The City of Jasper, Indiana

“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”

-- Herb Caen, American journalist

          Today, I ask you to consider the important role local government plays in your lives and, how much is done effectively and efficiently for taxpayers in the City of Jasper and Jasper Municipal Utility ratepayers.  In my 2016 State of the City address, I include “Jasper By the Numbers” for the last year:

• 3,221 tickets sold for Spirit of Jasper
• Nine youth tournaments held at Jasper Youth Sports Park including Little League State Tournament
• 300 softball players; 459 baseball players and 580 soccer players in just some of our youth sports programs
• 1,771 tons of trash collected; 260 tons recycled
• Nearly 9,000 calls to JPD Communications Center
• 30,000 patrons engaged by Jasper Arts
• 250 building, fence, pool or sign permits granted
• 35 miles of streets paved/overlaid
• 19,000 feet of sidewalk/driveway replaced
• Funding in place for replacement of JVFD Squad 1

          Finally, local government officials provide the greatest public access, either in person or by other means.  You’ll see someone from the City of Jasper on the job or in public every day of the week.  I ask that you provide our city staff, department leaders and other elected officials the greatest respect. Here’s a link to the State of the City:

Mayor Seitz's 2016 State of the City

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Quality of Place is…the unique set of characteristics that define a place and make it attractive – the interrelated experiences of…
what’s there, who’s there and what’s going on.”

-- Richard Florida, the Urban Land Institute – originator of the term “Quality of Place”

From time to time, someone will ask me about all that is happening in Jasper.  They may even question so many projects going on at once or why we want to utilize old buildings.  My answer is that we are investing in our quality of place – highlighting and celebrating the unique attributes which make Jasper a city in which people want to live.

The necessities a city provides have always been our strengths:  Streets, parks, utilities and safety. Since the turn of the 21^st century we have set our sights on a different type of strength: Quality of Place.  Three key elements of Quality of Place are:

• Attraction of creative people and talent – to sustain current employers with the people they need to compete in a global environment.
• Authenticity – celebrate Jasper’s rich heritage industries by utilizing former factory space in new ways and for new purposes.
• An ongoing, dynamic process – building from existing neighborhoods and blending together old and new, young and young-at-heart, necessities with amenities.

The vision, planning and implementation of these initiatives are essential to Jasper’s future as a city. Communities failing to invest in components which attract the next generation of citizens will find those potential residents living elsewhere.  We can’t afford to take Jasper’s success for granted.

We need your support to help make Jasper “The City of Choice!”

Mayor Terry Seitz

“As a community, great things can happen when each individual contributes, according to their strengths, toward a common goal.”

-- Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for All: Living a Life of Success at the Edge of Your Ability

Our Community

It's the middle of basketball season and we're experiencing some amazing displays of teamwork. But I'm not talking about on the hardwood.  Rather, I'm speaking of the events unfolding on our poultry farms.

From neighbors to neighbors; from farmers to the marketplace; from the firehouse to the courthouse to the Indiana Statehouse; from City Hall to the Halls of Congress, there has been a common focus and unified effort which most Americans will never encounter let alone understand.

Because of the avian influenza outbreak hundreds of people from across the country have descended upon our community and, for the time being, our home is their home, too. I've heard firsthand how friendly we are compared to other places their work has taken them. They've shared stories of amazing planning and preparation, extraordinary collaboration, hands-on problem solving and quite a bit of "rural ingenuity". I think the last term refers to the fact that not all knowledge comes from a book!

Through it all, politics has taken a backseat to benevolence. We are working together for the common good. While acknowledging some of our citizens are facing an immediate and ongoing crisis, we must also give thanks for our ability to rise up and respond in true Dubois County partnership. I believe it's what we do best.  Thank you to several departments of the City of Jasper for your assistance during these times.

Though I have lived here all my life I have never been any more delighted to say that this is my home. I hope you'll join me in a moment of gratitude.

Mayor Terry Seitz

 “Ice and snow…take it slow.”

