The Iowa League of Cities has recognized Newton as the 2015 People’s All-Star Community at the League’s Annual Conference and Exhibit. In August, judging began on Facebook. Newton was chosen to be among 10 communities to compete in the head-to-head, bracket-style competition. City officials entered its “Get to Know Newton” community outreach project, launched in 2014, as a way to tell Newton’s story of resurgence following the departure of Maytag. This is the second statewide award for the “Get to Know Newton” program. In July, the program was named Program of the Year of the Iowa City Manager’s Association.