KNIA – KRLS

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 midwestern states.

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.

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 how it has made them open to hosting additional bus tours.

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.

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.

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.

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 they expect to see in the park.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece discusses his racing career and the upcoming NASCAR race weekend at Iowa Speedway.

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 future of the Emerson Hough and Woodrow Wilson Elementary Buildings.

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 campground near the speedway.