 Winter Safety Tips

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Keep dry. Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing outdoors rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
• If you drive in bad weather, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Add water, non-perishable food, extra blankets, clothing, rock salt, sand, scrapers and shovels to home and travel emergency kits
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

As always, the Jasper Police Department, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department and Street Department will be on duty during this winter’s bad weather and we thank them for their service.  We are also grateful for the utility staff who will continue to serve in all conditions.

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Christmas, children, is not a date.  It’s a state of mind.”

Mary Ellen Chase ~ American educator

Merry Christmas!  This is my greeting to you in the month of December because we have so much to be merry about in Jasper all year long.

The last-minute community support for special donations to Shop with a Cop this year has been outstanding.  Thank you to the officers of the Jasper Police Department and their comrades in the local Fraternal Order of Police for this annual project benefitting youth.

This program is only one of dozens of tremendous charitable endeavors which occur during the holidays and all throughout the year in Dubois County.  Your support of these worthy causes through your time, talent and resources enables this area to be a wonderful place to call home.

We have such a vibrant business community which makes Jasper a regional shopping destination.  I remind you to Shop Local! 

Finally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge our city departments, their leaders and staffs for work well done in 2015.  I can’t wait for the new year. 

Season’s Greetings,

Mayor Terry Seitz

 “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” 

H.A. Ironside ~ teacher, preacher and author

The author of the quote used in this message is spot on.  We tend to be a society of worriers when we have so little to worry about compared to other nations around the world.

• Thanks to the American farmer we have food – in bountiful proportions – on our tables.
• Thanks to local water systems we have fresh water to drink.
• Thanks to our ability to work we have a roof over our heads.
• Thanks to the generosity of neighbors and churches, when difficulties arise in any of these areas, we have the capacity as a community to help those less fortunate.
• Thanks to our police officers and firefighters we can experience our daily lives safely.
• Thanks to this safety, we can enjoy parks, take drives and be at peace.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I give praise to all Jasper residents for making our city a tremendous place to live, work and thrive.

Blessings,

Mayor Terry Seitz

“(There is a)… demonstrated a positive correlation
between broadband and economic growth.”

- Matt McQuade, Director of Domestic Business Development
Columbus 2020 in Site Selector magazine

Recently, I attended the annual conference of Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.  While discussion often focused on challenges faced by local governments, there was one shining opportunity – fiber connectivity. 

Jasper’s partnership with Smithville Fiber of Ellettsville, Indiana places us ahead of 99% of American cities and the importance of our GigaCity buildout is underscored by this article in Site Selector magazine: 

“People want to live where there is broadband service. It improves the manner in which health care and many public services are delivered. Moreover, it has become an essential quality-of-life amenity for many as it opens new doors to entertainment and communication options like downloading or streaming movies and television shows directly to a computer or TV, accessing music through applications like iTunes, and video conferencing through applications like Skype or Facetime. Broadband allows for a more flexible lifestyle by providing greater access to education through distance learning programs or remote employment.”

In The Herald on September 30, Dave Brodin of Smithville said the first “Fiberhoods” are coming soon:  The company will announce in mid-October the first six neighborhoods eligible for the service. Which one of those six will be first will depend on how many people in those neighborhoods pre-register for service. We’re going to follow in order of demand,” he said. “Eventually every fiber build-out will be done.”

About 70 percent of the trunk ring surrounding the city is in place and city officials have formal discussions with Smithville every week concerning the installation.  “Given the extraordinary processes involved in placing fiber throughout the city, we have had very few problems,” said Mayor Terry Seitz. “Credit goes to the regular communications we have put in place and our choice of the right partner for this project.”

Jasper’s future is bright.

Mayor Terry Seitz

“Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly.  It must be a complete dedication to the people...”

- Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator 1949-1973

For most of us the term public service conjures up the hallowed halls of Congress where famous American’s have served.  From my point of view public service is the daily tasks, duties and jobs performed in your backyard by employees of the City of Jasper.

The work done by the women and men here at home directly impacts your life every day and I’m proud of them.  There’s the visible work when our city crews are out and about maintaining vital services such as police and fire protection, utilities and streets.  There is commonplace work such as mowing and repairs.  Then, there is work no one sees or rarely knows about.  These efforts are what make Jasper one of America’s best communities: 

• Knowing that an elderly gentlemen who came to City Hall seemed lost and helping to reconnect him with his family in another county.

