NEWTON FEST AND NEWTON ALUMNI WEEKEND
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 2 Newton’s only locally owned full service bank for over 80 years. 100 N. 2nd Ave. W., Newton 641-792-3010 • www.fnnbbank.com Shaped by our Past, focused on Your Future.
What’s inside?
A look at Newton Fest and Newton Alumni Weekend 2023
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Kids Entertainment Kids activities at no cost to parents
Nightly Music A variety of acts hit the Newton Fest stages page 7
Getting Sporty Plenty of events to stay active page 9
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Hall of Famers Meet Newton High School’s 2023 Inductees
Together Again Newton High School’s Alumni Celebration
Fore! Jack Chadwick Best Shot Golf Tournament
Reunion Time A schedule of events for reunions during alumni weekend page 13
Alumni photos courtesy of the NHS yearbooks
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 3
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 4 BROOKWOOD INC. 641-792-1186 QUALITY, RELIABLE SERVICE Heating • Air Conditioning • Plumbing Since 1962 (that’s 61 years!) Brookwood, Inc. has installed quality Heating & Air Conditioning Products in the Newton area. Quality Work and On-time Performance are just two reasons to have us take care of your Heating & Cooling needs. Thank you to all our loyal customers for your business throughout the years. 409 N. 23rd Ave., Newton • 641-792-1186 www.brookwoodinc.com We are a Save Qualified Contractor SM-NE4484955-0606 THETEAMTOINSUREYOURIGHT. THECOMPANIESTOSAVEYOUMONEY. *savingsmayvary 2201st Ave. W. Newton 641-792-5040 www.clemonmaki.com Alex Modlin 2003 Ryan Maki 1997 Lindey Butler 2006 Jeff Maki 1995 Darin Eide 1998 Skyler Wedeking Denise Naber Cory Hartgers 2014 THETEAMTOINSUREYOURIGHT. THECOMPANIESTOSAVEYOUMONEY. *savingsmayvary 2201st Ave. W. 641-792-5040 Welcome Newton Alumni and Newton Fest visitors!
KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED IS EASY
Plenty of family-friendly events ensures there is always something for the little ones to enjoy
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Newton Fest is jampacked with family-friendly activities, which is no big surprise. The celebration of all things Newton isn’t just exclusive to adults or kidsat-heart — it’s for everyone! So parents shouldn’t have any problem wearing out their kids with a bevy of fun things at Maytag Park and beyond.
During the pre-Newton Fest on June 8, kids (and adults!) are welcome to join DMACC at Maytag Park for Chalk the Walk. Bring out your inner artist to take part in a free chalk art competition. Chalk will be provided, so all you have to worry about is figuring out what to illustrate. Prizes will be given out, too!
Capitol II Theatre is welcoming families into a world of pure imagination with a free community movie showing of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” That’s the original movie in case you all were wondering. The show begins 10:30 a.m. June 9 and 10 at the Capitol II. Doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
By the time Saturday arrives, kids should be worn out from all the activities.
One of the newest events this year is the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Story & Spin Art Bikes from noon to 2 p.m. June 10 at Maytag Park. Guests can use the spin art machine attached to a bike and leave with a masterpiece.
Safety Fest returns at the same time. Staff from the Newton Fire Department and Newton Police Department will be parked at the park with the firetruck, ambulance, police vehicles and more. Meet-and-great your neighborhood officers and firefighters, and even try out the fire hose!
The fun doesn’t have to stay in the Fun Zone, but there is certainly plenty of fun things to do in the Fun Zone. Families can enjoy several different inflatables to choose from, as well as laser tag from noon to 4 p.m. June 10 at Maytag Park. Again, all of these activities are free of charge. Do you believe in magic? Well the Magic and Illusions of Eric Michaels will certainly make you a believer. Michaels returns for yet another fun magic show from 1 to 2 p.m. June 10 at the Maytag Bowl. The magic show features plenty of comedy, audience participation and live animals to enjoy.
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 5
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 6 Visit us at our new location: 403 W 4th St N, Suite 101 • Newton, IA • Mon.-Thurs. 9am-3pm CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE RED PRIDE • CARDINALS • RED PRIDE • CARDINALS The Newton Chamber of Commerce would like to WELCOME Newton Alumni and visitors for NEWTON FEST and NEWTON ALUMNI WEEKEND. ENJOY YOUR TIME IN NEWTON! SM-NE573772-0606 Rick’s Amoco The only FULL SERVICE gas station in Newton. Check with us for brake & exhaust work, shocks & struts, cv shafts & all minor repair service. Belts • Hoses • Tires • Plugs • Antifreeze • Wiper Blades • Batteries • Tune-ups CAR STARTING SERVICE • FLAT TIRE RESCUE 321 1st Ave. E., Newton • 641-792-8080 24 HOUR FUEL A Great Smile... The Ultimate Accessory Where you will find Service, Solutions, and Your Smile. 1919 1st Avenue East • Newton, IA • 641-792-2780 • www.thedentalpractice.net Like us on Facebook
CAP OFF EACH NIGHT WITH MUSIC
Damon Dotson, Sirius Jones and Dueling Fiddles end each evening of Newton Fest
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Of course Newton Fest wouldn’t be Newton Fest without a little music, and organizers have managed to book crowd pleasers every night.
Kicking off the Thursday evening festivities (yes, there most certainly is a pre-fest Newton Fest) is the always-entertaining Dueling Fiddles, featuring the very talented and sought-after Des Moines violinists Hanna Wolle and Geneviève Salamone. Their performance begins 7 p.m. June 8 at the Maytag Bowl. Dueling Fiddles is just one of the many perform-
ers featured in this year’s Summer Concert Series held at Maytag Park. These concerts are free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and even coolers to the park as they enjoy the live music shows.
But that’s just a sampling of what’s to come. On Friday night, Thunder Nites returns to the downtown square and with it is a live performance from the band Sirius Jones from Waterloo. Sirius Jones has the perfect jam tunes to boogey to while you’re enjoying the best bike night in Jasper County from 6 to 10 p.m. June 9.
Would you believe there is another musical op-
portunity happening the same night? While it’s not really a band per se, the free UV Glow Foam Party is hosted by a DJ from Driving Cap Entertainment. The party for kids and adults begins 9 p.m. June 9 at Maytag Park. It’s time to get groovy with the foam cannon.
Ending the Newton Fest activities is Damon Dotson, a singer-songwriter from Des Moines. Well, heck, most of you ought to know who this guy is by now because of how often he’s played in Newton. And there’s a reason for that: We just really love his shows! See him at 7 p.m. June 10 at the Maytag Bowl.
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 7
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 8 217 N. 2nd Ave. W., Newton (1 block west of square) 641-791-4024 Mon.-Fri., 9-7; Sat. 9-3 Expires 6/10/23 Book Trader Tan America Welcome Alumni! 20% off entire purchase Kids Eat Free on Sundays! with purchase of adult meal WELCOME BACK ALUMNI! Enjoy one of our extensive menu items or favorite beverage with your friends 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon. 4pm - close Tues.-Sun. 11am - close Party Room Available • Wedding Rehearsals & Receptions • Holiday Parties • Birthday Parties • Reunions OKOBOJI GRILL WHERE GOOD FRIENDS MEET! 1425 W. 19th St. S. Newton | 641-792-1023 109 N. 2nd Ave. E • Newton Ph: 515-401-7398 ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES STEP BACK IN TIME FOR A BEER, GLASS OF WINE OR HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL. CHARCUTERIE BOARDS MADE TO ORDER. SM-NE573783-0606 SM-NE573781-0606 641-792-3250 M-F 10am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm | West Side of Square Newton Mattingly Books, Music and Hobby Gifts for Everyone. Puzzles, Games, Brainy Games & More! mattinglymusic.com 1324 1st Ave., Newton 641-275-9035 Hours of Business: Monday-Saturday 9am-10pm Drive thru only after 8pm Sunday 9am-8pm Wine • Energy Drinks Mixers • Hard Liquor • Ice • Pop • Snacks • E-Cigs • Iowa Lottery DRIVE THRU STATE MINIMUM LOW CIGARETTES COLDEST BEER IN TOWN SM-NE573786-0606
GETTING SPORTY, STAYING ACTIVE
Work up a sweat or get competitive throughout Newton Fest
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Staying active just got easier! Sure, we can exercise any day of the week, but it’s not often we get a chance to participate in a dodgeball or pickle ball tournament, go on a 5K and then be rewarded with a cold beer, indulge in some morning yoga or dive into Maytag Pool for — wait for it — even more yoga!
No seriously that last part isn’t something we made up! The City of Newton and Red Sun Yoga are teaming up to offer a water yoga class from 11:30 a.m. to noon on June 9 at Maytag Pool. This activity is open for all ages. The class itself is free but there is a $5 pool entry. Bring your swimsuits!
