Jasper Board Delays Decision on County Engineer

Jasper County Board members Thursday delayed a decision on whether to appoint County Engineer Dick Patterson to a new term.

A group of Patterson's supporters attended the meeting, including Tim Ervin, who read a short statement supporting Patterson and his re-appointment. Others on hand on Patterson's behalf were Hunt City Township Supervisor Bill Michl, Brad Spencer of Grandville Township, former County Board members Lawrence Pilman and Jerry Kinder, Hunt City Township Road Commissioner Robert Alexander, Highway Department Office Manager Denise Meinhart, former County Board Chairman Franklin Geier, and Wade Township Road Commissioner Kent Beavers. There was also reference to a petition from all of the road commissioners in Jasper County in support of Patterson's reappointment.

Later in the meeting, though, the County Board voted to table the appointment of a County Engineer for another term.

Also Thursday, the Jasper Board appointed Chad Miller as the new Jasper County State's Attorney, succeeding Kevin Parker who resigned following his appointment as a circuit judge. The Board presented Parker a plaque for his years of service.

Sheriff Rick Britton has been working on a way to honor all of the living former sheriffs in the county. An event has been scheduled from 1 to 3pm on Friday, February 20 at Parklanes in Newton. There was also discussion of contract negotiations with sheriff's department employees, with county officials saying the budget cannot support an increase, and that cuts in overtime are necessary when possible. There was also discussion of e-cigarettes and safety, and whether jail inmates should be able to have them.

The Board amended the County liquor ordinance to establish eight licenses per class, and to add a winery class of license. There was a report on the annual meeting of Jasper Economic Development Incorporated, where Peoples State Bank of Newton was named Economic Development Partner of the Year and a moment of silence was observed for recently deceased former County Board Chairman Ed Mitchell.