City of Newton, KS
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Q:I have a contractor performing work on my property. Will the City pick up debris associated with his work?
A: No. Materials generated by a contractor are specifically excluded from collection by the Sanitation Division. This includes construction and demolition waste, roofing materials, trees and brush, landscaping materials or any other waste materials. You or your contractor will need to make other disposal arrangements.- A: The Sanitation Division has several 10-cubic-yard roll-off Dumpsters that can be rented to residents who have large amounts of debris to dispose of. More information
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The Sanitation Division operates a bulky item pickup service that residents can use to dispose of furniture, appliances, televisions, tree limbs and other large items. There is a small fee that will be added to your next City utility bill. Contact us at least one day before your next trash collection day to schedule the service. Some restrictions apply. More information
The City also offers up to two free landfill coupons per year for eligible residents who are able to haul their items directly to the Harvey County Transfer Station. Each coupon is good for one free load. More information
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Any person who believes they have been subjected to racial or other biased-based policing may file a complaint with the Newton Police Department and/or the Attorney General's Office.
Complaints may be made by delivering a written statement, signed by the complaining party or parties to any of the following: Chief of Police, Deputy Chief, any Lieutenant or Sergeant with the department.
No person will be discriminated against or subjected to retribution because they have filed such a complaint.
Q:The City of Newton only accepts online applications. Does the City offer Internet access to complete an application?
A: Within the city of Newton, locations to access the Internet include the HR Department in the City Hall building, the Newton Public Library and the Workforce Development Center.- A: Your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager to see if your qualifications meet those posted for that position.
- A: Depending on the number of applications received and whether the position has a closing date, it may take about two weeks for processing.
- A: You may contact the Human Resource Department if you have not received any notification after submitting your application.
- A: All applicants will be notified by email, using the email address associated with your HRePartners account, or you may contact the Human Resource Department.
- A: No, once you submit an application, you cannot make any changes. You may, however, submit an addendum or resume by contacting Human Resources.
- A: You may call the Human Resources office to give them updated contact information. They will ensure that it gets to the appropriate people.
- A: You can only apply for today’s job listings; however, you are encouraged to sign up for email notifications through the City’s website. This feature provides you with the opportunity to select job classifications that interest you, which will generate automatic emails when a new position is posted. Sign up here.
- A: Yes, but the HRePartners application system allows you to use your saved application as the basis for each posting in which you are interested. Please know that you can create up to 3 applications and save them in your account. When you apply for a position, you can select the application you want to submit.
- A: As with any position, once a closing date has passed, no application will be accepted or considered. Please continue to visit the site and apply for new jobs as they become available.
- A: Human Resources is committed to ensuring that this process is easy and user-friendly. To help applicants, the Workforce Development Center is available to assist, or you may contact the Human Resource Department.
- A: All information is on a secure web server and can be viewed only by the Human Resources Department and the City of Newton hiring managers for the posted position. City of Newton does not share its database with other companies or public agencies.
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The snow and ice control plan may involve street plowing on the designated snow route when higher snow accumulations occur. Unfortunately, the City does not have the time or resources to clear the snow pile that is left behind from private driveway entrances. We strongly encourage residents and businesses adjacent to the snow route to pre-plan for snow removal, and if necessary, have someone they can call to assist in digging out.
- A: First Aid and CPR courses are offered by Newton Fire/EMS. To enroll in a course call Station 2 at 316-284-6060.
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A patient or their representative may access or obtain copies of their health records. This must be done in person at Station 2 by submitting a Release of Information, photo ID, and any other required documentation and/or fees. Contact the EMS Billing Department at 316-284-6199 for more information.
The dissemination of Protected Health Information is tightly regulated by federal law, and all sensitive information is held by Newton Fire/EMS members in the strictest of confidence. Our job depends on a high level of trust between our members and the people they serve; we work diligently to build and maintain that trust.
- A: As you would expect, we’re very careful about releasing private or sensitive information. Our policy is to make fire reports available to property owners and their insurance company. If you need a copy of your fire report, you must file a written request and submit it to Newton Fire/EMS administration at the headquarters fire station at 200 E 3rd St. A $15 fee is applicable.
- A: You should visually inspect your fire extinguisher once a week; simply make sure the gauge indicates it is fully charged. Aside from making sure your extinguisher is ready when you need it, this reinforces its location in your mind so you don’t have to think about it in an emergency – it’s right where you left it.
