The Newton Board of Aldermen convened Tuesday, June 18, to approve a community forum and address several community issues.
The meeting, held at City Hall, saw Mayor Antonio Hoye recognize local academic achievers, handing out framed certificates to students who scored 20 or higher on their ACT. The following students scored between 20 and 24: Z’Mya Arrington, Jamari McDonald, Rayla Mitchell, Chanaysha Moore, De’Truan Brown, Lonnie Jones, Jaylon Robinson, Chelsi Turner, Erin Ware, Alexander West, Jatelyn Robinson, Samaria Jones, Kalaeja Jones, Jacoby Jones, Ja’Mazia Johnson, De’Asia Cox, Nicholas Wheaton, Ethan West, and Sasha Harris. The following students achieved scores higher than 25: Samiya Sanders and Daylen Ware.
Harvey Curry, the school resource officer at Newton High School, requested the board close the street in front of the school from the First Street stop sign to the band hall parking lot from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. "We've been experiencing a problem with loud music and unauthorized vehicles on the property," Curry said. The board voted unanimously to allow the school to close the street and have signs made to be posted at the street.
As part of regular business, the board unanimously voted to choose Custom Fence Builders to fix the Wade Park fence, ensuring the park’s safety and accessibility for residents.
A citizens forum has been set for Thursday, July 11, at the Newton Depot at 5:30 p.m. to discuss community concerns and ideas.
The board also discussed sports tourism with a local softball league, exploring opportunities to enhance the city’s recreational offerings.
The next meeting of the Newton Board of Aldermen is scheduled for July 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., where they will continue to address ongoing issues and new business brought before the board.
