Transportation Improvement Project Reviewed by Jasper Board

Jasper County board members Thursday were updated on a transportation improvement project in Latona.

Board members heard that the Latona Bridge is open, and also heard that new traffic signs are in place at the Latona intersection. A Latona resident had asked the Board last month for additional signage at the intersection.

The Board also approved an engineering agreement with Conner and Conner to replace the Wade Township bridge next summer.

Jasper Board members also reviewed drawings for renovations at the 911 Center and discussed a meeting with an architecture firm regarding renovations at the county jail, but decided to look for other firms.

Board members heard a report on activity of the tourism committee with Dick Grogg, the county hotel/motel tax, and tourism events hosted by Embarras River Tourism Council.

The Board heard that a former Jasper sheriff's deputy, Larry Reid, now retired, asked for compensation for seven days devoted to a trial, and that due to taking early retirement, Reid cannot be compensated by the County. A vote was taken not to compensate Reid. The Board also voted to seek compensation when helping on a MABAS mutual assistance incident lasts longer than eight hours.

Jasper Board members appointed Dwight Sappenfield to a three-year term of the Mint Creek Drainage District, Ken Ochs to the Ste. Marie Drainage District and Gary Johnson to the Workforce Investment Board.