• Responding to a non-working stop light in the middle of the night when there was little traffic so the morning drive would be safer.

• Taking your private vehicle to help a late-arriving Spirit of Jasper patron to meet the train along a county road on its journey to French Lick.

• Having portable defibrillators throughout the city in public buildings, knowing how to use them and saving a life.  This has happened more than once! 

I no longer take these actions for granted and I encourage you to say thanks to our city employees as often as you can. They are the true public servants.

Thank you.

Mayor Terry Seitz

I believe Jasper must be the largest small city in the United States.  The products we make are utilized around the world.  What we manufacture is distributed throughout the nation.  And then there’s our Partnership with Sister City Pfaffenweiler.  It’s likely you know the story – that the relationship between us is far more than a typical international one.  Pfaffenweiler is Jasper’s ancestral sister city.

All this was playing on my mind when we greeted dozens of Pfaffenweiler citizens at the Louisville airport and transported them to Jasper for the Strassenfest and to celebrate 30 years of Partnership/Partnerschaft.

Deena (pictured with Burgermeister Dieter Hahn) and I were anticipating a renewal of friendships built upon our time in Pfaffenweiler in 2014, yet neither one of us were prepared for the rush of emotion which occurred.

So, I’m reflecting on how our local companies have built similar relationships in the business world throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and in China.  I marvel about how much impact Jasper has on the world and, accordingly, how much influence the world has on us through our business community.

Jasper is part of international events every day!

Blessings,

Mayor Terry Seitz

As we celebrate our nation’s founding, I wish to look back in this month’s writing to our city’s humble beginnings and to connect them to today:

“When the first year of the nineteenth century rolled around, what is now within the confines of Dubois County was practically one unbroken wilderness.”

- The opening line of Chapter 1 of George R. Wilson’s History of Dubois County

When the author published these words in 1910 it was 100 years beyond the wilderness he described. Dubois County was birthed from Pike County in 1818; the county seat had moved from Portersville to a new town called Jasper in 1830 and we gave birth to an industry – wood office furniture - with the founding of Jasper Desk Company in 1876.

From the City of Jasper website we learn the original town of Jasper was situated on land acquired by the Enlow family and contained 120 acres. A relative of the Enlows gave this account of naming the new town:

"The commissioners were going to call the new town "Eleanor" in honor of Mrs. Enlow, wife of Joseph Enlow, when the good lady said, "No, wait, let me select a name," and going to her Bible she suggested the word "Jasper" and thus the town was named. Mrs. Enlow had read the Book of Revelation, Chapter 21, Verse 19, "And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was JASPER."

Currently, the Jasper City Mill occupies the site attributed to the founding of our community, the third mill to do so. The first mill was constructed in 1817 by Andrew Evans, and in 1820 the Enlow family began operating it. During the 1870’s flour was shipped by flatboat down the Patoka River to the Wabash and Ohio Rivers and as far south as New Orleans, Louisiana.  The old mill’s most famous visitor was young Abraham Lincoln, who came with his father, Thomas, in 1828 to grind the family’s grain.

The second mill was constructed in 1865 by the Eckert family and stood until 1964, when it was torn down due to flood damage. The latest Jasper City Mill, opened in 2009, incorporates features of the two earlier mills, including a water-powered wheel and grindstones. The mill stones originated in France and are approximately 200 years old. The waterwheel hub and gears were obtained from a mill in Virginia and are between 120 and 150 years old.

I encourage you to observe for the history and the stories all around you each day.  May you marvel at what has been accomplished and imagine with delight what is still to come!

Mayor Seitz

“Give of yourself what you wish to get from others.  Enjoy bringing joy to others without expecting a return favor.”

The Honorable Dieter Hahn – Burgermeister of Pfaffenweiler, Germany

“Enjoy bringing joy.”  Those words from my colleague, Pfaffenweiler Mayor Dieter Hahn, aptly describe the unique relationship between our two communities and our citizens.  There is childlike glee from residents on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean whenever visits occur and during this year’s Jasper Strassenfest happiness is sure to abound.