Extinguishers should be professionally serviced annually by a certified technician; you can find one in the phone book. If your fire extinguisher has been used or has leaked off, you should have it refilled and recharged immediately.
Every fire extinguisher should have an in-depth inspection every six years. During a six-year maintenance, the powder is dumped, the interior of the canister is inspected, the trigger assembly is taken apart and serviced, then the extinguisher is refilled with powder and recharged.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers need to by hydrostatically tested at 12-year intervals. This service replicates a six-year maintenance, but the canister is hydrostatically pressurized in order to test the welds. Carbon dioxide extinguishers and water pressure extinguishers require this service every eight years.
It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, as well as any place you might anticipate needing one, such as the garage, in your mechanical room, near the heater, or by a fireplace or wood-burning stove. You can buy a fire extinguisher at any hardware store or big box store.
Fire extinguishers aren’t really expensive when you consider the level of protection they can afford you in an emergency. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, you should consider longevity and repeated use. As a rule of thumb, a fire extinguisher with a plastic trigger and nozzle assembly is for one-time use, while an extinguisher with a metal trigger and nozzle assembly should serve you for many years no matter how often you discharge and refill it. - A:
Open burning is prohibited in the City of Newton. The safest way to remove tree limbs is to haul them to the Harvey County Landfill. An exception may be granted for special situations. Citizens may apply for a burn permit at Fire/EMS Station 2 at 200 E. 3rd. After making application, a department representative will visually inspect the proposed burn, then determine if an exception is appropriate.
If a burn permit is issued, several conditions must be observed:
- Burning is not permitted if wind speeds exceed 15 mph.
- The fire must be continuously monitored by a competent adult from the time of ignition until the time of extinguishment.
- If smoke conditions generate a traffic hazard or odor complaints, the fire must be completely
extinguished and the citizen must apply for a burn permit when weather conditions are more
favorable. - The controlled burn must be at least 100 feet from the nearest structure, and an adequate distance from other combustible materials.
- An approved burn permit must be in the possession of the person doing the burning.
- The permit holder must notify the Harvey County Communications Department before commencing
the burn and when the burn is concluded.
- A: Station tours are often the high point of the day at the fire station, for kids and firefighters alike. If you’d like to schedule a station tour, simply call 316-284-6060 to make an appointment at Station 2 at 3rd & Oak, call 316-284-6156 to make an appointment at Station 3 at S Kansas & SE 26th, or call 316-284-6069 to make an appointment at Station 1 at Broadway and Boyd. If they’re not out of the station on emergency calls, firefighters love to show off the trucks, work areas and living quarters they call home every third day.
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Newton City code outlines specific requirements for displaying residential and commercial addresses. Residents should:
- Use numbers at least 4 inches tall.
- Use numbers that contrast with the background.
- Make sure numbers are visible from the street.
Numbers that meet these criteria can be purchased at B&B Lumber, Graber’s Hardware, and Walmart. If you need help installing your house numbers, call Newton Fire/EMS at 316-284-6065.
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The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for inspecting and approving all day care centers and preschools. A full list of regulations can be found at www.ksfm.ks.gov/regulations. You can also contact the KSFM office at 785-296-3401.
One of the most common questions pertains to fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in a day care should be conspicuously located and readily accessible for immediate use. They should be rated 2A/10BC. This rating is used to determine how much fire a non-expert could be expected to extinguish with a fire extinguisher. Generally, a 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher will meet this requirement, and you can purchase one at any hardware store, big box store, or at Newton Fire/EMS Station 2 at 200 E 3rd St. If you have questions about fire extinguishers or need instruction in fire extinguisher use, call 316-284-6060 to speak with a Newton firefighter.
Q:How do I make sure Newton paramedics have access to my health information even if I’m not able to speak for myself in an emergency?
A:Newton Fire/EMS endorses the File of Life program. This is a free service that helps you communicate your personal health information to health care professionals even if you’re incapacitated. It works like this:
Stop by any Newton Fire/EMS station and pick up a File of Life packet. This packet contains a health information card where you can list things like your medical history, allergies and medications, emergency contacts, and your personal physician. This information card fits into a red plastic sleeve with a magnet on the back. Simply fill out the card, place it in the sleeve, and place the sleeve on the door of your refrigerator at home. Newton paramedics and EMTs are trained to look there for health information if the patient isn’t able to provide it. In addition to the File of Life for your home, you can pick up a smaller version that fits easily into a wallet or purse in case you suffer a medical emergency while you’re away.
