Mayor Dean Vonderheide announces candidacy for Dubois County Commissioner

Dean Vonderheide, the current Mayor of Jasper, has officially announced his candidacy for Dubois County Commissioner.

Vonderheide, who will serve out the remainder of his term as Mayor until March 31, 2026, is eager to bring his executive experience and robust energy to the county level.

While Vonderheide recently announced plans to step down from the Mayor’s office to “reduce work commitments” and focus on family, he wants to make it clear to his constituents that he remains in excellent health.

“I want to reassure the community that my health is fine, “Vonderheide stated. “My decision to transition out of the Mayor’s office was about finding a better work-life balance, not a reaction to any medical issue. By reducing the heavy load of full-time municipal leadership, I am ensuring that I can continue to serve the public effectively in a capacity that fits my life today. I am healthy, energized, and ready to work for Dubois County.”

Vonderheide has served as Mayor since 2018, leading the city through significant challenges, including “economic uncertainty” and “aging infrastructure”. He believes this extensive municipal experience makes him uniquely qualified to strengthen the relationship between local governments.

“I will help bring knowledge from the city to the county to help bridge the gap between them and enhance the collaboration,” Vonderheide said. “Having navigated complex projects on the city side, I understand how vital it is for our government bodies to work in unison. I want to use that experience to ensure resources are shared effectively and communication remains open.”

Consistent with his pledge to “remain engaged and continue contributing to a bright future for Jasper and Dubois County, “Vonderheide sees the role of County Commissioner as the perfect avenue to continue his service.

“I have lived out a dream by serving this community, and I am not finished yet.” Vonderheide said. “I look forward to bringing my passion and experience to the County Commission to ensure our region continues to thrive.”