2015 marks the 30^th Anniversary of Partnership (Partnerschaft) between Jasper and Pfaffenweiler.  While the two communities are involved in a formal Sister Cities program the ties that bind are far deeper.  In the mid-1800’s Pfaffenweiler citizens were recruited to come to the United States with a significant number of German Roman Catholic families eventually settling in Jasper.  In the last 30 years families have reconnected across generations and new friendships have formed to the point that the two communities are inseparable.

Nearly 40 Pfaffenweiler guests will arrive in Jasper in late July as our guests including current Mayor Hahn and former Mayor Fritz Gutgsell as well as Karin Horst who, along with Jasper resident Stan Jochum, will serve as Strassenfest Grand Marshalls.  Jasper’s Partnership Commission, a formal organization in our city government, has been working diligently for more than a year to prepare for the 30^th anniversary and they deserve your appreciation and respect. Members are: Raymie Eckerle, Stan Jochum, Kim Lottes, Irene Kapp, Steffi Schmuecker, Max Verkamp, Lisa Kieffner and Lois Kuntz.  I am privileged to serve with such an outstanding team.

Cheers to bringing joy!

Mayor Seitz

“The Arts and Sciences, essential to the prosperity of the State and to the ornament of human life, have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and mankind.”

George Washington

2015 is the 40^th anniversary of the Jasper Community Arts and what a grand tradition has been established for arts and culture in Jasper.  Like many things about our community, the investment in the arts is unique.  We remain the only city in the State of Indiana, perhaps even the Midwest, with a municipal arts department.

The staff at the Jasper Arts Department – under the auspices of the Jasper Community Arts Commission – reaches more than 30,000 people annually in a variety of ways.  From performances at the Jasper Art Center to viewings at the Krempp Gallery; from the Chalk Walk to First Thursday events; from students to senior citizens.  The arts are truly a pART of life in Jasper.

Please make plans to attend these upcoming events:

Saturday, June 6:  The Twelfth Annual Chalk Walk Arts Festival on the square in Downtown Jasper from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
The JCAC Chalk Walk is a family-friendly community event intended to inspire and stimulate the creativity and artistic ability in all of us. In the tradition of European 16th Century street painting, Jasper's downtown sidewalks and pavements are transformed into colorful chalk and pastel murals. While this gallery of art will be temporary, the memories are lasting.  Rain date: June 13

Friday, July 10:  Dubois County Quick Draw
Saturday, July 11:  Plein Air Event 
We are hosting our first Quick Draw and fourth plein air (painting in the outdoors) event on the second weekend in July.  We invite artists to attend one or both events.  Dubois County features many quaint villages, rivers, fields, lakes, monasteries, and much more.

Saturday, September 26:  Jasper Arts 40^th Anniversary Celebration
The Dubois County Museum will serve as the destination for this evening to celebrate the arts in Jasper.  Stay tuned for more.

Mayor Seitz

“We can have no progress without change…in basketball or anything else.”

John Wooden, Legendary Hoosier

This spring I have delivered my annual State of the City address to several audiences and emphasized our positive approach to governance:

• We have involved the public in decision-making to a higher degree
• We have involved the best people –our talented staff or other professionals
• We have welcomed and encouraged adoption and employment of economic incentives already used by other Indiana cities and counties for many years
• We have employed our Economic Development Income Taxes (EDIT) funds towards more formal economic development

This approach lead to many accomplishments and I wish to thank our staff, the many citizens who serve on boards, commissions and committees as well as other elected officials for enabling these 14 successes in 2014: 

• Jasper is on the road to a $7M privately-financed fiber optics buildout
• More than $40M new investment and more than 400 new jobs have occurred due to the tax abatement program
• Our first TIF district was established
• 142 acres in the city limits received official Indiana Shovel-ready site designation
• The former JOFCO plant will be repurposed into 67 workforce housing units through a $12M private investment and city support
• The power plant lawsuit was settled
• The 3^rd Avenue water and street project was completed
• We will be opening our first ever dog park this spring
• A Unified Development Ordinance is in the works to establish future planning
• The Jasper Police Department hired its first Hispanic officer and began sharing an officer with the Greater Jasper Consolidate Schools
• We were re-certified in the INSHARP^® safety program
• The Jasper Arts Department set strategy to bring arts downtown
• New residential and industrial construction permits are trending upward
• The first year of our Strategic Stormwater Initiative was completed.

