Annual Outdoor Events Return to Jasper

At Tuesday morning’s Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, plans for community events and improvement projects were high on the agenda. DC Multisport will hold its 6-hour Endurance Relay at 6:30 pm on Saturday, May 17, at the Parklands. The event will be sponsored by Mentors for Youth, and details will follow. The Parklands will remain open to the public during the event. DC Multisport will also host the Battle of the Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, September 27 at 9 am and Sunday, September 28 at 1 pm at the Bohnert Park Pickleball Courts. 

The Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery and Prevention Council will be hosting their second annual fun run. ARC’s Live to Rise: Fun Run for Recovery will begin at 10 AM on Saturday, September 27 at Dave Buehler Plaza. The route will be from Buehler Plaza to the Ruxer Golf Course and back and was described as an informal walk/run that is accessible for all skill levels, providing a fun way for the community to come together. Those in recovery, their families, law enforcement, and community members will all be in attendance, and participants can expect food and fun throughout the event.  

Brad Eckerle of Brosmer Land Surveying appeared on behalf of Kerstiens Development to discuss items related to the North Ridge Estates subdivision. The board agreed to accept the installation of V-curb within the subdivision at Todd Lane and Ann Lane since there is no adjacent curb present. They also accepted of right-of-way, public infrastructure, and public utility and drainage easements for Todd Lane. 

Police Chief Chad Dick was granted permission for Jason Knies and Aaron Schmitt to attend the National DARE Conference in Indianapolis. Detective Josh Greener will also attend training in March. The chief also informed the board of the department’s emergency purchase of a water heater, as the existing unit failed unexpectedly. 

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang was approved to accept a quote for the purchase of a combi-tool from Impact Rescue for $18,420, and Cale Knies received permission to seek quotes for an additional City Hall vehicle. The board also approved Street Commissioner Jeff Theising’s request to purchase a push camera and yard rubbish truck. Theising told the board that the Street Department will begin the hiring process for a position vacated in December due to retirement. 

Several updates were provided regarding anticipated closures related to construction projects. On Saturday, March 1, the intersection at 15 th Street and Mill will be closed for a water line project. The east half of the Mill Street parking lot will be closed for two to three weeks, beginning Wednesday morning. On Main Street, work on the south side is expected to be complete within approximately the next week, and crews are completing the concrete work right now.