County Flag Commission

New County Flag Design Contest

Background:
The commission was created on September 19, 2024, by the Jasper County Board.  Flag Designs were accepted from October 7, 2024 until November 15, 2024.

Following the November 15, 2024 deadline, the commission selected 5 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Jasper County and is currently hosting an online public survey for the public to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. (Flag Submitted Below)

The Round 1 of Voting began on November 21, 2024 (Round 1 Voting Options Below), the field was narrowed down and Round 2 began December 12, 2024 (Round 2 Voting Options Below) and concluded on January 6, 2025.

The commission will report its findings and recommendation to the Jasper County Board, whose members will vote on whether to adopt a new flag or retain the current flag design.

Flags Submitted:

First Round of Voting Options:

Second Round of Voting Options:

Guidelines for Flag Submission:
Some general guidance for Flag submissions included:

• Design elements can include the natural features of the county, the history and culture of the county.
• No limit on flag shape or ratio but designs may be edited by the commission.
• No limit on color but we recommend less than four colors for clarity of design.
• Participants can email (preferred) or mail their submission to Jasper County Flag Commission, 204 W Washington, Ste. 2, Newton, IL 62448.
• Participants are required to provide their first and last name, address, email address, and phone number.  They are also asked to explain their relationship to Jasper County and provided a description of their flag entry.
• There should be no watermarks or frames around the image.
• By submitting a design to the Commission, the designer is authorizing the Commission and the County of Jasper to take ownership of the design.
• Persons under 18 may submit designs if submitted in coordination with a parent/guardian, teacher or adult mentor.
• Designs cannot be copied from other designs or use existing logos or copyright materials; however, the design can include elements or reproduction of the County Seal or prior County flag.
• Designs cannot be AI-generated.
• Submissions are limited to three per person.

What a Good Flag Can Do:
When you have a good flag, it allows the citizens to show their identity and their community pride.  You can sell souvenirs and showcase your community to the broader world through the flag.  There are tremendous benefits to having a good flag.

History of the Jasper County Flag

Jasper County was founded on February 15, 1831, and the government was formed in 1835.  No flag was designed for 141 years.  On June 12, 1976, during a Flag Day celebration sponsored by the Newton Woman’s Club, the Jasper County Flag, original in design and worked in needlepoint by the Woman’s Bicentennial Committee members was presented on behalf of the club to the citizens of Jasper County as a symbol of our County’s being the oldest recorded spot in the United States for this rare bird the “Prairie Chicken.”  It was accepted as the county’s official flag.

Jasper County has a unique flag that features needlepoint work.  This is a one-of-a-kind flag however because it is in needlepoint it is hard to reproduce.  Ideally, the County would have a flag that could be reproduced and flown at County Buildings and other locations around Jasper County.  The County Board asked the Chamber of Commerce to help identify 12 individuals in the community from a variety of ages to serve on a Flag Commission to consider a New Jasper County Flag.  The purpose of the commission is to evaluate the submissions and select a handful of the best designs to put to a community “online” vote.  Voting would also be available at the Jasaper County Office Building, Newton Public Library, and Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Office.  The top flag design(s) would be submitted to the County Board for consideration.  The County Board is not obligated to select any of the designs but it would be the hope that through this process something would be submitted that can serve as a great symbol of our County for generations to come.

Commission Members

• TOM CLARK – 50 Years of Service as the “Voice of the Newton Eagles”
• RAY DIEL – Former Jasper County Clerk
• CAYDEN GOODE – Newton Community High School Student Body President
• PIPER GHAST – 2024 Jasper County Jr. Miss Fair Queen
• MIKE HARTRICH – Ste. Marie Foundation & Retired Jasper County Teacher
• MINDY HARTKE – Embarras River Tourism Council & Jasper County Economic Development
• JACQUE HOLSAPPLE – Newton Public Library Director
• DONNA KELLER – Ste. Marie Foundation & Ste. Marie Community Organizer
• SARAH DIEL KINKADE – Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Director
• LOUIS OCHS – Former Business Owner Louis Ochs Chevrolet/Buick
• ELISE WRIGHT – 2024 Jasper County Fair Queen