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Newton, IL, Rotary Club

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Newton, IL
Newton, IL, Rotary Club

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Meets every Tuesday at Noon, at Parklane's, 504 E. Jourdan St., Newton, IL 62448

A vibrant and active club of business and professional persons that promotes the values of Rotary International by supporting humanitarian projects at local and international levels.

10/30/2026

Last chance this season for a hot, juicy Rotary Club PORKBURGER! The Newton Rotary Club will be selling porkburgers before the playoff game tonight in Newton. Newton Eagles take on the Chester Yellowjackets. Game time is 7 p.m. Also, be sure to check out the halftime show by the Newton Marching Eagles.

10/30/2026

On October 27, the Newton Rotary Club visited Expert Collision Center, a short walk from our meeting place at the Jasper County Newton American Legion Post 20- Newton IL. Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Kenny Kemper (left), pictured with Rotarian Jill Hackett (right). They are co-owners of Expert Collision Center, beginning 14 years ago.
They do custom paint work and auto body repair. They also sometimes paint other items such as doors and benches.
Over the years, the building has been used for various businesses including a poultry processor and an auto parts store, among others.
Now, the sunny front office welcomes customers and is where the insurance billing, parts ordering, and other complex business is conducted.
Going into the back, the first huge room is the body shop, where damaged parts can be replaced or repaired.
Further back is another large room, the painting area, where paint is carefully applied in a controlled space, and the air can be filtered and exhausted as spray-on paint is applied.
Kemper stated that they do a lot of repairs on vehicles damaged from collisions with animals on the road, and reminded everyone to take extra caution at this time of year. Not only do a lot of deer get hit, other animals such as raccoons, often do a lot of serious damage, as well.
Hackett warned that insurance companies are looking for ways to reduce their costs, and for insurance customers to carefully review their policies and look for any possible changes.

10/26/2026

On October 10, the Newton Rotary Club heard an update on Newton Community High School football, from Head Coach Jason Fulton (far right), who was accompanied by his son, Quincy Fulton, a Junior this year. Chairperson was Rotarian Sarah Kinkade (left), and her son, Harrison Kinkade (second from left), a Senior and a football captain.
Coach Fulton has been pleased with this season, feeling they have "turned a corner" with six wins, and now headed for a playoff game in Newton on Friday.
He also mentioned that really all the sports teams have been having a good fall season, with more than 200 kids involved.
Son Quincy is being followed by football and baseball recruiters and has recently visited South Dakota, Iowa, Iowa State, as well as Eastern Illinois University. He has had 20 touchdowns, behind Maddox Horner's 21.
New coaches assisting this year are Tony Rodriguez, Tony Karras, Ryan Tracy, Jack Kinkade, and Riley Hart.
A inspiring video of season highlights has been put together by Adrian Guzman, and can be seen online.
Incidentally, Newton Trick or Treat night has been moved to Sunday for safety reasons, with a lot of additional out-of-town traffic on Friday evening.

10/14/2026

On October 13, the Newton Rotary Club learned about the history of Arndt's Fudgery from Lois Lewis (right), who worked for Arndt's for 49 years, only retiring just this past May.
Lewis described how George Arndt started the business in 1913, purchasing a grocery store and converting it to a "five and dime" variety store.
George's son, Bill, assumed responsibility for the business in the 1940's, after he returned from military service, and expanded by opening additional stores in Casey and Greenup.
In 1967, Bill's son Tony, took over, opening more stores in Tuscola, Shelbyville, and Arthur. Always looking for a new product or direction for the business, he added Hallmark greeting cards and gifts, in addition to the school supplies, fabric, and other staple items. Arndt's was there for the fads like Cabbage Patch dolls and Beanie Babies stuffed toys.
They began making fudge, and sales began to take off, helping replace slower sales of cards and gifts. They originally sold it in the store, but as sales increased, they started some real production.
They currently have ten employees, and are taking orders over the internet, as well as Road Ranger stores across the country, to sell many varieties of fudges and brittles, but also Amish-made jams, jellies, and sauces.
On a normal day, they get around 200 orders, and may have twice that many during the holidays. Some huge orders go out, such as 700 pounds to be sold at the Covered Bridge Festival.
With their fudge-making machines, a person can produce about 40 pounds in less than an hour.
Arndt's fudge uses only high-quality, fresh ingredients, and can be purchased locally at Rauch's Jewelry and Gifts, on the SW corner of The Square in Newton.
To find out more, go to www.fudgery.com.
Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Brett Lessley (left).

10/08/2026

On September 29, the Newton Rotary Club heard from one of its own members, Don Leventhal, from the Newton Broom Factory.
Leventhal grew up learning about broom making as his family was involved in that business, and that's what brought them to our area, where they opened their factory in 1914.
Brooms were traditionally made from the tasseled tops of the broom corn plant, up until about 1950. He emphasized the many changes in his industry over the years, most notably that most brooms are not made from broom corn now, but are made of plastic fibers, such as the soft sweep broom, and "webster", for reaching dust webs.
He talked about the importance of productivity in operating a successful business and gave us some idea of how it is run.
Becoming mechanized made a huge difference in productivity. By hand, eleven workers could make 1,400 brooms in one day. Today, one worker can make that many.
They currently have 10 employees. Their products can be purchased locally at NAPA, Newton Animal Health, Kirchner's, and Jones' Hardware.

