Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,069 at the 2000 Census. Newton is home to a large coal-fired power plant http://www.ameren.com/AEG/ADC_AU_Newton.asp and Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Newton is also home to the Drive 'n Theatre, formerly known as the Fairview Drive-In, that opened in 1953. It is one of 10 drive-ins left standing in Illinois. Newton has produced several notable natives.