Mayor Seitz

“Little deeds are like little seeds; they grow to flowers or to weeds”

Daniel D. Palmer, Founder of Chiropractic

I firmly believe in good deeds, random acts of kindness or any attempt to make life better for another human being.  Something about such activities seems to bring a brief, God-like event into this world.

During the course of a year, City staff is provided with many opportunities through their daily work to “do a little extra” and, when I hear of these moments, it makes me very proud.  On the other hand, the City of Jasper is often the recipient of generosity.

During the recent poor weather, I’ve learned of several instances City employees went above and beyond to assist citizens and visitors in the extreme conditions.  In turn, several of our departments were provided food and beverages to sustain them through long hours cleaning streets, working on broken water lines and keeping the public safe.  Speaking on their behalf we are very grateful for such gestures.

You may not know that we have two endowments at the Dubois County Community Foundation which are open to contributions.  One is a general endowment for the City of Jasper.  The other is a special endowment for the special families in the Kamp4Kids program through the Park and Recreation Department.  Please consider a gift to the foundation through these funds.

Thank you for all your “little deeds”.  May they grow to flowers!

Mayor Seitz

“Widespread access to public knowledge…is…a guarantee that we can maintain a well-informed citizenry.”  

                                               Scott Turow, American author and attorney

In my term as Mayor, the City of Jasper and Jasper Municipal Utilities have been very proactive in public engagement as we work diligently each day with the public in mind.  Here are just a few ways we’ve attempted to keep our citizens informed:

• We assembled advisory groups from the public for our Downtown * Riverfront Master Plan, The Parklands of Jasper, and to review our Zoning/Sub-division Control ordinances. Each of these groups not only met in public, they held special sessions for public input – where more than 400 people attended – and more than 100 people were interviewed individually.
• Jasper Arts Commission meetings were moved from the Arts Center to City Hall.
• Regular meeting schedules were established for the Economic Development Commission and the Redevelopment Commission.
• Jasper Municipal Utilities held public meetings with large groups concerning the operations of Beaver Lake and gas service to the Whoderville area.
• A new city website was launched which featured more public documents, more public access capability and more ways for the city to update the public. A new website for the Spirit of Jasper was launched in 2014.
• The Jasper Police Department created a Twitter account @JasperCityPD.
• As Mayor, I’ve held City Chats each year since I’ve been in office, appearing in 15 different locations throughout Jasper – both at lunch and in the evening.
• Our city leaders are often interviewed by local or even statewide media. For example, I’ve given well over 100 interviews since taking office.

We will continue this focus.  Thank you!

Mayor Seitz

“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is…” 

                                                                        Origins unknown

A significant number of Jasper and Dubois County residents have been exposed to fraud through scam artists.  In addition to the mail or someone visiting your home, today’s scammer will use phone, email and the Internet to trick you into sharing money or your personal information.  The Jasper Police Department joins me in sharing the Federal Trade Commissions “10 Things You Can Do – or Not Do – to Stop a Scam”:

WHAT TO DO:

KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH

Try to find a seller’s physical address (not a P.O. Box) and phone number for it.

KNOW THAT WIRING MONEY IS LIKE SENDING CASH

Con artists often insist that people wire money, especially overseas, because it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. Don’t wire money to strangers or to anyone who claims to be a relative or friend in an emergency.

READ YOUR MONTHLY STATEMENTS

Scammers steal account information and then run up charges or commit crimes in your name. If you see charges you don’t recognize or didn’t okay, contact your bank, card issuer, or other creditor immediately.

AFTER A DISASTER, GIVE ONLY TO ESTABLISHED CHARITIES

In the aftermath of a disaster, give to an established charity, rather than one that has sprung up overnight.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BUYING HEALTH PRODUCTS/TREATMENTS

Ask about research that supports a product’s claims — and possible risks or side effects. In addition, buy prescription drugs only from licensed U.S. pharmacies.

