Newton Athletic Boosters, in coordination with Jasper County Boys & Girls Ball Park, has initiated a fundraising effort to modernize the park’s lighting. The original lighting on the main baseball diamond, installed in 1970, is being retired due to safety concerns that have prevented the hosting of night high school games. The project seeks to replace these fixtures and upgrade the lighting on two additional diamonds with energy-efficient LED systems. Funds are being raised through a “Queen of Hearts” campaign, with proceeds dedicated to lighting improvements and broader community support through the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation.