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about petitions that are being circulated to get a derecho damaged building downtown demolishes, and the latest updates to Westwood Golf Course’s new clubhouse.
Let’s Talk Newton – Rachel Faidley, Newton Community Theatre play Co-Director
Rachel Faidley, the Co-Director of the Newton Community Theatre play “Brighton Beach Memoirs” talks about the play, its cast, and show times.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County United Way Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
Jasper County United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes talks about the last two scheduled speakers for the free “Voices of Inspiration” speaker series this fall at the Newton DMACC Campus Auditorium.
Let’s Talk Newton – United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes
Jasper County United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes talks about this fall’s free “Voices Of Inspiration” speaker series, which is held at the Newton DMACC Campus Auditorium.
Let’s Talk Newton – Discover Hope 5:17 Founder and Executive Director Robbie Robinson
Robbie Robinson, Founder and Executive Director of Discover Hope 5:17 in Newton, provides an update on the Restoration House Program and explains what it is and its goals.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Resource Officer Kyle Lovan
Newton School Resource Officer Kyle Lovan talks about the upcoming start of an ESports Program at Newton High School, which he raised the money to create.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Library Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter
Youth Services Librarian at the Newton Public Library, Phyllis Peter, talks about a free story walk featuring dinosaur characters with free ice cream for kids at Agnes Patterson Park in Newton on Saturday, September, 13th.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton High School Band Director Zachary Eberle
New Newton High School Band Director Zachary Eberle talks about what got him into music, his past job, and the upcoming band competition season.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger talks about the start of the school year this past Monday, updates the student drop-off and pick-up situation for Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, and provides information on first day attendance.
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 various programs the organization has to assist Jasper County residents, besides the popular home ownership assistance they offer.
Let’s Talk Newton – President of the South Skunk Blues Society Mike Cooling
The President of the South Skunk Blues Society, Mike Cooling, talks about the organization and its 33rd Annual Bowlful of Blues at Newton’s Maytag Park this coming Sunday, August 31st.
Let’s Talk Newton – Woodrow Wilson Principal Todd Schuster
Woodrow Wilson Principal Todd Schuster talks about the 100th anniversary of the Woodrow Wilson school building, which is also its last as a school, how the staff plans to have events marking the final year of classes
Let’s Talk Newton- Thomas Jefferson Elementary Principal Jolene Comer
Newton’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary Principal Jolene Comer talks about having construction work and classes taking place in the school at the same time last year, the new staff she has, and the plans that have been made
Let’s Talk Newton- Emerson Hough Elementary Principal Tara Zehr
Emerson Hough Elementary School Principal Tara Zehr talks about the new staff at the school, how this will be the last school year for the Emerson Hough building, and the school’s high number of kindergarten and 1st
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about the upcoming paving of downtown alleys, the filing period for City and School Board elections, cautious driving as Newton’s schools re-open Monday, and more upcoming “Our Iowa” bus tours.
Let’s Talk Newton- Berg Middle School Principal Dotty Dotson
Newton Berg Middle School Principal Dotty Dotson talks about the start of the new school year Monday, August 25th, this week’s Back to School Nights, and who parents should talk to about issues with their child.
Let’s Talk Newton- Independent Filmmaker Tiffany Ketcham of Newton
Independent Filmmaker Tiffany Ketcham of Newton is preparing to shoot her third film with a cast of 30 area children and talks about how she got into movie-making, her two prior films, and what her latest movie
Let’s Talk Newton- Newton High School Principal Daryl “Dotty” Dotson
Newton High School Principal Daryl “Dotty” Dotson talks about how many students and new teachers he expects to have in his building this year, the new state mandated cell phone use ban, and the school’s upcoming “Back
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger talks about student drop-off and pick-up will be handled at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to start this coming school year, and how parents can find out when their student will be picked
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 Wednesday’s Annual Luncheon the Chamber hosts for teachers who are new to the Newton School District, and about the Chamber’s first ever Business Expo this
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik and Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler
Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik and Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler talk about the city’s response to the 2020 Derecho that occurred five years ago and caused tree and building damage throughout Newton, Jasper County, and several
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Engineer Mike Frietsch
Jasper County Engineer Mike Frietsch talks about the County’s Five Year Road Program and the projects that are coming up in the current fiscal year of 2026.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Co-President Lana Wohlers and Vice President and Program and Events Co-Chair Ina Heidemann
Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Co-President Lana Wohlers and Vice President and Program and Events Co-Chair Ina Heidemann talk about the “Our Iowa Bus Tour” that stopped at the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens this past Sunday, and
Let’s Talk Newton – Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about grant funding that’s been awarded to the City of Newton for improvements to Cardinal Pond, and the first of five bus tours that were in Newton this past Sunday.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Health Department Administrator Becky Pryor
The Jasper County Health Department Administrator Director Becky Pryor talks about a free available resource guide for assistance throughout Jasper County, and the start of the school year and the importance of handwashing to avoid illness.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Izaak Walton League Manager Donny Ingle
The Manager of the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in Newton, Donny Ingle, talks about the features of the 40 acre facility, the events they hold, and how to become a member.
