Melanie Watson began her role as city commissioner on Dec. 12 and said she sees it as a way to give back to her community after the support she received while going through a difficult time in her life. Watson was the victim of domestic violence that eventually led to a violent attack from her husband after she filed for divorce. “I knew there would be consequences for me, physically, when I was trying to leave, I remember praying to God asking him not to kill me or disable me to the point I can’t care for my children,” Watson said. Watson was rushed to St. Francis where she said she had to be resuscitated twice along the way and again when she arrived at the hospital. Hospital staff told her family she wasn’t expected to make it through the night. She said that was when support from the community started with supportive calls from people she knew in Newton giving support to her family at the time. Watson stayed at the hospital for two months, and her arm had to be amputated during that time. After returning home she said the trauma had affected her mental state, and her mother moved in. Before going to the hospital, Watson had been working two jobs, but after leaving she was unable to work. Watson said during this time, she felt great support.
Source: Harvey County Now