Of course, if you’d rather swim there’s plenty of chances to do that, too. In fact, there is a free community pool party from 7 to 9 p.m. June 9. This party is brought to you courtesy of the folks at Advantage Credit Union. The pool is open free of charge to anyone. And at that time you might not need sunscreen. Bonus!
By the way, if for some reason you can’t make it out to the free party pool that day, admission is only $2 the next day on June 10. Double bonus!
Perhaps the yoga part is more your thing. The calm and peaceful activity really has a way of working your muscles and your mind. Which is why morning yoga from 9 to 10 a.m. June 10 at Maytag Bowl might be the best way to start the day.
The free session is open to all skill levels and brought to us by Rachel Braafhart.
If you’re not feeling enough burn from the yoga session, the Iowa Brewery Running Series Run for Beer 5K starts at 10 a.m. June 10 at Gezellig Brewing Company, 403 W. Fourth St. N., at Legacy Plaza. You can run, jog or walk. When you’re done, Gezellig staff will be waiting to serve you a nice cold beverage.
While you’re at it, celebrate the brewery’s four-year anniversary! Can you believe they opened during Newton Fest? The microbrewery has been making a name for itself ever since. We’re certainly glad they call Newton home. After your beer, be sure to enjoy some food trucks at Maytag Park and Legacy Plaza!
OK so maybe yoga, running and swimming are not your thing. Maybe you want something more competitive. Well, the Newton YMCA is hosting a pickle ball tournament 9 a.m. June 10 at Aurora Park. It is $45 per team and each match — open doubles, women’s doubles and intermediate doubles — is best-of-three.
For those who want to dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge, there is also a free dodgeball tournament 3 p.m. June 10 at the tennis courts in Maytag Park. There are two age divisions: ages 12-17 and ages 18-and-up. The tournament is single elimination, and there will be prizes for top three and the best dressed teams.
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 9
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 10 Get started today at DMACC.EDU/APPLY DMACC Newton Campus WWW.DMACC.EDU/NEWTON 600 N. 2nd Ave. West, Newton, Ia | 641-791-3622 DMACC shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services. The full DMACC Nondiscrimination policy is available online at nd.dmacc.edu. 15530-5-23-M DMACC.EDU | 800-362-2127 | DMACC Newton Campus Whether you’re interested in a career right out of college or transferring to a university, DMACC’s Newton Campus offers you a path to opportunity and personal reward. Get started today! 110 N 5th Ave W Newton, Iowa 641-792-0115 Assisted Living apartments currently available! 2022 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, CMS 5-Star rate, Voted Best Retirement Community in Jaspser County. Live Life Your Way! CALL FOR SPECIALS Newton High School Hall of Fame Inductees 2023
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CARDINALS RETURN TO ROOST
Newton Alumni Weekend brings Cardinals back together again
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
When Newton alumni are told to show up, they show up.
If the past two years of huge crowds gathering around the downtown district and the courtyard of Legacy Plaza are any indication, the Newton High School Alumni Weekend continues to draw Cardinals back to their nest for full nights of camaraderie and celebration. It’s a joyous time to say the least.
Mark Hallam, a Newton Cardinal and city council member, acknowledges the alumni association is still going strong in bringing classmates back for their reunion. After a couple years of decline, Hallam said it has been heartwarming to see the big turnouts in 2021 and 2022. It was “absolutely packed,” he said.
“I love the Friday night all-classes event because you see people from every different graduating year,” Hallam said. “I also see retired teachers who show up. I see the parents and siblings of my friends from high school.”
The Newton High School Alumni Association was founded in 1881 — when the very first re -
union was held — by none other than Emerson Hough himself. The reunion weekend has taken many forms over the years, but by the mid1960s it had settled into a routine that closely resembles today’s format.
Typically, the weekend begins with an allclass reunion held Friday night, followed by a brunch at the high school on Saturday morning and then individual class reunions on Saturday night with decorated windows downtown, oftentimes referred to as the “weekend window walk.”
“As I see it, it’s an amazing tradition for a small town like this,” Hallam said.
Over the years, the Friday night all-class reunions were held at various locations like the Elks and the Iowa Speedway’s Newton Club before settling on Legacy Plaza. Hallam said in 2014 the association and the high school added the Newton Hall of Fame ceremony to the Saturday brunch.
Five years later the association included the Jack Chadwick Golf Tournament to its list of activities, showing that the group is still wanting to grow outside its usual traditions. The money collected from these events go towards the association’s scholarship fund for graduates of New -
ton High School.