Let’s Talk Newton – Iowa Interstate Railroad President and CEO Joe Parsons
Iowa Interstate Railroad President and CEO Joe Parsons talks about the work that went into establishing the new Newton Rail Park Industrial Development site, the benefits the site offers businesses and industries, and the type of development
Let’s Talk Newton – NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ryan Preece
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece discusses his racing career and the upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Iowa Speedway.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger talks about school registration for the upcoming school year, how many teachers and bus drivers still need to be hired for the 2025-2026 school year, and the decisions that looms about the
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton/Des Moines East KOA Campground Co-Owner Dana VanGilder
Dana VanGilder, Co-Owner of the Newton/Des Moines East KOA Campground in Newton, talks about how many campers they will be hosting this NASCAR race weekend, how that compares to INDYCAR race week, and the accommodations at the
Let’s Talk Newton – Jody Rhone Newton’s Utilities Director
Newton Utilities Director Jody Rhone talks about Water Department projects that have recently been completed or still need to be done, which are related to a recent increase in City Water rates.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Parks Operations Superintendent Nick Cummins
Newton Parks Operations Superintendent Nick Cummins talks about the priorities the City’s Park Board has established after a goal setting session earlier this month.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Fair Board Member Morgan De Haai
Jasper County Fair Board member and Secretary Morgan De Haai talks about the heavy rain at the fair earlier this week, what motivated her to become a Fair Board member, and the planning that goes into the
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler
Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler talks about Mayor Evelyn George’s decision not to run for re-election, filing dates for Mayoral and City Council Candidates, and Homeowner assistance through the LMI Program.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Public Library Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter
The Youth Services Librarian at the Newton Public Library, Phyllis Peter, talks about the free Adventure Pass that’s available through the library, which provides free admittance to four Des Moines area attractions for two adults and two
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik
Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik talks about the protocols for sounding the severe weather warning sirens in Newton, and reminds residents they are meant for outdoor notification.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Police Officer Kyle Lovan
Newton Police Officer Kyle Lovan talks about raising money to start an ESports Program at Newton High School, and why he led the effort to provide the money to begin the program.
Let’s Talk Newton – Discover Hope 517 Ministry Founder and Executive Director Robbie Robinson
Discover Hope 517 Ministry Founder and Executive Director Robbie Robinson explains what the non-profit organization does in Newton and why he started it.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger
Newton School Superintendent Tom Messenger talks about how many teaching positions still need to be filled for the upcoming school year, how recent rains have impacted construction work at Thomas Jefferson Elementary school, and implementing the State
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Outreach Stacey Wilson
Jasper County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Outreach Stacey Wilson continues to talk about the County’s 4-H program, the volunteers who lead the 4-H clubs, and how many 4-H participants end up in ag related jobs.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Outreach Stacey Wilson
Jasper County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Outreach Stacey Wilson talks about the 4-H program within Jasper County, how farm and non-farm youth benefit from 4-H, and about a required class for livestock exhibitors at the
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Fair Queen Meredith Chipps
Jasper County Fair Queen Meredith Chipps talks about what she likes about the Queen contest and the Jasper County Fair, the upcoming Iowa State Fair Pageant, and her plans for the future.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton DMACC Campus Executive Dean Bill Peters
The Executive Dean of the Newton DMACC Campus, Bill Peters, talks about this week’s Renaming and Dedication of the Carroll Bennett Building on campus and about Carroll Bennett himself.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Mayor Evelyn George
Newton Mayor Evelyn George talks about this weekend’s IndyCar Races at Iowa Speedway, and City Council donations to MercyOne Newton Medical Center’s Emergency Room renovations and further development of the DMACC/Legacy Plaza Greenspace.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers
Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers talks about new housing in Newton, the different types of housing being built, and how lots that once held dilapidated homes are being used as lots for new houses.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Fair Princess Ella Machin
Jasper County Fair Princess Ella Machin talks about why she entered the Fair Queen Pageant, how long she’s been attending the fair in Colfax, and how she plans to take in everything this year’s fair has to
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County Veterans Affairs Administrator Ray Maxey
Jasper County Veterans Affairs Administrator Ray Maxey talks about his first few months in the office, his military service, and how his office can help Jasper County Veterans.
Let’s Talk Newton – Jasper County General Assistance Director Connie McQuiston
Jasper County General Assistance Director Connie McQuiston explains what type of assistance is available through her office and if the need for these programs has increased.
Let’s Talk Newton- Jasper County Historical Museum Executive Director Lynne Whelan
Jasper County Historical Museum Executive Director Lynne Whelan talks about the museum’s extensive Maytag washing machine collection, its historical account of Jasper County, and the museum’s farm related pieces.
Let’s Talk Newton – Newton’s Westwood Golf Course Golf Pro Brad Sponseller
The Golf Pro and Recreation Specialist at Newton’s city owned Westwood Golf Course talks about the new clubhouse that just opened, what’s still going to be added, and why he believes the new clubhouse will bring people