Another court date looms as the City of Newton continues to work towards getting rid of a downtown building severely damaged by the August 10th 2020 derecho. The two-story building just northeast of the square at 209 West 2nd Street North is still standing despite a court order and the 4th anniversary of the derecho. The City of Newton and the property owner, Chedester Properties LLC of Des Moines, reached a settlement agreement on October 2nd of 2023. In the agreement, Chedester Properties agreed to demolish the building no later than February 2nd of this year. The City has released a statement saying the building and its severely damaged 2nd story is still there 6 months past the deadline because Chedester Properties has repeatedly asked the court for multiple extensions. The City says September 10th, 2024 is the date for the next court proceeding in the case. The statement adds that will be the next time City Lawyers ask the court to compel Chedester Properties LLC to adhere to the settlement agreement and demolish the building. In the meantime, the western half of West 2nd Street North remains barricaded off in front of the property.