“We also do fundraising for high school projects. For example, the new Cardinal benches out in front of Newton High School. That was coordinated by the alumni association,” Hallam said. “We also did fundraising for the cross-country team in 2020 and 2021.”
The all-class reunion is 6 p.m. June 9 at Legacy Plaza. The cover charge is $5 per person with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, which supports the Newton chapter of Dollars for Scholars. Murph & Mary’s Pub will be the alcohol vendor. Gezellig Brewing and food trucks will be available at the venue too.
Classes will be assigned their tables. The Class of 1978 will be selling Pee Chee T-Shirts as part of their ongoing philanthropy efforts towards the high school. The booster club will be selling items as well. Tickets for the reunion can be purchased at the entrance.
The Saturday brunch and hall of fame will start at 9:30 a.m. at the high school upper gym. Tickets are $15 per person.
Hallam said, “That’s an opportunity to see some people who are Cardinal alumni who have really performed at a stellar level at their professions.”
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 11
GOLF TOURNAMENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO BELOVED COACH
Jack Chadwick Golf Tournament brings alumni together to honor coach and see how their game has improved with age
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
To his kids, Jack Chadwick was known as “Dad,” but everyone else — including those who didn’t have him as a golf mentor or as a history teacher in high school — just called him “Coach.” In 2019, two years before Chadwick’s passing, Newton alumni honored the coach’s legacy the only way they knew how.
The Jack Chadwick Golf Tournament was formed as a commemorative gesture to Chadwick, who led the Newton High School golf team to two state championships and 12 conference titles. He was also twice nominated for National Golf Coach of the Year.
The tourney also formalized what other Cardinals were already doing when they returned home for Newton Alumni Weekend. Ed Ergenbright, former head football coach and a fellow Cardinal himself, told Newton News in 2019 that it only made sense to put the tournament together for his favorite teacher.
At the time the tournament was created, Chadwick’s oldest son Brian said he didn’t realize his dad’s impact on students and the community, nor the sacrifices his dad made until he was an adult, even when his dad brought him along to golf meets when he was just in middle school.
From what his son observed through the years, he learned his father had an obvious passion for the sport and wanted students “to be able to enjoy the game that he loved so
much.” Chadwick taught them how to act and present themselves in addition to how to drive a golf ball a few hundred yards away.
Chadwick’s youngest son Chad knows his dad meant a lot to people who still referred to him as “Coach” or “Mr. Chadwick” long after graduation.
“Going through town with Dad there would be so many people that would just say, ‘Hey, Coach!’ or ‘Hi,
Mr. Chadwick!’ So I did kind of realize he was known throughout the town … but I don’t think I knew the full effect until later on and looking at all his accomplishments,” Chad said.
Daughter Carrie Williams said her father always wanted to share his knowledge of golf, and in turn he taught valuable life skills too.
“To be passionate about what you do and to be very competitive yet cordial, and to always be kind,” Williams
said. “He was never one to ever push us, but he wanted us to know what it’s like to work hard and play hard but to also have fun at the same time.”
The tournament’s shot gun start begins at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 10 at Westwood Golf Course. Call ahead at 641-792-3087 to reserve a spot. Teams of four are $300, or $75 per person, paid on the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the NHS Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 12
Alumni Weekend 2022 Reunion Schedule
Class of 1953
1 p.m. — June 10 Park Centre Garden Room
Class Rep: Georgia Pierson 515-255-7471
Class of 1958
1 p.m. — June 10
Okoboji Grill — 1407 W. 19th St. S.
Class Reps: Sue (Brooks) Eldred
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 13
Class of 1963
1 to 5 p.m. — June 10
Newton Elks Lodge
(downstairs - Ladies Lounge) 111 E. Second St. S.
Class Rep: Joanne (Wright) Thomason and Suzie (Tharp) Vander Schel 641-521-3844
Class of 1968
4 p.m. Social, 6 p.m. Dinner — June 10
American Legion — 1101 W. Fourth St. S. Class Reps: Jim Crandell
email:nhsclassof1968@gmail.com
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 14
Class of 1973
5 to 9 p.m. — June 10
Main Level Izaak Walton — 889 Hwy F 36 W., Newton
Class Rep: Nancy Dougall
Class of 1978
5 p.m. — June 10
Fore Seasons Golf — 6232 Hwy S. 74th S. Class Rep: Nancy (Craig) Munley
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 15
Class of 1983
6:30 p.m. — June 10
Izaak Walton (upper level) — 889 Hwy F36 W.