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Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can be critical in an emergency. Some businesses are required to provide annual fire extinguisher training for their employees, and some just want to make sure everyone on the job knows what to do if a fire should break out.
Newton firefighters routinely provide fire extinguisher training for area employers. To schedule an on-site presentation, call 316-284-6060. Fire extinguisher programs usually cover:
- Fire classifications: different fuels and extinguishing agents
- Decision making: when to fight a fire and when to evacuate
- Proper fire extinguisher use
- Overview of your specific emergency plan
- Hands-on extinguisher lab with controlled fires
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There are Historic Places and Historic Districts in the City of Newton that have environs areas around them. If your property is in a historic district or within 500 feet of a historic property or district, any request for a building or sign permit must first receive a review to determine its impact on the environs of any adjacent historic properties. To learn more about Newton's historic districts, visit the Historic Preservation page.
More information
Engineering and Code Enforcement Office
316-284-6020Historic Preservation Assistant
316-284-6020 - A: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed properties along Sand Creek and Slate Creek in a flood hazard area. Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance places restriction on the use and development of properties in these flood zones. Contact the Engineering and Code Enforcement Office for a Flood Zone determination at 316-284-6020.
- A: Signing is regulated by Article 11 of the Zoning Regulations based on the zoning classifications as well as sign type, size, location and illumination. A permit is required to install a sign except for those allowed under the exempt section of the ordinance.
- A: Any change in the zoning must be approved by the Newton-North Newton Area Planning Commission and the Newton City Commission. An individual property owner must obtain a zoning amendment application and submit such application to the Planning Commission for consideration at a public hearing.
Generally, a property is not allowed to change zoning if the applied for change would make that property the only property in the general area zoned differently from other properties in the neighborhood. This is called a spot zoning and is a practice municipalities try to avoid. - A: The Engineering and Code Enforcement Office has the zoning map on-hand. Call 316-284-6020 if you have a question about what zone you live in and the accepted property uses in that zone. You can also download the zoning map and zoning regulations.
- A: The following is a list of costs and requirements associated with a contractor's license. Contractors may also present certification of approved testing by recognized testing agencies in lieu of Newton testing.
Class A - $200 a year plus proof of $500,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The test for a Class A contractor’s license is $30. The test has a 4-hour time limit and is based on the International Building and Residential Codes and City of Newton Building Code. The Class A contractor’s license is unlimited in type of construction.
Class B - $150 a year plus proof of $500,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The test for a Class B contractor’s license is $30. The test has a 4-hour time limit and is based on the International Building and Residential Codes and City of Newton Building Code. The Class B contractor’s license allows construction of residential and commercial projects up to three (3) stories in height.
Class C - $125 a year plus proof of $300,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The test for a Class C contractor’s license is $30. The test has a 2-hour time limit and is based on the International Residential Code and City of Newton Building Code. The Class C contractor’s license allows construction of residential projects up to two (2) stories and three (3) dwelling units. Also non-structural commercial remodeling.
Class D - $125 a year plus proof of $300,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The test for a Class C contractor’s license is $5. The test has no time limit and is based on the International Residential Code and City of Newton Building Code. Contractors may also present certification or approved testing by recognized testing agencies in lieu of Newton testing. The Class D contractors license allows the repair and remodeling of one (1) to four (4) family residences.
Wrecking Contractor - $30 a year plus proof of $300,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance. The Wrecking Contractor’s license allows the demolition of all types of buildings.
Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors
First Year - $150 plus proof of $300,000 of liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Annual Renewal - $150 a year plus proof of $300,000 liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Master - $40 a year and hold certificate of master-level testing from a recognized agency plus proof of 12 hours of approved continuing education.
Journeyman - $20 a year and hold a certificate of journeyman-level testing from a recognized agency plus proof of 12 hours of approved continuing education.
