🌱 What will a new FOIA request reveal about Newton’s 2025 contracts?

Hi there, Newton! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What will a new FOIA request reveal about Newton’s 2025 contracts?

Also on today's calendar: County Board Meeting.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: A bit of afternoon snow; cold, with a high of 33 and low of 30 degrees.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy and chilly, temps: high: 36, low: 20.
• Saturday: Very cold with a little snow, with a high of 23 and low of -5 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

• FOIA request sent to City of Newton regarding new or amended contracts on December 9, 2025 (eastcentralreporter.com) — A media outlet has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the City of Newton seeking copies of all new or amended city contracts from January through March 2025, especially for public works, technology, and consulting services. The requester, working with a transparency-focused nonprofit, aims to review how Newton spends public funds and has asked for electronic records and a fee waiver to help share findings with residents.
   

📸 Around Newton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Newton

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★ Featured events ★

Tuesday December 16

• City Council Meeting
  Newton City Hall, 108 N Van Buren St, Newton
  6:00 pm

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Other local events

Thursday December 18

• County Board Meeting
  Jasper County Office Building , 204 W Washington St , Newton
  6:00 pm

📣 Newton Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 12

• Krampus – The Untold Story
  Elks Lodge , 2102 S Banker St , Effingham
  6:00 pm

Saturday December 13

• The Polar Express
  Effingham Performance Center , 1325 Outer Belt W , Effingham
  3:00 pm
• A Madrigal Feast
  Nostalgia Theater , 120 E North Ave , Flora
  6:00 pm

Monday December 15

• Christmas at the Library - Photos, Treats and Crafts Dec. 15th 4-6pm
  Olney Public Library , 400 W Main St. , Olney
  4:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• Teutopolis Boys Varsity Basketball @ Effingham
  Effingham High School , 1301 Grove Ave , Effingham
  7:30 pm
• Teutopolis Boys JV Basketball @ Effingham
  Effingham High School , 1301 Grove Ave , Effingham
  7:30 pm

Thursday December 18

• 3D Print Lab
  Olney Public Library , 400 W Main St. , Olney
  4:00 pm
• 3D Printing Exploration
  Olney Public Library , 400 W Main St , Olney
  4:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Southern Committee Meeting
  Muddy Saloon , 10045 N 300th St , Wheeler
  6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Newton. Apply here.
• Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Merchandising Sales Associate in Newton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newton here.

🗞 Nearby News

Olney

• Illinois State Board of Education Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education met Dec. 9 (silnews.com)
• New youth emergency shelter created by Caritas Family Solutions supports children in crisis (ibjonline.com)
• FOIA request sent to City of Olney regarding new or amended contracts on December 9, 2025 (eastcentralreporter.com)

Effingham

• Isabella Keller Finishes Fourth At NXN Nike Cross Nationals - Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3 (thexradio.com)

Ok Newton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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