A quick search on KJAS’s website for January shows JEDCO is consistently in the news, as it has been since its inception. While you might find stories of parties and celebrations, the corporation has also faced significant scrutiny—and rightfully so. Despite searching for a JEDCO project that has truly benefited the citizens of Jasper, I’ve come up empty-handed. If you have any success stories, please share!

Now, the city council meeting agenda is out, and there’s not a single mention of JEDCO. This is surprising, especially since JEDCO’s board is in a state of turmoil and unable to meet due to its questionable legal status—a status that has been in question since 2008. As Wincy Walker pointed out, City Councilmembers ignored Open Meeting laws and JEDCO Bylaws to appoint their “masters” to the board. They bypassed the requirement for JEDCO directors to change the Bylaws, leading to a board that’s essentially a “play-like Board”—in name only. What’s further alarming is that most of the individuals who were illegally appointed to the board in 2008 have continued to serve. Their “masters” did not want to stagger their terms, so in 2025 we pretend it’s a communication issue or a clerical mishap and hope to extend their terms by another two years to push their agenda forward.

Projects and any business related to JEDCO should be on hold, including deeding the building to Provalus. The Walker Firm should be fully aware of this situation and advise their clients accordingly—unless their motto is “It is what it is.”