Gas Fitter Contractor - $150 First Year, $150 Annual Renewal, Master $40 a year and hold a certificate of master-level testing from a recognized agency plus proof of 12 hours of approved continuing education. - A: Every individual offering to do business as a building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing contractor in the City of Newton must obtain a contractor’s license. Builders must obtain either a Class A, B, C, D or Wrecking license depending on the type of work performed. Builders must show proof of the appropriate national testing certification or take a test on building codes offered by the City of Newton. All businesses offering to perform electrical, mechanical or plumbing installations in the City of Newton must obtain a contracting license. Electricians, Mechanical Technicians and Plumbers must have either their Master or Journeyman certification from a State-approved testing agency. To find out more about licensing, please call 316-284-6020.
- A: Please call 316-284-6020 to schedule a building inspection. Tell the staff person the address of the project, the type of inspection and the time you would like the inspection. City inspectors prefer 24 hours' notice for each inspection but are flexible in some cases.
- A: Every dwelling unit -- be it a house, duplex, apartment, mobile home or a guest room in a hotel, motel or lodging house used for sleeping purposes -- must have smoke detectors. The number, type and location of detectors varies depending on the age and type of dwelling. Call 316-284-6020 for more information.
- A: Swimming pools, both above and below ground, that are over 5,000-gallon capacity or over 24-inches deep are accessory structures requiring a building permit. When applying for a permit, a plot plan showing the location of the pool relative to property lines and buildings on the same lot is required. Setbacks are as required for other accessory buildings except that setbacks are measured to the inside wall face of the pool and the setback from the house is 7 feet. A separation is also required from electrical lines: 10 feet horizontal from overhead lines and 5 feet horizontal from underground lines.
- A: All storage shed and other accessory buildings require a building permit. Storage sheds of 100 square feet or less must have a minimum property line setback of 3 feet. Sheds over 100 square feet must have a minimum property line setback of 5 or 7 feet depending on the age of your subdivision. All accessory buildings must be 10 feet from the house and anchored down. All accessory buildings over 150 square feet in area must have a permanent foundation 30 inches below the finish grade.
- A: Concrete patios on grade and wood decks under 30 inches above grade do not require a permit. However Decks of 30 inches above grade or more and all covered decks and patios require a permit and must be constructed to the Building Code. Call 316-284-6020 for more information.
- A: No permit is required. However, there are some restrictions. Fences must stay within property lines and are limited to 6 feet in height in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards. No electrified or barbed wire fencing is permitted. For fencing on corner lots, please call the Building and Zoning Office at 316-284-6020.
- A: Homeowners need a permit for any building project over $1,000 (or $500 in material cost for “do-it-yourself” projects) and all new electrical, mechanical or plumbing work. Owner occupants may work on your house without a contractor’s license. If you hire electrical, mechanical or plumbing work done, that person must be a licensed contractor. However, any other residential or commercial project, regardless of whether you own the property, must have a licensed contractor performing the work.
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Permits and licenses are sold at Newton City Hall, 201 E 6th Street on the 3rd floor in the Engineering/Code Enforcement Office. Applications may also be downloaded below:
- Building Permit Application
- ROW Permit Application (Drives/Sidewalks/Excavation)
- Electrical Permit Application
- Mechanical Permit Application
- Plumbing Permit Application
- Sign Permit Application
- Fire Line Tap Permit Application
- Building Contractor Application
- Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing License Application
- Contractor License Requirements
- Workers Compensation Waiver
- A: Building permit fees are based on the value of the construction. Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits have itemized fees depending upon the installations to be performed.
Building permit fees (subject to change) are based on the following project valuations:
PROJECT VALUATION BUILDING PERMIT FEE $1 to $500 $22.43 $501 to $2,000 $22.43 for the fist $500 plus $2.99 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof $2,001 to $25,000 $67.28 for the first $2,000 plus $11.96 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof $25,001 to $50,000 $342.36 for the first $25,000 plus $8.97 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof $50,001 to $100,000 $566.61 for the first $50,000 plus $5.98 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof $100,001 to $500,000 $865.61 for the first $100,000 plus $4.49 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof $500,001 to $1,000,000 $2,661.61 for the first $500,000 plus $3.74 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof $1,000,001 and up $4,531.61 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.99 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof - A: Building permits allow the City of Newton to track all building projects in Newton. Building inspections are vital to the safety, health and overall wellbeing of our community. Building inspections make sure that all construction conforms to the adopted building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes. Building inspections ensure that all construction in Newton is structurally sound and safe for occupancy.
