Turpen to run for Hamilton County Sheriff…Ames firm chosen for first two phases of the Jewell Main Street project.

It now appears it will be a two way race for Hamilton County Sheriff next November. At their December 27th meeting, the Jewell City Council learned that David Turpen will be running for Hamilton County Sheriff. Turpen informed the council that he will maintain his duties as chief of the Ellsworth Jewell Stanhope Police Department until when or if he is elected. Last month Alex Pruismann announced that he is running for Hamilton County Sheriff in next November’s general election. The winner will succeed current Hamilton County sheriff Doug Timmons who will retire at the end of 2024.
The Jewell City Council awarded the contrct for the first two phases of the Main Street Improvement Project to Jet Drain Service LLC of Ames. The firm submitted the low bid of $1,200,905.40. The Jet Drain Service firm has done work with the city of Ames. Ames city officials reported that they had nothing but good to report on behalf of Jet Drain Service LLC.The bid amount itself is approximately $42,000 under the engineers’ estimated prices. There were nine firms that submitted bids for the Main Street Improvement Project. Work on the project is expected to take place later this year.
In another matter the Jewell City Council made a motion to adjust the sewer rates in utility billing from $12.64 to $15.17 as the minimum charge for customers. The rates will take effect in February.
The Jewell City Council heard from city council member Chris Gunderson requesting permission to use the city of Jewell Park for a concert fundraiser. The money raised would go towards a new ball field and batting cage for the City of Jewell Park. Gunderson requested use of Jewell’s City Park on July 13,2024 from 6p.m. to 11 p.m.. The concert would take place rain or shine. By a 4 to 0 vote, the council approved the concert fundraiser with council member Gunderson abstaining from the vote.