Jasper Prepares for the Holiday Season

The Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety convened early on this rainy Tuesday morning to discuss the progress of several construction and maintenance projects, as well as to place some fun holiday events onto the city’s calendar. 

Ellie Kerstiens from The Playce in Jasper received the Board’s permission for a Mom’s group to be held on Friday, October 4 th from 9-10 am at the Bohnert Park Shelter House. Snacks, drinks, and crafts will be available for kids, and a nature walk will be available. Halloween at Central Green will return this year on Sunday, October 27 th , from 6-7 pm. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Parklands. 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Santa will be visiting the fire station from 12-12:45 on Friday, November 29 th . At 1:00, Santa will board a fire truck to lead the parade to the official tree lighting. After the ceremony, Santa will be available in his house until 3 pm. The O’Tannenbaum Days celebration will follow on December 5 th -8 th . 

Park and Recreation Department Director Tom Moorman gave the Board an update on the Parklands controlled burn, which was previously approved for the end of September or beginning of October. The burn ban is still in place, but the rains coming in this week may allow for the scheduled burn to go forward after the wet weather system moves out. The schedule is yet to be determined, depending on weather conditions. 

City Engineer Chad Hurm provided an update on the results from the Jasper Police Department roof quote opening. The bid from Schmidt Contracting was accepted, and they are working on start date. The repairs to the Auditorium roof won’t be started until next summer or fall. Hurm also told the Board that the work on the next phase of the downtown construction is progressing. The installation of storm sewers has begun, and a storm sewer barrel was placed at the intersection of 5 th and Newton. Crews will continue working on storm sewers and may begin demolition on sidewalks between 3 rd and 4 th next week. Downtown businesses are still open and accessible during construction. 

Chief Nathan Schmitt provided a brief staffing update, and the Board approved 3 potential open positions in the department to be filled over the next 6 months. Chief Schmitt also encouraged those interested in joining the police department to inquire about training and job opportunities.


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


- Drew Hasselbring