- A: Questions on property ownership need to be directed to the Harvey County Register of Deeds Office at 316-284-6950.
- A: Questions on projects outside of Newton City limits need to be directed to the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Office at 316-284-6940.
- A: We have a fixed route for our road grader to follow. We currently maintain more than eight miles of gravel roads within the city. Normally, roads are bladed after each rain or snow. If you would like to request road maintenance, call the Service Center or fill out our Maintenance Request Form.
- A: You can contact the Street Division, and we will put it on a list to be repaired. If it is an approach to your driveway, that is the responsibility of the property owner.
- A: Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on official City holidays.
- A: Contact the Department of Public Works at 284-6020.
- A: You may report it directly to Westar at 1-800-LIGHT-KS (1-800-544-4857) or call the Street Division. We will be happy to forward your request.
- A: Under Kansas law and city ordinance, the responsibility for maintenance of public sidewalks rests with the abutting property owner.
- A: Call the Street Division at 284-6070 or fill out a Maintenance Request Form. We will evaluate each sight obstruction and take corrective measures.
- A: City code states that the owner of abutting property is responsible at his or her expense to prune, maintain and remove trees or woody plants within the right-of-way of any street or alley. If a tree is not properly cared for and creates an unsafe condition, the City may prune or remove the tree, with the cost of such work to be assessed to the property.
- A:Your collection day depends on the neighborhood you live in. Click here to see the route map. If you are in a multi-family complex, your pickup days were established with management when subscribing for the service.
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Did you put it out by 7 a.m.? Although it may seem as though the trucks arrive about the same time each week, there are not set schedules for the drivers, and routes do change.
If this was not the problem, and there was no note from the collector explaining why they couldn’t pick it up, please call the Sanitation Division, and we will do what we can to correct the problem. We cannot issue a credit to your bill for a missed collection.
- A: Trash should be placed within the provided containers. Particular events such as holiday celebrations may generate excess waste. In these situations, excess trash may be bagged and set out alongside your cart, allowing at least 3 feet of clear space for automated loading.
- A: Newton City ordinance requires bagging of all household trash before putting it in the cart in order to reduce litter associated with the collection system. Residents are also reminded to flatten cans and plastic bottles before putting them in the recycle cart.
- A: If a cart is damaged by our collectors or through normal wear and tear, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you. If it is damaged through neglect or misuse, repair or replacement will occur and the cost will be added to your next service bill. If your cart has been damaged and we have not taken care of repairs, give us a call.
- A: Although the carts you have are generally large enough to accommodate the average household, we realize that some residents may need more space. Therefore we can issue up to two additional carts for an additional monthly fee. Give us a call if you are interested.
- A: Check around your neighborhood first. If you haven’t found it, call the Sanitation Division so we can arrange for a replacement.
- A: If it is a physical challenge for you to get the large cart to the curb, we have some smaller trash carts available. Call us for more information at 284-6070.
- A: No. The carts are assigned to your address. Leave them behind where we can access them when you move, and we will pick them up and prepare them for re-issue. We will deliver carts to your new address when you have your water turned on in your name. If you don’t receive them within a couple of days, give us a call to let us know. In some instances, there may already be carts at your new address so we will not deliver new ones.
- A: Click here for an explanation.
- A: The containers issued to you remain City of Newton property and must not be painted or altered in any way. The City has the serial numbers of the carts assigned to your address on file. If you need to identify your carts, we suggest you use an adhesive label.
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The Newton Police Department does not provide fingerprinting services. Anyone in need of having their fingerprints taken for employment, concealed carry or adoption purposes will need to contact the Harvey County Detention Center. They do not provide fingerprinting for children.
The Harvey County Detention Center does not currently have a schedule for fingerprinting. Walk-in customers will be fingerprinted as soon as possible. If Detention Center staff is busy, you may be asked to wait or return at a later time.
Harvey County Detention Center
800 N. Main
Newton, KS 67114
316-284-6959
(The Harvey County Detention Center is located behind the Harvey County Courthouse.) - A: The websites listed to look up registered offenders are for informational purposes only. All subjects listed on the registered offender websites are there due to convictions of certain types of violent, sexual or drug crimes.
