A $25,000 Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows is assisting the Newton Fire Department with the purchase of some new equipment. The fire department applied for the grant this spring, to purchase three new Stryker Powered Stair Chairs. Last month, the Newton Fire Department was notified of the $25,000 grant award. The total cost of the equipment is $31,673.82. The City of Newton’s share will be paid with the interest from bonds issued last year.