City of Halstead

Attention Halstead residents, parents, and drivers - Effective tomorrow, April 21, 2026:

Due to the sidewalk closures that will be occurring from Poplar Street to Main Street for the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project, the typical routes to school utilized by many USD 440 students will need to vary slightly over the next weeks while construction is underway. These are the suggested routes to get to school using sidewalks not under construction and after school the reverse of these routes can be utilized for students heading home.

For students, bicycles, or pedestrians coming from the east side of Halstead (east of Poplar Street; see Alt Paths Map), please use sidewalks to get to 6th and Main which is an all-way stop. Everyone should utilize the crossings at the controlled intersection to get to the sidewalk on the south side of 6th Street and proceed towards the schools along that sidewalk.

For students, bicycles, or pedestrians coming from the west side of Halstead (west of Poplar Street; see Alt Paths Map 2), please use sidewalks on the north side of 6th Street to get to the marked crosswalk that is just east of the 6th and Harvey Street intersection. In coordination with USD 440, this is where the school crossing guard will be posted and once across 6th Street, everyone will need to use the sidewalk on the south side of 6th Street and proceed towards the schools along that sidewalk.

Drivers need to pay special attention while driving on 6th Street as it is possible that students, bicycles, or pedestrians may attempt to cross at other intersections. Please use caution, slow down, and avoid distracted driving to help everyone arrive at their destination safely. There will be increased Halstead Police patrol presence during these times in the school zone corridor.

We encourage everyone to use the alternate routes as have been set out. We ask everyone to remember to be safe when crossing any streets, remind children of basic safety rules when crossing streets, and to avoid attempting to travel in or cross from the sidewalk construction zones. We thank everyone for their attention, mindfulness, and patience while this project is ongoing.

🚧 Safe Routes to School Project Update – City of Halstead 🚧
Construction on new and improved sidewalks will begin in the next 1–2 weeks and is expected to take approximately 60 days to complete.
📍 Project Areas Include:
• North side of 6th Street (West St. to Spruce St.)
• West side of Santa Fe Street (6th St. to 5th St.)
• West side of Chestnut Street (Halstead Methodist Church to 10th St.)
Construction will generally move west to east on 6th Street, then north to south along Chestnut Street, with crews completing about four blocks per week.
👷 What to Expect:
• Temporary driveway closures may occur during concrete work and curing
• Please plan for alternate parking when needed
• Avoid walking or driving on new concrete while it cures
🌱 Important Reminders:
• Mark any private sprinkler systems or invisible fences near sidewalks
• Some trees in the right-of-way may be removed, with potential replacement coordinated afterward
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve safety, accessibility, and walkability throughout our community. This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to see it underway!
📞 Questions or concerns? Please contact City Hall or Public Works Director Pat Adams at 316-835-2286.

💡 Utility Level Pay Sign-Ups Are Open!

Take the stress out of seasonal utility spikes by enrolling in Level Pay and keeping your monthly bills consistent year-round.

To qualify:
✔️ Must be at your current address for at least 12 months
✔️ Utility account must be in good standing

📅 Last day to sign up: May 20

🔔 Current Level Pay Customers:
• May is settle-up month
• Any remaining balance must be paid in full by May 15
• Existing customers will automatically renew
• Your new Level Pay amount will be available in June

Have questions or need help signing up? Contact City Hall—we’re happy to assist!

Municipal Court will be held today at 1:30pm.
Please enter on the North side of the building. Doors open at 1pm.

🚴‍♀️ Heads up, Halstead! 🚴‍♂️

The Chisholm Trail Bike Ride will be passing through town the morning of Saturday, May 2nd! We’re expecting around 100 cyclists traveling through on Hertzler Rd, 36th St, and Halstead Rd.

This great event helps raise funds for ambulatory trikes for kids and adults, as well as bike safety equipment for children—supporting healthier, safer communities for everyone.

If you see riders out on the road, please use extra caution and help us give them a warm Halstead welcome!

Heads up, Halstead residents!

The Newton Technical Rescue Team will be conducting training exercises near the levee on Friday morning. You may notice increased emergency vehicle presence and activity in the area during this time.

This is only a training exercise—there is no cause for concern.

Thank you for your understanding as our first responders continue preparing to keep our communities safe!

🌿🌸 Halstead Middle School Plant Sale 🌸🌿
Mark your calendars! The Halstead Middle School Plant Sale is coming up on May 2nd from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Go and shop a great selection of plants while supporting a great cause—all proceeds will go toward funding the school greenhouse! 🌱💚
Your support helps grow hands-on learning opportunities for students while beautifying your home or garden. Win-win! 🌼

🌳 Happy Arbor Day, Halstead! 🌳

We’re proud to share that the City of Halstead has been recognized as a Tree City for an incredible 48 years! This long-standing designation reflects our community’s commitment to planting, caring for, and celebrating trees that make our city a healthier and more beautiful place to live.

A special thank you goes out to our Parks & Recreation Director, Grant Williams, for his dedication and hard work in helping maintain and grow our community’s tree program.

Let’s continue to appreciate and protect the trees that enhance our parks, streets, and neighborhoods. 🌱

Municipal Court will be held today at 1:30pm.
Please enter on the North side of the building. Doors open at 1pm.