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Newton Main Street hires new executive director Newton Daily News
Kate Malott/Daily News Grand marshal Junior Banks, center, along with son Jeff Banks, left, and daughter Jaymie Banks-Westfield, right, smile as they see a friend in the parade. See more photos from the Fourth of July festivities on pages 9A and 10A.
All American Day Thousands attend Newton Fourth of July parade, fireworks By Kate Malott Newton Daily News Cloud cover and a brief mist didn’t stop thousands of people from attending the annual Newton Fourth of July parade Monday in downtown Newton. More than 90 parade registrants participated in the “Salute to Presidents” parade Monday morning in front of a large crowd along First Avenue and North Second Avenue. The parade lasted nearly two hours. “It was a huge success. There were tons and tons of people,” Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and event organizer Amanda Price said. Price and fellow chamber member Mike Farley walked in the parade leading parade grand marshal Junior Banks, son Jeff and daughter Jaymie. “I think that everybody and their mother loved seeing Junior as the grand marshal. I mean I’ve never seen a grand marshal get a standing ovation and applause, and he was just loving it the whole time. He was
Kate Malott/Daily News Parade watchers get sprayed with a mist of water during the parade Monday morning downtown Newton.
yelling ‘thank you,’ ‘I love you.’ He can work a crowd. It was awesome,” Price said. Jane Ann Cotton attended with her son, daughter-in-law and friends. She enjoys attending the annual parade which she calls “a big highlight.” “I think its a wonderful Newton tradition. I’ve been here many years, and I always try to come to the Fourth of July parade. It’s a big highlight,” Cotton said. Like many longtime locals, Carl DeGoey loves to attend the Newton Fourth of July parade. He last lived in town for 13 years and prior to that just north of town on his farm for 50 years. DeGoey said he loved seeing
Banks in the parade, and his favorite automobile was the Farmall Super MTA tractor. “I like to see old cars. I like to see old tractors, and I like to see a lot of people. I loved it. I was great,” DeGoey said. The parade could not happen with the work and generosity of its volunteers and committee, Price said. “They were amazing. They did all the lining up of the parade and the dignitary line. It couldn’t have happened without them,” she said. Pat Wallace and Liz Dodd are two volunteers who give their time to make sure the parade and activities
Economic development for the City of Newton is making progress according to senior analyst Natalie Umsted. Economic development is one of four essential purposes the city identified as a part of the action plan that serves as a detailed guide of what city staff is working on to further the city’s goals. “The city’s purpose is to build a strong economic base with high quality
jobs. This is to be accomplished by creating a vibrant d o w n town, attracting business Umsted growth around the interst ate interchanges, assisting local business with expansion and growing the population and strengthening the community by attracting young families and re-
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LOEBSACK | 3A
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Attempts to loosen privacy laws in progress
dated properties,” Umsted said. “Moo’s BBQ has opened a second location at interchange 164 and Impress Bridal has opened a downtown location.” Another big win for the city was recruiting Hardee’s to build a new location at the former Juice and Junk location. “Some excited things happening in buildings that were formerly vacant or dilapidated properties,” Umsted said. The city is also working
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taining existing residents,” Umsted said. During her previous report Umsted addressed areas where the plan was falling behind including recruiting new stores and restaurants and leveraging Newton’s status as a Skilled Iowa community. The city, along with its local business partners, have taken steps forward in those categories. “In terms of other economic development avenues, our focus has really been on filling vacancies and rehabilitating dilapi-
Loebsack addresses veterans, VA policies
When U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack showed up at American Legion Post 111 in Newton on Friday afternoon, some local residents had probably already started their three-day weekends. However, a handful of Jasper County residents were gathered in the post’s ballroom to meet with Loebsack, the five-term District 2 representative since 2006. Loebsack has made a pattern of visitLoebsack ing many communities in his district just before the Fourth of July, with a focus on veterans issues. The Democrat is seeking election to a sixth term this November, but he was adamant he was only in Newton to discuss official business related to Congress, and not as part of a campaign effort in any way. Loebsack said there are several issues concerning veterans that either have been addressed recently in Congress or are part of pending legislation. He said there is an active House mental-health bill that includes a provision to “loosen HIPPA laws” in a way that would allow medical and/ or law enforcement to talk to each other about patient diagnoses that affect public safety. “That bill could see the House floor this week,” Loebsack said.
City making progress in economic development By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News
Newton Main Street’s Board of Directors has hired Graham Sullivan as the program’s new executive director. The board made its selection during a special meeting held Friday morning. Sullivan will begin work July 18. “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to lead such a great organization,” Sullivan said. “I was born and raised here and am really excited to see the progress we have made in the downtown. There is so much poSullivan tential with the downtown and I cannot wait to get started and do what I can to help downtown to reach its potential.” Sullivan, 31, is a Newton High School graduate and has a business administration degree from DMACC. Most recently, Sullivan worked at Store for Homes and served as treasurer for the Newton Community Education Foundation. She is married to Patrick Sullivan and has two children, Laek and Sean. Sullivan previously held the position of Newton Main Street’s Board president, which will now belong to Kathy Winn. The announcement comes on the heels of city council’s approval of a two-year extension of the City of Newton’s program agreement with Newton Main Street and Main Street Iowa. Newton Main Street is also preparing to launch its next three-year pledge drive. The last day for outgoing director Andrew Bassman, who is leaving for a new position, is July 15. “I have worked with Graham on Main Street projects and activities for over two years and I know she will do an excellent job,” Bassman said. “I am confident the program is in very good hands.”
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New ISU extension specialist
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