Law enforcement response commended at Jasper Board of Public Works

A shooting at the SureStay Plus hotel in Jasper Thursday afternoon left one person dead and showcased the rapid response capabilities of local law enforcement. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. and involved members of a traveling construction group staying at the hotel, Lt. Dave Burger told the Jasper Board of Public Works Friday morning.

Burger gave an update on the incident and spent time commending the response of the Jasper Police Department and other responding agencies.

Burger, the first officer on the scene, praised the department’s swift action. “Our officers’ tactical response to the scene, clearing an 80-room hotel and identifying, locating, and detaining the shooter in less than 10 minutes, was tremendous,” he said.

Burger highlighted the coordinated effort that followed the initial response. “Our school resource officers had the foresight to lock down the schools within 10 minutes,” he said.

The hospital was also placed on lockdown, and crucial victim information was provided to the police.

The victim succumbed to their injuries and the shooter is currently lodged in the Dubois County Security Center. Police confirmed that both the victim and the shooter were part of the same out-of-town construction group.

“It’s unfortunate a situation like that would happen in our community, but it just shows there’s no community immune from violence,” Mayor Dean Vonderheide said. “When it does happen, we’re prepared.”

Burger also commended the public for its help during the incident. “We had some Jasper Engines employees that were very beneficial for our investigation,” Burger noted, thanking citizens who remained on the scene as key witnesses.

Mayor Dean Vonderheide expressed appreciation for the department’s professionalism and responsiveness. “I think we all want to express our appreciation for the professionalism and responsiveness of dispatch, of the entire PD and JPD and local officers,” he said.

In other business, the board approved an $820,000 payment for an engineering contract with Hafer Design for preparatory work on the Regional Wellness Center. $813,000 will be paid from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Plan funds, and the city will cover the rest of the contract. Hafer will invoice the city as they complete the work and then be paid from the $820,000 approved fund.

Approved four towing company bids for police action tows over the next two years. These contracts, which do not involve crash-related tows, require companies to pay a $10 franchise fee per tow to the city. The police department calls each company on a rotating basis as they are needed.

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang reported on recent property inspections, including accumulation of waste and off-street parking issues. The annual inspection of fire department ground ladders was also discussed, with all 27 ladders passing inspection, though 12 required new heat stickers–stickers that indicate if a ladder may have been impacted by excess heat.

The board also authorized the junking of an old desk from the police department. They also approved travel for three police leadership members to attend the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Indianapolis from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2025, for $2,734.

Approved the Dubois Strong contract for $49,419.65, which remains the same amount that has been paid to the economic development corporation for several years.

Approved a contract with Municast for $7,999. The city will receive a tool that can be used to forecast expenditures for the city and utilities for planning.

Approved $12,570 for emergency repairs to a compressor unit on the HVAC system at City Hall.