Class Rep: Deborah Borchert & Joni (Tipton) Meckley 641-417-9596
Class of 1988
6 p.m. — June 10
Elks Club Lower level — 111 E. Second St. S. Class Rep: Staci (McDonald) Sanders & Chris Hoagland
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 16
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5 p.m. — June 10 Thunderdome — Revel and Rind 1611 First Ave W. Class Rep:Teri (Rorabaugh) Myers getmorris@hotmail.com
6:30 p.m. — June 10 Thunderdome — 1611 First Ave W. Class Rep: Nicole Brooks, Erin (Hammer) Yeager & Ryan Simbro getmorris@hotmail.com
Class of 1993
Class of 1998
Class of 2003
4 to 7 p.m. — June 10
Murph & Mary’s Pub — 403 W. Fourth St. N.
Class Rep: Natasha Jimenez and Tandace (Lureman) Murphy 214-662-8647
Class of 2008
6 p.m. — June 10
Bldg 20 Legacy Plaza — 403 W. Fourth St. N.
Class Rep: Jordan (Benson) Bell 641-417-0224
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 18
Class of 2018
June 10
Thunderdome — 1611 First Ave. W.
Class Rep: Tessa Keeton and Bethany Baumgartner
Baumgartner@kansascity.edu
Class of 2013
5:30 p.m. — June 10
Gezellig Brewing Company
403 W. Fourth St. N. Legacy Plaza Courtyard
Class Rep: Anna Latcham
Alumni/Newton Fest • June 6, 2023 – Page 19
A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS NEWTON, IOWA: ARTS, FOOD, MUSIC, HISTORY, RED PRIDE & SO MUCH MORE!
JOIN US DURING THE EVENING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 8 FOR SOME PRE-NEWTON FEST FUN AT MAYTAG PARK!
Friday, June 9
Newton Alumni Association’s Class Window Displays
All Day| Downtown Newton
FREE Try the YMCA Day
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Newton YMCA
FREE Community Movie - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at the Capitol II Theatre, sponsored by Bank Iowa
10:30 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre
Water Yoga with Red Sun Yoga
11:30 a.m. | Maytag Pool
Gezellig Brewing Company’s Cheers to Four Years!
4 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company
Newton Alumni Association’s All Class Reunion
6 p.m. | Legacy Plaza
Newton Main Street’s Thunder Nites featuring Sirius Jones
6 p.m. | Downtown Newton
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
FREE Community Pool Party courtesy of Advantage Credit Union
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Maytag Pool
Newton Community Theatre Inc. presents “Getting Gary”
7 p.m. | Newton Community Theatre
FREE UV Glow Foam Party
9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Maytag Park
Saturday, June 10
Newton YMCA'S Pickleball Tournament
9 a.m. | Aurora Park
FREE Morning Yoga at the Park
9 a.m. | Maytag Park
Newton Alumni Brunch & Newton High School Hall of Fame Induction
9 a.m. | Newton High School
Gezellig Brewing Company’s Cheers to Four Years!
10 a.m. | Legacy Plaza
DMACC’s Chalk the Walk at Maytag Park | 5 - 7 p.m. Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series featuring Dueling Fiddles | 7 p.m.
Iowa Brewery Running Series Run for Beer 5K
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company
FREE Community Movie - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at the Capitol II Theatre, sponsored by Bank Iowa
10:30 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre
FREE Safety Fest featuring the Newton Fire Department & Newton Police Department
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE ISU Extension & Outreach Craft & Story Walk
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE Fun Zone w/ Rock Climbing, Laser Tag & Inflatables
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE Magic Show: The Magic & Illusions of Eric Michaels
1 p.m. | Maytag Bowl
$2 Admission to Maytag Pool
1 p.m. | Maytag Pool
FREE Newton Fest Dodgeball Tournament
3 p.m. | Maytag Bowl
Newton Community Theatre Inc. presents “Getting Gary”
7 p.m. | Newton Community Theatre
FREE Damon Dotson + Band in Concert
7 p.m. | Maytag Bowl
Scan the QR code above to see the full schedule! Schedule is subject to change at any time.
• Black Hills Energy
• DMACC Newton Campus
• Newton Alumni Association
• Newton YMCA
• Capitol II Theatre
• Bank Iowa
• Red Sun Yoga
• Gezellig Brewing Company
• Newton Main Street & Thunder Nites
• Advantage Credit Union
• Newton Community Theatre
• Rachel Braafhart
• Newton Community School District
• Newton Fire Department
• Newton Police Department
• ISU Extension & Outreach
LEARN MORE AT www.newtonfest.org