Harvey County Sheriff's Office OffenderWatch
Kansas Bureau of Investigations Registered Offender Search - A: The Newton Police Department only responds to assist with vehicle lockouts when someone's health or safety is in jeopardy. If it is determined the situation is not life threatening, we can ask to have a locksmith contacted for you, but you are responsible for the cost of the locksmith service. The Newton Police Department is not responsible for the damage which may occur while attempting to open your vehicle.
- A: All solicitors and peddlers must have a peddler's license prior to being allowed to sell in the city limits. The license can be obtained at the Water Billing Office at Newton City Hall, 201 E 6. Solicitors or peddlers working without a license are subject to fines and court costs that can exceed $100 a day.
This does not apply to local political groups, churches, athletic clubs, etc. Contact the City Clerk's office for more information and to print off a peddler application form. - A: Anyone needing a copy of their personal criminal history record will need to make contact with the court(s) where the case(s) were prosecuted.
- A: No. If your situation is a domestic situation, you can contact the Harvey County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Office located in the Harvey County Courthouse. Their office staff can help you obtain a PFA Order (Protection From Abuse). In any other type of situation, you will need to contact a private attorney for assistance.
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Reports can be obtained by calling or coming into the Newton Police Department lobby during business hours. The reports can be mailed or picked up in person. We do not fax report copies.
All requests made by an individual for copies of police reports will be provided at no charge. Only open public record information will be provided. Not all reports involving juveniles are open public record and will be reviewed prior to being released. The following information will not be provided, and will be blacked out on the report to protect the victim(s) from identity theft:
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Driver's license number
Requests for records made by an attorney or insurance company will be subject to the following fees:
- $15 per offense or accident report
- $25 per Police video (burned to DVD/CD)
Additional items needed when an attorney is making a request for copies of police video(s) include the following:
- Blank DVD/CDs required for copying
- Postage-paid return envelope for DVD/CDs
- Discovery order signed by the judge
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL REQUESTS TO:
Newton Police Department
120 E. 7th
Newton, KS 67114
316.284.6030 - A:
To get a Vehicle Release, the registered owner must bring to the Newton Police Department a valid driver's license, proof of current insurance, and proof of current registration. Vehicles are only released to the registered owner or a notarized signed statement from the registered owner stating who the vehicle can be released.
If it is after business hours or the weekend, officers on duty will be able to issue a vehicle release. Upon arrival at the police department, you will need to use the phone in the lobby to contact 911. They will dispatch an officer to the lobby to help you obtain the vehicle release.
- A: If you have questions in regard to your vehicle registration, please contact the Harvey County Treasurer's Office at 316-284-6970.
- A: If you have a Crime Stoppers tip, please call the Harvey County Crime Stoppers hotline at 316-284-2400. If you have any type of criminal or suspicious activity you would like to report, please complete an online Suspicious Activity Form. If you have any type of drug activity to report, please complete an online Drug Activity Form. In order for the information to be taken seriously, contact information must be provided on the form. The information provided will be confidential.
- A: If you need to make a report of any type, please call 911 or 316-283-4190. Officers are dispatched through Harvey County 911 for emergencies as well as non-emergency reports.
- A: To obtain a copy of your driving record, please contact the Driver's License Office in the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main. You will need to show your driver's license for identification purposes and pay a fee of $13. If you have any other questions, please contact the office at 316-284-6944.
- A: For questions regarding your driver's license, please contact the Driver's Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 or visit the Kansas Driver's License Status Check page.
- A: Yes. The curfew for the City of Newton pertains to anyone under 18 years of age. The juvenile must be accompanied by an adult relative who is 21 years of age or older if they are out after curfew, which is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
This does not apply when the juvenile is traveling the most direct route to or from their place of employment, to or from a church, school, or organized recreational activity that is sponsored or supervised by one or more adults, or when engaged in normal travel through the city, to the city by a direct, continuous route, or when traveling due to circumstances of an emergency nature. - A: Residential Areas -- The noise ordinance for residential areas is in effect from 10 p.m to 7 a.m. The ordinance restricts the operation of any sound-producing or sound-reproduction device, whether inside or outside, which is at such a volume that the emitted sound that can be heard beyond the property line of any residential property.