REMEMBER THERE’S NO SURE THING IN INVESTING

If someone contacts you with low-risk, high-return investment opportunities or cash up front, stay away.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

DON’T SEND MONEY TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW

It’s best to do business with merchants you know and trust.  Online, type the company or product name into your favorite search engine with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what comes up — on the first page of results as well as on the later pages.

DON’T AGREE TO DEPOSIT A CHECK AND WIRE MONEY BACK

By law, banks have to make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. You’re responsible for the checks you deposit: If a check turns out to be a fake, you’re responsible for paying back the bank.

DON’T REPLY TO MESSAGES ASKING FOR PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFO

It doesn't matter whether the message comes as an email, a phone call, a text message, or an ad. Don’t click on links or call phone numbers included in the message, either. It’s called phishing. The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

DON’T PLAY A FOREIGN LOTTERY

It’s illegal to play a foreign lottery.

If you believe you’ve been approached by a scammer, please contact the Jasper Police Department at 812.482.2255.

Mayor Seitz

“Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.”

Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur

Heading into a new year, it’s very beneficial to contemplate those elements which brought us to this day. As Mayor of Jasper one of the key contributors to where we are today as a community is our 2010 Comprehensive Plan. In the Summary of Public Input eight key issues and ideas were identified. There was overwhelming agreement the community should aggressively pursue ways to diversify its economy, continue to promote Jasper’s unique cultural history, as well as strengthen its quality of life.

I’ve listed the ideas from the Comprehensive Plan below and included a brief update of how they have been addressed in the last three years.  It should be noted that nearly 400 people attended public meetings on many of these actions:

1. Support and strengthen local businesses in the community especially in the downtown area.
   • We completed and adopted the Jasper Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan and we’re pursuing designation of Downtown Jasper as a Historic District.
     
     
2. Continue to support and expand recent development along the Patoka River.
   • Through ROJAC, the German American Boulevard was unveiled and we are working on construction of a labyrinth meditation path along the Riverwalk.
     
     
3. Capitalize on, and provide greater variety of, accommodations for visitors.
   • The Master Plan has provided us with an instrument for marketing this area and we have met with a dozen developers over the course of this year - many of whom have never been here before. Discussions on apartments, condominiums, hotel and mixed uses of downtown and riverfront properties have taken place. 
     
     
4. Seek innovative ways to retain and/or redevelop underutilized factories or similar buildings in the downtown area.
   • Our meetings with developers led to the $13 million proposal to redevelop the old JOFCO building into apartments for our workforce.
     
     
5. Preserve the surrounding rural setting (avoid sprawl) and seek ways to support local farm practices.
   • The 2010 Comprehensive Plan called for the City to take a proactive approach to tax abatement and TIF in Jasper. In the last three years there have been 8 uses of our new abatement ordinance and all of them have been within our existing industrial areas.  So far the new investments have totaled over $30 million dollars and have brought over 350 new jobs.  We also purchased the former Jasper Country Club golf course and created The Parklands of Jasper, a 50-acre park in the center of the community.
      
6. Continue to support and strengthen Jasper’s unique arts and cultural programs.
   • The current proposal by a not-for-profit group to purchase and re-open the Astra and to work with the Jasper Arts Department is in response to this call to action.
     
     
7. Encourage new development that reflects and enhances the unique character and qualities of the community.
   • Again, the Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan calls for investment in our downtown and we are currently working on funding such a project.
     
     
8. Provide a greater variety or affordable housing options as one method to attract families to Jasper.
   • Along with the JOFCO proposal the City of Jasper is participating with Dubois Strong in a county-wide housing study.
     
     

We welcome your continued input, questions and support in 2015!

Mayor Seitz

A day does not pass without a prayer of gratitude emanating from my lips. Through 57 years of experience I’ve learned our time on Earth is far too short to withhold appreciation for those we love, work with and meet throughout the day. With these thoughts in mind, here are five reasons for a mayor to be thankful:

Wellbeing

We want our city employees to return home at the conclusion of every work day just like they left and we don’t take that for granted. I am thankful for all our departments contributing to this effort and for enabling us to be INSHARP certified for the 11^th consecutive year.

