New Business Is Coming to Jasper

The Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) met Tuesday and learned that a new business is moving to the county. Water, Wind & Soil will initially begin work in a building on Hwy. 142, but may later move to a larger facility. It will use wheat straw as raw material.

DAJC executive director David Dyer has been working with the company to locate here. He is currently working with some 13 manufacturers to possibly locate in Jasper County. Many of them would provide about 30 jobs, but some are smaller, and others are bigger.

Mr. Dyer said that more work was needed on the Norton appraisal, but it is moving along. Norton Packaging anticipates expanding the current operation in the near future. The company currently employs 66 people, 60 of whom are from Jasper County, said Mr. Dyer. They make 750,000 pails per month, and the annual payroll is about $1.5 million.

The DAJC also heard that work is to begin on the U.S. Post Office in Monticello next month. Repairs to the roof, soffit and facia are planned. There is currently no plan to make the building handicapped accessible. However, post office officials say that handicapped individuals are currently served at the back door, and they know that is an option. Persons who cannot walk up the steps to enter the post office are encouraged to call 706-468-1832, and a worker will meet them out back.

Rusty Bullard told the group he had good news and bad. The Shady Dale Rodeo was again named one of the top five outdoor rodeos in the U.S. and Canada. The bad news is the Southern Pine Beetle is back and worse than ever, he said. The beetles are destroying the pine trees, and the national forest in Jasper County will see a great loss of trees.