Newton, NC – Register now for Newton 101 Citizens Academy, which begins Thursday, Sept. 12. Newton 101 is a free program for city residents to learn more about how the city of Newton operates, the services it offers, and the history of the city.

Newton 101 features tours of all city departments, including tours of facilities such as Newton City Hall, the Newton Recreation Center, the Newton Police Department, the Newton Fire Department, the Newton Water Treatment Plant, and the Newton Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The academy runs for seven consecutive Thursdays beginning Sept. 12 and ending Oct. 24. Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. and end by 9 p.m. The program is free. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not required. The deadline to register is Sept. 5.

• Session 1 (Sept. 12): Meet and greet at Newton City Hall. Attendees will meet the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Department Heads. Participants will learn about the history of Newton.

• Session 2 (Sept. 19): Public Works and Utilities. Participants will tour the raw water intake at the Jacob Fork River, the water treatment plant, and the wastewater treatment plant.

• Session 3 (Sept. 26): Newton City Hall. Participants will tour City Hall including the Administration, Police, Human Resources, Planning, Information Systems and Finance departments. They also will learn more about the city’s electric distribution system, as well as other Public Works services and facilities.

• Session 4 (Oct. 3): Public Safety at Fire Department Headquarters. Citizens will learn about the fire and police departments and the many ways they work to protect and serve the citizens of Newton.

• Session 5 (Oct. 10): Finance, Human Resources and Information Systems at the Historic Newton Depot. Participants will learn about the inner workings of municipal government finance, personnel, and information systems.

• Session 6 (Oct. 17): Newton Parks and Recreation and Planning at the Newton Recreation Center. Participants will learn about the many activities and resources offered at the Newton Recreation Department. This session also will explore the Planning Department and economic development projects.

• Session 7 (Oct. 24): Graduation at Newton City Hall. Participants will enjoy a brief social event, followed by a question-and-answer session with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Department Heads. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion at the final session.

For more information or to register, contact Alex Frick at 828-695-4266 or [email protected].
Newton 101 Citizens Academy participants