Health

2014 marks the first time in history 100% of our employees participated in a health screening. Combined with our ReJuvenate Jasper Wellness Program, I am grateful that we are shining a light on the path to a healthier workplace and that we have a park system to enhance our lives.

A Safe City

Jasper, like all other places, is an ever-changing community. People move in, some move out. Babies are born, deaths occur. Through it all we are served by those who keep us safe and we are blessed to have protection of police officers, volunteer firefighters, utility and street workers at our side every day.

A Vibrant Business Community

Jasper is a very unique city – one which attracts thousands of people daily to work, shop and play. As mayor, I never take what we have for granted and I’m thankful for all our amazing employers. We will continue to focus on making Jasper the place to live and work.

A Caring Place

We are a city with dozens of charitable organizations – from churches to ministries; from those serving babies to others bringing meals to senior citizens. Each of these represent a golden thread connecting the fabric of our community – and we are blessed by their work.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mayor Seitz

From early morning on Wednesday, September 17 through mid-afternoon on Sunday, September 21 citizens of the City of Jasper experienced the first city-wide water boil order since 2004. Acknowledging the inconvenience that boiling water prior to consuming placed on our residential, commercial and industrial customers, we also remain grateful that the City retained the ability to deliver water for fire protection, bathing and washing during this incident.

Initial reviews of the event by both Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Jasper Municipal Water Utility indicate the cause appears to be a natural “turning” of the Patoka River which occurred in a way never before experienced by the water treatment plant. As of this time all testing, readings and equipment operated as expected and all plant protocols were followed. It should be noted that water department employees went beyond protocols to help solve the problem and that procedures have already been updated in preparation for any similar event in the future.

We will continue our review with the goal to have a public report on the incident at an upcoming meeting of the Jasper Utility Service Board. Until then, on behalf of the entire Jasper Water Utilities we wish to express our thanks to a many including the assistance of IDEM, Ireland, Huntingburg, Dubois and Patoka Water Utilities, other Jasper utility departments and those of the civil city of Jasper as well as all city personnel. Specifically, we offer thanks for manpower to the Wastewater Department, Jasper Park & Recreation Department, Jasper Volunteer Fire Department, Jasper Police Department and Midwestern Engineers.

Words cannot express how beneficial Donna Oeding and the Dubois County Health Department was. Kudos to all who helped get the word out: Jasper Police Communications officers, Dubois County Emergency Management, the Dubois County 911 Center and Dr. Tracy Lorey of the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools for use of their callout system. The media played an ongoing, valuable role throughout the order and the coverage was very informative.

The Jasper business community was very understanding and helpful. We want to acknowledge the Port of Jasper for permitting us to fill water containers in front of their business and German American for providing meals to water department staff. Finally we thank you, the public, and customers of Jasper Municipal Utilities for your comments, questions and most of all, your understanding.

With greatest regards,

Terry Seitz
Mayor of Jasper

"We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile." 

--Earl Nightingale - American motivational speaker and author

Growing up, Earl Nightingale was one of my inspirations. A survivor of the Japanese attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, his gravelly-voiced delivery of motivational stories was something I looked forward to hearing every day on the radio. He is the foundation of my optimistic approach to life. So when I read his quote about work just before Labor Day weekend I knew that I wanted to acknowledge a very important event for our City workforce.

On Wednesday, August 28, the City of Jasper was awarded another three-year certification as an INSHARP qualified workplace. This means we are leading the way in the State of Indiana in employee safety, health, training and education. According to Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner, Rick Ruble, who presented the award, "Of more than 150,000 businesses in the State of Indiana, only 39 are INSHARP certified and Jasper is the only government entity."

Congratulations to Cale Knies, Director of our Personnel/Safety/Loss Control office, HR Generalist Cindy Hochgesang and members of our Safety Committee:

• Tim Berger, Street Department and Fire Department
• Jeff Durcholz. Electric Department
• Steve Hall, Park Department
• Al Kiefer, City Hall Maintenance
• Mark Pierce, Wastewater Department
• J.P. Stemply, Park Department and Fire Department
• Mike Cravener, Gas & Water Department
• Duane Lindauer, Police Department
• Jim Stallman (recently retired)

Like Mr. Nightingale, you are an inspiration.

Mayor Terry Seitz