Motor Vehicles -- The noise ordinance for motor vehicles is in effect 24 hours a day. The ordinance restricts the operation of any sound-producing or sound-reproduction device that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle. - A: The majority of the criminal statutes officers use on a daily basis are listed under Chapter 21 - Crimes and Punishments of Kansas State Law. The majority of traffic statutes are under Chapter 8 - Automobiles and Other Vehicles. Chapters 8 and 21 are not all inclusive; additional laws do apply to criminal and traffic offenses and are found elsewhere in the Kansas State Statutes.
State of Kansas Statutes - A:
Any animal that is picked up by the Animal Control Officer or other department member is taken directly to Caring Hands Humane Society. Contact will need to be made with Caring Hands to verify whether or not they have your animal and the procedure for having it returned to you. You may check Caring Hands Stray Animal list to see if your animal has been turned into their facility.
Caring Hands Humane Society
1400 S.E. 3rd
Newton, KS 67114
316-283-0839 - A:
Free parking is available for anyone taking the Amtrak train out of Newton. The designated parking area is located to the west of the Train Depot, across Main Street, behind the business located just north of the railroad tracks. (This is the far-east end of the U.S. Post Office parking lot.) No registration is required, but you do have the option of leaving your vehicle information and contact information with Harvey County 911, if you so desire.
Harvey County 911
316-283-4190 - A:
To appropriately address any inadequate or unsafe walkway in need of attention, there are various remedies possible depending on the nature of the problem. Resetting or removal and replacement of a panel could occur, or patching, grinding, filling, or even vegetation removal could all be used to address the inadequacies, depending on the specific defect. Property owners are required to keep the sidewalk in good repair. If you have questions about how to abate a sidewalk that is out of compliance, City inspectors can help answer questions: 316-284-6020.
First, you or your contractor will need to pull a permit for the work. Then, after the old sidewalk has been removed and the site has been prepped for the new concrete, contact the Engineering Office to schedule an inspection before pouring the new concrete.
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Sidewalks are considered inadequate or unsafe and in need of repair or replacement if they exhibit one or more of the following issues:
- Vertical deviations of approximately 0.5" or greater, or less if a trip hazard is created.
- Horizontal separations of 0.5" or greater between panels or on panels.
- Cracking of a panel that splits it into four or more sections or cracking that constitutes a danger to the public.
- Excessive cross-slope greater than 1/4" per foot or more across walk width.
- Missing sidewalk panels or parts of panels.
- Spalling or loose material over one-third of the panel including holes or depressions equal to or greater than 0.5" in depth.
- Vegetation of any kind encroaching onto one-third or more of the sidewalk panel, or vegetation causing heaving of a panel or portion of a panel.
- If a brick walk, and bricks are missing, settled, spalling, heaving, separating, or cracking, or if trip hazards exist.
- If a historic stone walk, and stones are missing, settled, spalling, heaving, separating, or cracking, or if trip hazards exist.
- If any sidewalk is not constructed in compliance with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
- A:
- Moving violations: The most common reason a vehicle is stopped is for a moving violation. Some examples include speeding offenses, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, or failure to use a turn signal.
- Registration/Equipment Violations: Examples of these include expired vehicle tags and defective head or tail lights. The laws governing driving privileges in Kansas consist of 120 pages. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of a law without knowing it.
- Courtesy or Safety Concerns: These are other reasons an officer might stop your vehicle. For example, your trunk may be open, something may be hanging from under your vehicle, or an article of clothing might be caught in the door.
STEPS TO FOLLOW IF YOU ARE STOPPED
- Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. Make sure you turn your flashers on, and motion to the officer that you are going to comply.
- Stay in your vehicle and turn on the interior light if it is after sundown. Good lighting assists good communication. Relax and remain in your vehicle. If you leave the vehicle, you subject yourself to the dangers of traffic.
- Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license and proof of insurance.
- Police officers are trained to ask for identification first and provide an explanation second. First, provide the requested documentation. Second, give the officer a chance to explain the reason you were stopped.
- If you do not agree with the citation or the officer's demeanor, do not argue at the scene. All citizens have the right to question their citation before a judge. The Newton Police Department has an internal affairs system to investigate citizen complaints.
- A: Officers in the vicinity frequently back each other up whenever possible.
- A:
Under State statute, it’s the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to keep public sidewalks in good repair and free of trip hazards. You could be liable if someone were injured on your unsafe sidewalk.