Eagle Scout Installs POW/MIA Memorial for Dubois County

The Dubois County Board of Commissioners held their regular board meeting amid Monday’s freezing temperatures, accepting bids to move forward with grant-funded home repairs and celebrating a special accomplishment by a local high school senior. 

Commissioner Blessinger opened Monday morning’s proceedings with an update on Sunday’s POW/MIA memorial dedication. The memorial was an Eagle Scout project for high school senior Samuel Osterman, who erected the monument at Jasper’s Courthouse Square in under 70 days. Blessinger thanked Osterman for his work, as well as the many others who contributed to its success. He said it will “be an enduring memorial to those who served and were prisoners of war or missing in action…I’m glad we were a small part of it.” 

Bids were opened for roofing components needed for repairs approved under the Owner- Occupied Rehabilitation Grant. This was a rebid for items previously solicited for 8 homes. The low bids from TNT Roofing in Holland were accepted for 7 out of 8 properties, and Gogel Roofing was accepted as the low bidder for the last property. Jenny Matheis of the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission said that they will delay soliciting further roofing bids until Spring due to the potential for inclement weather. The program has seen success with some home repairs already completed and will move forward with bids relating to HVAC and water heaters. 

In his Highway Reports, County Highway Engineer Brent Wendholt recommended that the county switch from Verizon to Samsara as a vehicle tracking software provider. The Commissioners agreed that the research indicates that Samsara may be a better fit for the county’s needs and asked Wendholt to proceed with drawing up paperwork for approval. In an update on the Highway Safety Improvement Program, the board heard that the county will not be able to apply for funds for this round due to a change in the application requirements that resulted in a delay. A reminder was given that adjusted sanitation site hours for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve will be from 8 to 12 instead of 10 to 6. 

In other business, Ordinance 2024-17 regarding County Contract requirements and Ordinance 2024-18 amending 2022-12 were both approved as written. The service maintenance agreement for equipment in the Recorder’s office was approved for renewal. Highway Annual Material Bids were reviewed and awarded based on the recommendations of the County Engineer. The Commissioners also evaluated a $19,000 proposal for a BIS Digital Basic Streaming Solution for upgrading equipment used in meeting livestreams. They agreed the quote seemed high, given that the current equipment does work. Instead, they opted to “leave the door open” for now and consider possible options from a local provider. Finally, Blessinger told the board that the open maintenance position at Dubois County Corrections has not received any applications and suggested that adjustments be made to the role. The board agreed to consider changes to attract applicants, including salary and full-time status modifications.  

The board also recognized Dubois County Auditor Sandra Morton for her 30 years of service. Commissioner Blessinger presented her with a service award, thanking her for all that she does for the county and saying that she consistently gives “over and above what is required.” 

For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government


- By Drew Hasselbring