MARCH 25, 2025 — Jasper County in Illinois has officially adopted a new flag design, following months of public voting and deliberation, reports the Hometown Register.
The county board unanimously approved the “Unity Flag of Stars, Fields, and River” during a meeting on Thursday.
County Board Chairman Jason Warfel explained that the flag’s royal blue background represents patriotism, while a central circle stands for unity between the county government and residents.
“The smaller stars symbolize the 11 townships within the border of Jasper County. The eagle symbolizes our national bird, our school mascot, and also combines the large population of eagles here in Jasper County,” Warfel said.
The design also includes additional nods to the county’s geography and agricultural roots. A blue line in the middle represents the Embarras River, a natural stream running through the area, while orange fields reflect both agriculture and growth.
Warfel noted that the colors blue and orange also honor Jasper County Community Unit One school colors.
This decision comes after a structured public engagement process. The initiative began in September 2024, when the Jasper County Board formed a flag commission to explore options for updating the county’s nearly 50-year-old flag. Introduced in 1976 during a Flag Day celebration, the original flag featured intricate needlepoint work depicting the Prairie Chicken, a bird tied to the county’s heritage. However, the complexity of the needlepoint design made reproducing the flag difficult, prompting discussions about a redesign.
In December 2024, the county held the first round of public voting, which featured five alternate flag designs. Over 70% of participants favored two finalists over the existing flag. A second round of voting, held between December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, narrowed the choice to either the “Jasper County Seal Flag” or the newly selected “Unity Flag.”
The Seal Flag retained a nod to the original design with a rope pattern encircling the county seal, symbolizing the legacy of the 1976 needlepoint motif. However, the Unity Flag, with its emphasis on stars, fields, and the Embarras River, ultimately won favor with the community and the board.
Image: Hometown Register
