Letter: Keep Jasper clean
I have received a few anonymous letters within the past few weeks and decided that the best way to address the concerns of these residents is through a letter to the editor in the local media outlets.
One concern of these residents are the grass clippings that are being thrown out into the street after people mow their yards. I have also noticed this – – and I am using this method to ask residents to take a few moments to sweep or blow your grass clippings into your yard. Also, the Jasper Street Department picks up yard debris. Call them at 812-482-1130 for the schedule in your area.
Jasper has always been a community full of pride – especially for the beautiful, kept-up yards and homes. People notice this as they drive into and through Jasper. Let’s continue to show that tremendous pride in our community!
The clippings do not look nice – – but even more important than that – – they should not go down the stormwater drains as these clippings are not good for the storm water system.
Another concern is about the stray cats that are roaming several neighborhoods of our city. If you own cats or dogs (or feed stray ones in your area), please have them spayed or neutered. The Dubois County Humane Society has a few programs for these services and you can find out more information from them at 812–482–7387.
I thank the residents who sent me the letters and hope that they continue to look out for their neighborhoods – and for the way our entire city looks to visitors and to our own citizens.
Nancy Eckerle
Jasper City Council Member At-Large
I am very upset that this elected officials whine about the grass clippings based on how it looks!
and storm sewer issues !!! And NOT because of the sheer and utter danger to motorcycles!!!!
Grass on pavement is like oil on the road when you only have 2 wheels!!!!!!
But lets just worry about how it looks instead!!!!
Chill out, buddy. She mentioned the drain and stormwater issues which are very valid – not just “about how the looks.” If not a cycle operator some of these things are hard to know or easy to forget – just simmer down. You have a good point, and it was addressed specifically here about that hazard, to include a photo, just a couple of weeks ago.
What about the fireworks which are tear-up the sidewalks, streets, and peoples’ property (roofs, yard, etc.)? Jasper now allows people to let them off inside the city. The mess the fireworks make and the permanent damage to concrete areas (especially of those NOT doing fireworks) shouldn’t be allowed. My roof almost burned down because of them and no one has yet to pay for damage.
On the North side of Jasper last year, a couple of neighbors let off their fireworks 1/2 hour later than the required quitting time – until 11:30 pm.
City employees probably are off work the next day, but the rest of us have to work. We were lucky to get 5 hours of sleep after calming our animals down – which is also an issue. I believe we are taking time off our animals’ lives during these displays – as our animals are terrified of the fireworks and are so scared they shake nonstop and work themselves into getting sick.
Why not go back to the way they were done in the past – Outside city limits, in the country. Or have a display of them that night in one safe location (instead of Strassenfest, or if necessary that night and during Strassenfest).
Who do we go to if we have property damage from the fireworks – The city? There are too many people lighting them to prove where they are coming from.
Thank you.
Bravo, Vicki! So glad someone else is calling these “fireworks” and firecrackers (illegal, in many cases) out for what they are! Nothing wrong with the safe/sane legal variety of fireworks in city limits, but the big boomers and other illegal stuff – many requiring launchers similar to pro-pyrotech types – that are launched all over the place and end up all over the place, are getting out of hand. This kind of use is unsafe, a disturbing nuisance and also very unsettling for certain elderly folks and those with PTSD and similar disorders, to include children and veterans, plus many animals. Mainly, it’s the consideration of neighbors – people and safety. Please, folks, take this stuff out of town, out of the city and have a ball at it – but not in residential back yards in town. Allow the controlled shows with the big stuff in safe areas like stadiums and such, but that’s it. Have gotten nowhere with city officials – they pawn it off and pass the buck onto the state fire marshall – can’t do anything more restrictive than the state, they say. I say B.S., and shame on the fire departments – a bunch of hypocrites – who just look the other way while preaching fireworks safety while this stuff is happening, and for weeks before and after the week or so of the the 4th. No one is celebrating the true reason for the holiday anymore, anyway – just an excuse for fanatics to satisfy their pyro-obsessions.
Cut 4 rounds of grass into your yard then the rest to the outside. Problem solved.
Hello! I’m an honorably discharged veteran with a service connected condition. I enjoy using fireworks on my property (in city limits) on July 4th. I usually shoot off 24 mortar shots which fly up app. 200 feet before exploding into beautiful colors which anyone except the Grinch and Ebeneezer Scrooge would love. I’m involved in a veteran’s organization and I’ve never heard fellow veterans saying that fireworks were frightening them or driving them to insanity. I have 4 cats that are outside pets and they have shown no unusual behavior after using fireworks. My children love using fireworks under my supervision. As far as I am aware, fireworks are illegal in 45 states including the one where I used to live (Virginia). Perhaps you pathetic whiners should move to Illinois. I think there are many controlling people in this world who get their “obsession” from taking away other people’s fun.
I cannot think of one good thing that is a result of fireworks, besides maybe your scenario Mr. King.
I can personally verify that they scare my dog to the point I have to take him in to vet the next day for medicine as he has made himself sick – barking all night. “This is a great time and expense for me.” Let alone the toll it takes on my dog (have no idea about cats).
Where I live the boys (men) like to show off and see who can have the loudest or biggest one until all hours after the cities designated curfew time. There are no legal repercussions for them doing this.
Can you imagine having surgery on July 5, at 6:00 am, with a doctor who has been kept up all night for fireworks? Not sure about you, but I’d rather not have him operating on me.
Fireworks for sure make a mess and cause damage on several streets and sidewalk areas and yards, including mine. (I find old pieces everywhere when mowing). Let alone all the children who get burnt or worse by them.
Sure don’t see the people who are lighting them off going around the neighborhood and picking up the pieces when they are done.
I currently have a grandson in the Air Force in South Korea. While he probably enjoys them also, when he is home he stays in an area that is private and therefore no one else would be bothered.
What about the things women want! Including equal pay!!! People being encouraged to move to Indiana should be made aware that in Indiana women get paid 78% of what men get paid for the same job. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you should always get it.
Vicki
One reason grass shouldn’t be blown on the roads is if a motorcycle hits grass it could cause a serious wreck and hurt people. Just keep it off the roads .