Volunteers still needed for holiday parade

Organizers of the annual lighted Christmas parade and courthouse lighting ceremony said they are still in need of volunteers for tonight’s activities. Anyone wishing to help with the parade can go to the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce office, 113 First Ave. W., at 5 p.m. today. Volunteers then will be assigned duties during the holiday parade. Tonight’s parade and other activities is the official start to the holiday season in Newton and Jasper County. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with carriage rides from Plume Hill Carriage, music from The Lighting Store and the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” projected onto Pappy’s Antiques. Also at 5 p.m., vendors will be serving pizza, barbecue, popcorn, baked goods, hot chocolate and other goodi