A big spark of community energy is about to hit Newell.
Keep Iowa Beautiful has announced that Newell will launch its own Hometown Pride initiative this August — joining more than 100 Iowa communities that have used the program to build momentum, strengthen local leadership and complete thousands of volunteer‑driven projects.
Hometown Pride helps towns turn local ideas into real improvements, from parks and trails to public art, beautification, gathering spaces and community events.
Keep Iowa Beautiful Associate Director Lorin Ditzler says Newell stood out immediately during the application process.
Newell submitted its initial statement of interest in February, followed by a full application in May. The city was notified of its selection a couple of weeks ago, but the official announcement came last week.
Ditzler says the program’s impact statewide goes far beyond individual projects — it builds long‑term community capacity.
Research backs that up. Communities with strong volunteer engagement tend to see better population stability, stronger economic health and higher civic involvement.
Newell will be coached by Margo Underwood — Keep Iowa Beautiful’s longest‑serving Hometown Pride coach, who has led Pocahontas County communities since the program began in 2014. Ditzler says Underwood is a natural fit.
As for what projects Newell might pursue — that will be up to residents. The first step is forming a volunteer committee, which will work with Underwood to identify priorities and raise funds through grants, sponsorships and local support.
Ditzler says the most successful Hometown Pride communities are the ones where residents take ownership and stick with projects over time.
Newell joins six other Buena Vista County communities that began Hometown Pride work last year — including Albert City, Alta, Lakeside, Marathon, Sioux Rapids and Storm Lake — strengthening regional collaboration and giving towns more opportunities to share ideas and build off each other’s progress.
Ditzler says residents can expect more information — including how to volunteer — when the program officially kicks off next month.