10/08/2026

On September 22, the Newton Rotary Club heard from Jacquie Cowger (right), from Newton Public Library.
Of course, most people immediately think of "books", when they think of a library, but it has SO much more to offer.
One of their newer additions is a streaming platform that is accessible from home. There is an entire e-library and audio books. Library staff is happy to help patrons with technology questions to get access.
The Library offers children's programs, such as story time, hosting "Dolly Day" on 9/25 regarding the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and story walks around The Square to read a part of a story at each stop along the way.
For adults, there is a book club, and classes are offered for GED and ESL (English as Second Language). There are ukulele classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., with a group that began meeting in 2019.
Near the end of October will be their huge Used Book Sale, where you can get a wide variety of used books at low cost.
They will host a painting class in November to make "Barn Quilts".
Cowger has worked on a strategic plan to continue to grow and serve the changing needs of the community.
The Library has some additional space since the Museum moved to a new location. The genealogy records have remained at the Library.
Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Kris Newton (left).

09/17/2026

On September 15, the Newton Rotary Club got an update on the Newton Marching Eagles' fall show from Brian Ridlen (left), and Jeffrey Finley (right) from Newton Community High School.
This year has 73 students in band, and they have been working hard on the music and the steps, but have been limited by the excessive heat from getting much practice time on the actual field.
This year's program could be described as an "old time religious" show, featuring some classic, familiar songs like How Great Thou Art and Ave Maria, and some props such as large stained glass windows and a pulpit for the featured soloists. Like the colors of stained glass, the custom uniforms are of bright orange, purple, and teal.
There are several competitions coming up at Monticello, Oblong, Effingham, University of Illinois, and Eastern Illinois University. Newton Marching Eagles will be hosting the Newton Band Classic, with 13 bands booked for this invitational event.
Ridlen and Finley are making an effort to get the band kids to do a little more to express enthusiasm and support for the team at sporting events, in addition to their usual standard spots, like the National Anthem, the School Song, and of course, the half-time show, and the students have responded with energy.
When asked how they decide what the show will be each year, Ridlen explained that they attend the Bands of America event in Indianapolis, where the top schools from all over the U.S. compete.
After watching around 100 different shows, they decide which parts they liked best and how those could be incorporated into a show for the Marching Eagles, essentially creating their own unique show, with the help of a Chicago man named Craig Fitzpatrick, who custom-writes the musical parts for the show. Obviously, an amazing amount of hard work goes into the Marching Eagles shows, requiring teamwork and persistence, and that's one of the reasons they have a showcase full of winning trophies.
Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Louise Lybarger (center).
Come out NEXT Friday (September 25) for Homecoming, get a fresh, hot Rotary Club porkburger, and see the half-time show!

09/14/2026

On September 8, the Newton Rotary Club heard from Luke Johnson (right), new Manager at Norris Electric Cooperative. He outlined some new information about NEC and their current projects.
They are currently on track to replace about 30 miles of line every year.
Formerly a part of Vistra, they now hold a 10-year contract with Dairyland Cooperative, which is very large which can help reduce costs.
Johnson and the board of directors strive to make all their decisions based on what is good for the members of the cooperative.
NEC serves eight counties, have 4,100 miles of line, and 20,000 meters to read and maintain.
With 27 years experience, he looks forward to his service to NEC.
Chairperson for the day was Rotarian Louis Ochs (left).

09/14/2026

On September 1, the Newton Rotary Club heard from one of its own members, Brett Lessley (pictured), who works at Peoples' State Bank, and spoke about their recent acquisition of a bank in Rantoul, IL.
Lessley spoke about how it is critical for a bank, or any business, to carefully balance staying the same to maintain stability, and making calculated risks to increase growth. They also want to be able to provide the best, new banking options while also maintaining that hometown service.
Once they had decided to seek possible investment opportunities, they got two different proposals, rejecting one, but looking further into the second one. Qualifying paperwork was complex and had to be returned on a short one-week time frame.
In spite of any obstacles, the deal was made, with a date set in November for full conversion of integration of the bank in Rantoul with Peoples' State Bank system.
Records, like loans, savings, and checking, from Rantoul must be folded into the PBS system. The Rantoul acquisition includes their main bank in Rantoul, and a branch office in Rossville.
Peoples' State Bank, previously employing about 100 people, will be expanded to 125 employees.

08/25/2026

Josh Beverlin (right), Athletic Director at Newton Community High School was the guest at Newton Rotary Club on August 18. He talked about upcoming fall sports, and there is a lot going on.
Cross Country, both Girls' and Boys', will be coached by Tim Bower. The first home meet is September 10, at the beautiful wooded trail at Sam Parr State Park.
Jeremy French will be guiding the Golf Team. There are ten boys and two girls competing this year. Since there is no longer a golf course in Newton, they use the one at Stoy as "home".
With the great year they had last year and several returning players, this year's Tennis Team is looking forward to a strong season, under the direction of Jeanette Hickox.
NCHS Soccer kicks off its season with a new head coach, Ryan Meinhart. Their first home game is the first week of September, at Farley Field north of town (Newton).
Jason Fulton is back for his 20th season with the Football Team. There are about 60 athletes on this year's team. First home game will be this Friday (August 29).
The NCHS Volleyball Team has the highest winning percentage, and have 35 young women playing Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. They will be coached by Jill Kistner.
Passes may be purchased that will cover all events for which an entry fee is charged. Some sports like baseball and soccer have no entry fee.
Chairman for the day was Rotarian Joe Sornberger (left).
Remember that the Newton Rotary Club will be cooking up fresh, delicious PORK BURGERS at Friday night's home football game. Come early and grab a couple!

Address

P. O. Box 123
Newton, IL
62448

Opening Hours

11:30am - 1:30pm

Website

facebook.com

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