Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety Hears Public Safety Updates

Jasper’s Board of Public Works and Safety met on Tuesday morning with some major public safety updates on the agenda. 

Assistant Chief Aaron Persohn presented the police department’s monthly report, detailing an arrest in connection with a large ammunition theft from Rural King. Using cameras and operating with other local law enforcement, an arrest warrant was issued, and a suspect was apprehended on the interstate as he was traveling to Louisville. Persohn thanked all of the departments who came together to take care of the recent fatal collision scene at 231 and Division. He also told the board that Officer Joe Chambers and his K-9 partner Gator were recently sent to track a missing 4-year-old, who they successfully located and brought to safety. 

Chief Kenny Hochgesang presented the department’s ISO audit results, reviewing the risk assessment that is completed every five years. The audit examines documentation including the City’s map of hydrants in the community, pump testing, training information, truck maintenance, and ladder service. It also analyzes deployment, training, personnel, maintenance, equipment, and structure fires within the last 12 months. Hochgesang said that the department’s equipment met requirements, and the audit found the department very close to earning a Class 3 ISO rating. Another review can be requested for consideration within the next year, which could lower the City’s insurance expenses. 

A single bid of $149,500 was received for a tractor with boom mower and debris blower for the Street Department, which will be taken under advisement until the next meeting. A bid for the annual tree limb and yard waste grinding will also be taken under advisement, and a recommendation will be made at that time. A single response to the bid request for a new police car was received, and the board voted to table to decision. 

The Dubois County Humane Society will hold its Tails & Trails fundraising event on December 8 during O’Tannenbaum Days from 11-1 at the Riverwalk. Activities include a walk, baked good sales, vendor booths, and pictures with Santa. The board also approved the schedule for Heart of Jasper’s 2025 Downtown Chowdown. This is the event’s fifth year, which was launched during Covid. The 2025 schedule will remain the same, held on the first Thursday of the month from May to October, from 4- 8pm, at the Dave Buehler Plaza/Riverwalk parking lot. 

Cale Knies, Director of Personnel, Safety, and Loss Control, received the board’s approval to enter into a contract with Exos IT. Exos will bring provide on-site IT service to the City of Jasper with a full-time representative working in City Hall. They will provide IT support for everyday items, infrastructure for departments, and cybersecurity resources. As the expenses will be shared with the City, the Council will need to approve the City’s part of the contract. Knies said that an added benefit is Exos’ experience as a government provider and working with other municipalities. They have the support of a full team and are based out of Indianapolis with representatives throughout the state.  

The water line project on Mill Street is ready to begin, as Copper Ridge Construction reported that supplies have come in. Equipment and materials will be moved in at the beginning of next week, and traffic control will likely begin at that time. Residents have been notified. Work will start at 9 th and will progress north to 15 th with block-by-block closures. 

In other business, budget approval of $4800 was given to move forward with the GOGov app to proactively provide utility updates. Officials say they expect that it will be a very effective tool. Mayor Vonderheide received approval to attend the AIM mayor’s institute in Indianapolis on December 9-20. Among may other topics, the conference will include information on immigrant work force, personal property tax legislation, and wastewater utilities. The board also granted an emergency maintenance request for the replacement of a compressor at City Hall. Finally, residents are reminded that, according to city ordinance, political signs must be removed within 6 days of elections. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- By Drew Hasselbring